As you all know, we started a health journey in January. We both had so many things we wanted to improve on but felt so overwhelmed by it all. Where should we even start? We decided that there is no rush on any of them. Nothing was life threatening. There were things we just knew that needed to be addressed. And, I wanted to lose the 20 pounds I put on when my thyroid took a dump. Taking ONE THING at a time and focusing on it for the entire month seemed way less overwhelming than trying everything at once. So, that is what we did. You can read about every single month’s goal here: January, February, March, April, May, June.
This July post has me very emotional. I have thought over and over what I was going to focus on this month. And, it led to ONE thing, and one thing only.
Every single month, we have done exactly as we said we were going to do. If you follow us over on Instagram, you see that we go to the gym and work out harder than we have every worked out in our lives. We take 5 classes per week resting the other two days. These classes are EXTREME. They are designed to work with weights keeping our heart rates high so we burn lots of calories. I burn anywhere from 350-500 in each class… times 5 days a week.
Our nutrition since January 1 has done a complete turn around. I eliminated all dairy, grains, and gluten because I found out through an online test that I was highly sensitive to them. Which basically means my body stays very inflamed when I eat those items. I dropped 8-10 pounds in a week when I eliminated those things. We drink more water than I can even stand. I love water, but DANG. Some days it’s hard for me to get it all down.
Every 8 weeks, we have an assessment at the gym. We step on this contraption that weighs us and shows us our percentages of fat, muscle, etc. It basically breaks everything down for us to let us know how well we are doing. They are all compared to each other. Your first one is obviously your starting point. Every 8 weeks after that, your trainer compares each one to the previous one to make sure we are making progress. You then evaluate what changes can be made in order to have different results…. added water… added protein…. etc.
I have had three since that very first one in January. After the first 8 weeks, mine showed not much change at all. Everyone else who is working out with us showed several inches lost, several pounds lost, a decrease in over all body fat. I was ALMOST the same, in fact, I may have even gained a few pounds. I remember hearing that it had to be all muscle weight. And that I shouldn’t be discouraged because the next one will show a HUGE difference. You can imagine my disappointment. I KNEW I had been doing everything I was supposed to be doing including weighing and tracking my food, and my macros.
Well…. my next one again showed nothing too exciting. I had lost a few pounds due to the inflammation issue, and a small drop in body fat, but that’s really about it. It was nothing to write home about for as hard as I was trying. Again… everyone in our class is getting results. One guy dropped something insane like 3% body fat in 8 weeks and gained a TON of muscle. Deb consistently gained A SHIT TON of muscles, lost SHIT TON of body fat. She is so lean and strong and healthy. ????
The last few weeks coming up to this last assessment have been a little overwhelming. It is the 6 month mark. I felt so discouraged because I could tell that my results would probably be the same. Have my muscles gotten bigger? That would be a big HELL YES. My legs and arms are stronger than they have every been in my entire life. There are actually definition in my muscles. My saggy old lady butt has actually toned up from 1,000 squats we do per week. ????Overall, I feel strong. EXCEPT….. my old lady floppage around the middle is still unchanged. UNCHANGED. ????
You all may be saying, “Listen lady… you are 153 years old… what do you expect? Everyone has a mid section at this age. Give it up.” And, here is what I say to you. Yes… most everyone does have a middle age spread at our age. BUT… not everyone works out this hard and eats what I do. Not everyone tries their hardest to get their fat to DECREASE… not go away… JUST DECREASE.
Not everyone has a Deb in their house who does all of the healthy cooking. We each do the same workouts. We each eat the same foods. And now you are probably saying, “You two are completely different with different metabolisms.” And we are. We are very different. Deb’s body type is different AND she doesn’t have the thyroid issues that I have. BUT…… Don’t you think I would see SOMETHING? SOME type of results? A few pounds lost? A few inches lost? SOMETHING?
Again this time…. my assessment was NOTHING to write home about. I believe I lost a half inch on my entire body. Deb lost 3 inches around her waist in the last 8 weeks. You have no clue how proud I am of her. You, also, have no clue how sad she is for me. She sees me struggling and working out just as hard, and eating THE SAME foods as she is. With a measly 15-20 pounds to lose, they are NOT BUDGING. She even said, “I don’t know how you can put yourself through this misery to see NOTHING.”
Actually… Why am I going to the gym? I am going because I want results… just like everyone else wants results.
I decided SOMETHING has to be wrong. Either my hormones are all out of whack or my thyroid meds needed increased. Because none of this makes sense. Deb insisted on going with me to the doctor because quite frankly, every professional who I talk to thinks I am closet eating. She wanted to be there as my backup. Like I said above, she does of the cooking. We grocery shop together. So we both can attest to the fact, there is no junk food, processed foods, etc, in our house. We do have a tootsie pop every day but come on… that is a must. (Because I’m 12.) ????
I talked to the nurse at the doctor’s office. She said, “It is absolutely possibly to lose weight during menopause. I am 54 and I’ve lost 60 pounds…. BUT, you need to watch your portion sizes and weigh your food. You may be surprised at how much you are actually eating.” ????
She made me an appointment with the nurse practitioner. I explained about our exercise routines and how healthy we are eating. And that I was seeing NO RESULTS in weight or inches. She said we needed to start with lab testing to make sure everything is ok. And then she offered me the weight loss plan through her office… basically teaching me portion sizes and which foods are good for me. ???????????????????????????????????????? AGAIN…. I felt as though I was getting the whole…… you are stuffing your pie-hole full of trash food when no one is looking….. OR the…. you are eating 10 times the AMOUNT of food than what you think you are.
I KNOW WHAT I EAT. I KNOW HOW MUCH I EAT.
The labs came back normal. ????
