Don't know what to do here

[kenneltech]

This is the first time I've been on this site, I am on the thyroid forum and the sleep disorders forum, but I need advice desperately.  Because of hormone disfunction and thyroid disfunction I gained a lot of weight.  Almost 80 lbs.  I have never had to diet or been overweight, and I am having a lot of health problems.

I gained this weight rapidly, and now I am having serious health problems, one of which is my discs in my back have crushed (4 of them) and I have to have surgery next week.

I am going to go on the Nutrisystem diet (for diabetics, as I became a diabetic, too) and would like any input on this diet.  Also, I went to a new endo doctor and he said that no matter how I gained the weight, I had to lose it the same way, and he said he would prescribe Phentermine.  

I have severe PTSD, and anxiety, and even a benedryl will launch me into a panic attack.  I told him this and that I couldn't take anything that would make me nervous, and he assured me that he would "start me out at a lower dose."

This still makes me very nervous, as I know how my body reacts, but he keeps telling me that this is the best drug for weight.  I would really like some input on this, as I have been putting off going in to get the prescription.  Thanks.

[kenneltech]

I think I'll try the Nutrisystem diet as I know I won't cook for myself.  I have cooked all my life when I was married and had a child at home, but now that I'm by myself, I don't cook that often and have no desire to!  Plus, I've also heard that they have upgraded their food so it doesn't take so much like cardboard.

As far as the diet pills, I'm not taking those, I looked them up and they are nasty!  I told him that I could not take anything that would make me nervous or jittery, but he kept telling me that he would "start me at a lower dose."  But, I have PTSD, and anything that makes me feel jittery (even cough syrup), will put me into a panic attack.

And stomach stapling?  I don't think so!!!  I'm so tired of this mess, there just aren't any doctors here.

[Barb135]

I've never been a proponent for any kind of diet pills, particularly, the ones like phentermine that can cause issues with heart rates, anxiety, etc.  

I'm in the same boat you are and I'm trying very hard to lose the weight I gained when my thyroid wigged out on me; I'm also "borderline" type II diabetes.  Do make sure your thyroid hormones are at a point that's good for YOU, not just "in range".  My pcp kept telling me that my levels were good, but my endo let me up my dosage anyway and I got my FT4 close to the top of the range, and FT3 about mid range......... I'd like my FT3  a bit higher, but I feel so much better AND if I pay attention to what I'm eating and get some exercise every day, I can lose weight.  

I never had weight issues either until my thyroid quit working, so it's been a hard thing for me to deal with, too.  My problem tends to be a lack of commitment to stay with it; if I don't see a loss for a few days, I get discouraged and give up; or if I do lose a couple pounds, I get the feeling that I'm "home free" and don't have to watch it

The best, safest way to lose weight is by implementing a healthy diet that you can live with, and moderate exercise.  Since you are having surgery soon, exercise might be an issue for a while, but you can still come up with your eating plan, to help you get started.

My doctor has recommended that I go on the Miami Mediterranean Diet; I've read the book, looked at the recipes and while I can see that it's an excellent way to go, it doesn't seem right for me because the recipes make too many servings and use a lot of ingredients that I don't keep on hand.  It might be worth looking into though.

The biggest thing to remember is that if you load up on veggies and fruits, you'll get filled up for, not a lot of calories.  Use whole fruit, not juices, because juices often tend to have extra sugar added AND you don't get the fiber, like you would with whole fruit.  In addition to veggies and fruits, make sure you get enough fiber and protein, as these take longer to digest, so will keep you feeling fuller longer.  For me, it's more about portion size than anything else.  Take mac & cheese, for instance - that's one of my favorite "comfort foods", so I tend to go overboard - 3 helpings instead of 1........... Ooops.  

If you really feel that you need to take a pill to help you, you might consider Xenical, which is also a script (same drug that's in Alli, only stronger) or you can try OTC Alli.  Xenical (or Alli) prevents fats from being absorbed by the body; they are eliminated from the body instead.  You won't get the anxiety, etc that you would with phentermine; however, you have to be very careful of the fats you eat, because too much fat (of any kind) can cause some urgent bowel issues.

The problem with any diet pill or restrictive diet is that it's not something you can stick with indefinitely, so the chances are, as soon as you go off them, you could gain back the weight, plus some.