PCOS/Insulin Resistance Support - PCOS November WL Support

Hello and Welcome All to the PCOS WL Support November 2009 Thread!



This thread is about PCOS and Weight Loss Support. If you have PCOS, or think you might, or know anybody that might have it, or your just curious or you just think we are totally awesome, so you just wanna chat with us, please join us!

Losing weight with PCOS is like trying to rollerskate up an icy hill. With all the wonderful lovely side effects, extra facial and body hair, skin tags, dark skin patches, weight gain, etc, etc, etc........

Everybody is whether you are trying to conceive or not!

http://media.photobucket.com/image/pcos/daniellepcos/PCOS/m_626463ba8feed7e0fa3c2b66ccc4f5-1.jpg?o=169

Some come on in, get a cupa whatever and join us in a chat.

Hello! I am new to 3FC, and after attempting Weight Watchers 3 previous times, I finally joined again on Thursday. For the first time, I can actually say I'm making a whole-hearted commitment. I've been through many fertility treatments, and I've come to the realization that the best thing I can do for myself (and WHEN it happens, my future child... :) ) is to get healthy. Not just to lose weight, but to get healthy. It's inspiring to see so many fellow PCOSers lose weight. It gives me hope!

Hello All!!

Thanks for changing the title Jennifer! (originally posted as October oops lol)

Hey Krissy - Welcome to 3FC, yup, you're gonna find plenty of support here from the ladies. We're all experimenting and trying to find ways to cope with the symptoms of this condition and supporting each other along the way :)

October is over and I've lost a total of ~11 lbs! wo0t! I think that's the maximum I have ever lost in one month since I was Rx with PCOS. I think its a combination of things which are: Switching from bcps to Actos, Reducing carb intake, increasing activity level. Also minor things which I think still helped are: green tea & grapefruit. I've been trying to drink green tea with almost every meal because of its fat blocking benefits, I'm actually starting to crave it sometimes! I'm also eating grapefruit which I used to seriously hate, my Dr. told me it has fat burning enzymes plus keeps you full and is low in sugars. I'm still going to experiment with this for another month, I also still need to get my blood works done (ugh lazy!)

Sorry for the long post, hope everyone else is doing great! :hug:

Hi girls!
I'm new here, just thought I'd jump in! I posted on the last of October thread..here's a bit about me..I have IR and PCOS, have been unable to conceive thus far, so first of October started on a low carb diet, phentermine, and my bcp again since I am taking phentermine and it would be my luck to miraculously get prego now taking that stuff! Anyhow, I'm giving myself a year or so trying to lose the weight then we'll be back on the trying to conceive wagon. Until then, hey its fun to practice, LOL!

Krissy-Welcome! Good luck and look forward to hearing more from you!

JigglyBits- Congratulations on 11 lbs gone! :woohoo: I have been thinking about including some green tea too, every thing I read has nothing but positive things to say about it, so hey worth a try. Curious...how do you drink it? Cold,hot,any add ins?

Good Luck everybody!

Hi Everyone,

I'm pretty new to the forum but not to PCOS (diagnosed 11 years ago). I was wondering, how did you get diagnosed with IR? Did you go through your gyno or general practitioner to find out, or straight to an endocrinologist?

I don't want to self-diagnose myself, but its pretty obvious - I have PCOS, I gain all my weight around the middle, and I gain 3 lbs every time I look at a potato or pasta. I feel like its so difficult to find a new doctor that will accept new patients/take insurance/etc these days but maybe a diagnosis will help me?

Twinklebug- I'm in a small town and we have a pediatrician/endocrinologist/surgeon LOL. I'm a healthcare provider and knew this doc so I went to him for the official diagnosis, but I monitor through my general physician (also my gyno)...like I said, small town... I had the basic lab work done and also did a check on my insulin level (fasting). I don't see any reason why a general practitioner couldn't do this basic work up for you. You could see a nurse practitioner as well for this, they generally are more flexible in taking new patients and insurances like em b/c they are quite a bit cheaper too. Remember, this is not medical advice, just my 2 cents. Good Luck!

Thanks KaCee! I think I'll go to a GP and start there. There are definitely small town advantages - like you don't have to pick a new doctor from hundreds because you only have a few choices! :)

Good Morning Ladies!