I’m not going to lie. I had a hard time hearing that. My first thought was HOW? How is this even possible? My thyroid levels are supposedly normal (on my meds) and my hormones are all supposedly at normal PERI-MENOPAUSAL levels. No one is ever going to tell me that there isn’t something wrong with SOMETHING. Some level has to be completely off. SOMETHING.
I absolutely REFUSE to believe that this is normal. REFUSE. Let’s look at Deb one more time. She is already through menopause. She is 51. She sees results. There are several other older women in our classes who are also seeing results of inches lost and or weight loss. NOTHING over here. ????????
An ad popped up on Facebook recently regarding women struggling to lose weight. It happened to be a place near to my hometown. It was as though this ad was actually describing me. Per Deb…. “You have done EVERYTHING you can do by yourself. Call them.”
I went to my first appointment this past week. Deb again went with me to the appointment to be my back up. ???? She wanted to let them know that I am NOT LYING…. She knows what I eat. She watches how hard I work out. I sat and explained everything to my girl.
Guess what! My girl BELIEVED ME……….. Oh my gosh. I cannot tell you how happy I was to have someone sitting in front of me telling me that she believed me. I really truly could have cried. She explained that ONE of my hormone levels could be too high or too low and I absolutely WILL NOT lose weight. I can work as hard as I want in the gym and eat a PERFECT diet, and it will not happen. FINALLY…. someone believed me.
I absolutely know NOTHING yet about this program because it was all very overwhelming. The only thing I do know is that they HIGHLY recommended a saliva hormone test to me, which will be done in 3 weeks. It doesn’t give the same information as the doctor’s office blood tests. It has something to do with metabolism. (I think…. ???????????? see… overwhelmed.) They not only test estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels, but they check cortisol levels. And LOTS of other things. And, I believe the key may be for me of knowing WHEN to eat and not actually WHAT to eat.
I don’t want to give any more information about the company just yet. Because I want to be sure to really know what I am talking about before I go recommending something to you all. AND I want to make sure it works personally.
Note: If this works for me… then YOU ALL NEED to know about it. And if it doesn’t then you all need to know that, too. BUT, I’m thinking this is the ONE THING that everyone else has missed. It’s not that I don’t drink enough water, or eat enough protein, or eat too much, or too little…. It JUST MAY be that something is really “off”…. We will soon find out. And I will for sure keep you all updated.
I have gotten SO MANY suggestions from people that I wanted to make a list of everything I have tried. Because when I say EVERYTHING, I mean EVERYTHING. ???? What works for some people absolutely does not work for others.
We may earn a small commission when you use one of our links to make a purchase.
Ask your girl about the alcohol. Even one glass of wine per night caused this for a friend of mine. She wasn’t drinking to excess at all – but the daily alcohol was metabolizing like lots of sugar. Maybe that can help? So sorry! How frustrating. Love you two!!
Giving up alcohol from a 30 pack of beer per week and a bottle of wine every night to 1 bottle of wine per week made no change in my weight. I ate 2 boiled eggs for breakfast and a salad for lunch and a healthy low or no carb dinner and nothing. I feel like I’m in the same boat! Very discouraging !!
Yep…. I will never forget. I KNEW IT was alcohol. I decided to “suffer through” everything without it. ???? I LOST NOT ONE POUND. OMG.. .I said, “screw this….. cheers.”
Yes!! I am 50 with Hashimotos, so empathise with the thyroid slow metabolism. Recently I looked in to why I can work out and never lose weight. I went to see Dr Libby. I’m in New Zealand and she has written many books. She is an international author with a passion for woman’s health. Google her. She told me it’s to do with cortisol and estrogen dominance too!! It came down to the old flight or fight and even though we think we are relaxing, we are constantly living in a state of stress. The gym is probably more stress for you. A walk in nature might be more suited to you. Thanks for sharing because for a long time I thought I was the grumbling middle age woman. When Dr Libby explained the biochemistry it made sense.
YES! I am so excited to hear the results. I sure hope I don’t have to give up the gym because I really do see lots of fun results. BUT, if it is keeping me from losing the extra pounds, I will have to re-evaulate.
I have that too. Where you given any solutions.
Not yet. I am actually going back on Tuesday for a check in. And, then I will be taking that saliva test in a few weeks and going from there. So, I will keep you posted.
I can’t wait to hear what this person has to say! I too have tried many diets that are suppose to work. The first one for me was the HCG weight loss plan ($500????????) I lost like 3 lbs in 6wks. Then I did weight watchers a number of times. Lastly, keto where I gained weight!
I know it’s my hormones and my chronic pain. I put forty pounds on like over night I swear.
Full disclosure-all I really want to eat is ice cream. There’s something that’s not right with that!!
XoXo,
Kristi
hahahahah When I told my girl that I gained 5 pounds in three weeks on keto, she didn’t act surprised at all. So, I KNOW there is something going on. I will for sure keep you all posted.
Hope this is the answer you have been seeking. Good luck and please do keep us posted.
Thank you. I sure will.
I feel your pain! It is very discouraging. I look forward to hearing the results.
Thank you. I am excited that someone actually listened and believed me.
I cannot work our and lose weight. I have too much inflammation and working out other than waking/swimming causes my body to be more inflamed. I am celiac.
I truly believe my inflammation is under control. I don’t feel swollen anymore and I have eliminated everything that was causing that. I have a feeling this girl is on to something.
Hi Danelle, I as well have had a thyroid issue since giving birth to my now 9 1/2 year old daughter , it has been a struggle since I turned probably 42 to lose weight. I go to the gym 3-4 /week, ride my bike to work 3 days a week and have really adjusted my eating habits. I’ve definitely noticed muscle definition but as you the midsection is my nemesis !!I’ve had every test and they come back normal ( thyroid levels have been good on a 2.5 dose of synthesis for awhile) I applaud your commitment and hope you find a solution soon!!
