Success with PCOS

traciwe

i have pcos and have lost 65 lbs....the more weight i loose, the better my symptoms get...the minute i start gaining weight again, my cyles instantly go back to being whack

crimsontech

I have PCOS as well. I don't take any drugs for it, but I have SIGNIFICANTLY more weight loss success with exercise over just calorie reduction. I do 30-60 minutes (sometimes more) of a cardio activity (walk, bike, hike) 5-6 times a week, with a 1200-1500 calorie diet and lose 3-5 pounds every week.

I recently switched to a doctor-supervised 800 calorie diet with less than 20 carbs per day and lost 12 pounds in the first 6 days (which was about 5-6 pounds of fat, the rest water). My weight loss has slowed down to 0.5-1 pound a day now that I'm past the first week. I'm at 311 pounds now and only a couple of weeks away from being under 300 for the first time in a few years!

Susan77

I also have PCO and on menaphormin(sp) also! And its hard to loose weight. It comes off slow but its works and the dr is happy with my progress! Takes time but stick with it!!

crimsontech

i have pcos and have lost 65 lbs....the more weight i loose, the better my symptoms get...the minute i start gaining weight again, my cyles instantly go back to being whack

Agreed!! Before I started losing weight, I wouldn't have a cycle at all. (sometimes I randomly have one once a year or so) Now that I'm burning off so much fat, I've been having a light flow pretty much every single day this month. I also "flowed" through a lot of December and part of January. Luckily it's very light but still, annoying!

Silverstar46

I was diagnosed with PCOS at 15 and given Aldactizide to help me lose weight. It did, but then I stopped taking it.

When I was 24 I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic which is also a PCOS link. They put me on Metformin but I HATED the side affects and stopped taking it.

Five years later I was 320lbs, miserable and scared about my health. Went to the doc, was put on metformin again and THIS time there were no side affects (probably because I was even more insulin resistant!). He also put me on birth control and spironalactone (a stronger form of aldactizide to help with excess hair growth).

Didn't diet, but took those pills in the AM and PM. Lost 11lbs without changing a thing.

Then I decided.. well I've already lost 11lbs without trying.. let's TRY now. Found MFP and I have lost 35lbs in 100 days.

I don't exercise a lot but I move more. I walk more. I watch what i eat and I no longer eat processed foods. I still eat chocolate (usually dark) and have the occassional Pepsi (not diet) and I'm doing fine. But I really think processed foods are the devil. I had some over the weekend and I gained 2lbs in water weight and felt like crap for two days.

Hope this helps.

astovey

I was diagnosed when I was a teenager. I ballooned up to 225 when I was in college. I had some success with low carbing. I tried ediets.com and ended up being a featured success story on their website. I lost 84 pounds and have kept it off for years. I struggle typically within a 10 pound range, but am still comfortable with where I'm at.

I agree that sugar and carbs are the devil for us. You will see changes around your waist if you watch your sugar and carbs. PCOS women typically have a lot of excess weight around their waists.

I think you really have to take charge of your PCOS, and not let it take charge of you. Excercise does wonders. Start small. I did, and worked up to half marathon.

This.

I was diagnosed when I was 16. I had all of the symptoms and was put on birth control. I was about 225 when I was 16 and Im now 143. Counting calories and exercising helped me most. I wasnt able to lose weight without exercise. Too many people use it as an excuse, but you can do it! Dont let it define you, it can get better!

RachelT14

I have PCOS, am not on any medication and apart from when TTC never have been. I am not IR and low carb does not really work for me unfortunately. The 24lbs i have lost so far on MFP are down to calorie control and Powerwalking on an almost daily basis, it does take time but it is do-able, i have been logging on MFP for 230 days. I have previously lost over 3 stone before (45lbs) using slimfast so that i would be the right BMI to go on the IVF waiting list here in the UK.

My heart goes out to those of you who are trying to conceive but there is always hope. I was diagnosed in 2001 after 8 months of ttc with no cycle. I have 10 failed attempts to conceive with just medication, 3 with IUI and was put on the IVF waiting list in 2005, i was told this was the only way i would conceive. 2 months later i conceived naturally, unfortunatley the pregnancy ended in a missed miscarriage at 16 weeks. I then got pregnant naturally again 6 months later and had a little boy. When he was 16 months old and without my cycle returning i was amazed to discover i was nearly 14 weeks pregnant. My children are now 6 and 4 and i have only just started to get a normal cycle back since starting on MFP.

