[ladybabalon]

Hi everyone!

I started my weight loss journey several years ago, and I've been only moderately successful. I mean, if I say "I've lost over 70 pounds" that sounds great! But if I say "I lost 85 pounds and then lost and gained 20-30 pounds of that back repeatedly over the last few years" - that doesn't sound quite as impressive. I'm happy that I've never gotten back up within 40 pounds of my highest ever weight - but I'm frustrated that every time I get down to where I am now - which is still clinically "obese" - I always get stuck despite what feels like really hard and honest efforts.

I'm trying hard still though, and not giving up. And I've learned more over the years and am hanging in there.

Anyway for brief background on some of the complicating issues - I am 42, have PCOS, moderate asthma and various other chronic health problems. I am not diagnosed with IR ever but I remain suspicious about that, and so I'm trying moderate low carb along with calorie restriction to try to get past this wall I always seem to hit right at this weight. I've been at a plateau for 6 weeks now, just going up and down the same 3 pounds. Argh!

[Brandis]

Hi there! I have a similar story, except that I actually lost the weight and regained and lost again. (several times)

Although I do not have pcos, I did stay at the same weight for over a month, and what finally helped was to increase my calories by just a little bit and exercise just a little less. I am now kind of hovering and not losing, but I have not been logging and working out like I need to, due to school, so I can't blame that on anyone but me.

Some people find that with pcos they have to lower their carbs a lot more than others just to struggle to lose a single ounce. I don't know how many carbs you are eating, but that is one thing I see a lot with IR and pcos both.

Congrats on the weight loss you have kept off. That is still an accomplishment, and you should be excited! You can get there. You just have to keep going, mix it up when things get boring, or when you get stuck(You may be stuck right now).

[Kscott]

I think the up's and down's happen to all of us regardless of any side health issues. We all hit a weight plateau that is hard to break through.

I hit one that lasted for months--couldn't get out of the lower 150 range. So I signed up for myfitnesspal. If you don't know about it, it is a free app that you can download to your computer or any type of smart phone. They have a database of 3 million foods, including fast food places, that make it soooo easy to keep track of your daily calories--based on your age--your current weight--and your goal weight. I also bought a Jawbone UP very similar to Fitbit that helps me keep track of how many steps I take in a day. Since I bought this and signed up for myfitnesspal, I have broken through the resistance and have lost 4 pounds which is a big deal to me. I now only have 5 pounds to go and I am there.

When I am there--I am going to continue to use these, because I never want to go back again.

Take care--and Good luck to you.

[Loridori4]

Hey there...I've been up and down within the same 20 lb range for YEARS! You are not alone there!
I've really started cutting down on wheat based products after reading a book called "Wheat Belly". Written by a doctor. It is really eye opening and explains a LOT of why our generation has such an obesity epidemic.
We are NOT eating the wheat our ancestors ate. It has been genetically modified to grow the most in the least amount of space.
And to sum up a very detailed book...the wheat is just BAD/TOXIC for us now. And it's in SO MUCH stuff at the store. The aisles are FULL of it.
So anyways...I'm doing that and started Skinny Fiber 2 weeks ago. That's helping with the cravings a lot.
Wish you the best!