Sorry that was synthroid not synthesis ????
Thank you. I will definitely keep you posted. Google estrogen dominance and cortisol levels. They both play a roll in this situation. I have a feeling my girl is on to something.
I understand. I can work really hard at it and have NO results. In fact, one month, I gained a pound. Not that a pound is much to anyone else but when you are trying so hard ANY gain is depressing. My husband can eat a salad one night and lose 2 pounds. I want that for him. I just want it for me too!!! Hope you find answers. I definitely believe you.
I know. I really will never believe that it has to be this way. I KNOW what I am doing. I know I should see SOMETHING happening. And I refuse to give up.
Well, I commend you for sticking through all this with little result. My problem is I don’t want to give up the things I like to eat in order to lose weight. When I think about having to do it, it pisses me off and is depressing. I used to work out, walk 5 miles a day and lose 5 lbs a week. That was when I was in my 20’s to 40’s. 50-65 I’ve gained and it’s so hard bc at my age the amount of calories I’m supposed to have now isn’t enough to live on. Lol! Aging sucks. Genetics suck. Dieting sucks. So again I say I commend you for working so hard and sticking with it. I hope this new plan does the trick. Maybe it’s the light ???? we all need.
Thank you. And, I sure hope so too. Giving up the food hasn’t been that difficult because I HAD to. If I eat a tiny bit of gluten, my eyes swell up like someone punched me. My body is so used to being without it now, I have no desire to eat it again. But I totally understand.
I can’t wait to hear…I just turned 56 (through menopause) and feel EXACTLY the same way….can work out~ eat clean and nothing! (In fact I gained weight too)! Thank you.! Can’t wait to hear what you learn….I get depressed and then want to give up.
Trust me… me too…. I cried so many times this week over my assessment and my lab test results. It is just so frustrating. It would be one thing if I weren’t trying. But all of the trying in the world is getting me nowhere. I refuse to give up.
I am right with you sista! I am 56 and havehave about 30 pounds to lose. I have hired a health coach, eating very clean, and now exercising 5 days a week. RESULTS: . NOTHING in 3 fricking weeks. I am on a hormone compound cream and they check my estrogen, progesterone, testosterone levels yearly and I am past due for that… so I have made that appt. It had better come back with why I am seeing no results or I just may have to throat punch somebody. So frustrating! You are not alone! Misery loves company.
hahahahahah trust me…. It is ridiculous. This place actually said that my doctor won’t catch these problems with the way they test the hormones. They just verify all of my hormones are at normal levels. This place does it through saliva which shows LOTS of different things…. such as the differences BETWEEN the hormone levels. They may be in normal range, but if one is at the highest part of normal, and one is at the lowest part of normal, they may be working against each other. At least that is what I’m thinking she said. hahaha I was very confused when I left that place. So, I am anxious to hear. I told Deb the SAME THING… By God if this all comes back normal, I freaking give up. She said, “Oh no you don’t. We will go on to the next person… whoever in the hell that may be.”
What was the test you sentiment earlier in your post that took online? I think it identified foods you shouldn’t eat.
I’m struggling the same as you and just had the same conversation with my Dr. THIS WEEK! Weight is simply not budging!
I can’t wait to hear what you are doing. Tell us soon!
Search in my blog search bar… food sensitivity test. I talked all about it. That is where I found out I was sensitive to gluten. The new test I am taking is a hormone one so they can see if I am estrogen dominant and test my cortisol levels.
Curious why you have to wait 3 weeks before you take the saliva test? Are you ‘cleaning’ your system even more? Eliminating something before they take the test? Thx!
If I told you, you wouldn’t believe me. ???? I haven’t had a period since January. Saliva tests have to be done during a certain window of your cycle. As I left their office, she said, “Take that saliva test first thing tomorrow so we can get the results back ASAP.” I drove home, walked in my house, and started my period. ???????? Therefore, now, I have to wait for 3 weeks until I can take it.
I too have read the Dr Libby books. She doesn’t believe in gym training when your menopausal. A good brisk walk is what she suggests. It works believe me, I’m post menopausal, have started fasting and walking and finally I’m loosing weight….for the first time in ages! My brain fog has gone ..apparently fasting helps this. It’s easier than I thought. Feeling better than I have in years.
Fasting…it seriously worth a try.
Love you both xxx
I have actually tried keto, WW, intermittent fasting, working out hard, working out not so hard, we walked Ivy 3.5 miles almost every day for MONTHS and NOTHING. I don’t think mine is as simple as diet and fasting and exercise. Otherwise I would see something. I am going to see what she has to say and will keep you posted.
I’m 55 and swear by keto. I lost 30 pounds last year. Didn’t work out. We do eat dairy if it’s higher fat like half and half in our coffee and we do eat cheese. I feel so much better eating this way. 16 months doing this.
I gained more weight on keto. Which is typical for people who have hormonal issues.
Well I can’t wait to hear because I am in the same position. I lost some weight and have since been at a standstill. It’s so frustrating. I’m gaining muscles but all it’s doing is making my arms and ass more big cuz its muscle added into fat I swear, hahaha. I sure hope this helps you, fingers crossed!!
OH MY GOSH…. I swear. I just said the words, “This is great. My arms, legs, and ass are bigger, my boobs are smaller, and my fat gut is the same.” ????????
Lolol, well if we fixed all that we’d be perfect and maybe that wouldn’t be good because it would make people feel so inferior to us, LMAO!!! Our lack of perfection may be best for all????????
Look at all of us. So many posts. I am 52 and in the same boat. I wonder if eating nothing would work. ???? Can’t wait to hear what you find out. PLEASE keep us all informed.