KaCee - Good luck with WL & TTC :) I like drinking it hot basically, I buy the loose leaf type in bulk from our local Chinese store taste better and much cheaper. Trick is don't let it steep for too long or it will taste bitter 1-2 mins is enough. I also like the jasmine type for a change sometimes. Try to find Oolong tea as well, I've heard that its fat blocking abilities are higher than green tea but I still have to try it myself.

twinklebug - Welcome to 3FC. I'm like KaCee I was diagnosed by a GP as well but I already had an idea of what PCOS was so I asked them to run the tests for me and once it was confirmed I went to an endo. Good luck with your tests, keep us posted!

Hope everyone else is doing fine :)

I'm scheduled for a doctor appointment Dec.6th. I'm going to try to keep losing until then, my ultimate goal is to avoid medication if possible.

I hope everyone is enjoying fall and having a good week.

twinklebug- good luck with the dr appt and I hope you can avoid medication also!

I tried the green tea, I like it! You are right about not letting it steep too long too, it got a little nasty the other night when I forgot about it :o

Take care everyone, hope you are all preparing for the holidays and going to get to see family and friends!

KaCee, both times for me to get pregnant I lost a bit over 5% of my body weight. I had lost over 10% of my body weight before I got married and we decided to TTC right away. I got pregnant pretty much instantly.
But after my son I gained it all back. When we TTC again it just wasn't happening. My cycles were neverending, I never knew when or if I would ovulate, etc etc. It was during this time I got diagnosed. Dr told me he would put me on metformin, but he wanted me to lose some weight first. I lost 5% of my body weight and was scheduled to go in for another ultrasound and to get my Rx for met when BAM! the week before I was scheduled to go in I got a BFP!!! My ultrasound ended up seeing my sweet baby girl instead of my cysts :)

So even though it can be tough, weight loss can really help our bodies keep our PCOS symptoms at bay!
GL TTC!!!

HeaterAS-That is so wonderful! I am hoping my experiences will be equally as positive! Guessing those are your kids in your profile pic, they are beautiful!
I hope they get the site fixed soon, this is the first time I have been able to log in for 2 days...and dangit I need my 3FC! :)

Just an updated to let you know I got my 2nd TOM on Actos bcp free. Seems my cycles are 30 days :)

Hope everyone is doing ok!

Good morning! All is well here. Well now, it is! My father was in the hospital, and I gained a couple of pounds while consoling myself! :eek: But it's coming back off.

I had withdrawals as well! I'm glad we're back up and running!

JigglyBits, congrats!!

Hey ladies!!

Missed you all. I have been trying to fight this nasty cold. Then in the mean time trying to tell myself that I need to get back on the WL Wagon.

How is everyoe else doing??

Hello all!!

I'm going to be starting a new weight loss plan in Jan, but it's been hard for me to lose weight, because of the PCOS. I was just going to focus on cutting out junk food, eating more healthy food, and working out. But that hasnt always helped me out in the past. What should I do besides that? Should I talk to my doctor about it??

Hi Shopaholic - I have noted that low carb always worked best for me, but is the most difficult for me to stick to. Talking to your doctor can't hurt!

I hope everyone is doing well. I had my A1C levels checked this week, showing that my glucose over the past few months has been managed and I am not showing any signs of diabetes. Does this also mean I'm probably not insulin resistant?

Jigglybits- sounds like Actos is doing wonders...I may have to check into that when TTC again!

Jennifer-Sorry to hear about your father, but glad to hear you are getting those pounds back off! As I am learning, there is something to potentially de-rail you everyday, but it is all about getting back on again!

Nicoyaangel-Sorry to hear you have been down with the cold...I know some people lose weight when they feel sick, not me, I eat like crazy! Hope you are all better now :getwell:

Shopaholic-Good Luck on your weight loss goals! I also find low carb works the best for me, not to say other methods haven't, with the IR and PCOS they just seem to work painfully slow, like a pound here and there if I'm lucky!
I know you are planning to start in January, but for me personally, there is no time like the present. I feel I'm more successful the less time I have to think of a reason not to start...just something to think about :)

twinklebug-sounds like a pretty good checkup you had! Everyone is different, but I always have normal A1C levels and still have IR. I think the most surefire way is to have the actual insulin level checked. But I'm no doc, so I would take his two cents over mine!

My husband and I got a new bed yesterday and I slept like a baby last night!! We went from a queen to a king and I am surprised how much of a difference that makes! I lost 4 lbs this week, I am sooo happy! I have been working my booty off for two weeks now and it finally showed!! I am now at the lowest weight I have been in 2 years...227! And darn proud of it! I am aiming for the 2-teens by Christmas.

