I HATE this curse called PCOS

[maxsmom77]

[FONT=arial][COLOR=indigo]Hi all,

Man was I GLAD to see this in the forum. I needed to "talk" so bad tonight.

My name is Yvonne and I'm 35 yo. I am engaged to a wonderful man, who met me heavier than I am now. I have a 9 yo dd that took me 9 yrs to conceive.

My doctor 1-1/2 wks ago told me to be happy with what I've lost and not expect much more. I have lost 52lbs (and have another 70 to get to WW high end) so far on WW, but it's taken over a year. I have been TOTALLY OP the entire time (56 weeks). I eat about 1500 calories a day. He told me that he'd never seen anyone thin with PCOS and that I should just be proud that I'm eating healthy and has a wonderful man that loves me just as I am. But why can't I be happy being fat. I've been depressed for the entire time and then when I thought I was DOWN on the scale, I stayed the same. I've lost less than 5lbs in 6 months.

I feel like a physical failure. My body is so messed up and I can't do a darn thing about it. "They" say, increasing my Glucophage should give me NO side affects (I'm up to 1000mg a day). But I have HORRIBLE cramps/diarehhea now. "They" say, if I didn't have the side affects before, there should be none now, even though they have doubled my dosage and I'm definately having the side affects now.

I stayed the same on my weight. I still weigh 216lbs. So for the month I lost a whopping .6lbs (that's POINT 6, not six pounds). If I could say "I didn't stay on the program and therefore I stayed the same", it would be OK. It would be MY fault. I would take the punishment.

How long can I go on and stay on a diet and see NO results? How long can I remain fat and learn to be happy? Why can't I accept the fact that I'm fat and will always look this way? Why does it have to be MY body? Why can't it be someone elses body?

I sit here and feel that my body is a physical failure. It doesn't work right and most don't understand. I feel so trapped. Nothing I can do can remedy my situation. I can find no joy in the fact that every day I wake up to a fat face and body.

I need a hug so bad, I can't stand it. I want to cry but there is no one there for me to cry on their shoulder (my fiance is at work). So I weep alone. No one to say "it's OK, you'll figure this out". But I know there is no figuring it out. There is no "light at the end of my tunnel".

I have to find pride in the fact that I eat healthy each and every day, but I can't find pride in how I look. I feel deep despair sometimes and even my fiance can't understand why.

I found out tonight that the girl that is a receptionist at my WW meeting, one with PCOS, is gaining her weight back (she had lost 68lbs). She could only eat 17-18pts a day just to MAINTAIN her weight. I can't live like that. It's just not living. She finally gave in. When will that happen to me? The fear I have is incredible. What if I stop doing WW? Just eat normally. Will I balloon up, like a balloon? She got down at least to a size 12.

Well, I'm sorry to unload. I just need to "talk". I'm off to swim with Kassie (my dd), last night of the pool being open for the summer, maybe that will cheer me up. I will get over this. It's just so darn frustrating, every time I weigh-in.

Yvonne
:(

[Hensa]

Hi Yvonne

My name is Hensa, I am 32 year old, maried to a wonderfull man for 11 years, without any children. I had a hysterectomy at the age of 29 (removing everything including my ovaries)

I had PCOS and "endometriose" in a very bad stage, my husband and I tried everything to have a baby of our own, at the end we decided tha my health come first, and on the reccomendation of my doctor to have the opperation. You are very fourtinate and lucky to have a child of your own.:)

I am on hormonal treatment and will be on it for the rest of my life, the docter said that this is one of the reasons that I will always have a problem with my weight. But I dont want to stay like this for the rest of my life!!!!!!!

My weight at this moment is 216lbs excactly the same as yours:D
I have tried every diet, without any long term results. I was overwieight for as long as I can remember.

Somedays I to feel like a failure to, but then I get up and try again. I never thought that PCOS could be the reason that I have a problem with my weightloss.

:?:

I have once again start with a diet last Saturday 11 August and must say it is going good so far.

Why dont we motivate each other, and try to reach our goal weight.:^: together?

I really need YOUR support! you can mail me at my private e-mail address vniekehh@sapo.co.za if you like or just reply on the thread.
:^:

I can wait hearing from you Yvonne, and don't feel bad about unloading because tommorow I am going to feel the same and then I will need you be there for me.

HANG IN THERE, YOU WILL MAKE IT!!!!

Buy Buy

Hensa
(South Africa)

[Monstar]

Hey Guys,
all i can say is WOW!!!! i really feel for u 2. my PCOS is not as bad as urs. im not sure how much reading you have done about this and dieting with PCOS, but from what i have read, and what is working for me is lower carbs, im not talking the gerri halliwell fainting kinda of diet that has no carbs, just a shift in the balance of protiens carbs and veggies. i read this on
www.psoc.net (http://pcos.net) ....................The root of PCOS is an inability to respond properly to insulin, the hormone produced in the pancreas that allows your body's cells to absorb energy from the food you eat. This means your cells don't respond to the normal amount of insulin, so the pancreas pumps out even more. That's what insulin resistance is and it happens when the body turns carbohydrates, both simple and complex, into glucose that surges into the bloodstream. Insulin travels to the muscle cells, telling them to take glucose from the bloodstream and store it in the liver. As
insulin levels in the blood increase, glucose levels in the blood decrease. When blood glucose falls below a certain level, the brain, which needs glucose to function, calls out for more by telling you to eat again. If it doesn't get glucose, the result is drowsiness or lack of mental alertness. This glucose shortage is also known as low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. When hypoglycemia strikes, the liver is unable to replenish bloodglucose from its stored supply because eating a carbohydrate-rich meal or drinking a sugary beverage creates an exaggerated
insulin response that prevents delivery of the glucose. So, insulin remains in the bloodstream,sending messages to store more body fat and preventing the release of already-stored fat, and glucose remains in the liver instead of going to the brain.

Since the cause of all the problems is insulin resistance, the key seems to lie in restricting carbohydrates and exercising regularly, for physical activity also helps regulate insulin production. The most popular of the low-carb diets are 'Dr Atkins' New Diet Revolution' by Robert Atkins and 'Protein Power' by Michael and Mary Eades. Another popular approach is the 'Carbohydrate Addicts Diet' by Rachel and Richard Heller. Even at normal weight, it is still critical to moderate
carbohydrate intake as well as exercise.

Now i dont recommend ANY diets, but reading up on them and taking whats good for u out of them and making the changes in ur diet is what i feel you can be happy with and maintain for life.
i dont know, u might already know all this......
i would find myself another doctor, coz if u ask me i just dont accept that you have to live with being overweight coz u have PCOS. it might not be easy. but i still believe there is hope, its ur body, and go with someone who u feel will help u. good luck guys
Monica

[karen3000]

I, too, have read lots about the effects of low carbs on insulin levels and how our body uses the insulin. I have read the books by the Hellers (Carbohydrate Addicts Diet) and SugarBusters. Sugarbusters made a lot of sense to me because you really didn't cut out too many foods - you replaced most of them with healthier, more natural foods. I don't suffer from PCOS as much as many others, but I have been able to lose weight on SugarBusters, so I can only say that it works for me. Try reading up on it and find a doctor who is receptive to new thinking about this disease and new treatments.

