So in a previous post some weeks ago, I talked about the issues I have been having with my thyroid. Thanks to everyone that took the time to respond. It really helped me make my mind up.
I've decided to have the surgery. I'm currently waiting for the surgeon to call so we can set up a consultation and then the surgery date to remove my thyroid.
They found my Graves Disease when I was a couple of weeks pregnant with my first LO. I had just Quit smoking after 18 yrs straight without a break. I always said the second I knew I was knocked up I was smoke free for the rest of my life.
So here's the thing........
I gained
I gained from the meds slowing down thyroid levels.
I gained from snacking and the need for oral fixation from the loss of the smoking cessation.
And most importantly I gained from being pregnant.
Now baby girl is 8+ months and I'm the biggest I've ever been.
Now having my thyroid out is going to be a huge change and I need to get on it before the surgery happens.
Tomorrow morning I'm signing up for Weight watchers with my mom. I'm hoping having someone to be accountable with will really help me out.
Have you ever lost a lot of weight?
If so, how did you manage to do it?
Any Advice you can share?
You might also enjoy...
-
I haven't. But I want to wish you lots of luck!!!!! You can do it!
-
@MamaPhoenix: The only time I have ever lost more than 5 lbs at a time was about 5 years ago... I lost 25 lbs over a period of about 6 months with Weight Watchers online. When I stopped keeping track of my points, it all came back gradually. But when I was disciplined about keeping track, I lost 1-3 lbs per week steadily and it was great!! The biggest changes I made were no snacking after dinner and no more ice cream... it was too many points and I ended up cutting it out in favor of using more points at mealtimes. I used to eat it every day! But even in moderation it was really dragging me down, I think. I tried to keep it a daily or every other day thing until I felt like maybe I didn't really need it anymore.
-
@.twist.: Thanks for the support! xxxxxx
@mrs. wagon: I have to admit. I was a little sad at first. I'm a pretty damn good cook of comfort foods. It's like you go through a break up with a bad dude. You know he's not good for you even in tiny moderation's. -
@MamaPhoenix: I'll be thinking of you and hope the surgery goes smoothly with an easy recovery! Other than losing the pregnancy weight I haven't personally lost a lot of weight but my DH did. He basically gained a ton of weight after we got married and while I was pregnant he gained more and then when I lost all my weight he was like "OMG I look like a pregnant man and need to lose the weight!"
Basically he did portion control and cut almost all carbs except small amounts of fruit and veggies. He ate about 4 small meals a day and he worked out in the mornings (elliptical) and also worked out in the evenings (weights). He lost about 40lbs in about 3 months
-
@MamaPhoenix: I knowwwww... so tough. I love food so much... always have, always will. But finding ways to make points-friendly food is a fun challenge too! Skinnytaste is my bff!
-
So I once lost 25 lbs in just over a month. It was from working in the field, mostly. I didn't set out to lose that much weight, but I was trying to lose weight.
What worked was that I would only bring healthy foods with me each day. I was 40+ Kms from anything and I couldn't leave site. So it worked. At the 11th hour I would be so hungry I would actually eat the carrot sticks. Also, I was walking a TON. And I remember being hungry. A LOT.
I am trying to lose weight again (gained it all back having baby) and I've done well with a low carb diet. The first few times I cut out carbs it was awful. But once I got used to it, it got better. I've lost 10 lbs since the beginning of May. I strive to walk at lunch time and/or to pick up my LO at daycare. And on weekends we try to do outside stuff, which usually involve walking. I also have a bike with a chariot and tonight we went for a bike ride.
The hardest part for me is the inevitable hunger and cutting out sweets. But once I see the numbers go down, just a bit, I am inspired.
Other things that help us stick to healthy eating is meal planning and meal prep. A meal plan doesn't work if you can't stick to it because you don't have time to prep the food. The other thing I've learned on that is not to take on many (more than one or two) new recipes each week (unless you have oodles of time).