I’m dead serious. I can eat a lot, nothing, and right in the middle and NOTHING. NOTHING works. I’ve been told I wasn’t eating enough. So, I upped my protein. I gained weight. It’s all a horrible struggle. I will keep you posted.
Wow, thank you so much for this post. I am in the same situation. My doctor said once I started my thyroid med & my levels tested in the normal range – the 20 pounds would come off. Well it has been a year with normal thyroid levels- and no amount of exercise and healthy eating has made the slightest difference. I lose a pound or two & gain it right back. I am really interested to here about your experience with this new company – hopefully you will have success.
I hear you. My doctor told me the same thing. And, NOTHING. I have been on the verge of tears about it. I hope it does too. And, the place I am going to is a national company so I will definitely keep you posted.
I’ve had Hashimoto’s and thyroid issues for years. Stayed super active, eat well and always have very slow change. With Hashimoto’s your body struggles to utilize glucose and will burn muscle making it difficult to put on and keep it. You’re on the right track with your anti inflammatory diet.
I finally had success with less intensive workouts. Wishing you much success. I get the struggle.
Thanks so much. I am hoping this test shows what’s going on. And, I have read that maybe my hard workouts are making it more difficult. I will soon find out, I guess.
I’m so interested in seeing what happens. I’m in the boat with you. About to schedule an appointment with a holistic doctor.
UGH… so frustrating. I actually called a functional medical group in our area and there is an 8 month waitlist to get in. Quite frankly, I don’t have 8 months of frustration left in me. I will keep you posted. This place I am going to is a national company.
My story is the same, I’ve done EVERYTHING, ten years ago I went to hard core boot camp 5x a week for a year. I lost 11 lbs while everyone else was down 30-40 I also followed her eating plan, which I now realize was about 150-200 carbs a day. I went KETO 3 years ago for about 18 months and lost 25 lbs. Then I plateaued. We remodeled our kitchen and because of pizza (we ordered it s lot!…lol)I’ve gained it all back plus 7 more lbs. I keep trying to get back to Keto, but it’s just so much work. I did the same test ten years ago and had high cortisol levels., and I spent $200 a month on the recommended supplements and a bio indentical hormone cream and still a big fat ZIP! I’m a B + blood type and Wheat, soy, corn, tomato and avocado along with chicken and pork are supposed to no-no’s. I really only feel a difference with the wheat and soy. I just recently read an article about SIBO from Dr. Wm. Davis and I’m going to give his L reuteri (sp?) yogurt a try. It’s cheaper than the $200-300 saliva test. I just turned 60 and I’m the fattest I’ve been in my entire life. I’m so interested to see what they say with your test. I think I should do the good sensitivity test too.
I cannot wait to find out. Actually, I did keto for 3 weeks and gained about 5 pounds. When I told my girl that, she acted like she wasn’t shocked.
7 pounds. That’s it! I eat healthy and exercise 5 days a week. Down 3, up 2, down 1, up 3, and so it goes. I hate the scale!! My extra weight has always gone to my hips and thighs and since menopause it’s showing up in my belly! So frustrating!! I’m 56 years old and my thought now is, at this point in my life, as long as I’m eating healthy and exercising and feel great then so what? So I have a little flab. I’m not willing to stop enjoying a glass of wine or a glass of vodka tonic just to get rid of the 7. So this is me. And honestly, for my age, I think I’m not doing too bad. Life is short and we should enjoy it. Life is good. I’m content. So the 7 is here to stay. ????
hahahaha I hear ya. I think I was at that point BEFORE I started going to the gym. I thought… whatever. Once I started and I saw everyone having these great results, something clicked with me. I knew there had to be something with my body as to why I wasn’t. I’m wanting to find out. Because if you research estrogen dominant, that’s not a good thing to have an ignore.
I have thyroid issues and take Armour thyroid by prescription from my MD. Maybe natural hormone replacement would be better for you than synthetic thyroid. I am 54 and lost 40 pounds last year by portion control and eating healthy 80% of the time.
That’s fantastic! What a great loss. And, I will soon find out. Portion control and eating healthy 99.9% of the time is not working out so well for me.
This hits home so hard! I have been doing hormone replacement therapy and it helps my foggy brain (because I’m old) I’m working out, not as hard as you and Deb, but I burn at least 300-350 calories per session. I’m a self confessed carb whore! I have gluten allergies, so I stay away from it. We are vegetarians so we really watch what we eat. I too am at a loss. I’m excited to see what your results will be with your new doctor!
Thanks.. me too. It’s not a doctor… it’s actually facility who is national. And, I feel your pain. It is MADDENING… and I refuse to believe there is nothing that will help. I will keep you posted.
I totally understand! And it is the most frustrating thing ever!! I’m older, have thyroid issues and I look like I’m eleventeen months pregnant! ???? I fell last year and couldn’t walk for months although I became a world class hopper from the bed to the kitchen and bathroom. Also have severe back issues and have to have injections every so often. I’ve had vertigo since early March and I won’t go into all the meds, etc. Needless to say, I have been sedentary and that’s not good! All bloodwork has shown up in a normal range. I cannot stand the way I feel & I’m so grateful everything is improving so I can get moving. One day I’ve lost 4 – 6 lbs and 4 days later it’s back again! I think I’m going to do the FWTFL that Beth @seersuckerandsaddles and so many others are doing. Absolutely amazing results with the nutrition part even if you can’t do the fitness thing. I have to make & see some positive changes in my body or I’m gonna turn into Freddy Kreuger! ???????? I so hope this new test will reveal all the answers you want!!
Pat
hahaha bless your heart. I’m almost Freddy Krueger status too. LOL
Deb, good for you, hope you get some answers. Hang in there.
Your skin looks amazing! Have you done something different ?
Dana
Thanks so much! And, yes. I had a microneedling appointment a few weeks back that did wonders.
