Metformin and Impacts on Weightloss Program

Quasita

Hello! I know there are other posts about metFORMIN on MFP and I have read through some of them, but I'm looking for fresh takes.

I'm significantly overweight and have a hard time maintaining a "normal" loss rate, even when I am working out strenuously and watching my food intake strictly. Over the last year, I've also developed some significant issues with recurrent ovarian cysts, some of which have ruptured and sent me to the ER, and once even to an admitted stay for a week in the hospital due to an infection developing after the rupture.

After seeing the same OBGYN and surgeon for a couple years, I finally decided to get a second opinion. While I'm not diagnosed with PCOS or anything, I was put on this medication to try and curb the recurrence of the cysts, as well as to help avoid developing full-blown PCOS. There was the hopeful added bonus that it would give me some help with weightloss.

Now, I'm wondering what experiences other people have had? I jumped right in at 500mg twice a day instead of tapering in, and have not had much in regards to stomach upset or diarrhea issues. I have, however, noticed a significant change to several things...
-decreased appetite
-very much lowered tolerance for sugar (it literally makes me gag if it's too much)
-immediately started losing weight (already down 5 pounds, maybe more)
-increased energy
-headaches and restless sleep
-less "static" in my muscles... they aren't spasming as much
-major increase of desire for water and exercise

I know that some of these are listed side effects, but others seem to directly correlate with the medication. Is it possible that this is so therapeutic for me, or would you guess it's psychosomatic?

Any additional input would be well appreciated!

Sugarbeat

I don't know your history, of course, but being diabetic Metformin more or less evened me out. No more sugar crashes and its much easier to eat on schedule like I should. It hasn't made me lose weight, but it has made it easier for me to plan my meals and such because I don't have to worry about a spike when I'm out running errands. I still have cravings but they're more manageable. That sort of thing. How much are you taking, if you don't mind my asking? I'm on 500 2x a day.

Quasita

I don't know your history, of course, but being diabetic Metformin more or less evened me out. No more sugar crashes and its much easier to eat on schedule like I should. It hasn't made me lose weight, but it has made it easier for me to plan my meals and such because I don't have to worry about a spike when I'm out running errands. I still have cravings but they're more manageable. That sort of thing. How much are you taking, if you don't mind my asking? I'm on 500 2x a day.

The dosage I was put on is the same as you, with the expectation to increase to 3 times a day after a few months or so. I also have noticed that my face is starting to clear up, it was starting to bug me how it was getting... lol!

psuLemon

Can you open your diary. Also, do you have signs of insulin resistance? I know many members that are PCOS or borderline PCOS have to keep carbs around 80-120g a day max to see weight loss. This is how my wife had to do it.

Quasita

Can you open your diary. Also, do you have signs of insulin resistance? I know many members that are PCOS or borderline PCOS have to keep carbs around 80-120g a day max to see weight loss. This is how my wife had to do it.

I don't have my diary open because I'm not regularly keeping track of my diet right now. I'm poor and eating what I can, and at a super deficit on many days. The only logging that really gets done is my BodyMedia unit adjusting my calories for the day

No signs of insulin resistance with the exception of difficult weight loss and weight gain. Like I said, I'm not considered PCOS or anything, I've just had a lot of ruptures and we're trying to get my androgens under control so they stop doing that!

I'll think about the low carb thing though. It'll be hard to do on a super budget but maybe I can make it happen.