Low metabolic rate

[Mema]

Yesterday I had my REE (Resting energy expenditure) and then went to my nutritionist appointment. When I gave her my test results, she was shocked. She told me I had the lowest metabolic rate she has ever seen.

I should be at 1619 calories per day to maintain my weight for my age, weight and height but I am only at 750 calories per day. (After measuring the REE and calculating the 24 hour intake, you reduce your food consumption by approximately 200-300 calories a day below the measured REE. This should result in about 1 pound weight loss per week with additional weight loss due to exercise. ) Obviously because my rate is so low, I can’t reduce my caloric intake by 200-300. On top of that once you reach age 40 for each decade past that age your metabolism reduce by approximately 5%. Are you kidding me? That means in about 3 years (I will be 47 in July) chances are good it will decrease even more. How can I really go any lower?

She stated that since my rate is so low I will have a very difficult time losing weight. She said that I need to realize that I will not see the results that most people do with the band (i.e. I will not see the about 50% + of weight loss that most people get during the first year). Furthermore, to get any results I will have to work very hard and it will take me a lot longer. She said she wanted to make sure I was walking into this with eyes wide open and realize I am on a different plain than others. She is worried that I would get frustrated with the slow results and would “give-up.” There are drugs that the endocrinologist could prescribe but it takes months for them to take effect and since I am so far behind the curve ball, they can only help me so much and I will most likely never be at the level I should be.

She told me that she was worried about me getting the band and asked if I would look into bypass and consider that option instead. She said I would have a greater weight loss up front which she believes would help to motivate me to continue to work hard to achieve the best results I can with my screwy metabolism.

I feel so defeated and like I am truly fighting a losing battle. I feel like no matter what I do I am destined to be “fat.” It is depressing. She seemed surprised I wasn’t happy that I truly have a health reason of why I can’t seem to lose weight and keep it off. I am not looking for excuses I am looking for results.

So, has anyone here had this low of a metabolic rate? If so, did you take drugs and what did you take? What are the side effects of the drugs? How are you doing on your journey?

[MoOrLess]

Hi - in answer to your question, no I have never had an REE and don't know if I have a low metabolic rate...but from everything that you are saying, I'd bet my last dollar that I DO have the same issue.

I lost pretty well my first year (60 lbs) and then gained 20 lbs back over the next year and a few months -- and it wil NOT budge. I've changed medicines, gone off many and now am back on diabetes medicine after two years off of them!

I have never lost weight easily -- it has always been a struggle. Honestly - even with the band it is a huge struggle. I am NOT anti-band -- but I am pro-life and healthy weight!!! So I'm just going to put it out there --- listen to what this nutritionist is telling you - talk to her/him again, and talk with your surgeon BEFORE you make a final decision on the type of weight loss surgery that is best for YOU! I say this because I have come to realize after three years that perhaps the band was not the best choice for MY body. I'm happy - I've seen some results - but I fight for every single pound that comes off and I'm in my third year.

Lots of food for thought -- keep sharing please on this topic - and let us know how your journey progresses. Thanks for sharing, I'll have to check into this issue some more myself.

[maggieD]

Hi. I haven't had the test you are talking about but I do know I have the Metobolic Syndrome that isn't the same for everyone. Not only has this syndrome cause me to struggle constantly with weight since my teenage years but I wasn't ever able to have a baby either. We couldn't afford IVF when I was younger and now I think I am too old to risk it. I had everyother treatment tho for that and never was lucky enough to have a baby. So after greiving the lost of not having a family I focused on my work. I tried every diet out there and would have small results but then nothing. I heard about the band...and of course gastric bypass but the band was less evasive and was hopefully doable for me. I had some control and the band had some control.

I didn't have the kind of Dr who required you to see a specialist to make sure you head was in the right place for this journey... Perhaps that would have helped me. Also I didn't see a dietician either. I was just thankful for my surgery thinking that this would me the tool to assist me. I too am wondering if MY body wasn't the right body for this tool. I truely beleive in the LB but it hasn't worked for me.... YET. I don't have restriction and my Dr's Assistant is trying to determine why but I haven't been back to the LB Dr since Oct/Nov since I have been so discouraged.

I have found a Endo Dr here locally so a week from tuesday I am going to see Him and hopefully get back on track with treating the Metoblism issues. It is definitely a cycle that I am on.