This is hard but we can do it, it might just take us a whole lot longer than others but it can be done.

sexycheesemonkey

For those of you TTC, I wish you luck. We did all the treatments too, up to 3 IVF attempts. Ultimately, I've never been pregnant but I have three amazing children through adoption and frankly, am SO GLAD that I never have to feel bad for passing on my horrible genes LOL.

That's awesome. We have one frozen emby left. If this cycle doesn't work, we are looking into adoption as well. Would love to ask you questions if you don't mind?

I wish it were that easy. My husband and I havent tried fertility treatments yet...he does not approve in anything that has to go through a doctor. Unfortunately he wont get tested...at the moment at least. So it's up to me...and really...it just makes me feel like this is my fault and makes me feel kinda bad about it. I know he wants kids...and it's all Ive ever dreamed of. I love my husband...and hoping that this 'diet' works and helps me...because if it doesnt...then he has already claimed adoption in not something he would ever want to do. =( I dont want anyone to think badly of him, I do love him and it's just the way he is (part of his upbringing).

lauryn86

it seems like everyone has PCOS, I don't know if I have it, as I don't go to the doctor, but what do you mean by quickly enough? if you're losing or averaging 1 pound a week or 4 in a month, that's healthy and most likely fat, and the slower you lose, you're likely to keep it off long term. drink plenty water, eat when you're hungry, eat fruits/veggies. it's not hard, it's a matter or doing it, we're all a lot smarter and capable than we think we are.

Its not just weight issues with pcos, its fertility, acne, hair. U wud no if u had it.
N some of us do eat healthy n it stil doesnt come off, its harder for us pcos sufferers than someone that doesnt have it !!!

you are so right pink princess!!

DanielleRN8

I have PCOS, endometriosis, and hypothyroidism. I ballooned up quite large with my son (our little miracle baby) but have recently started losing weight. I exercise everyday (I started out with cardio only and now am doing the 30DS) and I eat between 1.200-1,400 calories a day.

Sophie983

I was diagnosed 3 years ago. My period wasn't on time for about 6 months, but I did not have any other problems. I lost 10 kilograms (about 22lbs) and ever since then my period comes every 28 days. Always around 10 am

I gained some of the weight back and now I'm dieting again (actually, I'm changing my eating habits). I am an emotional eater ... that's my biggest problem.

I'm back on track now. In the last 35 days I lost around 5.5 kg (around 12 lbs). I don't take any meds at all, however I do eat a lot of quality cinnamon. I exercise A LOT. I walk my dog every day (at least 1 hour), I do Jillian Michael's 30 day shred and I cycle (4-6 times a week for at least 40 minutes). I work hard and it obviously helps.
I don't eat as much carbs as I used to. I eat a banana every morning (after I drink a glass of lemon juice - organic lemons) and I eat whole grain pasta once a week.

I DO NOT EAT PROCESSED FOOD. White flour and white sugar are my worst enemies. I do enjoy something sweet occasionally. Today I ate a small organic chocolate with coconut sugar (I don't know the proper english word for it). I do not eat sweets with white sugar.
I mostly eat organic food.

Once I read an article that PCOS girls shouldn't drink Diet Coke and stuff like that. I hate diet coke anyway so that's not a problem

There are days when I don't have time to exercise ... but it doesn't happen often. Today was actually the first day when I was away all day and couldn't do anything.

Exercise is the key.

RachelT14

I eat a banana every morning (after I drink a glass of lemon juice - organic lemons) and I eat whole grain pasta once a week.

Exercise is the key.

Can i just ask what the lemon juice is for as i eat a banana most mornings. And i also agree excercise does seem to be the key

cerrajean

Okay I'm going to hijack this thread just a little bit since we're (mostly) all PCOSers here -

For many with PCOS, we don't have periods on our own. That's how mine was diagnosed- I was 16 and hadn't started yet so my parents took me to the doc and told them I was broken, fix me. They did the necessary tests and put me on birth control. So for me, period = birth control. They do not exist separately.

So I haven't been on birth control for the last 5 or so months and just had my annual checkup. as has happened in the past, the doc gave me a 5 day cycle of provera (progesterone) to jump start things, and while I've noticed the symptoms and all that usually come along with our dear friend TOM, he has not shown up. Mind you, I'm not asking for a diagnosis, I just talked to my doctor about it less than an hour ago, I'm just wondering if anyone has had something similar happen after losing a significant amount of weight.

I've always been heavy, and provera has always worked, every time I've used it for the 11 or 12 years since the diagnosis. I'm wondering if anyone has experienced shifts in hormone levels as your weight came off. Some people say if you lose weight your body can try and correct itself and your PCOS can lessen or disappear, so it's not THAT weird of a concept. Additionally, I've been super active compared to the previous years, which I know can also affect it.

