Thyroidectomy and weight gain

[Cindy0309]

Could there be a medical reason that I can not lose weight after a  total thyroidectomy?

I had a thyroidectomy one year ago r/t diagnosis of Papillary Carcinoma.  I had I131, and take Synthroid 175mcg currently.  The goal of TSH level is 0.1-0.5. of which I am at 0.12.  I have been at a consistant TSH since April.  

I have also been working with a personal trainer since March to lose 30lbs gained after surgery.  I weight train twice a week and do cardio 5 days a week.  I have trained for 1/2 marathon and have been running more than 20 miles a week.  I decreased my daily caloric intake from 1600 to 1200 a day because I was not seeing any weight reduction, loss in body fat, or change in body measurments.  I have been doing this for three weeks now, and still no weight loss.

I don't mind working, but would like to know I will eventually get somewhere.  Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you,
C

[TamraW]

Your TSH is very low, but it is a pituitary hormone and not always reliable. Many doctors will be afraid to up your meds based on your TSH, so you need to find one who is willing to treat your symptoms and your frees. Your FT4 is still on the low end. I can't believe the doc won't run your FT3. No wonder you're not losing weight.

Time for a new doctor. Here's a list of recommended endos:

http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/

:) Tamra

[Cindy0309]

TamraW

My last TSH was 0.04, my T4 1.36.  I have never had a T3 drawn.

I spoke with my oncologist today about T3 and basically was given the old " eat less, move more" song and dance.  I just can keep my calories at 1200 a day so I'm not sure how to eat any less and feel like getting out of bed!

I'm not looking for a miracle weight loss pill.  If I thought continuing my current regimen would help I would just keep doing it.  I just don't have any faith that it will.

Thanks again.
Cindy

[TamraW]

I notice that you are not taking a T3 drug like Cytomel. Many thryoid patients don't see weight loss until they add T3 to the mix.

Many endos don't prescribe it. They believe that the T4 drug, Synthroid will be converted by the body to make enough T3.

But that isn't true in MANY cases.

You might be one of those cases, and until you can find a thyroid doctor who knows how to to properly medicate you, it might be VERY difficult to lose weight.

I don't know if your FT3 is low or low/normal. Please post your numbers here, so we can give our opinions on your levels:
TSH
FT3
FT4

:) Tamra