I'm really happy to see this thread on 3FC and I'll be checking back often.

Karen

[maxsmom77]

First off I wanted to say, have patience while I try to get the colors to work right here.

You were all SO wonderful. I was at such a low point last night and am feeling WAY better today. It's amazing what the support of your loved ones does for you and getting a good nights rest.

I am feeling WAY better today:)

I am considering staying on WW, but eating about 1/2 the carbs of what would be considerated "regular". So now I need to know, what is considered an average amount of carbs per day?

Any help!!

Karen - I have a friend that has done GREAT on SugarBusters. I might need to get a copy of it. I have tried Carb Adicts and lasted one week. It was HORRIBLE, during the day only being able to eat mainly meat and weird vegetables. I'd think you'd die from all the FAT. LOL

Monica - I'd be VERY interested in what you have done with the protein/carb mix. How has this worked for you? I guess I need to check in to all sorts of arenas.

WOW that description that you listed was fantastic. I never read or had anyone describe it so clearly (how the insulin works INCORRECTLY with us).

You know what's weird though. I've been told I'd never be small by 3 different doctors. This last doctor is WONDERFUL, I love him to death and he is one of the best in this area for PCOS. He did encourage me to keep trying, but he was willing to sign-off on an EXTREMELY high weight (for my WW goal weight).

Hensa- I would LOVE to talk with you off the list. I was SO sorry to hear of your hysterotomy at such a YOUNG age. :( Yes, I do count myself LUCKY to have been able to conceive and have a beautiful daughter. She's a REAL gem too!! Sounds like you have a very considerate husband too!! Are you going to consider adoption?

My fiance is 10 yrs older than me and we aren't going to have any more children. In fact I was told that I could get pregnant with the Glucophage, but I'm also on the BC (mainly for the excessive bleeding).

What diet are you on? I'm glad it's going well for you. The one thing I do have to say is that I'm glad that the WW is easy. I really don't feel like I'm on a diet. I just worry about having to lower my pts too much and not be able to eat much.

Anyone - Does anyone have problems with feeling ICKY after exercise? I went to a gym 4-5X a week for 6 months and would get SO sick afterwards. Feel extremely tired, sick to my stomach, weak. I never did get the "exercise" high that you get. Just curious. I've shyed away from the exercise since then. I have gotten LOTS of time in the pool though and that is good. Plus I've got siatica in my hip and it about kills me to walk let alone exercise. We're working on that right now with Physical Therapy and I have a Dr.'s appt next week with my Orthopedic Surgeon.

I'm just so glad we can be here for each other. I'm normally a very upbeat and funny person. I just had a VERY low day yesterday. I'm almost embarassed to read what I wrote. Thanks again for "listening"!!

Yvonne

[Jennifer 3FC]

You CAN lose the weight! Is the doctor that told you that you cannot lose weight an OB-GYN or endocrinologist? Those doctors may be more up to date on how to control PCOS. WW will not work for you unless you find a way to control your carbohydrates along with it. Don't give up, you absolutely can reach your goals!
I have FINALLY started losing weight with the help of Glucphage, a low carb diet and my treadmill.

Please tell your friend also that is only doing 17-18 points a day that she can eat so much better if she will change her carb plan.
We also have a WW-LowCarb thread in the Low Carb forum.
Long ago, severe calorie restriction was the only way for a PCOS person to lose weight, but fortunately we know better ways now!

Listen to the others here, and also maybe take a peek at the LowCarb forums here on the board and check out the different options of low carb diets. With that and regular exercise, you WILL make it! Just keep reading, the more I learn about PCOS the better I feel.

[Hensa]

Hey guys!

Thank you Monica for the description for the fist time I understands how PCOS works.:?:

Yvonne I have tried WW but it did not work for me, now I understands why, because I used to eat allot of veggies, fuit, breads..... ect (carbs)

The diet that I am currently on is a diet for somebody with Candida (my sister is following it because she is suffering from candida and she lost 39.67lbs on this diet) it mainly consist of lots of veggies, proteins, fats and a little bit of fruit, starch and diary products. After reading your letters and doing a little reading on the internet it looks that something like Dr. ATKINGS NEW DIET REVOLUTION will work better for my special problem???? At this stage I dont know whether I should continue on this one or go on Atkins?

I dont know about you girls but I am a collector of diets, and one of them happend to be the book of Dr Atkins, now I am bussy reading the book:o

Yvonne, yes I have a wonderfull understanding husband, that loves me allot and I thank God for him because without him I dont think I would have made it through this thing. We decided together that we are going to accept what happend to us and just be happy:) and love one another.
Somedays it get's to me the fact that I will never be able to have a child of my own but the feeling only last for a few minutes. I have allot of children in my life (family and friends)... and I have 2 dogs and a bird (African Grey that likes to talk...) the one dog is a miniature dachshund and she is a lovely little thing with allot of love to give.

Jennifer I am going to look into thie WW-LowCard thread and the Low Carb forum I hope I can get some tips there....

If we think about it a low carb diet is not that bad.... now we can have that piece of full cream cheese, olives, bacon, butter, avocado adn that extra piece of meat that we always had to leave and what about the cream!!! :s:

Woo just the thought of it makes me hungry!!!!
:devil:

Buy Buy

Hensa

HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON![COLOR=red]

[SolShine]

MAXSMOM –I SOOOOO RELATE TO WHERE YOU ARE COMING FROM!!!! I started gaining weight about 4 years ago and thought it was because my activity level had slowed down somewhat and I had gotten married and started cooking differently. Soooo, I went on diet after diet and upped my exercise, but the weight just kept coming on. I got up to 220 lbs. and I’ve never been that high before – it scared me and I felt so ugly and unloveable. I even gained 2 lbs. on the cabbage soup diet!! NOCHEATING! I tried starving myself and anything anyone would recommend. My husband saw my efforts and was at a loss for why things weren’t working.

I finally went to the Dr. to see if I could get some diet pills because I thought that was my only hope. He ran a battery of tests and said that my thyroid is normal and the only way to lose weight was to starve myself. He said I had a VW body?!?! Talk about lack of bedside manner! It was suggested that I go to an endocrinologist and so I did. They also ran a battery of tests on me and found high insulin levels and normal blood sugar – meaning my body is making tons of insulin to keep the blood sugar normal and that’s indication of my body fighting to not become Diabetic.

