I have a new GP from a Prestigious school. I'm on some meds that might cause weight gain. I'm over fifty and menopausal. I'm hypothyroid. I use to exercise, but it is a huge problem now due to health problems. I rarely exercise now. Ive gained a good twenty pounds.

To my surprise, she told me if I wanted to lose weight, I must do the following:
1. Eat 900 calories a day. This is due to what I said above and the fact that I'm barely 5'2". Bottom line is I think she was saying that multiple problematic factors might require shaving off some calories.
2. All calories must be super duper high quality. This means lots of green veggies, veggies in general, best meats available, some fruit, some nuts, etc.
3. No sugar, no alcohol, no processed foods, no junk food
4. Avoid gluten, breads, flour...actually NO flour products
5. Reduce starchy carbs like rice and potato...ok in small amounts
6. Reduce dairy (the only dairy I eat is an occasional Greek yogurt and occasional feta cheese)
7. Drink lots of water between meals
8. Record food intake/calories
9. Moderate fruit intake is ok (preferably low glycemic ones) and small amounts of nuts for snacks are also a good snack
10. Most healthy food is fine...no gluten, sugar or junk. Moderation is important.

Well...this is hard as heck. But, I've been doing it and knock on wood, I've been losing weight. Knock on wood, I've lost close to fifteen pounds since February. It would be more, but I had a few chocolate binges. However, I always get right back on my diet. Motivating me is not just the weight loss, but I find I have more energy and less body aches eating this way. I'm eating a LOT of vegetables now both cooked and raw. I recognize that when it is time for maintenance, I very likely will not be able to eat a lot of calories...there likely won't be much of an increase. But, I'm ok with this.

I use an APp on my phone to record calories...has been very helpful.

Wishing everyone good luck with this important endeavor.

Hi Vowel Lady,

Keep striving for that goal! My Thread, Got To Do It, details the beginning of my ongoing journey. My weight gain was triggered by Mirtazapine, exacerbated by the Depression it treats - and I gave up smoking.

I am hitting around 1200cals a day, I haven't cut anything out except junk, refined sugar and excessive portions. It is a struggle made easier by support from the Members and Friends here (interchangeable terms). Tomorrow I see my GP about my Diabetes HbA1c figure increasing over last year, I may have to change my diet further then.

Do not think you are doing this alone. Come here for support - and fight those chocolate cravings.

Dave.

Molly...I re read your first post in this thread. Years ago I was on a lot of prednisone and gained about twenty five pounds. I was beside myself. In my particular case, when I got better, I was able to lower the dosage and stayed on top of the doctor lowering the med every chance I got. I got on another med at some point that wasn't such a big issue in terms of weight gain. I also took a mild diuretic for a short time.

Ironically, even though this was a long time ago, I ended up doing very much the same diet I've described in my other post. Again, hard as heck. I recall drinking a lot of water and being diligent about not eating anything salty, sugary and avoided flour. (These days I've eliminated flour).

I know Topamax instead of other meds in it's class can be helpful. I think that is definitely something to ask the doctor about. Even if you can only make a partial switch...every little bit helps.

You might consider doing something like Weight Watchers, but since you have medication and health issues, I know from experience that weight loss is stubborn and for me this meant little to NO sugar or flour items. To be more specific, WW does not advocate a great reduction ...practically eliminating sugar and flour. But, I have found that when we have a lot going against us due to meds, etc., eliminating certain things, especially flour and sugar, might be necessary. Not everyone "gets" this unless they've been in the thick of things. A person can still do WW and just chose to tweak it by not eating those things. But weight Watchers does offer support and accountability....which is great!

And coming here, hopefully is helpful as well. I do find support of any kind very helpful.

Wishing you strength and success.

What problems can you have with a low potassium?
I have never thought about my potassium intake.
I guess I could just drink a glass of v8 juice like you suggested.
bizi
hi vowel lady, I too will take all of the support I can get. thanks!