Hypothyroidism & Weight Loss

Question
I am a 43yrs old and had my thyroid removed in 2005.  In the process my parathyroids were also removed.  I am currently taking 175mcg of Levothroxine.  I also have had a complete hysterectomy when I was 28yrs old and because of complications from Premarin I am no longer allowed to take estrogen.  I am 5'2" and weigh 162lbs.  I was never an overweight person even after having my 3 children.  After the hysterectomy I began to gain weight and then after the thyroid surgery my weight has ballooned to as high as 190lbs.  I would like to know what I need to do to regain control of my weight.  Is there a specific diet for people who have hypothyroidism?  I don't want to be a size 2 but I really think I would be happier and healthier if I could get back to around 125lbs.    In addition, I do suffer from Severe Fibromyalgia, I have been diagnosed by 2 specialists so exercise for me is very difficult but I try to walk as much as possible.  In addition I have had 2/3rds of my colon removed secondary to adhesions from the hysterectomy.  I am also on Warfarin 6mg daily because of a blood clot in the optic nerve of my right eye and numerous thrombosis in my arms, this is the complication from taking a high dose of premarin for 12 yrs, I have been told that I will probably have to stay on the warfarin for the rest of my life.  I really would appreciate any advise you could give me to help me feel better and be healthier.

Thanks so much, Peggy

Answer
Hi Peggy,
Thank you for writing to me about your health issues and weight concern.  Although you do have quite a lot of health issues for your age, all hope is not lost when it comes to weight loss.   I am also glad that you are realistic about your weight loss goals,  and that you don't want to be a size 2, but want to improve your health and maintain a healthy, normal weight.  With some patience and diligence on your part, I know you can achieve this, Peggy.
First, I would recommend that you get your thyroid levels checked.   If your TSH is too high, then you most likely need to increase your dosage of Levothyroxine.  I'm suspecting that 175mcg may not be enough, but please go ahead and get your thyroid levels checked out.   This may solve some of your weight issue.
Also, you do need to start on a regular exercise program.  I understand that you suffer from severe fibromyalgia;  however, exercise is the treatment for fibro, and even people with severe bouts can still manage to get some form of exercise in.   Try to set a schedule for yourself and start with 15-20 minutes of daily activity (ie walking, stretching, etc).   See how you feel after a few days, or at the end of the week.  If you are extremely sore after a few days, take a day off, and when you resume the next the day, only go with 10 minutes and see how you can tolerate that.    If you can tolerate 15-20 minutes with not too much pain/suffering, try increasing your daily exercise sessions by 5-10 minutes until you reach a level that you can tolerate.   I would recommend that you try to get a minimum of 15-20 minutes daily exercise MOST days of the week (around 5 or so).   If you can do more (time or days per week), GREAT!   If not, back off a bit and assess your tolerance.   The key is consistency.   As your body gets used to exercising, which it will, you will slowly be able to increase the amt of time, or # of sessions per week.   If you can build up to 30 minutes of daily walking, you will definitely trim up.   To accelerate the weight loss, see if you can handle some LIGHT weightlifting--a 15-20 minute session working the major body parts: chest, back, arms, legs, shoulders.  One exercise per body part, and 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions per exercise should be sufficient for a starter workout.  
Your diet will be the final thing that will accelerate weight loss to the max:   I'm sure you know that when you are on Warfarin/Coumadin, you need to watch your intake of Vitamin K foods--leafy greens, hummus, broccoli, etc.   This doesn't mean that you can't eat it----in fact, I want you to consume these healthy foods, but make sure you do slowly and gradually, and visit your  health care provider ASAP to check your INR, because they will need to increase your dosage of Coumadin/Warfarin to counteract the extra Vitamin K that you will be eating.    As long as you tell your provider exactly what you are eating (and the amts, frequency, etc), and be consistent (this is very important, because if you suddenly stop eating the leafy greens and broccoli, your INR will be too high and you can be at risk of bleeding).   
Please go to www.oxygenmag.com or www.bodybuilding.com for some great tips and articles on healthy eating.  There are some wonderful diets in there, and you can choose which one you like, as long as you make sure to tell your provider about the increase in leafy greens and Vitamin K foods.
One more thing, make sure you are supplementing with a good vitamin, esp B12, since you have had most of your colon removed (however, I'm sure your provider already has you on a good regimen).
Good luck and congratulations for starting your healthy lifestyle!  

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