Same! I’m 52. No thyroid issues for me. Working out harder than ever and eating right. Initially lost some weight but CANNOT get off this plateau! I’ve been considering doing saliva testing for bio identical hormone replacements etc but have been reluctant due to the costs and unsure if it was worth it. You’re going to be the Guinea pig ???? I hope so much that it works for you! I so feel your frustration!
hahaha I’m happy to be the guinea pig. I will for sure keep you posted.
Ok first when I got to the comments I was like holy shit so many people are commenting will I ever get to the little box! Then I realized it’s about weight loss so of course everyone is commenting! I completely understand how you are feeling, that being said I can definitely see a difference in the way you look. I know you’re not happy about your mid section and it’s very frustrating to see others have results when you aren’t seeing them. But!!! You have seen them in muscle mass and strength and probably stamina if you think about it.
I hope you find your answer and I truly hope you get the results you want. I strongly urge you to read The Fuck It Diet if for no other reason than it has a lot of good information and it’s entertaining as well. If you don’t want to read it you can always listen to the audio version.
Let me just say that I think you look amazing! I really wish we could see ourselves the way the ones that love us do! Much love to you and Deb
Awww. thank you. yes.. .I do see lots of changes. The ONE SPOT that I want to see the results, I see nothing. Thank you so much for the kind words. and, I will check out that book as it sounds very interesting. LOL
Hope you get some results. Very frustrating for you!!! I was wondering about Keto for you but then read your responses to others suggestions. I have been doing keto/low carb for 15mos now. I made my goal and am now maintaining. But, I am cheating a bit more now so, I need to get serious again(that 35th class reunion is in 2wks!). I occasionally due the IF. I definitely do not eat like I did! No processed foods and lots of veggies and protein. We bike ride due to me having a bad knee. It can be so very frustrating. I know you want to loose the weight BUT you need to pat yourself on the back for doing the gym and eating healthier!!!! Best Wishes on some good results!
Thank you. I am very proud of myself. It is really hard when everyone is discussing their 8 week results and I’m over here saying “I GOT NOTHING FOR YA.” ???? BECAUSE quite frankly, I know they are sitting there thinking the same thing as everyone else. That I am stuffing my face full of junk.
I can so relate to everything you have said. I just went to my doctor last week and told him these very same concerns that I have worked out everyday sometimes twice a day, have tracked macros etc.. I was also telling him that my mom and sister have Type 2 diabetes and I was determined not to get that diagnosis. He said by looking at the bottom half of my body he would think I weighed 120lbs. (I wish!) but the weight I gain in my middle was a dead give away that I was insulin resistant and because of the family history. He put me on metformin and said it should definitely help, but we would see. Like you I was so relieved that he believed me and didn’t think I was stuffing my face wanting an easy way out. It’s so frustrating!! Please keep us posted this sounds so interesting. You are definitely not alone!!
Thank you. I sure will keep you posted. It really is so frustrating. Especially when I am trying. It would be different if I weren’t and didn’t care.
Oh my goodness. I have seen you both go to the gym so much that it wears me out. I cannot wait to hear what you find out. Thank you for sharing this struggle so many of us can identify with.
Thank you. I will for sure keep you posted. It has been quite trying these last couple of weeks.
Two words for you….. Dr Cabral. Seriously. I know everyone puts in their two cents of advice on what worked for them. But this Dr is phenomenal. He’s a naturopathic doctor and he truly heals. He’s got a podcast. List to it. It’s free! See if it’s something you’d like to continue listening to. Dr Stephen Cabral. Google your disease Name along with his name. It will pull up a podcast. I know he’s done at least one podcast on everything out there known to man. He’s got tests you can run at home. He will discuss the results over the phone with you. Or go see him in person (Boston).
Another thing I’ve done is the Galveston diet (not really a diet). She (a menopausal gynecologist) who finally decided to stop giving her patients the wrong advise (eat less, exercise more), because it won’t work for us menopausal women. She recommends fasting (I don’t eat after 8:00 pm until lunch the next day), a revised Keto type meal plan and then removing foods from your diet that cause immflamuation With those 3 things, it should help you a lot. Well, it did me. Her program is cheap to buy. She sends you meal menus and grocery shopping lists for 5 weeks. I never go hungry and have been losing weight, finally!
I did keto for three weeks and gained 5 pounds. I NEVER eat after dinner (5pm) until breakfast around 7am…. We obviously consume calories when we have a cocktail at night, but that’s not all the time. I did WW for a month and didn’t drink a swig of alcohol, nor did I exercise except a brisk walk of 3 miles walking Ivy and I lost NOTHING. Not a single pound. I know my foods that cause inflammation and have given them all up. I do not eat dairy, gluten, or grains. I basically eat Whole30 for every meal. And, nothing. There obviously is something else going on with me. This is where the problem lies. I can do what everyone else is doing and recommends and it truly does not work for me.
Can’t wait to hear about this. I am 56 and have struggled my whole life. I am very muscular naturally so I have NEVER lost weight easily. I was going to the gym.. doing light weights… And Never lost a fricking pound. Did cardio.. lost a lb or two. I started a program in February and have lost about 20lbs… But have hit a plateau. I feel better but just get frustrated too. I always feel like such a failure. I am trying to change how I THINK about my weight and have more positive thoughts and feelings hoping that changes my attitude. But cortisol and adrenal fatigue are REAL!! I have a stressful job and am just naturally a worrier. I think that has a lot to do with it so I am curious about your new journey. Thanks for sharing such a hard topic and letting us know we aren’t alone.
Thank you. I will for sure keep you posted. I cannot wait to get the test done.
