Appetite disorders

[carsonsmom214]

     For most of my adult life, I have been on a weight loss and gain yo-yo with a BMI range of 25 to 30.  When I set my mind to it, I can lose weight healthily (1-2lbs per week) via weight watchers, but I constantly feel starved and eventually fall off the wagon.
     I've always (for as long as my memories go back) been inflicted with a consistent and persistent large appetite for mostly healthy foods (just too much of them).  I previously combated that with regular vigorous exercise 30-90 minutes per day.
     However, in the past 6 years, I turned 30, had 6 ankle surgeries treating a serious injury, had 2 babies, and worked full time.  Needless to say, I've been slowly losing the battle of the bulge.
     My ankle makes it extremely difficult to get any meaningful calorie burning exercise on a regular basis without using up a couple hours a day.  And most other diets leave me feeling starved.
     I'm finding myself jealous of the morbidly obese who qualify for lap banding, though I would never intentionally gain weight in order to meet those criteria myself.  Whenever I bring this topic up to my health care providers, they gloss over the importance of exercise and diet,and minimize the concern since I've always had a BMI of 30 or less.  Of course, this offers nothing for my physical limitations to vigorous exercise, and my "appetite disorder" as I call it.
     My thyroid labs are normal, and I'm otherwise very healthy with the exception of needing effexor for mild anxiety/depression.  I do not believe that the effexor is in any way the problem since I've only been on it for a year, and my problems go back way longer than that.  My only other medications are mirena (levonogestrel IUD), multivitamin, calcium, omega-3, and occasional NSAIDs for ankle pain.
    What are my options?  What do you suggest for my situation?  My body image problems are affecting my daily self worth.  My current weight is about 170 and I'm 5'3".  Just 6 months ago, I was 139lbs - to give you an example of the yo-yo.

[lucindamartinez]

I think another exercise possibility might be swimming or water aerobics.  If you have an indoor pool near you (mine is at a local rec center with low fees).  Exercise in the pool would cause very little impact and resistance for your ankle and is an awesome workout for the entire body.  Just another little idea to add to Barb's awesome advice.  

[Barb135]

First of all how long ago did you have you have your thyroids done?  Secondly are you diabetic or pre-diabetic/insulin resistant?  Those are 2 things that come to mind.  The other thing is what I've been told repeatedly - calories in have to be less than calories out or you won't lose weight.  I have hypothyroidism so that's easier said than done.  

I'm probably beginning to sound like a broken record to some on this board, but there are a couple of things that you can try.  You can try eating an apple prior to sitting down to a meal - that will help you fill up some so you won't eat so much.  A large glass of water can do the same thing.  Try using a smaller plate and you can have a plate full, but it just won't be as much food.  Also try eating more fiber and protein since it takes the body longer to break them down so you stay fuller longer.  If you stick with proper portions sizes, your body will eventually get used to eating that amount of food.  

And of course, it's necessary to exercise, although with your ankle I can see where that would be difficult.  I have a bad ankle also so have to be rather careful.  There are quite a few exercises you can do that are low impact and would not do further damage to the ankle.  And of course, I always have to recommend yoga because it is very low impact and works the core muscles, plus it's relaxing.  

Just a few suggestions worth looking into.  

Merry Christmas