The endocrinologist put me on Sugar Busters immediately and told me to start walking/working out 15-20 minutes per day/6 days per week. Then the next month added GlucophageXR then the next month added Zocor (for my cholesterol). I wasdoing everything I was supposed to be doing – no cheating – and I even joined a club where you get personal training with the initiation fee and bought additional one on one training sessions to make sure I was getting the most out of my work-outs. I started tracking my food in www.fitday.com – Which I highly recommend, by the way. I still wasn’t losing weight.

What I did learn was that my calorie intake was drastically changing on a daily basis – 1000 on one day, 500 on the next day. My personal trainer said it’s important to keep your calories consistent on a day to day basis to keep your body from freaking out – and you know as well as I do, how sensitive our bodies are. We have to do everything perfectly to get results! It sucks, but, that’s the way it is. I’m still learning and “tweaking” my diet and exercise to figure out what works for me. It’s taken me, what 6 months to lose 8 pounds. I TOTALLY relate to where you’re coming from and I was as upset as you last month. Today just happens to be a good day for me. :) You’ve lost 52 lb.s THAT’S GREAT!! I’m jealous! If it’s been coming off, even ever so slowly, it can still come off – don’t give up!

I don’t know about your body / metabolism level, etc., but at 200 lbs. my endocrinologist told me to eat 1600 calories per day and not go too much below that or my body goes into starvation mode.

I don’t like the comments your doctor is making and would like to recommend that you find another dr. who will work with you and wants to see you lose weight and is willing to try other options. It sounds like he doesn’t have answers and, as a result, is blowing you off and building your expectation to stay large so you don’t keep pressuring him to help you. Just my opinion, though. Also, if he isn’t an endocrinologist I recommend going to one, they work with diabetics and fertility problems and are very much more informed about PCOS than primary care physicians.

“They” are not professionals if they don’t believe you when you tell them about the side effects you are having. You know your body better than anyone else and if that’s the only thing you’ve changed, then, by golly, what the he** do they think it is??? “They” aren’t helping you and there are doctors out there who can and will.

I’m trying Xenical right now because nothing else has helped. I’ve finally started losing – so most of my weight loss has been in the past 2 months, really. It’s a last resort type thing and I’ve been going to the endocrinologist for months trying everything else before going to the weight loss drug route.

It IS good that you are eating healthy and that you are getting your body as healthy as you can regardless of the weight loss or not. That’s certainly something to be proud of and to remember. Don’t give up! Don’t quit eating healthy! It’s just not worth it. You have a wonderful family who loves you very much – and you can keep up with them and do things with them and you wouldn’t be able to do that if you were back to your higher weight, would you? I would think that your way of eating is almost 2nd nature to you by now and so you are establishing a pattern for eating that you can follow for the rest of your life and that’s what it has to be for us.

I’m sorry to write such a book, but you really touched my heart! Hang in there and we’ll keep learning from each other! Just knowing that there’s a reason for these problems and that I’m not alone is a great comfort in and of itself. I’m so glad Jennifer has added this thread to the boards!!

everyone else thanks for posting - I've already learned so much!! I'm out of time, but will get back on soon!

Take care,

SolShine

[maxsmom77]

Hasn't it been wonderful to read everyone's thoughts, pains and experiences with this thing. Like Jennifer said, just learning more about it, helps so much. I guess I really did need to brush up more on it. For so long, all I wanted was a baby. Now my focus is my good health and a thinner body.

Had another blue day. Cried on Sam's shoulder today. He's got nice big ones for that. I do think I am PMSing, although I never did when I bleed 24/7, not until the bc pill. I have tried several and this one had the least amount of side effects.

We are having a garage sale with our neighbors tomorrow and Saturday, but felt I needed to touch base with everyone before I finished marking it all up with prices.

I told Jennifer in another post was that I was terrified of leaving WW and I'm not totally sure I will do that. It has given me so much support (well my email lists have) and I did lose 52lbs on it. I don't want to give up yet and I'm hoping the Glucophage will kick in and help. I'm checking into lowering my carbs and sticking with counting my points. It gives me things to focus on.

I've noticed with the Gluc. that the last week I have been nauseated and gassy (diarehhea too). Plus I've had some headaches, anyone have those? I wonder how long the side affects continue until my body gets used to it. Been a bit tired too.

Jennifer - Actually the doc I go to IS an Endo. He specializes in PCOS along with diabetes. He's great and believe me when I say he encouraged me to keep trying to lose weight. He doesn't love extreme low-carbs, because he doesn't believe they are that healthy. I think he just wanted me to know the odds, which are SLIM (pun intended) that I would be small again.

Hensa - I am SO GLAD you were able to come to terms with the baby thing and thankful it only lasts a few moments with you. Sam and I talked about a baby, but honestly, we like being with each other. We kind of don't want to share it with a baby. I do have my daughter and she's at a great age, to play with us and then go play with her friends. LOL

SolShine - I had that "sudden" gain myself. Totally thin my whole life then 18 yrs old, eating normally, gained 60lbs in 6 months. Started to bleed constantly. Back then, they had NO idea what to do with me, other than put me on the pill.

Does your husband get frustrated with the whole PCOS/weight issue? Sam is SO happy with how I look and who I am, that he wants me to move on and can't understand why I cant'. Today I could tell he was frustrated as to why I was crying AGAIN. Just a short cry though and I'm over it.

I talked with the Pharmacist tonight and he said ABSOLUTELY that I could have side affects this time around. I DOUBLED my dose, darn it. I just LOVE small family drug stores. Although they do know all about your life. Tonight I explained PCOS and he thought it was very intersting and glad I explained it to him.

You know the bad thing about my weight loss, is I was SO fat before I started, most can't really tell I've lose weight, even when I tell them, prompting for a compliment, they are like "oh...that's good". Unfortunately, when I met Sam, I started to eat normally again (not my usual starvation to maintain my weight) and I gained 45lbs the 1st year. He NEVER noticed. Awww, ain't he sweet. I think of how much better I'd look if I had kept it off and then lost the 52. I'd be skinny minnie...:lol:

My Endo is great, as you read above. He actually prescribed the Xenical. But frankly my insurance doesn't cover it (you know it's JUST COSMETIC reasons, I need to lose weight:?: - right) and I can't afford over $100 a month, the Glucophage and stuff I take for migraines already puts us out over $100 a month on meds.

Well, I think I wrote enough of my book tonight. Thanks again, ALL OF YOU for listening. I have a feeling, since this forum opened we'll all do better, if not emotionally for the support!!

Yvonne

[Hensa]

Hi all!!

I am very excited about this new thread!:D

With ALL the support and motivation that I am getting from you guys I believe I am going to achieve my goal and become a "SKINNY LITTLE LIZARD" :smoking:

There is something that I would like to know about PCOS I had a operation to remove my ovaries ect.... that were infected with PCOS does that mean I am now curred of PCOS?:?:

I decided to go on the Atkins diet... so far so good...... I started my day with a breakfast consiting of 2 eggs and some beef, during the morning I snaked of on BILTONG (it is slices of dried meat) and lost of water:smug: I will leave the carbo's for tonight and have a nice salad and some fish with a butter sause.:devil:

I AM NOT HUNGRY SO FAR AND FEEL GREAT.