Danelle, the whole time I was reading your post I was thinking…I have to tell her about Intermittent Fasting. I am doing it, I am 60, and the results are great. There is nothing complicated about it, so no overwhelm to worry about. I TOO have thyroid issues and I too felt just like you when the report from my visit to the doctor read “overweight.” There at two books I recommend…Delay, Don’t Deny by GIn Stephens and The Obesity Code by Dr. Jadon Fung. There is a fantastic FB group that are fabulous supper and GIn Stephens herself will answer many questions/issues/concerns. I was ready to spend $$$ to get into a program, so desperately wanted to lose weight-inches. Please consider this. I hear your concern- I WAS in the same place.
I truly have done everything. I do not eat anything from 5pm until 7-8am depending on when we go to the gym. Obviously, when we have a cocktail, there are calories in that. We don’t do that every night. It doesn’t work for me. I went over this all with my girl. She wasn’t shocked that I gained 5 pounds in three weeks on keto and IM fasting either.
I am sorry you are not where you want to be in the weight department. I know everyone’s body is different. I would recommend weighing on a scale that measures lean mass/fat/water. Since you are working out so much you could be losing fat and gaining muscle mass which is heavier. I weigh on a scale called Inbody. It will even tell you how much fat each arm, leg and your trunk have.
That’s exactly what the contraption at the gym does. It tells us our percentage of body fat and muscle in each different parts of our bodies. I am literally seeing little to no changes.
Bless your heart. ???? I know you’re frustration. I too struggle with low thyroid and weight. I’m excited to hear about what you find out. Cheering you on!!
Have you checked to see if it could be a medicine you are taking that is the culprit? There are medications that can make you gain weight.
I am 66 and can not get my weight off. I lose a pound then gain it right back. I have been on thyroid meds for 23 years. I am walking, doing weights, watching what I eat with a few treats. Very interested to hear what this place says.
It is so frustrating. I will for sure keep you posted.
Good luck to you! It can be frustrating. I don’t think 3 weeks of Keto is long enough to say that it didn’t work. If you have major hormonal (insulin) issues it can take longer. Low carb/Keto is the best way I have found to decrease belly fat. I’m in my late 40s and heard all the other lies, too, about not being able to lose weight… hormones out of whack… move more eat less… I’m happy to prove them wrong by losing 30 lbs. It took about a year. I hope your girl gets you on the right path, a path that works for you!!
While I applaud you for your hard work, what works for you doesn’t work for everyone. I thought the same thing until the last two years. It just doesn’t work the same for everyone. I used to hear a lady at work talking about this. I was mid 40s. She kept saying it doesn’t matter what she does, the weight isn’t budging. I thought she was full of crap. Well… that came back to bite me in the ass. Here I am. And, when I gained 5 pounds on keto in 3 weeks…. I sure wasn’t going to give it 3 more weeks to gain 5 more that won’t come off.
I have felt this EXACT SAME WAY – I too have underactive thyroid and while trying so hard to lose weight have thought, “it has to be off – something has to be off!” And nothing is off. It’s defeating and so hard to keep going with your plan. I’m so happy Deb is so supportive. And I hope this test reveals something helpful!! Love you ladies!!
Thank you. The place I am going has offices nationally all over the US. I will for sure keep you posted if this works. It is so frustrating.
Hi Danelle, I hope you find an answer soon. It can be so frustrating ! By the way, I think you look great! And it’s wonderful that you have such great support from Deb. I’ve had similar struggles but with a different disease and support is everything so as your not in it alone. But your tenacity is everything also and with both, I know you’ll get to the bottom of it! Oh and you two make me pee my pants! Good thing I have lots of underwear ???? they say laughter is the best medicine and I wholeheartedly agree, I’m 58 and this bladder thing just started so I guess it’s something to look forward to!???? Jk ????????
hahahaha awww.. thank you! And I get it. I peed my pants three times at the gym today. LOL
Man! I would really love this to work for you! Your story is my story ????. I did Keto for 3 months and lost 3 lbs, my husband lost 40….wth !
I want to shout from the rooftops that keto isn’t for everyone. Because I have actually gotten MORE MESSAGES about the keto diet and intermittent fasting than any other diet. Some even quite mean…because it is THE ONLY WAY they have found that works… AND telling me I didn’t give it long enough or I didn’t fast enough hours. When you are on a diet plan for three weeks and gain 5 pounds, it’s probably not the best way for you to eat. ???? (Or like you…. 3 pounds lost in a month. That’s a crock of shit, too. LOL) When I told my girl my experience with keto and fasting, she didn’t act shocked at all in my situation. Until people go through this, they will NEVER understand. This is why Deb now goes to all of my appointments. Because people absolutely cannot wrap their head around the fact that I can be doing everything correctly and nothing is working.
And by the way… if this works, you will for sure hear about it. I am going to a place who has facilities nationally.
Oh my gosh this is pretty much me! 50, Thyroid issues since 40, team training at anytime not 5 days a week tho cuz I like to bike too. I’ve built a lot of muscle like you, love that! The contraption thing I’ve grown to hate because I’ve gained 6 lbs since March!! I work out harder than I ever have and it’s frustrating!! I eat right and everything too- so I guess I can’t wait to hear about this new test!
OMG… Same here. HATE that thing. I have to do my 8 weeks contraption thing tomorrow. It wasn’t working when we got measured and did our AMRAP last week so we rescheduled that part for tomorrow. I told him today that I don’t want to hear my results. If he prints them out, they will go into the trash can before I walk out. I’m not listening to the results. Because all I will do is feel bad. I KNOW what they are going to be. I have plenty of mirrors around my house and the BIG mirror in the gym is proof enough for me. ????
I have been reading a lot lately about stomach microbiomes,sibo,parasites etc.affecting weight. Perhaps time to look into this?
Yes… I have just heard of this too. I have been taking a very good probiotic since January to eliminate the gut problems, too.