And make changes slowly. It sucks when you're all gung-ho to start, but it's so hard to maintain SO many changes past a week or two. Pick a goal or two and master that. Then get the next one.
Also (this is getting kinda long, sorry) it helps if your spouse/family is on board. There's nothing worse than cooking a healthy meal just for your husband to say "what the hell is this?!?" Or to watch him eat a bowl of ice cream in front of you. My husband is notorious for offering to do an ice cream run. Like, every day. I finally told him to cut it out cuz I don't have the will power. He did.
Anyhow, good luck! I would love to hear how you're doing and check in with you sometime
-
I lost triple digits in college. I just finally committed and did it. I was careful about being social. I worked out 5 times a week. I stopped snacking.
It was all well and good until I graduated and got a desk job / steady relationship. I basically wasted all that hard work and gained it all back. I hope to one day have the motivation again for real, there is really nothing you can do before you're ready for it. Water is your friend. I also found having a meal plan to be very helpful, high fiber helped keep me full and keep things moving. I was REALLY REALLY strict 6 days a week. Friday was my more lax day, I would basically go to my parents house and snoop around the pantry since Fridays were my mom's grocery shopping days and would help myself to some junk food. I think fluctuating the calories helped, and only snacking one day a week made it more manageable for me. I liked weight watchers for accountability.
-
Before I got married I lost just over 50 pounds. I tracked my food intake with the my fitness pal app and started working out 6 days a week. I did the couch to 5k program and learned to love running. I also did Jillian Michaels workouts which I liked because they had a range if ability levels.
I gained all of that weight (plus some) through TTC and back to back pregnancies. Since January I've lost 45 pounds and I've done it the same way as before...tracking my food and exercise. It's nothing special but it works!
-
I was about 190 pounds when I graduated from high school. I started losing in college and eventually got to where I fluctuated around 145-155. I've been as low as 137, but that's pretty skinny for me (I'm 5'8"). I had let my weight creep up to 168 when I got pregnant and gained 40 pounds during the pregnancy to an all-time high of 208. At ten months postpartum I'm now back to 155 and aiming for 145 again.
I think Weight Watchers is a great idea because tracking your food intake is key. I've always just counted calories, but points are fine too.
As great as quick weight loss feels, it really is best to lose 1-2 pounds a week. If you lose more, you're probably losing muscle mass, which will reduce the number of calories you burn at rest. Weight training will help maintain or even increase your muscle mass, making fat loss easier.
My number one tip for anyone trying to lose weight is don't drink your calories. Drink water, coffee, and tea (no cream or sugar). Anything else should be an occasional treat only.
Snacking is fine as long as it's part of the plan. Know when you're going to eat and what you will eat.
Don't feel deprived - healthy, low calorie food can be amazingly tasty and filling.
You can do it!
-
There is a program available in Australia called the 12 week body transformation, and it was developed by the Aussie equivalent of Jillian Michaels, Michelle Bridges. Its a lifestyle, food and exercise program where you get meal plans (+ recipes) and exercise plans every week, as well as motivational videos and online support. Before getting knocked up last year, I lost almost 30 lbs in 24 weeks on the program. It is the ONLY thing that has ever worked for me. I'm 4 months pp now and planning to sign up again in August. Basically these things only work for me when I pay money/am accountable.
Good luck with your surgery! -
@sandy: Thanks so much! Wow your DH did great. I'm really hoping I do just as good.
@mrs. wagon: Today's the first day and so far no problems finding things to eat. We've got skinny cow If I really need a fix for something.
@JennyD: I love walking! I always notice changes if I walk a lot. Cutting out sweets to me is like a crack addict cutting out crack! lol soooo hard! My Dh was with me in the grocery store last night and got so involves with helping me pick the right foods. I borrowed the ww book from my mom since she already started the program two weeks ago. I was so happy he was on board! If you need someone to give you a push once in while, I'll always be around and love the company along the way!
