Hi Everyone,

I live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, hence the username. Just introducing myself. I am 28 years old, married, no kids.

I have insulin resistance and am on 2000 mg metformin. I have ovarian cysts but I have been told by gynos not PCOS - I take BC (trilevlen) to induce menstruation otherwise I don't have a period. I have been seeing an acupuncuturist for about 6 months to see if I could menstruate on my own without the pill. I also have an underactive thyroid so I take 100 mcg of levoxyl daily for that.

So as you can imagine, with an underactive thyroid and insulin resistance I struggle with weight and pretty much have my whole life. I tried WW a few years back and managed to lose about 20 pounds but it took an enormous amount of time and energy and I had to be more strict to actually lose weight (as in exercising but not eating more food gained from "activity points," etc). I knew I was getting a little crazy when I would look at an apple and instead of seeing an apple, I saw "two points."

Now for my good news - I have lost almost 20 pounds since the new year - am currently at 217 and was at 236 in early January. I quit an old job and started a new one, so I think the change in routine and stress level has an impact, and probably acupucture as well. My acupuncturist (who is also an RN) has encouraged me to not eat 3-4 hours before bed, and to eat more often during the day, and eat more healthy fats like nuts and seeds, so that is what I am trying to do, and it has paid off. Plus, now that it is spring I can take long walks every day and enjoy the mountain scenery. My latest goal was to start weight training since that is supposed to boost your metabolism, and even though I find it boring, I want to meet my goal of lifting weights twice a week. I started yesterday and feel just a bit sore in my back and shoulders, so I feel like I am lifting the right amount.

I should also add that I - like I imagine many of us here - have struggled with unsupportive family members and judgments of others, and I am hurt when people assume that I am fat because I am going through the McDonald's drive through every day or have donuts for breakfast. In pretty much every area of my life I am an overachiever and am successful in my endeavors, so having so much difficulty with something as basic as weight and food is rough.

I am 5'7" and would ideally like to be at about 150, though right now I am just excited about the prospect of being below 200, and I'm taking it one day at a time. I don't have a weight loss buddy or any other formal system of support, and the friends I do have who are trying to lose weight aren't dealing with insulin resistance like I am so they really aren't fighting the same battle. That's why I decided to join here.

So, hello, everyone. Looking forward to sharing the journey with you all!

Hi Blueridgegirl, welcome!! It sounds like your acupuncturist has given you some good advice! Have you read the book "The Insulin Resistance Diet"? If not, you might want to see if you can get a copy. It could be very helpful to you. I see that you have joined the May Exercise Challenge and that is good! We are a very supportive group in that thread, and the more you post, the more you'll get out of it, so just jump right in and let us get to know you and get to know us! We'll help you stay accountable for lifting weights twice a week! Good luck in your weight loss efforts! You are doing a terrific job so far!!

And congrats on your success so far! There's a forum here you may be interested in for those with obstacles, that includes a group for insulin resistance.

Good luck on your journey!!

Hi there and welcome!

I really enjoyed reading about your journey that got you here - I feel like I know you already!

It sounds like you've had a rough ride like many of us, but now you can feel better about your weight loss as you will find all the support you need from these forums. I know how it feels to have no-one there to help, and it is so much easier when you can discuss all of your issues with people who are in the same boat.

Good luck with everything and I hope to see you around the forums!

I to am on BC to induce menstruation, have been off and on for over 15 years. When I was in HS I got pregnant on the pill by only sometimes taking them. Then I got married and was ready to have a baby (like all my friends were doing) and we couldn't of corse went as far with the fertillitay dr as our insurance would let us. See I was over 300, I hear a lot of bigger girls have amenoria spelling? Now at 36 years old I secretly wish I can loose enough weight to get off BC and have regular normal period and give my hasband of 18 years the baby he never got to have. This is my secret wish I never told anyone not even myself cuz I don't want to fail. It's my last hope I am already in the dangerous zone for my age to have a healthy baby.

Hi and welcome!

I'm glad to see that you are making your way around the boards. Settle in, we're glad you're here.

Glad you joined us!
on your loss so far! Way to go!!!!

Welcome to 3fc! Surf around and settle in! We have forums based on age, eating plan, exercise and more!

Be sure to check out the Dieting with Obstacles forum for lots of good support!

Thanks, everyone, for the welcome and the support. It's great to be here!