Stated medication for sub-clinical hypothyroidism last week and taking .75 mcg of Synthroid. I am nutcase. Had insane crying jag this week. Also am cold- worse then before.

I have done some reading and people seem to recommend Armour ( natural ) thyroid medication- but hard to tell if reviews are by real people or drug reps. Not sure why I am squeamish about taking dessicated pig glands. Will talk to Dr. Wharton about next time I see him- he was a pharmacist before he became a doctor so maybe that makes him more knowledgeable than most about the chemistry.
Saw some alarming side effect s with the Synthroid and wish I had never read because of course now I have every single one :-)
I do notice increased hunger and my hand and feet do seem colder- however it IS cold out .

If some one know about it- please let me know.
I have been taking about 10 days now. Not sure if I feel better or not. I seem to be able to focus more easily than before and have more energy.

Posted by Linda J. - Weight Loss Using Diet, Exercise and Meridia as Daily Posts at 12:58 PM EDT

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**** Spoiler Below*****

I can’t believe I am posting about this. I have never watched this show til now. I find it oddly inspiring. I know they weight loss is totally unrealistic and I get so mad when contestants beat themselves up when they “only” lose 5 lbs. Drives me nuts. As the show goes on I like it a LITTLE better and get attached to the people on the show and happy that they are finally losing weight. I hope they get help with maintenance!!!

I have to constantly changing who I am routing for as they keep getting booted off. I have always liked Dan an Brittany and Kelli grew on me- she is becoming less of a “victim: I LOATHE the two brothers Mark and Jay. Big blubberfest with those two. Mark is the worst and Jay is a bit of a dumb lug.
I just about cried when he was freaking out about what his kids were eating- major control issues there!
For the life of me cannot see WHY no one votes those two off! How can they be so dumb? Does Roger think that Mark will stick by him as numbers get low??? Or maybe he thinks he will always stay above the yellow line.

Getting rid of Dan made no sense to me, Get rid of Mark!!!! Toss out that team.

I am down to hoping Kelli wins. Alli is looking good but she rubs me the wrong way.
Used to have a quasi-crush on Bob even though he is gay but turned off by his competitive streak and shutting out all the girls and Bernie who I loved.

Posted by Linda J. - Weight Loss Using Diet, Exercise and Meridia as Daily Posts at 12:51 PM EDT

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I have been watching the Biggest Loser this season- normally I could care less and have never seen it before, but my daughter sucked me into it. My curiosity was peeked on one episode when they were speaking to one the contestants who I have a soft spot for, Kelli. She has been battling fertility issues. The were in a fertility clinic and discussing IVF PGD and the nurse- at least I think she was a nurse- was a former contestant on he show and she said weight had a big part in fertility issues. this was news to me.

I did a bit of reading on a fertility site belonging to Dr. Randy Morris who specializes in IVF 1 ( in vitro) to see if weight was an issue and this is what it says:

Obesity plays a role in infertility. (Fact)
Excess weight and obesity can affect fertility in a number of different ways by causing hormonal imbalances that have an impact on ovulation and menstruation. Additionally, obese patients have a poorer chance for success with fertility treatments. They tend to have a worse response to fertility medications and as a result may need higher doses. Pregnancy rates are uniformly lower for obese women. This is true even for high tech treatments such as in vitro fertilization. Some IVF studies show a delivery rate for obese women that is one half what it is for thinner women.

I was taken aback at these numbers to honest. Though its not clear to me if rates are lower in general or lower fro woman in fertility treatment. I would like to see more data that supports this theory. I also want to know they mean be obese.

Posted by Linda J. - Weight Loss Using Diet, Exercise and Meridia as Daily Posts at 12:31 PM EDT

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Damn You Cadbury! ( And Lindor and Laura Secord… ) argh. I was doing so well today until I went to go out the door and grab a protein bar for when I would get hungry later. and discovered my husband had eaten the last 5 !!!!!

In a hurry took off and in a stupid hungry moment bought some discounted Easter chocolate “for the kids” . notice how even now I am blaming DH for eating my last protein bar. I am pretty annoyed but I could have done something to improve my chances of success.

I am in bit of a funk right now. I almost through it all in garbage but that depressed me even more- that i am so out of control. I managed to pull myself together… but feel crummy. I had a BAD weekend food wise. Gained 2 lbs.