Dearest Danelle,
I was waiting to do the gym thing until you told us you lost 30 pounds and now have a washboard tummy!! How stinking depressing it is to read all these comments where so many of us 50 to 60+ have this much trouble with weight loss. Maybe if we exercise and eat well this is what we’re supposed to weigh. So when your medical records state obese just say “no not obese, just what I’m suppose to weigh!”
hahahahah I tried to wrap my head around thinking this is what I am supposed to weigh. Until I started working out very hard and seeing no results. It is frustrating going and not seeing much. I will keep you posted though. I think I’m on the right track.
I am so glad you found this gal because this is exactly what my functional Dr has done, among a few other things & I am seeing results! The functional Dr may have done the same thing for you but you would have had to wait for the 8 months! Hopefully, this is the start of the right track for you…..I absolutely know how you feel when you said the Drs didn’t believe you & then when you found the person who did!! I had so many tears of relief!! And, I still believe it has much to do with our gender. If a man goes to the Dr with symptoms and no remedies have worked , they are not told it is in all the heads. The Dr keeps going till they find an answer. Good luck to you!!!
Thanks so much for this. I truly feel a sense of relief. I cried actually. I am using this program as a starting point because I couldn’t go 8 more months before getting in with the functional doctor. But I still will be paying him a visit.
Danelle, I’m in the same boat! I’m working with an anti aging Dr in Branson, MO.
I have a test I will be doing that is like the saliva test, only more comprehensive. It’s called the Dutch Test, a urine test done at particular times through a 24 hr period.
I cannot wait to find out my results!
A few years ago I suddenly gained 25 lbs and you can follow my MyFitnessPal app and see I was eating the same food all along. Depressing!
Sure hope you get your answers too lady ????
Laurie Brown
Thanks so much. My test is next week. I cannot wait to get the results. Please keep me posted. Something HAS TO be off.
Genetic testing for MTHFR defects! Then google Dr. Ben Lynch and learn how to support your methylation cycles! It’s been life changing for me and I firmly believe everybody should have this done. Best of luck to you!
Oh geez… now I’m curious. I’m going to look this up.
I feel ya, sister. When I was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism by my family doctor, I decided to go to an endocrinologist in Nashville — a speicalist — because thyroid issues run in my family and I wanted ‘the best’ care possible in order to get a handle on it. I will never forget it.. My hubby went with me as did my 2 boys, who were around ages 5 & 7 at the time. The VERY FIRST THING the doctor said to me was something to the effect that ‘people come see me hoping that I will increase their meds so that they can lose weight.’ She then went on to tell me how to eat and what to do, and I was doing all of those things already. I just wanted a specialist’s point of view and plan of care. She made me feel so badly during the appointment, bruising my feelings so badly, that I could hardly contain myself until we got out in the parking lot …. holding my breath until there was no one around and then I just lost it … I started crying uncontrollably. I already felt bad about myself, and for her to tell me my motive for seeing her was so far from the truth not only devastated me, it was also so very degrading to me at that moment. I wanted a plan of action, not a lecture nor a bully. But that’s how it felt. I totally get where you are coming from. No one knows your body like YOU, so you keep searching until you find answers!! Hopefully, this place you visited will give you the answers you need in order to jump back into optimal health. ♥
The one GOOD thing I did get from that visit is a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune issue. Most people with hypothyroidism suffer from this and do not know it.
So….there was a silver lining, I guess.
Danelle – I know where you are coming from! It is not you, it is not what you are eating or not eating. You are doing everything right. I was size 8 my whole life, then after my baby number 6, my thryoid tanked and I became allergic to my own estrogen. Even after menopause – stress of any kind set off inflammatory responses that made me gain weight, regardless of exercise and very careful eating. I struggled for years. Then what worked for me was a program called ‘Optavia’. You eat five small snacks a day – these are bars, shakes and something like soup or mashed potatoes, designed specifically by the company to stabilize metabolism, reduce inflammatory markers and start a slow, steady fat burn. Then you eat one Lean and Green Meal a day, this will be easy for you to do – as you already eat very healthfully – so preparing one or two half meals a day of primarily lean protein and vegetable will be a no brainer. I am 60, and was 70 pounds (ugggh!) over weight. I didn’t even mind the weigh except that I knew for sure that it could lead to multiple health issues. I lost 12 inches from my hips, and 8 inches from my waist in the ten weeks. They don’t advocate extreme exercise, as they say it stresses your system and that leads to weight loss interruption. At month two I started reasonable daily walks and plenty of hearty outside gardening. I feel like a new person and I had tried everything! I found it hard to believe how well this worked. This may not be the right plan for you. But I am sure you will find exactly the right thing that will address your unique combination of hormones, neurophysiology and life history. Your house is sheer delight! Thanks for sharing it! I wish you a bright and happy return on all the hard work you are doing to take care of yourself! Leslie
So sorry! I feel your pain. I went to a woman’s health center that did an ultrasound, stress test, and full blood panel. I’m very low on testosterone and my thyroid levels are just below normal. They want yo do bio identical therapy pellets that cost $500 every 3 to 4 months. As much as I want to do it, I cant see spending that and 40 a month in supplements. Also I am batting with fibroids. This getting older thing sucks!
Hi Danelle,
Make sure your DHEA levels have been checked along with other hormonal markers. You could possibly have overactive adrenal glands (sometimes goes hand-in-hand with hypothyroidism) causing your cortisol levels to be too high. A very very low dose steroid calms those adrenals down. My endocrinologist has said that you can supplement your thyroid with higher and higher doses but until you fix the hyperactive adrenal glands your hormones will never be in check.
This was a life changer for me, and I feel like it gets missed with a lot of people so worth mentioning to you. Good luck! And like others have said, y’all both look great! your 5x a week gym attendance is very impressive!! ????????