@OpinionsLikeKittens: That is amazing! triple digits!!!! You could so do it again! if you want a buddy I'm open to help!
@Running Elley: Long time ago I used to be a runner, I've thought so much lately about getting back into in. Just need to get some weight off first, so I can breath! I've been really concerned about future pregnancies lately and how much more my tiny little frame can handle, There really is no other option since I WILL be having more babies.
@Woolly Mammoth: Thanks for the support! Definitely looking at just 2 lbs max a week! I strongly believe the saying "it didn't all come on in one night, and it sure wont go in one night either! Looking for a lifetime commitment from my new lifestyle. I wanna be monogamous!
@ScarletBegonia: Same here. It's just different when there's a financial loss attached to your un-attained goals. -
Not a huge amount but ~20lbs. Good luck you will do awesome. The only advice I can give is that it is hard work and almost becomes an obsession but once you start to notice even small changes, it motivates you to do more. Wall me anytime you need some motivation!( i can always use it too!)
-
@MamaPhoenix: I lost about 30lbs in 2012 before getting pregnant. I have PCOS and a sluggish thyroid, so I get how tough it is! For me, my greatest success came from a combo of Weight Watchers online and a low-carb low-sugar diet (plus some naturopathic supplements).
Best of luck - I really hope it goes well for you!
-
@Woolly Mammoth: it's so weird that your story is crazy similar to mine - height, weight fluctuations, timing of weight gain... Crazy!
For me, learning to love exercise and trying to do SOMETHING physical every day made a huge difference.
-
@Lindsay05: thanks I love having so much support, I'll gladly take all I can get!
@redsmarties: your the best! Ouch double wammy with pcos and thyroid (hugs)!
Well today had gone ok other than Dh had physio this morning and I got to take lo to my first meeting. She cried the entire time there. Too many new faces. Plus I've been grace with visit from aunt Flo this morning. Right now I just want to eat a life size couch made out of chocolate. Ugh!!! Of all the days! -
@mamaphoenix: Good for you for advocating for your health. GL with your surgery!
I lost about ~35 pds after college...not a ton but definitely substantial. Like other PPs, it really comes down to tracking your food and exercise. I will say, it was easy for me because going to the gym was a hobby that filled time when I was bored (working a job in a new town where I knew no one, I had nothing else to do!). But now, even with a LO, it is easier because it's a lifestyle. I know I can't eat fast food 3x a day and be healthy, so I don't. I make good choices most of the time and try not to feel bad when I don't! Lastly, NO EXCUSES! It is so easy to defend why you didn't work out or why ordering pizza was easier than cooking but the reality is 90% of that time, we can all find time to do both--might not be the most gourmet meal, but it can be healthy...might not be a crazy sweaty workout, but you can get yourself moving.
Rooting for you! Wall me if you need anything!
ETA: Totally tagged the wrong person!
-
@MamaPhoenix: I'd make the same choice in regards to the surgery! Good luck!
-
Good luck with your surgery! The most I have ever lost was 25 pounds. I gained 35 during pregnancy and have lost 25 of it over the past nine months. I am working on the last 10 and then I want to lose 5-10 more. I started running again and am working on tracking what I eat. Ever since I had GD, I've had a major sweet tooth that is hard to get under control.
Let us know how it goes! We are cheering for you!
-
I lost almost 50 pounds with weight watchers and consistent exercise. You can do it!
-
Thank you @Mrs. Taco: I've decided to start slow/ low impact at first. Going to be taking the little one out in the mornings for an hour walk along this huge trail we have. It follows close to the shore line so lots of stuff to look at. I'm really excited to be getting out more. I suffered from post partum depression after lo birth. It was a combination of things, my health, family fights with extended family, extremely long and cold winter stuck inside.
@MrsKoala: Thanks for the support. I made up my mind once I saw the specialist. He didn't even argue the radiation. He knew I knew to much and was right about my concerns. I have no guilt about it now.
