Synthroid and Weight Loss

[mrsto 2,925]

rkimom - were you taking supplements the whole 16 months before you started having those issues? If so, please let me know what you WERE taking. I have many concerns right now; the biggest one being my loss of focus and brain power. I'm starting to think that I have some sort of brain tumor, but I know that can't be it. My internist wanted to do the specialized nutrient testing, but I wanted to wait. After reading your post, I'm starting to rethink my decision. Seriously, I'm having a difficult time making 2+2=4, and I do accounting for a living!! As funny as that sounds, I'm really nervous about this. It took me a long time to build my business, and I can't sustain it without a brain!!

[blondegal_ 1,028]

Not having your thyroid in balance can also give you brain fog. IMO you really should think about have full blood work. At the least have another discussion with your doctor.

[mrsto 2,925]

Tara - yes, good advice. I'm going to call her tomorrow. I can't deal with this!

[this sucks 557]

rkimom - were you taking supplements the whole 16 months before you started having those issues? If so, please let me know what you WERE taking. I have many concerns right now; the biggest one being my loss of focus and brain power. I'm starting to think that I have some sort of brain tumor, but I know that can't be it. My internist wanted to do the specialized nutrient testing, but I wanted to wait. After reading your post, I'm starting to rethink my decision. Seriously, I'm having a difficult time making 2+2=4, and I do accounting for a living!! As funny as that sounds, I'm really nervous about this. It took me a long time to build my business, and I can't sustain it without a brain!!

I was taking Vitaband chewable vitamins at the recommended dose.

The real issue for me was that instead of learning to eat healthy real food, I was using Protein Shakes and Meal Replacement bars. I thought it was the easiest way to control my food intake with the band. Even the dietitians at my clinic didnt see a problem with 3-4 Protein products and one meal. It turns out that I wasn't getting many of the nutrients that only come in easily absorbable form through food.

I also had the brain fog-I'm a sales rep who travels for a living and I had many days that I couldn't trust myself to drive. Then, anxiety kicked in because I was fearful of when another episode would occur.

I agree with Tara. It sounds like its time for you to get a COMPLETE blood work up done. Yes, your thyroid can be causing a lot of your symptoms, but so can the Vitamin deficiency.

Best of luck!!!

[mrsto 2,925]

Thanks, rkimom. I'm going to go back in a month or two, to have the thyroid rechecked. I switched Vitamins this past week (dumped the gummies), and have been making a concerted effort to make room for some fresh veggies at lunch & dinner. Also - more fruit. I don't drink many Protein shakes, because I cannot stand them. I get plenty of Protein and good carbs (mostly from Beans, quinoa and fruit), but the veggies have been an issue. Unless it's tomatoes, onions & mushrooms that I cook into a protein meal, it's a challenge.

I would like to have the specialized nutrient blood work done. My concern when doctors use this "specialized" lab, is that what comes after, is a prescription for several supplements; most of which the doctor sells. I went to an eastern/western medical doctor about three years ago, looking for answers on various issues I was having. She did that same blood work, in addition to several other diagnostics. $2,000 later, she prescribed a supplement program that cost close to $500 per month! ALL of which she sold in her office. I just can't go there..... I don't know that my internist would handle this the same way, but in her waiting room, she's got the display case with various bottles of supplements. This time around, I may get the blood work done to see what it shows, but will go elsewhere for the supplements.< /p>

[this sucks 557]

The only supplement change that my bariatric doctor recommended was to switch from the VitaBand Vitamins to the Alphabase. I do have to buy the Alphbase from the weight management clinic, but they are no more expensive than the Vitaband.

That was my hesitation too when she first recommended having the micronutrient testing done-that it was just a sales pitch to support supplement sales. Just very glad I did get it done or who knows where I would be today! I feel better approaching my 50th birthday than I did in my 30's.

[blondegal_ 1,028]

Well I call my endocrinologist today. It's been two weeks and I'm exhausted. I actually feel asleep last night while waiting for a web page to load. I was much happier on the higher dose. Actually felt like a regular person. Nurse listened to my concern and should call me tomorrow.

[mrsto 2,925]

Tara - didn't the higher dose give you heart palpitations? Or, was that two steps higher than what you're on now?

It's such a balancing act. Do you find that you're also having a problem with body temperature; feeling colder than usual? I had that issue when the dose was too low.

[blondegal_ 1,028]

It was the two steps higher that gave me the problems. And I have a hard time judging cold as I work in an office and most everyone is cold. But I am dragging butt. Bad. Like drowsy when driving to work after full night sleep.< /p>

[mrsto 2,925]

Yeah......that's not good. Hopefully they'll call in a prescription, without making you come in.

[blondegal_ 1,028]

Forgot to post

Dr wants me stay on lower dose for two more weeks. Ugh. But I've been seeing him for over five years so I'll trust his judgement. But I will be calling in at exactly two weeks if I'm tired at all.

[mrsto 2,925]

Forgot to post

Dr wants me stay on lower dose for two more weeks. Ugh. But I've been seeing him for over five years so I'll trust his judgement. But I will be calling in at exactly two weeks if I'm tired at all.

Well, I hope you're able to straighten this out with him in the next couple of weeks. What was his reasoning for having you stay on the lower dose for 14 more days? Maybe he's trying to rule out the possibility that your tiredness is/was from something other than your thyroid?

I made a big mistake last week... Went to a health/vitamin store, and told the woman that I'm having terrible brain fog. She gave me this herb called Bocapa. The first day I took it, I felt pretty good in the earlier part of the day; brain seemed to be firing on all (most) cylinders. But in the afternoon, I was freezing cold, and felt a weird type of jittery. The next day I took it, I had a horrible day. Clearly, the stuff was wiggin' me out. I went online and looked it up, and low & behold, in lab testing, it's shown to raise T4 by up to 41%. It also says that people on thyroid replacement shouldn't take it. Unbelievable! I called & talked to the (so called) expert, and told her what happened. She was like......"oh, then of course...don't take it & bring it back". When I go back today, I'm going to tell her that she should ask customers about possible thyroid issues, BEFORE she recommends it. Lesson learned for me..... to check this stuff out thoroughly before I buy it! It took two full days for my body to normalize.

[blondegal_ 1,028]

That's horrible. Hopefully you feel better soon.

I'll just wait it out. Exercising and taking Vitamins.