I'm new and could use any advice I can get. I have PCOS and I'm Insulin Resistant. My doctor has put me on Metformin and I've been doing low-carb (roughly 10-15 grams a day) and I'm not really seeing any progress. I've been doing this for a month now and I've only lost 7 lbs. I can't continue starving myself and not seeing better results. I'm 287 and 32 yrs. old - got any advice? Thanks!

Hi and welcome to 3FC!

7 pounds in a month is actually not horrible. But on the other hand, if you feel you are starving or you are staying hungry perhaps you are not eating enough calories or eating enough good foods that help fill you up.

Can you maybe give some detail into what you are eating each day and your fitness plan?

I will suggest the following forums for you to look at -

PCOS/Insulin Resitant - http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/pcos...ce-support-70/

Carb Counters - http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/carb-counters-117/

But those are not limited choices for you to have a look at. Please browse the entire site, there's tons of support and information here to soak up.

Hugs
Michelle

Come visit us in the Atkins forum. Today is my first day on the plan but what I like about it is the fact that it's very filling. I'm going to be eating 5 times a day and the menu options sound very tasty.

I would also suggest you talk to an endocronologist if you have not done so already many women with PCOS (myself included) also develop thyroid problems. You endo will do a TSH test but they may also do a T3or T4 test if they are good and want to be thorough.

Have you tried exercising? I also have PCOS, and I can't lose by diet alone. Even taking a nice stroll around the neighbourhood in the evenings is better than no exercise at all!

I've had my thyroid checked - it's fine. I walk and do around the house as much as possible. I usually have a shake for breakfast and lunch, some type of meat and veggie for supper and sugar-free jello throughout the day. I've tried to take my carb intake up to the standard for Atkins but when I did I didn't lose any weight and even gained some. I'm so frustrated!

My personal experience... I have read so often that it is near impossible to lose weight if you have PCOS and Thyroid issues. So I used that as an excuse for so long to give up. What I had to realize is that, it is not impossible, we all just need to find what works best for each of us and that it might take more work and time than the average person. The good news is that if you lost even one pound you are capable of losing weight and reaching yours goals. Maybe you could try weighing yourself less so that those weigh ins seem like a bigger victory or do an additional weigh in when you need more motivation (I just tried that today). Stick with it, it took time to put the weight on and it might takes three times as long to take it off but your worth it, right.

I recently lost my husband (he passed away in Nov. 2008 - he had just turned 36 the month before). My weight never bothered my husband so I didn't let it bother that much. Now that I'm all my daughter (who is 11) has I know that I've got to do something to make sure that I'm as healthy as possible for her. I don't want to be skinny, I just want to lose some weight so that I can decrease my chances of health issues later on down the road since all my basic vitals (i.e. blood press., choles., etc.) is all normal. The only real issue I have at this point is the I.R. I know that right now my biggest hinderance is the stress from all the grief that I'm still dealing with.

I'm sorry for your loss. But I think you should also be congratulated for taking charge of your health. For women with PCOS, even a 10% weight loss can really benefit us.

Have you tried soulcysters.net? This is a really great message board specifically for women with PCOS. The diet forum is filled with lots of people who are really helpful.

Did I read that your doctor has you on Metformin for the IR? If not an endo can look into that for you and that may help some. As Michelle said 7lbs/month is not bad at all IF you are happy with what you are eating.

I put some comments in your post in the PCOS section about alternative ways to eat to assist with PCOS and IR if your issue was that super low carb was not the way for you.

DEFINITELY check with your doctor first though as there may be a reason he/she thinks that low low low carb is best for you.

Hugs honey.