Kacee - Thanks :) I actually do eat less when I am sick. I wonder why that happens but I wish I would eat that way when I'm not sick and eat more when I am sick since I am not sick with the cold as often LOL BTW I am super jealous of you because I am in desperate need for a new bed. The springs on my cheapo Ikea mattress are starting to come out ugh. So drool extra for me please lol. And congrats on the weight loss KEEP GOING!!!!!

I finally went back to the gym today & let me tell u it felt good. By May 21st (My birthday) I WILL (not want to be) a size 14. If I even make it to 16 that will be good but a size 14 is my goal. I am going to do it this time because for once I want to spend my birthday money on something aside from make up or "Pamper me" stuff or even on my fiancée whose birthday is May 22nd LOL

I will need all the support I can get. I haven't been a size 14 since high school nearly 10 years ago :-/

Ok here goes ..... *yay*

Jennifer - hope your dad is doing ok :hug:

Nicoyaangel - Good luck with your goal, keep us posted! I can't even remember when I was last size 14! lol

Shopaholic - There are plenty of diets ppl with PCOS are following you have to experiment and find the best one that works for you. Did you get officially diagnosed with PCOS? If not I suggest you do go and see a doctor and get the tests done, good luck :)

twinklebug - I am not sure if that shows that you are insulin resistant or not, I guess you have to check with your endo to make sure, good luck :)

KaCee - I've never had better results with any other type of medication for PCOS before. It seems to be working :D I need a new bed desperately! I know that when I wake up with back pains its from my bed :(


Well, I had a bad knee for the past four days so didn't get much exercise in last week. I also took that as an excuse to sneak in some chocolate and cake..ugh!! But that's last week, I'm back on track this week, started off this morning with a 120 min walk so yay! I'm hoping for a big loss by end of this week.

I also had to change my target date for my 220lbs goal to new years because it doesn't seem visible that I'll reach it by dec 5th.. I don't think its cheating, its just making it more 'reasonable' lol

Hope everyone is doing ok! :hug:

Jennifer - Hope all is well with ur daddy :)

JigglyBits - Thank you!! Honestly one day i woke up and said I can't take it anymore & haven been eating better & now working out *Yay* The last time I was a 14 I believe I was a freshman in highschool lol I told my fiancée no more eating bad when I cook at home. I have fell off so many times but with my sister & BFF & all u ladies by my side I have to do this.

Ooooh I have to share this since I am still waiting for my food: I came to eat at an Italian restaurant and asked them to point out which chickens are grilled. Asked what the sides are and they said pasta and veggies. I can't believe it - I asked to replace the pasta with more veggies :-D I saw that on The Biggest Loser. He keeps eating the bread they offer. I am on here avoiding it. I had one bread & now I am ready for my chicken :) And I skipped the drink and stuck with my water. Plus it's free :) Cant beat free haha

Nicoyaangel - Those small better choices, although small, add up and make a difference! It can be very difficult sometimes, especially when everyone around you are munching on fries and burgers and all you had was soup and fruit <-- that was me at dinner, but I'm proud I resisted :D

NSV for me today, my mom finally admitted that she notices a difference in the way I look, finally!! lol

Hope everyone is doing ok!

JigglyBits - Oh yea!!! It's very tempting but I need to tell myself NO! I will do whatever it takes. I want to go on a shopping spree on my birthday :)

How are all you ladies doing?!

Hi Ladies!

Sorry I have been MIA. Just haven't felt like posting........

I am trying to figure out if I had a period this month or not. I can't remember! How sad is that???? lol. I looked back and I haven't posted in this months thread yet, so can't tell by that. The last post I had was from last month (October) and said I started on the 13th. So if that was the last period then I am over a month late. So I need to keep track of this better. lol. I have a drs appt. on Dec. 3rd. I rescheduled the one I was supposed to have at the beginning of the month.

Anywho, I did buy a hpt so maybe have to take it and see. I have been feeling nausious lately and its been very strange that my upper back has been really hurting me lately. I mean that could just be work (dr thinks its from sitting in front of a computer all night at work) but just strange because it just started??

I have been working here for 4 years this Saturday and since I have had my new desk chair, which I have had for about 3 years now, I don't really have any more back pain, esp in my upper back. My Spinal Injury is in my lower back. I dunno just weird. I think I am gonna have to go back to a specialist though. My family dr gave me pain meds, but they aren't helping.

Anywho, we shall see. I hope you all are well and I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, to those celebrating! :)

Hi Everybody!

Finally got in! LOL. I guess everybody overwhelmed it yesterday!! LOL!

