Hi Laura
I faced this dilemma as well, and my doctor left it up to me. For roughly a month I struggled with the decision, going back and forth and reading and studying and asking anybody who looked like they might know. The general consensus was that I'd have about a year before hormonal reassignment really impacted my metabolism, I assume they were referring to the slow decline in muscle mass and it's accompanying metabolic needs, and that I had better make it count.
One serious concern I had was that following a low fat diet would compromise the physical results of hrt, after all we are trying to grow body parts made primarily of fat. However, I couldn't wait any more. I devised a safer verison of Atkins and I started taking the meds...and guess what. I won't say *presto* because it was a lot of work, but when my brain started drying out, before long the work got...easier. What I mean is, instead of spending evenings snuggled up on the sofa with my first true love, Betty Crocker, I found I wanted to go out. At first I was so convinced I was going to get a blood clot that I couldn't sit still for more than a couple hours. The other day I walked to my Sociology lecture, just because it was nice out. I NEVER would have done that before. I'm more engaged in my existence now, and it's not uncommon to have to stop and think before taking my spiro, and try to remember if I've eaten recently. 260lbs is not just a lil bit overweight, we got there for any myriad of reasons, depression probably being right on top of the list.
Anyway, since last November I've been holding steady at 10lbs a month off with just antiandrogens. When we added the estrogens in February there was a short slowdown, but it picked back up promptly. My doctor can't believe it every time I see her. Who knows, maybe if I was still soaked in poison it would be coming off faster, but in my case I seriously doubt it, because I found so little desire and enjoyment in anything, exercise was work and not fun, and there was no end in sight.
So I guess for each individual, we need to ask ourselves why we are overweight, and make the decision from there. If the main cause is emotional, then more than likely I'd guess hrt will help and be beneficial to your goals. If it's just upbringing or too much fast food or whatever, then there's that to think about.
If you do decide to start while trying to lose weight, I'll warn you in advance about chocolate. Estrogen makes chocolate a spiritual experience. I ate one of those chocolate pudding pies I think a few weeks in, and, well, I won't spoil it for you
