I am a thyroid patient and know how confusing it can be trying to figure it all out! Theoretically the Drs. should do that for us -- but not all are knowlegeable about total treatment. I agree with the posters that mentioned about.com as a tremendous help in understanding. On about.com they have a info page and message board where others post Dr.s they have found helpful or to avoid in your location. Also at
http://www.armourthyroid.com/ has a similar site for a dr. search
I have found when I mention Armour that the family physicians treated me as though I had 3 heads! But I have read so many instances of it helping many. I finally found an endo that knows about it and considers it & also is finally testing for T3,t4 and antibodies. I empathize with you as it can take a long time to find someone who will test for more than TSH levels , but it is vital.
I have lost around 25 lbs. over the last 2 years via first Suzanne Somers and now *mainly* The Schwarzbein Principle"(I am not perfect!) which I would describe as 'controlled carb plans'. When I tried the strict induction part of Atkins I found my hypo symptoms worsening (especially constipation ,hair loss, & fatigue)and only lost 5 lbs. and gained it back while remaining strict, so I figured that was not working for me and tried the others. I discovered *I must consume a moderate amount of healthy carbs to lose * -- note I said *moderate* amount as the above mentioned programs encourage! I also find I *must* exercise consistenly, about 20-30min. 3-5xs wkly. walking at a hearty pace and 2-3xs about 15 min wkly. weight resistance ( I think this is especially important--have you seen Oprah lately?--I think she attributes her new look to weight training)
http://www.jorgecruise.com/ can be helpful in a gradual start this way.
Another tool I have found useful is
http://www.fitday.com/ for seeing the proportions of my daily diet.
A pedometer can be a helpful , relative inexpensive aid to observing the amount of cardio exercise one is obtaining and seeing if you can 'kick it up'
My conclusion is that one can be hypo and lose gradually, but it takes a lot of effort and a Dr. that knows his/her business , working toward treating thyroid disease.