My friend and I went shopping yesterday morning together and she encouraged me to try on a pair of jeans that was 2 sizes smaller than I normally wear. I thought there was no way they would fit, but tried them on anyways and they FIT!!! :carrot: Infact they are a bit loose and I probably could go down to the next size or maybe 2, but I hate tight clothes so I bought those and that way I have shrinkage room. But I am STOKED!! :D

Only weird thing is the scale isn't moving?? Not just my scale either, been to 2 different drs offices and they say the same as mine at home. Some of my friends say it could be I have lost inches or gained muscle?? Either way I am Very Happy to say the least!!! lol.

Oh and also my back is feeling better. It was killing me then I took a Vicodin, woke up at midnight hurting, took another one and now I feel great. :) Also took the HPT and it was negative. I go to see my dr on Dec. 3rd, so she will probably do a blood test to be sure. But I will get a list of fertility drs from her and hopefully I will be preggo soon!

Anyways, BIG HUGS EVERYBODY!!!

:grouphug:

Hey ladies!!!

It's 5:30am & my lovely mom woke me up so I can give the cashier my associate number so she can get my employee discount LOL She did the whole wake up at 3am and head to the mall at 4am - No way I am doing that LOL

Anyways, yesterday I didn't eat as much as I normally would but I did a lot. Then went on a long walk around the outside of a shopping center with my best friend & doggy :) That was fun! I plan to go back out tonight and do the same or even hit the gym :)

Sassy - Smaller pants size? That's awesome!! Keep it up!! And yes Vicodin is great for pain. Hope u do get preggo soon. You are going to be a great mommy :)

Thanks Nico! Yeah my friend was out in that mess as well! lol. Not me neither! lol. Thanksgiving Morning when I went and got my new jeans, it wasn't that bad, but I can only imagine how this morning was! lol.

WTG on the eating and the long walk. ;) I think I did pretty well too. I didn't exercise because well I am afraid too with my back the way it is now......

Sassy - I started work at my retail job at 8am yesterday and OMG!! It was like the mall had a machine where people would step in and duplicate in multiples of 10 it was craaaaazy!!! The lines would NOT go down & as the cashier (and a faithful shopper LOL) I was trying to be as fast as I could be but it was impossible. Just when you think you have some down time a ton of people come out of no where and just make this HUGE line. My feet still hurt this AM. I was going to go shopping but I said forget it. Hope your back gets better soon :)

As for me, I cannot believe I am awake at 8:30am. I love Saturday morning cartoons but I do not remember them being this early in the morning LOL. Since I work until midnight I guess I will just do some chores around the house to get my exercise in. There is a lot to do LOL.

Nico -- Yeah I remember working retail day after Thanksgiving. Craziness. One time I was lucky I had my vest on or the people standing in line would have probably mobbed me for going to the front of the line to go in so I could work. lol!!

Sassy - Yea it's crazy!! It was hilarious, some guy had the nerve to ask me where there was a short line. A short line?? It's like sir do you know it's black Friday?! So, I sent him to childrens & my coworker said it's worse at childrens. I said well he can be their pain and not ours haha. A short line?! Are you kidding me?!

Today my friend & I are going to the gym. Have to get something in since I just keep working out by picking up tons of laundy LOL. Right now I am just relaxing the heels of my feet because they are still throbbing :-/

Will check back later

Xoxo

Just weighed in .. 2lbs. lost!! Yahoo!! Slow & steady :) I will change my little guy down in my signature later. First I need to find a working computer. Stupid laptop at home :-/

Hit the gym again today with my BFF. Something crazy always happens when her & I are together LOL Also went through the Burger King drive thru to get my fiancée something to it. Do you know what i got myself?! Nothing! Not even the fries that I am sooooo addicted to. I am so proud of myself. I cannot believe I even went thru a drive thru & didn't get me anything. He even offered me a French fry and & rejected them. But mMmmMM that smells so good. Ugh! *size 14 size 14 size 14*

Yet another day at the gym. Had a better workout today. Starting to raise the incline on my cardio machines. Looking forward to tomorrow. My official weight in day are now Sundays. Hope I have a nice loss for the week :-)

Taking a break from the gym today. I am actually sick ..... Again!!! I cannot believe it. I am not happy. But if I can I am going tomorrow after my first job even if it is only for an hour & then get ready for my second job. Tomorrow is a busy day.

Hope everyone else is doing good. I feel like I am using this as my personal weight loss diary haha. Oh well check in with ya mañana. Adios :)

Ugh I still need to exercise but really don't want to :( I planned some walking and yoga.