Why do I keep gaining weight??

Yeah!!!!
Congratulations on the quitting smoking and the road races.
It is great that you realized the low carbs and 6% body fat was not the way to go (after meeting your challenge.)
I am sorry that you have been steadily gaining weight.
How do you like running now? Do you find it a lttle easier now that you quit smoking?
I wish I could help you with the weight gain thing. As you know, I put on weight after I quit smoking and attributed it to that, but it turned out that I had a very hypoactive thyroid also, so it was a combination of factors. I know the frustration of steady weight gain.
But anyway, I am so proud of you! Let us know what the doctor says. You should get a TSH test when you go.
 
Hey, it's good to hear from you! Thanks for the kudos! I find running alot easier now that I quit smoking! I ran my last 5k in 26:42 and I can run an hour straight now, but not at that pace;-)! He he he! What exactly is a TSH test?? Is that a Thyroid Scan?

Aimee
 
Hi Amy,
Just want to tell you that I emaled you--let me know if you get it. My email has been working kind of funky.
 
Amy, I had another thought. Before your competition you were at around 110? If so, then when you were below or around 100, you really weren't at your "real" weight. You had dieted those pounds off, and weren't expected to keep them off. So then you went back up to your settled weight of around 110 when you began to eat normally again. Since then you have gained around 10 more pounds, probably due in large part to having quit smoking. 10 pounds are a lot easier to explain than 20. Also, when you are 30 things start changing...
I don't know if that helps, but I was thinking about it and thought I'd share. :)
Wendy
 
Wendy & Aimee...

Good point Wendy! And, Aimeee, good for you on quitting smoking! That is great. Maybe your body just needs time to adjust. Keep working out and I bet in no time, you'll be back where you were. Keep us posted on your Dr. appointment.

Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH http://www.plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!
 
RE: Wendy & Debbie

That is a good point!! I was at 106 steady before my competition. So I guess about 15lbs then. I'll let you all know if he says anything interesting. In the meantime, I'm going to do what Debbie said keep on working out:)!!

Thanks guys!!

Aimee
 
Please do check into the thyroid problem. Also, check out Mary Shomon on About.com. Sometimes thyroid problems don't show up upon initial testing. I have hypothyroidism, and let me tell you, it's tough! I've lost 99 pounds, but it's been an uphill battle, clawing and scratching all the way. I've had weight loss plateaus that lasted 5 months, all while I was eating l200 calories a day in fresh fruits and vegetables, low carbs, and no meat (vegetarian). It's taken two years of dieting and a LOT of exercise, but if you do have a thyroid problem, don't give up. It's hard, but it's not hopeless.

Shari
 
Thanks Sheri!! That's amazing! I'll go over to about.com and check that out too. Wow, I can't believe how hard you've had to fight this. You're an inspiration! I'll bet alot of people just give up. Thanks for the encouragement!!

Aimee
 
Well, the verdict is in. My thyroid is bad. In fact the doctor said that it was so that if I didn't exercise the way I had been, I'd probably have another 20lbs on me. Thank goodness we're addicts;-)!!
So I've taken my first Synthyroid. Anything I need to expect?

Thanks,
Aimee
 
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Oct-02-02 AT 05:48AM (Est)[/font][p]Wow, good luck on your treatment. Gaining weight when you have good habits is a b---h, ain't it? Please keep us posted.
 
Hi Aimee,
I just read your post. I am glad your doctor found the reason for your gained weight. Great job exercising to gain control of the situation.
As your doc. might have already informed you, Synthroid's adverse reactions are less than %1. Which is very good. You asked what you should expect.
I only mention the side effects so that you are aware of them.
Again remember these only happen less than %1.
The common reactions to synthroid are palpitations, increased appetite, tachycardia, nervousness, weight loss, diaphoresis, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, insomnia, fever, headache, loss of hair, and some changes to menses.

Keep up the great work.
Take care of yourself,:)
 
Thanks HB and bfj! Actually, my doctor didn't tell me that the side effects were less than 1%, so that really makes me feel better. Thanks for giving a list of them. I'll let you all know how it goes, I'm so glad I kept up my habits. Thanks!

Aimee
 
Hi Aimee,
I'm so glad that your doctor discovered what's wrong. I, too, am hypothyroid and felt so much better once I started with synthroid (I have since switched to Levoxyl, which is just the same as Synthroid, just cheaper). I lost all of my extra weight, which was about 10-15 lbs, in less than 2 months without any effort. And my normal energy returned. What a big relief!! I haven't had any adverse reactions and I'm sure you won't either. I hope you feel much better very soon.
Becky
 
Glad you found out what the problem was. I am also hypothyroid. I started taking Synthroid last year. I was soooooo tired and that was the reason for having a thyroid test. I had also gained some weight but I have always had a problem with weight gain if I didn't keep a watch on it. Anyway, I had no side effects whatsoever. My energy returned within a few months but my weight did not budge until I (again) started to work hard at it. I am still working at it. The best thing though was the return of my energy...big difference!!!!! Hope everything returns to normal quickly.

Again, I'm so happy you found out!!!


Kelly http://www.sgtfuzzbubble99.homestead.com/files/Smilies/De_Niro/eeyore.gif
 
Thanks Becky and Kelly!! Yeah, I can't wait until the energy returns too. I've had so many people say, "Man, you're not your usual energtic self. What's wrong?", it's good to know now.

Thanks again!!

Aimee
 
Did your doctor indicate whether or not he thinks your strict diet for the competitions could have contributed to this? I know that dieting can affect metabolism, but I have always wondered if it puts a strain on the thyroid gland.

Really glad that you found a solution!
 
RE: I forgot to ask him that!!

but I'll certainly do it in 6 weeks when I go back in. Thanks for reminding me. I was wondering the same thing:)!!

Aimee
 
RE: I forgot to ask him that!!

That's a good point. Any big change in the body can affect your thyroid. I discovered that I was hypothyroid after being pregnant. Interesting. I'm at the end of my third pregnancy now and my doctor has monitored my thyroid the whole time. I guess if it gets out of wack during pregnancy,it can cause miscarriage or premature labor.
I hope that your energy returns quickly!

Becky
 
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