@avivoca: Ugh that damn sweet tooth! I know all to well since I am one heck of a baker. I think the best way to deal with it is too actually indulge once in a while. I just have to find the thin line between indulge and binge! lol jk.
@jhd: This is what I like to hear! Success from people who have been there and done it! awesome! -
Is there no Weight Loss support board on HB? I can't seem to find anything>
-
@MamaPhoenix: There are several WL support threads . . . here is just one of them:
http://boards.hellobee.com/topic/you-cant-touch-this-too-fit-to-quit-swimsuit-part-deux
-
And another as well:
http://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-trying-to-lose-50-lbs#post-1698509
-
@MsLipGloss: OH shoot! it looks like it's gold!
-
in 2012 I lost 40+ lbs and got down to 152 in about 6 months from doing 17 day diet (read up on it - i think the wiki page is pretty informative). i gained it back after being lazy & eating horribly but then lost about 25-30 prior to my wedding with the same methods. if only i can figure out a way to keep it off cuz it's all back on... ugh.
i think 17 day diet is amazing because it is basically just really smart eating. don't let the word "diet" fool you - it isn't some quick fix scam. i always felt amazing on it and wish i had kept it up!
-
@MamaPhoenix: Good luck!!!! I really did love Weight Watchers and even though I had some angry hungry moments (usually 9pm and I'm out of points!) it really really worked for me.
Some ideas that got me through during the tough times:
brownie sundae: a deep chocolate vitatop (you can find it in the organic freezer section or order it from their website), warmed in the microwave then topped with a scoop of fat free cool whip.
frozen grapes: I prefer red grapes. wash then toss into a tupperware and throw in the freezer. I even love the little shell of ice that forms on the outside from the rinse.
laughing cow cheese: I've tried this on lots of what I hoped would be zero point "crackers" but I think the best way to eat this is on fruit (apples, etc) and my favorite flavor is the plain swiss!
egg mug: from hungry-girl.com!
I need to wrack my brain for more!!
-
@loki: Thanks I'll have to check that info out!
@mrs. wagon: How long ago did you do ww? Right now they are giving an extra 49 points a week to indulge on anything and almost all fruits and veg (-potato/corn) are free! She also gave me an extra 7 points because Im still BF lo. So right now I have 38points daily + and extra 49 to spread out over the week or all at once if i like. I love laughing cow!!!! and anything with chocolate lol.
I would love love love any recipes and ideas. -
@MamaPhoenix: I did it before the PointsPlus system went into effect so I avoided fruit all the time because it was pretty high in points...!! I tried it again between my two kids and found that all foods tended to have 1 or 2 more points than before, but the overall point total for the day was higher as well, so it was pretty similar. Just difficult to re-jigger my mind since I was so ingrained with the old point system. I used to get 22 points a day!
And YAY for the extra 49 flex points... a REALLY good thing I did was I stuck to my daily point max each day and then ate my flex points on the weekends. That means that 1-2 meals per weekend I could eat almost anything I wanted! That was really amazing and gave me something to look forward to every week.
-
@meredithNYC: Pretty funny!
-
@mrs. wagon: That is a fabulous idea!!!! i hadn't even thought about using it on the weekend. That could totally work. wow 22 points doesn't seem like much at all! I was able to finish last night with 5 points still left over, but was cutting it close.
-
@MamaPhoenix: I lost about 40 lbs years ago with WW. It took about 9 months, but I did it. Now I just need to do it again. Well not all 40.
I always saved my points for the weekend too. Temptation was greater on the weekends plus then I could drink
I lost about ~35 pds after college...not a ton but definitely substantial. Like other PPs, it really comes down to tracking your food and exercise. I will say, it was easy for me because going to the gym was a hobby that filled time when I was bored (working a job in a new town where I knew no one, I had nothing else to do!). But now, even with a LO, it is easier because it's a lifestyle. I know I can't eat fast food 3x a day and be healthy, so I don't. I make good choices most of the time and try not to feel bad when I don't! 
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
31 comments