On other diets I usually felt very sorry for myself....:cry:

Yvonne I hope you make lost of money with your garage sale! That is something that we don't see in South Africa we have pawn shops were you can sell al your second hand stuff.

I hope all of you are going to have a lovely weekend (I have lots of washing to do because I did not feel like it during the week:o )

Cant wait to report on my weight loss on Monday, my tummy already feels a little flatter, I assume it is because I did not eat any bread of sugar stuff for the last week.

Thanks for all your friendly words and support!

Buy Buy

Hensa
PS. I dont seem to get this colour thing right Yvonne how do you do it :?:

[tooplump]

Hey guys. I've been on 3FC for about 6 weeks now and wouldn't you know, just last Thursday, I got diagnosed with PCOS. I got on 3FC thinking I needed to look in the low-carb section to sort of re-vamp my diet because I was on my own, just lowering calories and exercising more. I started in late June at 214 and am now at 202. And I found this. Problem is, I'm 25 and wanting to get pregnent. :?:

Jennifer and others who might be on Glucophage, do you know anything about taking it with pregnancy? I was really devastated when the doctor told me it was due to hyperinsulinism. My father is a diabetes and has been since he was 27 years old. Now my body is telling me "look out or else I'm going to do the same thing". I grew up with my dad taking shots all the time and I do realize that you can still leading a normal life, but I also know enough about it to avoid it at all costs. So here I am, starting my low-carb diet. The good new is I am still ovulating so there's still a good chance I can get pregnant, I'm so glad. Does anyone know if there is an increased risk of getting gestational diabetes during pregnancy with this condition, it seems to me like there would be. I'm supposed to get a call from my doctor early next week with the lab work results but the symptoms and the sonogram basically told her that this is what I have. I will be sure and ask her about the gestional diabetes and Glucophage during pregnancy, just wanted to know if you knew anything, I get kind of antsy sometimes.

I'm so glad that I found this section of 3FC and will definitely keep track of this thread. :)

Sheli

______________
214/202(and starting low-carb now)/160 or at least ovulating regularly:D

[maxsmom77]

Man oh man have I been busy. Been working on getting my substitute teaching license and we've also been tossing up the idea of starting a business. Made $200 at our garage sale this weekend. Not too bad, when I didn't have much to sell, just good stuff, priced a bit more than .10cents each. LOL

One of Sam's friends could potentially come to visit, maybe stay the night this week (and it's going to be my TOM *sigh*). He's applying for a job at Sam's work. Another electrician. He doesn't like fat chicks. Having to deal with those feelings....Sam says.."honey, you HAVE to know, I'd always pick you over a friend". Still makes me nervous, want to make a good impression and be accepted as I am also.

Had the MOST incredible thing happen this weekend. The apartments near us have been sold to a man who's made a HUGE living here in Seymour. He owned a bar/restaurant and sold that. Now's he's getting into property rentals and business consulting. Familiar with small businesses. He was over supervising the "renovations". He's making them into Luxury Apartments. Behind us is a corn field....turning it into a golf course. We'll get to look out over a beautiful course. How nice is that?

Starting asking him a few simple questions about opening a bookstore/cyber coffee house/cafe. He went nuts. He wants Sam and I to come in and give us a feasiblity study for FREE. He has one piece of property (remember the restaurant/bar from above). Has a cherry wood bar (over 100 yo), on one side, a huge dining room on the other (see the bookstore there) and in the back (there used to be a small carry-out ONLY pizza place) for Sam to do a computer repair and used computer building place. We'd sell the computers he'd build in the bookstore at the front. Decorate the walls with art from local artists from the art center (owned and funded by John Mellencamp - with potential to meet him - how cool is that). The guy that runs it would love to some wine tasting on Sundays (when we'd be closed) - See profit without having to be there. There is a waitress (from the coffee shop we go to here in town) who can build computers almost as good as Sam, who was a bartender.....see a 3rd partner/manager. She's been wanting to get out of waitressing. Only works 20 hrs a week now and has potential to work for free (like me) at first for at least 20 hrs a week. She has a daughter Kassie's age. I REALLY like her, we've been friends for a couple of years now.

We're thinking coffee bar, where people can come and drink cappuchino and read the books/magazines they've just purchased through the swinging doors next door. Having, coffee drinks, including Irish Coffee and pre-bottled wines. But keeping it family in that alcohol will not be the primary thing, sitting out there in the open. Starting out we'd have a few computers in the cafe with Internet access. They pay for Internet time, and drink their cappuchinos....Hmmmm sounds like a fun place to hang out and drink MORE cappuchino.

How about this. Having, homemade biscotti (fat free choices of course), about 2-4 treats daily - at least 2 lower calorie choices too.

The beauty of this whole project is investing in several small mini-businesses meaning potential to protect yourself, by not putting your eggs all in one basket.

Here's the deal there is NO cappuchino places in all of the whole town, there is NO bookstore, and there is no computer repair in the whole town.

Our landlord came over this weekend and talked to Sam and I about purchasing the duplex we live in. He's wanting to travel extensively and won't be around a lot and thought he wouldn't be such a great landlord. If we did this our rent would go from $550 to about $200-$300, cause we'd collect rent from the neighbors. The value of the property will skyrocket with the golf-course behind us and we'd consider eventually buying another home and using this as rental property. Cool huh?

Just thought I'd put all the above to get to know you all better. I'm hoping it's OK, to get to know each other besides our "body troubles". I guess I'm more than my ovaries. LOL

Hensa - I'm thinking if PCOS is caused by Insulin Resistance than you'd still have it, but I'm NO expert by any means. Doesn't this have more to do than just our ovaries?? I'm not sure.

On the color thing. When I want to use color, I select it at where you start the reply and click the color I want. When I'm done I click the button that says "Close current tag". That seems to work.

Sheli I'm thinking the Glucophage, make the body (ovaries) work better, so pregnancy is far more likely. Have you investigated that? I just read on another board, that a woman's doctor took her off the Glucophage when the woman got into her 2nd trimester. So that would be up to your doctor, I'd suppose. Good luck. I managed a baby WITHOUT Glucophage and the help of Clomid. Keep us posted.

Well, that's it for now. Off to get groceries and some tennis shoes for my daughter.

Yvonne

[Monstar]

Hey Guys,
i found out something interesting this weekend, i was talking to a friend of mine about weightloss, she is a model...and is toning up more so she can get more work, and i said yeah i have PCOS, she said REALLY?? so do i!! lol, hows that? i have known her for like 15yrs and i didnt know that....and well im thinking that truely blows the theory that ppl with PCOS have to be overweight....and no she doesnt starve herself coz she is a model, actually she ate the chocolate cake i passed on when we were out! i did give her the third degree to make sure she really has it...and yup she sure does, lol, just cant trust these skinny ppl lol. so there u go, something interesting for me anyways...
Monica

[maxsmom77]

Ok, here's what I've heard about skinny people and PCOS. There are some people who are skinny, but it is rare indeed. The nurse at my doctors office has a daughter in the same boat. It took FOREVER to diagnose her because it is rare. Also, she NEVER bleed. I wonder if this has anything to do with the opposite. It seems the women I've talked to bleed ALL THE TIME when they are heavy. Is this NOT true for anyone here?