I did go to yoga class last night and felt better. Think I have constant headache from medication the Synthroid. All the sugar and crappy food from last couple of days has made me feel really bad. Really. Bad. Physically sick and morally demoralized.
Why do I do this to myself?

Posted by Linda J. - Weight Loss Using Diet, Exercise and Meridia as Daily Posts at 10:19 PM EDT

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I feel like I did a couple of month ago when I was stuck for WEEKS at 289. I have been in the 281-283 zone forever it seems.
My weight loss momentum is slowing down. I wonder if Meridia is still working? I have been taking the Synthroid for a week now.. so maybe that will boost my metabolism and my thyroid has been an issue.

I have been pretty sloppy about dieting last couple of days. maybe subconsciously I think I don;t have to because I have all ready lost so much weight and the thyroid was the problem ( and no its not- just another way I trick my brain…)

At last visit Dr. Wharton mentioned that most people can only keep records for 2 weeks ( he means food diary) He is right I start and stop all the time.

I am going back to basics today- record keeping, drink lots of water, eat frequently and getting rid of danger foods in the house.

Posted by Linda J. - Weight Loss Using Diet, Exercise and Meridia as Weight loss Updates at 12:59 PM EDT

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Dr. Sean Wharton of the Canadian Bariatric Clinic’s next set of free lectures is next week, Wed. March 26, 2008. You can go to his website and see exact times , dates, location, etc.

Have you been to one of his lectures? I am curious to hear what other’s think.

Canadian Bariatric Clinic’s Free weight Loss Lectures

If you are a patient at the Canadian Bariatric Clinic I HIGHLY recommend you go to one of these. If you have gone before and think it will be just the same thing -try going again. I have gone 3 or 4 times and yes some of it is repeated- however each time I have understood something at a deeper level or walked away feeling more motivated.

If you are just new to the weight loss “program” you really HAVE to go. There is no way for him to give you all this information in a 20 minute visit. Dr. Wharton talks about the importance of eating and what kinds of foods to eat and why.

I think if I had not forced myself to go to that 1st lecture, which I write in my post, Changing My Mind About The Canadian Bariatric Clinic( and lest you think I was always a cheerleader for the clinic- think again!) , I would be 40 lbs heavier than I am now… ( and with an undiagnosed thyroid issue) . It was at my first lecture that I “got it” and also was convinced that Sen was sincere in his efforts to help obese people and not just looking to make a quick buck or a name for himself. Dr. Wharton is an excellent speaker.

I have also heard the nutritionist speak and although it can be a bit dry, you will learn something.

Free Food!

At my last appt. Dr. Wharton mentioned that a company, Beneficium Foods, is giving away samples of their high protein low calorie foods and snacks. I will check them out and report back!
At my first lecture Dr. Wharton had a table set up with veggies an dip and basket of apples, water- and was encouraging every one to eat. Must have been a very odd experience for most of us- who all weight in at 300lb+ range and have not had people asking us to eat for a LONG time! I know it was a bizarre experience for me.

Dr. Wharton is very big on giving away free stuff when he can- last visit he was giving out pedometers from Boost. I think he likes giving people options and help them succeed. I know that money is always tight at the clinic ( as they are funded by OHIP) and I was glad to see he has a “sponsor” for his lectures.

Bariatric Lecture Calendar

Posted by Linda J. - Weight Loss Using Diet, Exercise and Meridia as Canadian Bariatric Clinic at 9:35 AM EDT

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I had some blood test done in the New Year that showed some off numbers.. redid the test and there were on the high side of normal so Dr. Wharton re-did the test last week and sure enough high again. They are not crazy high so I actually have sub-clinical Hypothyroidism. This means my TSH levels are hight but my T4 level are in normal ranges.
From my reading some doctors may or may not treat- but because of my weight issues and fatigue we are going to try treating it and see what happens.

Also from what I read- the numbers are not important as how you feel. So higher number may not mean “worse” if asymptomatic.

So now I am taking 75 mg of Synthroid (Levothyroxine) each day. Apparently I will not feel effects right away- may tkle a few days or weeks. being retested again in 3 weeks.