So for now we're just putting me back on birth control because it could be other hormones that are out of whack right now. If it still doesn't happen in a month, I guess we investigate further.

OH to be a boy sometimes!

(And before anyone suggests it, yes, I'm taking a pregnancy test tonight JUST to be sure, but I'm 95% positive that IT will be negative- but doctor's orders!)

cerrajean

OH to be a boy sometimes!

At least then I'd be ok with the facial hair!

darina23

Yes, when you have PCOS, your body requires a lot less calories then a normal person. For me that magic number is 1200 a day. I have to exercise almost every day, eat low carb and high protein diet. The weight is coming off slowly, but it's coming off. I actually lost about 45 lb in 2 years, working to lose another 30.

darina23

Also, if you're looking for a natural supplement to lose weight with PCOS, look into Blood sugar formula, it has the cinnamon, spirulina and a bunch of other vitamins. I'm taking it and pretty happy with the results so far. Also, apple cider vinegar is a great appetite suppresant, it's natural and also regulates your blood sugar. But again, do your own research and see if you want to give it a try. As with anything, you'd have to do it for at least 2 weeks to see any results.

mlucarelli74

Five years ago I lost 50 lbs on a diabetic diet. I'm not a diabetic, but do have PCOS and a thyroid problem. They checked me for insulin resistance when I was diagnosed and it was negative but the diabetic diet still did wonders for me! The weight came off at a steady pace and I felt WONDERFUL! I was also exercising regularly and drinking a lot of water. I am trying to do the same thing now. Metformin ripped up my stomach no matter how many times they tried lowering the dose...I just couldn't take it and aldactone didn't do much for me no matter how high the dose...lol But the diabetic diet and exercise did wonders and balanced my hormones.

CjOlsnr

Hi everyone. I'm VERY new here- this is my first post in fact I'm 18 years old - will be 19 in June- and have PCOS. My highest weight was right around 240. I'm only 5'3 so that's a LOT of weight for me.

I just started the My Fitness Pal thing daily this past week. I've also started watching what I eat, cutting back on soda (before that's all I'd drink) and drinking TONS of water. I've lost about 12 lbs in 45 days and I think that is doing pretty good. I started excercising the last week as well and just did my first REAL excercising today.

I have a question for everyone. I find myself staying way below my calorie intake that I'm supposed to have, but what I'm reading here is that I should be more cautious of my carbs? Is that true? How many carbs would you recommend staying around?

KSDare

Hi, I too am very new here and this is my first post. I been formally diagnosed with PCOS since 2008, but the Docs have been trying to prove it since I was 18 (so over 10years...diagnosis of the condition has changed in that time).

As part of my managment program I saw a dietician who specialised in PCOS. The basic message is not necessarily just eating low carb, but eating low GI. So the carbs you eat have to break down lowly so you dont have a blood sugar spike and put extra pressure on your pancreas. If this happens the excess blood sugar gets stored as fat as you dont get a chance to use it.

So what I have done, and this seems to work for me is change things like use more sweet potato. I make lasagna with thin slices of butternut pumpkin instead of pasta, I use food processed or finely chopped cauliflower instead of rice, or if I have rice I use basmati.

Basically this is why often diabetic diets work, because they are focussed on controlling the amount and type of carbs consumed.

If you want to do some more reading here is a link:
http://www.glycemicindex.com/

KSDare

Hi, I too am very new here and this is my first post. I been formally diagnosed with PCOS since 2008, but the Docs have been trying to prove it since I was 18 (so over 10years...diagnosis of the condition has changed in that time).

As part of my managment program I saw a dietician who specialised in PCOS. The basic message is not necessarily just eating low carb, but eating low GI. So the carbs you eat have to break down lowly so you dont have a blood sugar spike and put extra pressure on your pancreas. If this happens the excess blood sugar gets stored as fat as you dont get a chance to use it.

So what I have done, and this seems to work for me is change things like use more sweet potato. I make lasagna with thin slices of butternut pumpkin instead of pasta, I use food processed or finely chopped cauliflower instead of rice, or if I have rice I use basmati.

Basically this is why often diabetic diets work, because they are focussed on controlling the amount and type of carbs consumed.

If you want to do some more reading here is a link:
http://www.glycemicindex.com/

StrongandTender

it seems like everyone has PCOS, I don't know if I have it, as I don't go to the doctor, but what do you mean by quickly enough? if you're losing or averaging 1 pound a week or 4 in a month, that's healthy and most likely fat, and the slower you lose, you're likely to keep it off long term. drink plenty water, eat when you're hungry, eat fruits/veggies. it's not hard, it's a matter or doing it, we're all a lot smarter and capable than we think we are.

