[2chubby4me]

#1017975

Has anyone figured out a way to lose the weight gained after RAI & menopause? I’m 58 and was diagnosed with GD in 1998, had RAI, and went through premature menopause immediately. I gained 20 pounds and have not been able to lose it after all this time. I can diet and exercise to the point of exhaustion and it makes no difference at all. I am sick of being chubby and I miss my 36" hips (they are 39" now). My endo says that I am a good size with normal BMI, but I don’t like the way I look. I am on Synthroid, fluctuating between 175 and 150mcg/day. Help!!!!

[Ski]

#1061980

Menopause (and age, in general) is more likely the reason that you’re having trouble shedding weight, though there is some evidence that after treatment for Graves’ (not just RAI) we tend to have a different "setpoint" than before, in terms of losing weight. Check Kimberly’s posts about weight loss, she has some excellent tips, and she has managed her weight very well, so she’s someone who walks the walk and knows what she’s talking about.

Bottom line, if you want to drop that last 20 pounds, it’s going to be a struggle beyond what you’ve done already ~ but you CAN do it, if you follow an extreme regimen. Pay attention to the kind of calories you take in, and leave out ALL the junk calories, eat only items that are nutritionally dense, low in calories and fat, and high in fiber. That’s a good start. Kimberly has some other great tips.

[Kimberly]

#1061981

Thanks to Ski for the kind words, but I can’t take credit for the ideas! ” title=”Very Happy” /> They actually came from nutritionist Ryan Sobus, who presented at our 2009 conference in Charlotte, NC:

1. Include breakfast daily within 2 hours of waking up.
2. Don’t go longer than 5 hours in between meals
3. Select “high volume” and “high fiber” foods such as fruits, veggies, and whole grains
4. Limit servings of healthy fats to 1 per day
5. Prioritize at LEAST 7 hours of sleep a night

Once a doctor’s clearance is obtained to engage in activity, she also recommended 150 minutes per week of physical activity, plus strength training 2 times per week.

I absolutely believe that my metabolism has changed since my diagnosis. I recently had about a week of being off my usual healthy food plan. I put on 6 pounds, which I am *still* trying to get rid of! Pre-Graves, a week like that would have set me back a couple of pounds, which would have come of quickly. Still, I keep fighting the good fight! Feel free to vent here if you need to…we definitely understand!

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