Background info before my question.
Due to my cancer my weight went from 240 to 153 & then it went back up & held steady at 163-5 after my bone marrow transplant. After the transplant I had frequent blood transfusions until two years ago & then I started gaining weight.
After my transplant I was automatically put on Synthroid (50mg)because they said all transplant patients needed it. Do you think it could be my Thyroid that is causing me to gain weight? I go for blood tests every 3 weeks and am due to actually see the doctor in August and am considering asking him to check it.
I eat right, drink my water & my snacks are usually fresh fruits. My immune system is finally up high enough that I am allowed to eat raw fruits and vegetables again. I am not a big ice cream eater & I can't have solid chocolate because it triggers my IBS.
This weight gain is very frustrating, especially since I am not overeating (and not undereating either).

quote:

Originally posted by BrenauMom:
I... started gaining the weight in 2003 when I stopped have transfusions. I don't know what if anything the transfusions have to do with it but that is definately when it started.

Maybe ask the dr. if transfusions make you burn more calories. Maybe somehow, processing other peoples blood uses up some calories - or maybe the increased blood volume? - sort of kind of like your blood volume increases when you're pregnant - which is another time we burn more cals???? This is a TOTAL guess on my part!

I have decided to try cutting out my Fruit2o flavored waters. I love them and they are supposedly no calorie (made with Splenda). But Splenda is fairly new and since it is made from sugar I wonder if there is something about it that while it does not raise your blood sugar (diabetics use it) it could still cause weight gain. I know that sound radical but who knows what might be possible.
I have switched to Smart Water for a while. It has electrolites in it like Gatorade but without the flavors or sweetners.

Wish I could say I ate as healthy as you! I have a large weight gain and suffer several health issues (maily a kidney disease) However sevral things can contribute to sickness and the weight gain. I was 70 lbs until my 25th surgery and then I've been packing it on ever since. I also have insomnia and meds can also contribute to the weight. My Dr. is very supportive but he feels the weight isn't going to get better as I struggle with this disease. I am glad to hear you have such good news concering yours. Take time for yourself. My advice from several in this forum I will share with you. Check with your Dr. If he helped you through your illness he can help you with the side effects or point you in the right direction. I too am frustrated but your weight doesn't define you. Take care of you!

quote:

Originally posted by MaryJo:
Did you have thyroid cancer?

No, it was Lymphoma. Stage 4 & in every lymph node in my body not just one or two spots. God gave me a super fantaboulous doctor & I was in remmission in less than a year. Been in remmission for 5 years now.
I have been on the Synthroid since 2000 but only started gaining the weight in 2003 when I stopped have transfusions. I don't know what if anything the transfusions have to do with it but that is definately when it started.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: BrenauMom,

Mom: I have been on Synthroid for 20-22 years and I did gain quite a bit of weight but it wasn't until I went on hormone replacement therapy PLUS the Synthroid that I started packing on the weight. I'm relatively sure that I stayed around the same weight the first few years I was on Synthroid.

A little over a year ago, I heard about Cytomel and asked my endo if I could try that because my weight loss had plateaued (the first time). Starting Cytomel DID allow me to break that plateau and lose a bit more weight but then I went right back into an even longer plateau a few months later (still going).

Like Mary Jo, I would suggest you mention the weight gain to your doctor and ask him/her whether Cytomel plus Synthroid might be a good option for you.

I have autoimmune thyroid disease. I take synthroid and cytomel. My thyroid hormones fluctuate and definately cause my metabolism to operate slowly. It slows down everything. I am sure that with all that you have been through and the fact that you take synthroid, they must check your hormone levels regularly. Did you have thyroid cancer? You may need the combination of t3 and t4 hormones, cytomel with synthroid. Something you definately need to ask your doctor about.