What's me...what's my thyroid...what's just a failure

Hi~  This is actually the first time I've posted on this forum, but truly find myself at wit's end.  I had RNY in February 2004 and did very well for about the first 18 months.  Losing weight without difficulty, exercising regularly etc.  I do admit that exercise slacked off a bit (maybe 6 months or so), but I continued to eat my protein and drink my water....then my weight began to creep back up.  2 years out, I had regained about 10 pounds.  I began exercising again, continued the protein and water...and  at 3 years out...poof 10 more pounds.  In the interim my migraines began occurring again (i hadn't had one since a few days before my surgery).   I began having nightsweats, couldn't sleep, tired all the time and just generally irritable.  Through testing with my PCP, we came to figure out that I've got a thyroid issue going on. They're treating it and trying to get my levels stabilized in the meantime, my weight is continuing to increase.  Regardless of how diligently I exercise, drink my water and eat my protein it has no impact.  I'd be foolish to say that I'm 100% perfect with my eating, but I'm following the directions of my surgeon far more often than not. I was doing aerobics all of 2007 4-5 times a week, with no change to my weight loss, it became very frustrating. Beginning in January, we had an unexpected vacancy at work and my schedule took on a life of it's own.  I could no longer exercise during lunch time, and rarely left the office before 9:00PM.  I keep a stash of protein at the office, and could usually run to the cafeteria to grab a bite to eat.  Although I have to admit that hunger is something that I do not experience.  There have been days where I eat breakfast and then don't eat again until sometime in the evening if my schedule is busy enough.  Hunger just isn't an issue for me, and hasn't been since my surgery. Here's a prime example, I began exercising regularly again about 6 weeks ago, attending one hour classes 4-5 days a week, drinking my water and ensuring that I get a minimum of 70 grams of protein a day.  I've gained nearly 10 pounds!  I have lost nothing and feel like a complete failure.  Some of it is to do with my thyroid...but I don't know what more to do...It appears as though I'm damned if I do and I'm damned if I don't.  It's so discouraging to be doing what's asked/expected of me to have the same result as if I didn't.  I feel like a failure, yet I don't know what more to do or what to do differently. I'm lost....completely lost.

Hey there Keal19..... Hang in there!  You are in the exercise world enough to know that with an adequate protein intake combined with consistent workouts; you will definitely increase muscle!!!  Your BMR (calories burning while doing absolutely nothing) is probably fantastic!!!  .....  An itty bitty underweight gal at my work has been going to oodles of nutrition secialists, etc to gain weight.  They basically have her doing exactly what you've described your regime to be......high protein, spaced eating and consistent workouts.  So, it makes sense that reversing some of that might shake it up a bit.....How about trying "higher" protein (push for over 100 grams a day), more water, several small nutrition intakes throughout the day instead of your morning and then late evening routine.  Switch your exercise from the classes to some weights in rotation with spurts of aerobic til your heart rate is up in the fat burning zone for at least 5 minutes per spurt..............At present, you may not be losing weight but I'll bet you are healthy!!!!  .........Soooooooo.......are you checking into getting a more malabsorptive procedure?   It sounds like overeating is not your issue so more restriction would be unaffective?..............................Kudos to you for pursuing the healthy life!

Hi Joyce-- I've actually just began doing the research on possible revisions.  Overeating does not appear to be my issue, but I will consider and get some information about other malabsorptive procedures, it sounds as though you've had some success with yours.  IT's something to consider.  Once I get this thyroid business in line, I need to schedule a follow up with my surgeon.  I was supposed to see her last August, but she was unavailable and I have yet to schedule another follow up or hear from the office. I'm trying to eat more smaller meals, and I'm doing my best to up the protein (avoiding soy foods or supplemements as there is some thought that may cause further complications with my thyroid), I have a scoop of whey protein in my coffee every morning.  It's frustrating.  I need to read some of Dr. S's articles, he's a bit far for me to consider, but I've heard wonderful things about his work. Thanks for the feedback! Michelle