I WAS skinny all my life until about 19 yrs old. I went on an EXTREME diet to get TOO THIN (which I achieved through starvation and EXTREME exercise). When I went back to normal, but body did the old "I'm going to store up in case she starves me again" and after about 20lbs, my periods came 24/7 and then all the other symptoms of the syndrome popped up.

I'm wondering if I had not done that, if I would have remained thin. I wonder if the WEIGHT is what aggraved and brought out the PCOS symptoms. From what I've read, if you have it, it can remain "dormant" and still be there, although you have no symptoms.

Anyone want to respond. I will say, I can't say any of the above is a hard fast rule, just my observations.

:)

Yvonne

[Monstar]

i have been informed that putting on weight can bring on the symptoms of PCOS, infact i was told by my doctors if i could lose the weight i had gained, that most of my symptoms may disapear. infact i have found this to be true, i would have bleeding for weeks on end, then no bleeding for months and months. when i lost quiet a bit of weight i actually started to get my regular period back, i had basically a 28 days cycle for 3 months, but then i went on the pill, so im not too sure what would have happened if i haddnt done that. from what i have read its kind of a nasty cycle with pcos, that it is aggravated by ur weight, but at the same time its harder to lose weight....go figure...????
Monica

[Hensa]

Hallo everyone!

I had a very nice weekend. It was very easy to stay to my diet since I were not so hungry:p

I think this is going to work for me, I enjoy the food:s:

I HOPE I CAN GIVE YOUR SOME GOOD NEWS ONE OF THESE DAYS, I AM STILL WAITING FOR THE SCHALE TO START MOVING!

Yvonne I am very excited about the news your recieved this weekend I think it is a great idea GO FOR IT!

My husband has started his own business a few months ago and now he is trying something new ‘heavy equipment for rent’ (by that I don’t mean his wife) :D lol trucks, bulldozers ect ......

I MUST GO NOW, TALK TO YOU LATER!

BUY BUY

[Jennifer 3FC]

Jennifer and others who might be on Glucophage, do you know anything about taking it with pregnancy?


Hi Sheli, as far as taking the Glucophage goes, you will probably not take it most of the time in pregnancy. There is still little research on how it affects unborn children, so it is considered 'experimental' for pregnant women. Some women stay on it through the first few weeks to lessen chance of miscarriage, but stop it then. It is up to your doctor. I would also ask your doctor if you can/should avoid foods high on the Glycemic Index while you are pregnant. Hopefully that would decrease your chances of gestational diabetes!

Good luck!

[maxsmom77]

Isn't it funny how each and every body is completely different? I mean, I read some have stalled or no weight loss and add Glucophage and then they lose at a low level. Some it takes more. Some lose without it (I lost 52 without it - albiet slower than most). Some lose at maximum Gluc., some have no seeming response at all. Some even lose 10% of their body weight and notice a difference. I did no.

I guess it made me think, I need to explore all avenues.

I too have been told "IF" I can get my weight down, the symptoms will go away. I can only imagine. I don't want to get down to 120lbs. That is probably what it would take.

Hensa I am so glad the "eating" part has been going well for you. I think my body has gotten to a comfortable place to maintain it's weight. Maybe my whole problem is just a plateau. Who knows?

So how scary is it to start your own business. I think most people can never get past the "fear" part of jumping out there. We were reading an article on the Small Business Association's website and they talked about fear of making money. I say "Bring on the money" LOL:lol:

Monica - I've read the same thing. Lose weight to make the symptoms go away, but not be able to lose weight because of the PCOS. CRAZY is what I call it.

I was reading this week on another PCOS message board (thanks to Jennifer's new AWESOME page, that lots of women take WAY higher dosages of the Glucopage than I and their doctors increase their dosages quicker than mine. Then I read that the highest dosage is 2250mg a day. I'm taking 1000mg per day. I wonder how high my doctor will go, I wonder if there is hope that the higher dosages will do something that the lower ones is NOT.

Just a few things to think about. Well, I'll catch you all later!!

Yvonne

[tooplump]

I have been on this low carb thing now for about 5 days and have lost 5, that's right 5:dizzy: lbs.!!!!! I had been on the low calorie, low fat thing for about 6 weeks and had only lost 11. I am finally into ONE-derland weighing in at 198 this morning.

Jennifer - thank-you very much for the info. I've heard of this Glycemic index, do you know where I can get this? Since my dad got diabetes when he was 27 and has had to take insulin every since, I am really scared right now and want to avoid that if at all possible. If I can hold out by keeping diet in check, this is the biggest motivation I have every had in my entire life, including my wedding!:o

Yvonne - When I found out I had PCOS, I was going to the doctor because I wasn't having any periods (regularly anyway). I got off the pill and had a regular one for about 2 months (doctor thinks the hormones were still in my system) and then after that it was 3 months before I had another one. I have been really lucky with my periods and usually never bleed for more than 3 days. I can tell even with the 16 lbs. that I've lost that my periods are getting closer together.

I'm sticking to the diet really well, not cuttin out carbs altogether because I really want to get some calcium in 1 glass of soy milk a day and maybe just a little bit of fruit a day but trying to keep it between 30 and 50 grams of carbs a day. And the walking is going great guns :smoking: I went for 2 walks on Sunday, each for 40 minutes:spin: It's great having you guys to talk to. Until next time.

Sheli

_______________
214/198/160

[PorkEPine]

Hi Everyone!
Yes--there is a theory in the medical community- which came first-PCOS or being overwt. In other words, the theory is that being overwt brings on these collections of symptoms called PCOS. However there is another theory that it really is a syndrome of the female reproductive system & not classified as a disease. I do have a friend who has it & she is thin. But she does suffer with PCOS but not as severe as I do. The wt really is a controlling factor. Here in Cleveland there is alot of research being done about this particular problem since it is starting to become more & more prevalent. Most drs really do not have time to research it so the more informed you make yourself the better off you will be when it comes to dealing with the symptoms & the medical community. Many of the members of the medical community look down on women with this problem. They see it has a collection of vague symptoms very similiar to chronic fatigue sydrome. That is why it is VERY important to educate yourself so you can converse with your dr. The latest research is that the drug of choice is avandia &/or actos. These two drugs help combat the problem of insulin resistance. But the best thing we can do for ourselves is lose wt.