Yes. Yes. Yes. I have Hashimoto’s and PCOS. I Can get 10 lbs off, and that’s it.
I know it’s hard. I’m almost 52. My integrative medical dr out me on natural thyroid and bioidentical progesterone and testosterone.
As well as a supplement called d Chiro Insotil. He feels like every menopausal could be helped with that.
Since end of January I’ve lost 25 pounds. Shocking.
You said doing keto you gained in 5 lbs in 3 weeks.. I would give it longer and do lazy keto no measuring.. my sister lost 100 in 9 months and loves it. Of course only some alcohol is allowed… try diet squirt with vodka yum! And she stops eating at 6pm like you said and then again late morning.. wish you the best! The struggle is real!
I have been struggling for decades with weight loss but now that i am in my fifties, it is literally impossible to drop a pound. No one believes me either. Same insensitive comments, lots of judgement, same disbelief — i could literally starve myself and gain weight. I too have a thyroid issue and all my lab work comes back normal every.single.time. I watch friends and family do a fraction of what i do and they drop weight effortlessly. I am so interested to see how you make out with this test. I really hope you get an answer. Thank you so much for sharing!! I feel a little less alone in this struggle. Best wishes to you.
Thank you so much. I totally understand. It is so frustrating hearing…. YOU NEED TO STOP EATING AFTER THIS TIME… or YOU NEED TO STOP EATING SO MUCH FRUIT…. OR YOU NEED TO FAST FOR 12 HOURS. It really isn’t about what I am doing or NOT doing… There is something going on. I have tried EVERYTHING…. I’ve even had people tell me I didn’t give keto enough time. I was on it for 3 weeks and gained 5 pounds. So do you want me to stay on it for 6 more weeks and be up 15 to prove that it doesn’t work for everyone? I just am so over it, honestly. I try not to listen to the people giving their advice because I know what I do and that it is not working. I will for sure keep you posted.
I know the key is to keep your heart rate up and calories burned.. which you are doing. You also have to take in less calories than you are burning..
Alcohol is a huge calorie waster.
I am not an expert by any means just in the same age and stuff as you. No thyroid problem though. But honestly the key is a type of cardio everyday really for like 25/30 min and what you are doing as far as food is great, but your protein should be gist size and try to eat any veggies that have natural sugar before lunch or by lunch. Watch the sodium and the veggies and starches should be a tablespoon. Try not eat after 6 every day. Eat 5 times with a protein snack.. it will happen..
these tricks helped me.. ????????
I have been on WW for 4 yrs now and I was jammin I lost 50 lbs. Then on a wellness check up for my insurance in 2017 my doctor wasn’t happy with an Abdominal exam and sent me for tests. They found an 11 pound Cyst on my Ovary and all of the sudden I’m scheduled for a full Hysterectomy. My hormones have not been normal since I have gained 20 back and haven’t been successful getting back on track. I would love to hear about your girl and see if there is something in my area…
I’ll be 60 in two months. I gained 35 lbs last year, partly because I started taking a couple of antidepressants. Is that all to blame? I don’t think so! I’m at my heaviest weight of all time, weighing the same as when I birthed a 10 month baby weighing 9 lbs, 34 years ago!!
I haven’t had a period in 7/8 years. I have Hashimoto’s. I’m addicted to carbs. I don’t exercise. I’m tired all the time. I have no interest in sex, which may be because I’m fat!! I’m on NutriSystem and keep my caloric intake at 1200 a day. And yet, I’m not losing weight.
So like you, I’m very frustrated.
I’m curious to find out what your tests will show. I hate going to the dr. for all the tests to show everything is ‘normal.’ No…everything is NOT normal!! I used to be able to skip lunch and lose 5 lbs????????????.
And I’m tired of everyone say, “it happens to everyone in menopause.” (My husband is 12 years younger than me and he doesn’t like seeing all these physical changes in his once very fit, marathon runner, triathlete wife!!)
Hi!! I have Hashimoto’s too and have had it for a long time…here are some Dr.’s (some are and some are not) I follow closely…Izabella Wentz, her book “Hashimoto’s protocol”, Dr. Ben Lynch his book, Dirty Genes (SO good, super interesting and helpful!) I’ve also learned a lot from Anthony William, the Medical Medium. Some people are skeptic and don’t believe him but I think he’s truly honest and he has helped me SO much!! I have ALL of his books!! I listen to his podcasts on hayhouse radio app. I like listening to the latest health info from the Lillian McDermott show on FB. Dr. Goldner was interviewed on this show , she says “goodbye to Lupus” but also says goodbye to many other autoimmune diseases! Dr. Goldner has an Inexpensive online 6 weeks rapid recovery program where she is involved in your recovery.
I have found that most traditional Dr.’s do not know anything about curing disease. We have to find out through others who study diseases like the ones I listed above. There are many out there, you just have to do your research.
I hope this helps!! I’ve been on my own health journey, gathering info for long time…
Let me know if you need anything!
Kim Boyer
Hi, first of all I think you look truly gorgeous! I will say I have found that doctors don’t always have all the answers when it comes to hormones. I’ve been told symptoms weren’t related to hormones or peri menopause…. to do my own research and find its a major symptom and shared by many women. It’s frustrating to say the least. I think you’re right to look into this program because we have to explore all possibilities and advocate for ourselves! Keep us posted!
Thanks so much. What I am doing is working. I am so happy about that. I hope to have my post done tomorrow.
Google Dr. Joe Dispenza and Gregg Braden. It’s not about the food. The medical field is a business. I was supposed to die “within four months” back in 2013. Spoiler alert…still here. Best to you and Deb. You’re going to be just fine!
[…] I need to update you on that one. My August health goal will make much more sense to you if you read July’s first. If you have read it, you know I have tried everything. I even got some really nasty messages […]