Good luck with your decision and ask questions from everyone... this site is just awesome....

[Mema]

Mo - Thanks for your input and I do plan on continuing the conversation to make sure I make not only make an educated decision but also the right decision for me. I will keep you posted on what I find out.


Maggie - If you don't mind me asking, did they or are you on any type of medication to help increase your metabolism? If so, have you noticed much of a difference? Have you had any side effects from the medication?

[Jachut]

If I understand it correctly, metabolic syndrome (or syndrome x) is a different issue - usually tied up with polycystic ovaries, infertility, a very high risk for diabetes and an identifiable weight gain pattern - apple shaped, abdominal obesity that is difficult to shift. It is often treated with a very strict low carb diet, people with this syndrome dont process carb foods well and have problems with blood chemistry as a result of carby/sugary diets.

Low metabolic rate is simply that, a very efficient body that doesnt require a lot of energy to remain alive - whether or not you also have syndrome x would have to be tested.

I'd agree, think very hard about your surgery. Whatever you do you're going to have to be able to remain on a low calorie diet long term and exercise and building muscle to burn calories and raise the metabolism would have to be a priority, more so than for most people. But take heart in the fact that even if achieving a truly low BMI is not realistic, you can be healthier and fitter than most people if you make the right lifestyle choices, you might just be curvy with it. You probably can lose significant weight, its just a shame it has to be so hard for you, its hard enough as it is.

I know lots of skinny people that can eat what they like, but I dont know many skinny people that spend much time still. All the ones I know are those super efficeint, energetic people that are always doing something, even if they're not regular exercisers. That tells you a LOT. We can all be people like that, I do my daily exercise, but since I started losing weight I've made it my mission to never sit on my ass for longer than a minute or two. Four years down the track, i'm not a sitter anymore, I'm always on the move. I sit down to watch a bit of telly at night and before you know it, I'm cleaning something or organising something and complaining that I never get to watch anything.

[maggieD]

I have been on several different meds and nothing really has worked for me but to be brutally honest (with myself) I haven't given them (dr's) the chance to get this corrected for me. I spend so many years with the infirtility issues and all that I had to do with that issue that I was mainly burnt out regarding Drs and testing etc. I have been on and off metformin and it has helped somewhat... I am hoping for that again. Good luck with you journey and making that informed decision for you and your surgery.

Maggie - If you don't mind me asking, did they or are you on any type of medication to help increase your metabolism? If so, have you noticed much of a difference? Have you had any side effects from the medication?[/QUOTE]

[deanna1225]

:cool:please ck with an endocrologist before taking all that info to heart. opinions are great but you can not put a blanket over everybody. we are all different. I know for myself I often have broken many medical odds. hang in there

[maggieD]

Yes. Definitely see a Dr who specializes in this condition. An endocrinolist is who you must see. Yes you can get lots of different opinions here, idea etc and that is what makes this such a wonderful site but all in all you must see a DR who has evaluated your condition to be informed about what will be best for you. AND like it was stated above we are all different and wont have the same results. Please keep us informed and let us know how you are doing. :)

[maggieD]

I have been reading this book about insulin resistance and diet... The Insulin-Resistance Diet and basically it teaches that you should link your Carbs with Protein. It teaches that you shouldnt have more than 2 servings (30g) of a Carb at any meal serving and if you have the 2 servings you must link it with a balance of Protein of at least 2 servings (14g) Protein. And example would be 1 slice of toast (15g) with 1 scrambled egg(7g). So I guess its not really a diet but a way of eating food. I know my body doesn't process the insulin correctly so I am trying to educate myself on how to eat the foods I choose. There is no way I will ever eliminate carbs ... but I can choose the carbs that are best for me. You can check this out at www.irdiet.com (http://www.irdiet.com) if you are interested. So if I can get this to work for me along with controling my portions via the LB then hopefully this will all fall into place for me and I will start seeing some results again. :) wish me luck with my journey...another step in the right direction!!

[Mema]

Thanks Maggie I will check that out. I have one more appointment next week and then I should be refered to the surgeon and the endocrinologist. Hoping I can get some answers from the endocrinologist then I can make an educated decision of where to go from here.

Best of luck on your journey!