[twinmom]

Hi There,

I am new to this group. This is actually my very first reply. I have been dealing with PCO for many years now, and find that lowcarb was one of the only ways I could lose weight. I found that after being low carb for several months, I was able to switch to low fat and get the same results. I guess my body just needed the change or something. I am now the mom to boy/girl twins who are 17 months old, and I want to lose weight again so I can join them in all of their activities.


I wish everyone in the group luck in their endeavors, and I hope that I can chat often.

[Jennifer 3FC]

Hi PorkEPine, are you taking Avandia or Actos? I don't really know too much about these two drugs. Are the side effects about the same as Glucophage? I am getting so tired of stomach troubles with Glucophage. I am beginning to wonder if I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I am rarely nauseous anymore, but I have plenty of urgent bathroom trips. Is that saying enough without saying it all? :)

[maxsmom77]

Jennifer,

How long have you been having the troubles. IF, and that's a BIG if, I remember to take them twice a day. I forget WAY to easily, I had stomach troubles, like you spoke of for about 2 wks, but it went away. Has yours gone on longer than that?

I didn't like the side affects that I read on the others, so that's why I chose the Glucophage.

Yvonne

[PorkEPine]

hey jennifer! yes you said it all without being too graphic. that is one of the major side effects of glucophage. yes i am taking avandia but i really do not know how much "good" it is doing for me. i am not good at remembering to take pills so sometimes i miss a dose. all of the drugs- glucophage, avandia, actos are classed as anti diabetic agents. the latest research "suggest" that they "may" help with pcos. but since pcos is still a relatively "new" disease there isn't alot of knowledge about how these drugs affect pcos sufferers. so we are taking these pills sort of on a trial & error kind of basis. i would definitely let your dr know what kind of side effects you are having. since that particular side effect can impact you in other ways--like electrolyte imbalance which will throw your potassium & glucose out of sync. another thing to remember is that these drugs are VERY hard on your liver to metabolize. it is suggested that people who take these kinds of drugs get a routine liver enzyme panel done. fancy word for bloodwork. it is done just to make sure your liver is working properly. hope this helps
janice :angel:

[Jennifer 3FC]

Yvonne, I average 2 pills a day more than 3, I am terrible about remembering them. I have had digestive trouble for about 3 months or more. What makes it difficult for me to understand is that sometimes I have trouble, sometimes I don't. This week no trouble until today...tomorrow we are supposed to take a trip for a couple of days and this makes me nervous to jump in the car and go down the interstate. I suppose I need to log my food and see what is causing this.

Janice, what you said about this drug being metabolized in the liver made me think about something. I sometimes sweat ammonia after being on the treadmill. The only thing I can find on the net is that marathon trainers do this smetimes because their body fat is so low and are eating so much protein, or that it is a side effect of liver or kidney disorders. I called my doctor to see if he needed to see me and he said no, it was just the Glucophage and that I needed to up my water. Hmm, maybe I should have mentioned the 50-yard dashes to the bathroom!

[maxsmom77]

Jennifer,

That is awful, that you have SO much trouble. I see me being like you. I have a hard time remember 2X a day. I try to space them 12 hr apart and sincei take one near bedtime with my other "pills", the 2nd one is during the day sometime. If he puts me on 3 a day, that will be VERY interesting.

Strange too that you have the "problems" :o off and on!! I had an episode, when I was first taking the 2 a day and we were on country roads, I was doubled up. Sam kept joking about stopping at the side of the road and using a leaf, stating that's what they are there for....he was really just trying to distract me. We finally found some civilization and I was SAFE. But it was scary for about 1/2 hr.

That is SO weird about the alluminum. The only problem I have with exercise, is getting completely ILL afterwards. DRAG-DEAD tired, sick to my stomach, lethargic. After a light 30 minute work-out I need to sleep for a few hours. My doc said that would be remedied by eating some protein, before the work-out. I haven't tried it, but I need to.

Yvonne

[Jennifer 3FC]

Yvonne, instead of trying to space the Glucophage at 12 hour intervals, you should be taking right before a meal. If you are taking at bedtime then that can be why you are having stomach trouble.

[PorkEPine]

jennifer--

have you shared with your dr all the side effects you are having from glucophage? you could be sweating ammonia for a number of reasons. please, please tell your dr the symptoms you are having. you do not want to do unnecessary damage to your liver &/or kidneys. are you spilling protein in your urine? you can buy urine dipsticks OTC at any drugstore. if you do find that you are spilling protein please notify your dr. keep me posted.
janice :angel:

[maxsmom77]

Jennifer,

Actually all of my side affects are gone now. But I thought by reading the directions on the bottle and talking to the pharmacist, that even he said try to space it at 12 hrs to keep it consistently in my blood stream.

Oh, one more thing. I have noticed that my craving for carbs has diminished, BUT I get a mild regular headache regularly when I NEVER did before. It is NOT a listed side affect of Glucophage, what do you think...you have them?

Yvonne

[Jennifer 3FC]

Yvonne, I do have headaches some but I think mine are more tension and stress related!

[maxsmom77]

Jennifer,

I had my nurse friend look up the Glucophage in her "drug book" and she did say that headaches are a rare side affect and told me if they lasted more than 10 days, I needed to tell my doctor, but said they'd most likely go away like the stomach troubles. So we'll see.

Yvonne

[jody]

Hi all! I have just been reaking through some of the recent posts. I was wondering, those of you on Glucophage, do you recommend this treatment? I am thinking of talking to my doctor about it and was just wondering. I have a close friend on it but she says she isn't sure it's working. I think a lot of the problem for her is, her doctor has never actually identified pcos. He just put her on the Glucophage. Plus I don't think he really explained to her what it was supposed to do.

Yvonne, I read where you said your carb. cravings had diminished. Do you find this related to the Glucophage? I could use something that would help in that area. I try to be good and then look at my plate and find a ton of carbs.

Also just wanted to say, sorry I haven't been on much to offer support to you all. I am having some problems with my wrist, possible carpal, more fun. The doctor has had me in a splint and it makes for difficult typing.

Anyway, thanks for the info. Look forward to hearing from you.

Take care of yourselves.
Hugs, Jody:wave:

[KayEllen]

Wow, it's been several months (or maybe a year) since I've been on these boards and lo and behold, I found this thread! I can't believe it, I think this is what I have been experiencing for a long long time now. About 4 months ago, I was sent by my GYN for a vaginal ultrasound etc. I have more than a few of the symptoms described. I'm 42 and was prescribed BC (Loestrin 120FE) and have my follow up appointment this next Friday. I printed out the pages from the site to talk to him about this. If PCOS is what my diagnosis is, what a relief to finally put a name to it and decide how to deal with the absolute inability to keep the weight down.

I'll be checking in often to read the postings.


Thanks,
:spin:
KayEllen

[maxsmom77]

Hi all,

Wanted to touch base and say hi. I'm starting the Yasmin next week, so I'm looking forward to that. I'll be a mommy at the end of November. NOT ME!! Just my kitty. Kittens will be ready, right be Christmas.

