Really Frustrated Right now! Topic

Justjennie 04/05/17
My weight has gone UP 8 pounds since March 20th. NOTHING has changed. I've been over on my calories a few times -- I am also "loosely" counting them while still weighing certain foods for the most part and over estimating when I'm unsure on portions -- but I'm also trying to figure out how much I want to lose and in what time frame so I've also been toying with my plan, dates, weight etc. Been back to the gym a bit -- missed a few days last week because my husband wasn't really feeling well again -- but I got in 2 days of cardio. One video and one run. Hit the gym Monday and today (even though I did NOT want to today!) and hopefully the rest of the week too. I plan on getting back into my cardio again. Weather is going to start being nice so I'll be able to hit the road and run more. Food hasn't been that bad either, been drinking a lot of water. I admit that over the weekend I did drink a little too much booze but nothing out of the ordinary.

I am just so frustrated. I don't think there is any conceivable way I have gained that much weight in that amount of time as I am NOT eating 3,500 calories over my maintenance. I'm also feeling quite bloated and puffy too. Now mind you, I have been doing a round of T3 therapy that stopped Sunday and starts up again tomorrow (Thursday) and it seems as though my weight gain started on the down side of the dosages so that could be part of it.

I know I'm babbling but it's just damn frustrating to suddenly be up 8 pounds with no tangible way to pinpoint WHY. :( The stupid thing is that when I was losing weight I was happy to see the number I'm at right now and now it's quite the opposite.

/rant

Dietician 04/05/17 replied to Justjennie
Hi Justjennie,

I can sense your frustration! Weight gain is frustrating and especially so when it is unexpected!
You certainly seem, from your post to understand a lot about your habits. Which I think puts you ahead of a lot of people. Knowledge is truly power. Here are a few of my thoughts on things that may be impacting your weight gain.
1. You mentioned T3 Therapy. Anytime you adjust hormones your weight can fluctuate. I am wondering if this therapy has impacted your weight. As you are correct, gaining 8# in 2 weeks does get me to wonder. When will this therapy be completed? Did your doctor explain how your weight may be impacted?
2. You also mentioned you were loosely tracking calories. There are soooo many ways to track intake! You may be missing things and underestimating portions if you are loosely tracking. Would you consider setting a 7 day challenge for yourself and deciding to weigh all foods for 7 days (avoid eating out and alcohol)? This will help you to see a more accurate picture of how many calories and macronutrients you are taking in daily.
3. No need to beat yourself up: Research shows that our attitude impacts our outcomes. If you are beating yourself up you are staying stuck on the past, preventing your mind from looking for creative solutions to the present.
If you are truly making changes in your lifestyle, your weight loss will come, believe me:) Here is another article that you might find helpful to remotivate: https://www.mynetdiary.com/staying-motivated-whats-getting-in-your-way.html
Be good to yourself! Best, Joanna (Dietician)

Justjennie 04/05/17 replied to Dietician
Thank you for the response I really appreciate it!

I've been doing the T3 Therapy for a while now in an attempt to fix my thyroid issue (Wilsons Temperature Syndrome) and I actually lost a significant amount of weight during it. It seems as though my weight gain -- and mood fluctuation -- is coinciding with the down cycle of the round. I start another round tomorrow so I will reassess and see what happens.

As for loosely counting, for the most part I DO weigh my foods out, I just estimate some things when I go out to eat and when I do that I always choose the higher calorie choices. But I will literally even weigh my eggs when I crack them and items that I put in a salad.

It's just super frustrating (and I do tend to be hard on myself!).
Thanks again for the response.

Dietitian 04/05/17 replied to Justjennie
Hi Justjennie, by any chance, have you gotten a second opinion about your diagnosis? The thyroid hormone replacement cycling makes suspect your unexpected uptick of 8 lbs might be related. Although I do agree with Joanna about there always being sources of error and an upwards drift with calories intake, I also know you to be a fairly meticulous tracker.

Just something to consider - get a second opinion about the diagnosis and treatment.

Best,
Kathy Isacks, MPS, RDN, CDE

Justjennie 04/06/17 replied to Dietitian
It has actually taken me YEARS of being absolutely miserable --hair loss, scale not budging, exhaustion -- before someone actually listened to me about my thyroid issue. And when I started the therapy my weight was steadily dropping and over all physically things were improving.

I think it could be contributed to water weight/salt intake and the like. I was actually down 2 pounds today.

Dietician 04/06/17
Hi Justjennie,
Wow-it sounds like you have been through a lot with your thyroid.
Perhaps a silver lining is that you are very aware of your body. I think being aware of your body is important to life long health. Good news that you saw a bit of weight loss, but I would still pay close attention to your weight and other symptoms. And, as Kathy mentioned- it never hurts to get a second opinion. Keep us in the loop! We are here to help, Joanna (Dietician)

Justjennie 04/07/17 replied to Dietician
Thank you! I appreciate it! :)

Really Frustrated Right now!