Question:
Could there be a medical reason besides thyroid problems for a SLOW metabolism?

My metabolism has always been extremely slow. I have been checked many times throughout my life and do not have a thyroid problem. I am three months out from lap RNY and have lost about 65 pounds. My surgeon is extremely disappointed in my weight loss given my high starting weight. I have not cheated, no snacking, etc. I am eating three meals a day, protein first, VERY little carbs if at all, 75 ounces of water a day, one to two Real Meals protein drinks a day, exercising one hour every day on my recumbent Lifecycle bike. Yes, I work up a definite sweat. My calories stay between 650-850 depending on exactly what I eat. I have read through the metabolism questions in the library and I do not see anything that specifically talks about other medical problems that may contribute to slow weight loss with the exception of thyroid problems and I cannot help but wonder if there is another reason for my slow loss. Thanks in advance for any responses!! :-)    — Debbie M. (posted on June 25, 2003)

June 25, 2003
I just don't understand why your surgeon is "extremely disappointed" with 65 pounds in 3 months. I think that is a great weight loss for 3 months. Is it just me? I just don't see the problem. That doesn't sound like a slow metabolism to me.
   — ZZ S.

June 25, 2003
Debbie, I don't think your weight loss is slow at all. I am 6 weeks and down 41 pounds and started at 291. I don't know what your starting weight was, but it sounds to me like a GREAT weight loss for anyone. I would have to ask WHY your doctor is so disappointed. I wouldn't be if I were you. You sound right on track for 100 pound weight loss in 6 months and that is incredible. As for slow metabolism and thyroid... the "lab normals" are not always teh whole picture. You can have a thyroid deficiency reguardless of what the lab slip says. My OB/GYN told me that, because my labs always showed normal. He put me on synthroid, and I'm doing wonderfully now. If your TSH levels are high, then you most definately do have a thyroid problem because your body is trying to stimulate thyroid production and it's not working so well. Take care and be encouraged.
   — Happy I.

June 25, 2003
Your Doc is Disappointed? Your weight loss sounds great!!! My BMI was 42, I am 12 weeks out and down 45lbs. My mother in law had surgery around the same time I did. She is down about 65lbs and her BMI was about the same as yours. If your Doctor was concerned about a medical reason for the slow loss I am sure that he would have ran some tests. If you check around on the archives, I think that you'll find that there are some people who just lose slower than others.
   — M B.

June 26, 2003
If you have any doubts about your thyroid, ask your md to refer you to an Endocrinologist that specializes in thyroid problems. But it sounds to me like you are doing fine!! If you get to 18 months out and you'd only lost that much I'd be worried. Relax & see what comes. Don't compare yourself to others. Maybe your doctor needs to relax too!!! Ha, ha! Good Luck!!
   — Karen M.

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