Jody - The carb cravings diminished after they INCREASED my Glucophage. Taking one a day (500mg) didn't seem to do anything, not even side-affects.

KayEllen Also, make sure to read the postings in the PCOS section on Yasmin, the newest BC pill out, which is especially helpful for women with PCOS.

Well, I guess that's all!! Have a great weekend.

Yvonne

[KayEllen]

Thanks, max, I'll check it out. My doctor's appointment is actually tomorrow, not Friday so I need to remember to take the printouts along! Thanks again!



KayEllen
:cool:

[HopefulSpirits]

:mad:

[KayEllen]

Wow, what a great home page! Very informational. I did ask the doctor the day of my appointment (see above) and he said yes, PCOS is exactly what I have.

KayEllen

[maxsmom77]

Hi all,

MAN, it's been a LONG time. Just wanted to give you all a QUICK update.

My last doctors appt. had him increasing my Glucophage to 1500mg a day.

It's STILL killing me, but it's better, of course, I'm still not consistantly taking it 3X a day, but getting much better at it. Sam bought me a Palm and it rings an alarm (actually it plays the Munsters theme song) to remind me to take them.

I HATED the Yasmin and you'll see I'll put a short post in there about that. I NEVER got over the side affects: Severe Breast tenderness, Moodiness (EVERYONE stayed away from me - even the cat), SEVERE acne (which I never had before) plus assorted others. I gave it 3 months and NO change. I figured I wasn't going to pay $30 out of my pocket, for something my insurance won't cover with all those side affects. I just wish SOMETHING would give and work for ME.

At my last appointment, my doctor said NO WAY about a low-carb. He had just gotten back from an obesity seminar and said the trends show, that the majority of people who are on them, lose and then it slows creeps back up. Also, he says, with PCOS, I'm already at an increased risk for heart disease and stroke, why add to it, by eating a high-fat diet. He also said he doesn't want me EVER eating below 1200 calories a day (about 24pts on WW), as you can BARELY eat healthy that way.

He wants me to continue with WW, as in general, it's a healthy balanced diet.

He continues to tell me what a miracle I am. <<SIGH>> Don't feel like a miracle. I ate "what I wanted"-- we're not talking binge either for 3 days and gained 8lbs in September. I am STILL paying for those 8lbs. Takes me 8 months to lose 8lbs, but 3 days to gain it. He wants me to try and lose 35-40 more pounds and then he'll consider writing off a higher goal weight.

Sometimes I feel so cheated out of a normal life. I just want to be rewarded with weight loss when I restrict myself. It's hard for me to be excited when I hear others doing the same thing as me and getting "rewarded" with 1-2lbs a week losses.

In January is Sam's Holiday Party. I thought I'd be at my goal (or at least THIN) by then. We are going with another couple. One of his best friends just moved here (Sam got him a job) and his wife is thin. She's looking at buying a "little black cocktail dress", like I envisioned myself wearing this year. Maybe partly it's jealousy, but I had planned on just getting some new black pants that fit me (mine are 3 sizes to big) and a red wrap sweater top (has a nice plunging sexy neckline - hey a girl has to accentuate her best feature and mine are my boobs...hehehe). But then Sam decides to buy a sports coat (he doesn't even own one) and they're going to be all dressed up and I said/thought "OK, great, I'll be the fat frumpy one at the table".

We almost got into a big fight over this whole thing, cause he's so tired of hearing me complain about the weight. He just can't understand, that because he thinks I'm "hot" and pretty, why I don't too:(

So I think that catches you up. I'm sorry if I sounded too depressed. Just been interesting. I'm going back on my Zovia, as I had the least amt of troubles with it.

Yvonne

[cherrycoke]

i had never heard of PCOS until recently, but when I read the symptoms bells began to ring. My question is can you still be affected by this after you have gone through the menopause. I haven't had a period for about 3 years but still get a lot of the symptoms. I shall be really interested in what you all think.

[maxsmom77]

Mavis,

Don't quote me on this. But I am almost positive I read that it doesn't matter if you are pre-post menopause. If you have your ovaries, I do believe it can affect you. Anyone else have any comments in regards to this?

Yvonne

[HopefulSpirits]

Yes, you can have PCOS until you die at 100+ yrs old. Even if you dont have your ovaries. You can be PCOS without ovaries, fallopean tubes and/or uterus for that matter. PCOS does not stem from the ovaries. That is just a side effect.

PCOS is the "daughter of diabetes" and stems from the pituitary gland and insulin responce. Anything to do with the reproductive issues are just side effects to this terrible disorder.

You can also be Syndrome X as well. For women, Syndrome X just get classified as PCOS and usually leave the SX diagnosis to the men. Not always though.

[Grizabee]

I just posted in the regular place, but thought I would post here too, since this is my real problem. I have just been diagnosed with this, and I also have severe endometriosis, which I am having surgery for March 1st. I am about 25-30 pounds overweight, and would be even more if I wasn't consumed with my weight and what I eat. I have tried many diets, even worked at Jenny Craig for a while, and have never gotten below 150. I am 5'6". So, that's not horrible, but not great either.

Sugarbusters has been recommended by my doctor. Anyone else on this? The thought of it scares me, as I love sugar so much, but that is probably 99% of my problem.

So, would anyone like a buddy? Email me at mgibbs@msandyou.org.

Thanks, and I hope you will see less of me soon. ;)

Mel in VA

[mks8500]