Looking at the list of symptoms they are pretty vague:

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

* Increased sensitivity to cold
* Constipation
* Pale, dry skin
* A puffy face
* Hoarse voice
* An elevated blood cholesterol level
* Unexplained weight gain
* Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
* Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
* Muscle weakness
* Heavier than normal menstrual periods
* Depression

Of the above Hypothyroidism symptoms, you could say I- and anyone else- have had these symptoms at one time or another. I am alwys cold. I even bought a hot tub so I could deal with it. I also have a heated mattress pad. But- I also live in cold climate so that could be it too :-).
I am not pale or puffy faced. I do not have a hoarse voice ( that I know of…). My cholesterol is fine. My muscles are always sore.. but I am also obese. I do suffer from terrible RLS ( restless leg syndrome) and get leg cramps often so maybe ?
No swelling that I know of. No muscle weakness. Depression- yes- but that is always been an issue for me.
Heavier than normal menstrual periods- well- I was mentioning yesterday to my husband that in the last year my periods have been awful But again- maybe my age… who knows.

More info on Hypothyroidism
http://www.endocrineweb.com/hypo1.html

Posted by Linda J. - Weight Loss Using Diet, Exercise and Meridia as Daily Posts, Weight loss Updates at 2:45 PM EDT

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Sabotaging Our Weight Loss with Crazy Logic

I have several habits I have picked up the years. They make no sense intellectually but I do them anyway. They sabotage my journey to health and undermine my success fat and weight loss yet I do them anyway. Some of them are so ridiculous they are funny.

I wonder what others do to convince themselves to eat things they really should be avoiding? Do you do things that make no sense and have weird justification for it?

1. If no one sees me eat it- it doesn’t count.

Some how the calorie content of food MUST go way down if no one can see you it. Rather than take a piece of cake or brownie or whatever and eat it.. i will go in fridge and eat it behind the door… Or drive to a store and eat a box of peanut brittle in the parking lot. Go into kitchen at party and take cookie/square/food when non one is looking. I know it is not because I am afraid of what they think- it’s because on some level I think it doesn’t count.

2. if I eat it standing up- doesn’t count.

This sort of ties in with above. I I eat at kitchen counter- doesn’t count. Over a batter bowl- nope. Standing at the fridge with spoon of ice cream in my hand- calories magically disappear.

3. I am buying these cookies/brownies/nanaimo bars for the REST of the family.

They may never even see them in truth - or will have one each and the rest will some how disappear. I have even gone so far as to throw out food like this so I won’t eat it.

4. I am baking/cooking it for REST of the family. see above.

5. I will diet tomorrow.

“If I REALLY cut back tomorrow then I will still make my goal weight this weekend”. Healthy eating is a habit- not something you do sometimes. I got to be 300 lbs thinking I would do something ‘tomorrow” . Tomorrow never comes.

6. If I don’t weigh myself I am not fat.

Variation on the if I know what I weight I am will get depressed and eat more. The head in the sand approach. This is sort of like an alcoholic not admitting he is an alcoholic- because if he admitted it - he would have to stop drinking . If we don’t weigh ourselves we don’t have to stop eating and take control.

7. I am not THAT fat.

See above. I started thinking at 318 lbs I might be really fat when I went to my usual stores ( Cotton Ginny Plus) and Land’s End and their largest sizes didn’t fit me. I would have to try on 10 pairs of pant to get one that i could wear. Not look nice- but wear.The criteria for clothes became not if i liked it but if it fit. I would also compare msyelf to others. Somehow seeing a 400 llb woman made me feel better ” At least i am not THAT out of control” . At big functions I would look around and realize that of the 400+ people at the wedding i was the fattest person there. If some one else was bigger- i would be relieved. On some level it meant I belonged with the “other” people.

8. I Can Always Get Surgery.
Yes- if you are healthy enough for the surgery, if you can afford the surgery and the time . If you want to put yourself though that risk. Any surgery- and especially gastric bypass or lapband surgery has risks. There is long recovery time. It does not SOLVE the problem of your eating habits - those you still have to conquer.
I am not against surgery- for some people it is a need or they will die. If you are on the cusp of needing it and using that choice in the back of your mind it is a slippery slope. It is the same mentality of a drunk thinking he will just get a liver transplant if his liver fails.

It was actually this option that lead me to finally get help. I started researching surgery. I discovered I didn’t need it. But it was my last card to play. I would lay awake at night and think if thing get too bad than I will get surgery. When Dr. Wharton ( Dr. Sean Wharton of Canadian Bariatric Clinic) gives his lectures ( which are excellent- if you are able try and got to them- more info here). he talks about his ideas for weight loss- eating small meals, increased protein and fibre, etc really being the the same way you eat and how you would lose with weight loss surgery. This was a light bulb moment for me. I would have surgery to get the same effect as follow his diet advice. OR I could follow his dieting advice and get same effect without the surgery. I have teetered- a lot- but I am 40+ pounds less now than before I met him and making changes that will last forever.

