I buy my Extra-Virgin Organic coconut oil from a farmer's market here for $21.98/gallon. Its the best price I've found. They also sell it in buckets but I haven't ran the math on that to see if its cheaper.
I use it for gut healing since I've read that hypothyroidism can be caused by candida/food sensitivities. I'm trying to eat an anti-candida diet (not been doing so good lately), and am working my way up to 6 T of co a day. 6 T is supposed to be a therapeutic level, but please, take it slow! Last yr I was up to like 4-5 T, quit for 3-4 weeks as I was waiting to buy more, bought some and went straight back to my previous dose. Uuuugh! Coconut oil is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, I had severe die-off, it was debilitating.
I have not lost any weight yet, I've actually heard its common for some to gain weight at first because their body is starving for high quality fats. Once you've been on it for awhile, you will then lose that weight.
I use it to fry everything, I'll even add dollops of it to soups, oatmeal, hot tea, etc. I've used it in recipes too, makes a yummy oil in brownies.
I put it on my skin sometimes, and it makes my skin feel very soft, its just that it has no "staying" power like lotions have. But other than that, I LOVE it!