Ok, so I'm a 3FC virgin. Today is my first day on here. I found the site while looking for information on POCS or whatever it's called. What a great idea for a website. I'm addicted already. Anyway..today is the first day of the rest of my life. No, really. Today I go to the gyno for my yearly. Not that all or any of you care, but work with me. I'm 23 years old. I'm about 5'11 and 300 pounds. Yes, I did just write that. It's not a typo. It might seem shocking and it IS. ESPECIALLY if you saw me. I'm not as big as you might think a 300 pounder should be. Anyway, I've tried EVERYTHING. I've been big all my life. I come from a long line of big people (how many of you have heard that before?). My dad played pro football, older brother played college football and I follow right in those genes. I look like the typical offensive lineman. But, I'm a girl. :( I haven't always been 300 pounds...thank god. Even when I wasn't exactly 300 pounds I was still around 220. Anyway, about 2 years ago, I started putting it on. I noticed it, but didn't really notice it. I was playing college women's rugby (using that football frame) and was doing 2-40 minutes halves of pure running. It didn't make sense to me, but i didn't do anything about it. (Note: About a year before that, I decided that I didn't want to try the throwing up my meals anymore.) Ok, so I started exercising more and more trying to get it gone. When I say exercise, I mean, 3 or 4 times a week walking on the treadmill. *This is nothing compared to what I do now. Whew! Anyway, it still didn't work. I was about 280 at this time, which was about a year ago. So, this past July I decided I was going to wage WAR on my weight issue. Since then I've been walking 3 miles-4 times a week(at about 3.7 mph), swimming 50 laps-5 times a week (30 minutes) and lifting weights with 20 more minutes of Cardio 3 times a week (1 hour total). I'm sure you're thinking, what's she eating? Well, I'll tell you. I eat less than the average 100 pounder. I average about 800 calories. My personal trainer has said that my body has just gone into starvation mode and is storing whatever I eat. So, I try to eat about 1200 calories.....300 pounds. I know the whole muscle weighs more than fat bit and i get it. It just gets frustrating. This is where I am now. I'm sick of being fat. I've tried the Atkins, Sugar Busters all of them. I don't eat a lot. I'm not a closet junkie. Nothing. Interesting note though. I DO have some facial hair recently. I have pains in my lower right quadrant. My periods are irregular. Adding all this together, my nutrionist last year told me to talk to my gyno about POCS. She prescribes glucophage (500mg) and within a week, I'm transferred from my job then I moved (back home to another state). I Never talked to my gyno and only tried the gluco for about 3 days. I didnt' really feel comfortable taking something for something i wasn't sure I had. So, about a year later I am finally deciding to see a doctor. For a while I felt like I was looking for an excuse for being fat, so i didn't bother going to the doc. Now I've just decided I have nothing to lose, except weight. So here I am. Does anyone with POCS have similar signs or issues? I'm kinda curious what my doctor will say today. We're not the most advanced area down here in the Florida Keys. When I mentioned the glucophage to my regular doctor, he just said...hmmm. Might as well have told me, get over it honey. You're fat, you eat too much, and I know, secretly you like chocolate cake...ALOT. I'm not really sure why I posted except just to unload (others did it so I figured I could). I'm only 23 and don't want to think of the possibilty of not being able to have children. I'll deal with that when I have to. For right now, I just have a gut feeling that POCS is what it is. We'll see though. I guess I just want all of you to keep up the good work. Appreciate what you have and continue to strive to be something better. That's all you can do. Keep updating...i'm VERY interested. Thanks for listening.

Mags:?:

[goodforme]

I want to hug you! Reading your post was very refreshing. My doctor said "I THINK you have PCOS, but just take these birth control pills and go on a diet" so there you go. But, you do have a LOT of the signs. See your doc right away!

[Jennifer 3FC]

Welcome to the club, honey. You can't say or do much that will shock us! You sound so typical PCOS. I was always heavyset, but the last few years I slowly get worse, symptoms get stronger...

Your trainer is right about the calories. Even going 1200 a day can be starving to some bodies. Did your gyno do a fasting insulin test on you? That will tell if you are insulin resistant. If you are, about the only way you are going to lose weight is low carb. You said it didn't work for you earlier...did you follow it to the letter? Something as simple as caffeine can blow it all for a gal because it causes a spike in insulin...some people can do whole wheat bread, others can't. Most bread has a tad of sugar in it, just like so many other foods we would never dream of having sugar, so it is hit and miss for a lot of people.

My suggestion is to go back on low carb...try one program and if it doesn't work, try another. I loved WW, it was a revelation for me, but it wouldn't work for me because of the insulin resistance. Somersizing and Protein Power are two other diets that have good results. You can find out what will work. There IS a plan for you, and I know there are a ton of people here on the boards that will help you find it. The folks a the low carb forum here are SO helpful and they will give you lots of advice if you ask for it. If you don't lose then post your menus and we will give you suggestions. I love this forum, we have the nicest and smartest people on the net here and I am sure you can succeed!

One thing I know is that insulin resistant people are VERY sensitive to exercise. This month as been HELL MONTH at work and all I do is work work work and I have had a million excuses for not exercising. Well now I have nobody to blame but myself cos I haven't lost an ounce all month. Regular exercise, no sugar and low glycemic food is the only solution for me. Look over all those links on the PCOS page and see what all great resources you have. Won't hurt to check it all out while you wait on your diagnosis. If your gyno does not seem 'up' on PCOS then look for another! Sadly there are SO many doctors that don't have a clue. I have heard a lot of horror stories that doctors, even gyn's have to say to patients about their weight. Better yet, check your phone book for an endocrinologist. They are the masters at this. I hope you can conceive someday, too. A lot of women have good luck with ovulation after taking glucophage/losing weight.

I am trying natural therapy, all except for the antibiotics for my less than lovely complexion. I will get my blood checked again this spring and hopefully I will see a difference. Good luck to you and don't be a stranger! I hope the doctor gave you good results!

[Pooky]

Aaah Mags, don't worry--you can do things right now until you can get into see a new doctor with information. First you need to find a low carb diet that will help you lose the weight and keep the PCOS in check. And you need to exercise regularly. Those two things should start you on the right path. Go to your library and check out as many low carb plans as you can find and read, read, read. No one plan is going to be right for you, so actively searching out what works is something we all have to do. I have been low carbing for over a year now and I have to say I love it. I actually started low carbing BEFORE I was diagnosed with PCOS and started exercising too so when I went into the gynos office and he told me the news, I had already put those two important parts of my recovery into place! Now I'm taking Glucophage, like a lot of ladies here but even then there are alternatives to Glucophage and you should talk to your doctor about them. Unfortunately, PCOS just isn't a do this and this and then you'll be better thing, It's constantly a readjustment and trying new things to get what's right for you. So please don't be discouraged and down on yourself, if the medical community isn't even up on it, why would you expect yourself to be? (((HUGS)))

[mks8500]

Wow. Thanks for all the support ladies. I'll definitely try a low carb diet. I just need to find one that might work for me. I've tried doing one of my own (I think we all knwo how well those work;) ) where I didn't eat any bread, pasta, rice or potatoes. Thing is, that's really all I eat. I'm not a big fan of red meat, most veggies or losts of fruit. Anyway, i'm going to do some research and pop in on the Low Card board. Maybe I'll post my original message over there and see what i get. About the doc yesterday. I told him about what was going on and he didn't seem shocked. He seemed very sympathetic, which was nice. He's ordered some tests. Blood to check the thyroid and an ultrasound to check out the ovaries. We'll see I guess. I had my thyroid checked maybe 3 or 4 years ago and there was nothing. I mentioned this and I guess it's not something you get tested for and if you don't have it, you never have it. Either way, I have to wait a while for the tests to be done. In the meantime I'll work on the low carbs. I want to try to help YOU guys though...especially those that are having trouble exercising. I know what it's like to be busy and work too much. I've had some 14 hour days, and like it or not, I've found that working out in the morning is the only way for me. Try it. I'm not a morning person, but it's just TOO darn easy to talk yourself out of after a long day. I go to bed early, but still only get between 5 and 6 hours of sleep before i"m up again and working out. If I can do it, SO CAN YOU. I'd be happy to be a buddy to someone that is having a difficult time with the motivation. Jennifer, keep with it. I've seen it said a hundred times on this site....you have to be consistent. Thanks for the hugs everyone. I'll keep you updated. :dizzy:

Maggie