9. My weight doesn’t affect my health- there is nothing wrong with me. ( need to add YET here)

I am lucky. I have excellent blood pressure. My blood sugar is fine. My mom - who has always been pretty thin- tales insulin for her diabetes. My dad who was a professional athlete and has always been in great shape and health now has diabetes. My sister was recently diagnoses with diabetes. I am a walking time bomb. I don’t have diabetes YET.
It like a smoker who keeps smoking because he doesn’t have lung cancer… yet.

I *think* my weight does not affect my health- here is evidence that suggests otherwise.

- a 38 I had to halt efforts to become pregnant because of a gall bladder problem and then had surgery to remove my gall bladder. Ever here the saying ” 40 Fair Female and Fat” Most people who have their gall bladder removes are fair skinned women near forty years old who are overweight. This could have been life threatening if a gall stone had gotten loose.

I have constant back problems. I suffer from terrible sciatica. I am in pain- alot.

10. I am fine with my weight.

No one is fine with their weight when they are fat. People who know me well will at some point comment at confident I am- what a great attitude I have- that they think its great that I have such a healthy self image. I am FAKING it. I kid myself and others.
I pretend that I am not fat and sometimes convince myself I am not.. however my self-loathing LOOMS about me like some suffocating specter. If I walked around showing how I really felt I would be a pathetic mess. If I “acted” fat my husband would not have sex with me. I don’t want my daughter t know how I really feel about my weight.
I don’t want my friends to know at night I think of how much I want to wear normal clothes and wear shoes with a heel.
I am not fine with my weight. I pretend I am so I can get through the day and not hate myself. I am figuring out how to love myself as I am- and accept on a deep level that I deserve to be healthy and fit and live.

Posted by Linda J. - Weight Loss Using Diet, Exercise and Meridia as Mind and Body, Struggles with Weight Loss, Weight loss Tip Articles at 1:23 PM EDT

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Eek.. I know.. a gross subject. Last year I was TOTALLY freaked out a a family gathering where my brother and step-mother started taking about this. My brother does a colon cleansing religiously every 3 months or so and my step mother announced she has had a colonic done. Robin Quivers of the Howard Stern often talks about her colon cleanses- she has recently lost over 55 pounds. It is supposed to rid your intestine of toxins and other crap that is stopping you from ridding body of waste properly. I am normally pretty fearless but just don’t think I could walk into my local health store and start asking about colon cleansing kits, Thank god for the Internet and online ordering! I would like to think that when I try it I will report back- but I just don’t think i could bring myself to share.

Has any one else tried it?? Did it work ? ( please- not too graphic!) Did you notice immediate results? Please post in the comments section!

Posted by Linda J. - Weight Loss Using Diet, Exercise and Meridia as Daily Posts at 11:46 AM EDT

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I am weighing in consistently at 282 lbs. This is lowest I have weighed in over 8 years. I know most people would be aghast at that weighing- but I am safely out of the 300 zone! I still can’t believe I was 318 lbs a few months ago.

I am anxious to get below that 280 mark- thought I wold do it by this morning but had a weird weekend- we were snowed in ( like every one else) and I have been sloppy again about food. I have been nibbling bits and bites of so-called forbidden foods. The worst habit I have picked up is going into grocery store with bulk bin… getting bits of skor bar and last week one or two pieces of fudge (!!!!)
I guess in my mind I think if it comes in small bag it doesn’t count. I did mention to Dr. Wharton that this compulsion came from a place of sabotage and not one of hunger or wanting comfort.

At my last visit with Dr. Wharton some test results came back and my thyroid was showing some problems- looked like it was over active. I believe number was 9.8 and normal range is 1.5-5.5 We redid test efore I went away and I phoned and discussed second test results- which were still bit high ( I *THINK* 5.8 ) but just over the normal range- so he will re-do again.

Part of me was relieved that maybe my issue was medical but now I am happy that I don’t have a chronic medical condition.

I keep promising pics- but this I mean it- I will!!!!

Posted by Linda J. - Weight Loss Using Diet, Exercise and Meridia as Canadian Bariatric Clinic, Daily Posts at 12:40 PM EDT

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