Great for you if it's not hard for you, but MFP and other socially-based weightloss and fitness programs wouldn't exist if it weren't hard for many. PCOS does exist, tends to be underdiagnosed, and makes it damn near impossible for some of us to lose wright with "normal" measures.

For the original poster, THANK YOU, for this. I am unmedicated, and want to stay that way. Carbs are addictive - literally - and much like other addictions, it requires a real plan for breaking and coping.

Here's me, wishing us strength and determination in the face of "fighting our bodies to save our bodies," and hoping for more support and community to help get me through it.

polegirl23

I'm another PCOS sufferer who has successfully managed to loose quite a bit of weight and keep it off.

I've done this by following a low GI diet, so cutting out white carbs and eating 'clean', lots of fresh fruit and veg and limiting processed food (I cook most of my food from scratch). It is harder for us PCOS girls but it is possible so don't give up hope!

I have found that the weight around my stomach has been hardest to lose, which is apparently a symptom of PCOS, but it's going eventually!

Just stick with it and try to stay positive, the feeling of success is even greater when we have had to struggle even harder to get there than 'normal' people haha!!

michellebd1980

Lower your sugar intake, EAT CARBS!!! The good carbs that is and make sure you add a protein with it. I've had success when I followed Freedom From PCOS by Katie Humphrey and used the Insulite program. I gained back the weight because I laxed on these things. Check out the book, she is a personal friend of mine. I'm just now getting back on track.... It can and will happen!

ccb1030

To those who have mentioned side effects of metformin, have you tried the extended release version? I had to take that for a couple months just to get used to it, but the gastrointestinal side effects were much milder on the extended release. I transitioned to the "regular" stuff eventually, just becuase the extended release was more expensive on my insurance plan.

michellebd1980

The varied opinions are interesting. I've struggled with weight for years sometimes it seems no matter what I do nothing works. And was wondering how others with PCOS deal with it. Also I would be interested how others deal with some of the other symptoms like excess hair growth? I've tried lazer hair removal but the Dr said the PCOS makes it hard for it to be perment, also the heavier you are the worse the PCOS symptoms are which makes it easier to retain weight have more excess hair a real vicious circle.

Because PCOS is a syndrome, it affects everyone differently. The side effects one person has are completely different than another's. For most women, PCOS is caused by insulin resistance, the IR is not caused by being obese. This is very true for me. Once I hit puberty, even though diet and exercise didn't change, I started gaining weight inexplicably and had to starve to lose any weight. I am VERY insulin resistant. My only other PCOS symptoms are anovulation (once a year only from age 14 to about 35 when my body suddenly started working again), and polycystic ovaries. I also have autoimmune issues that are frequently tied to PCOS. I don't have what most would call 'excessive' hair growth, but I come from a family of women who are basically hairless. My grandma has never had to shave her legs, and my mom can do it maybe once every 3 months. I have to do it daily. I also have a light mustache and a couple chin whiskers that I pluck. My suspicion is that people who can lose weight without Met are less IR than I am. There are even women with PCOS that are NOT insulin resistant at all, but have many other symptoms. That's what makes it so hard to compare what works for PCOS. And I find it pretty condescending when people say 'oh, you don't need medication. Just do xyz.' implying that I didn't try or didn't try hard enough. My body just doesn't FUNCTION that way. Just because we both have PCOS doesn't mean our bodies work the same way with it.

I completely agree with what you're saying! I'm excessively over weight (452lbs) and it's disheartening and depressing but I'm doing something about it. I have extreme IR and heavy periods but without the metformin I wouldn't have any periods for months at a time nor would I lose weight with trying. Since I've been back on it, I've dropped like 15lbs. 8lb since I started MFP, I have excessive hair growth, skin tags in my armpits, skin discoloration on my breasts and waist, red bumps on my arms and a slew of other symptoms. But, I am not giving up and neither should YOU all! I'm here if you need support. You can definitely add me, I'd love to support another cyster or anyone for that matter! I also have many cysts on my ovaries and Metformin is keeping them down. I have hard horrible problems with them bursting and have ended up in the ER many times. I don't want to have surgery because of the cysts so I am doing everything I can humanly do to change my situation! Good luck to you all and God Bless!

michellebd1980

I was told by a trainer who also has PCOS that you have to do specific exercises when doing cardio (sort of like HITT cardio exercises) and then weight training. I personally have had zero success with losing weight having PCOS, so I don't know the magic formula to success at this time. I am considering surgical weightloss at this point since it seems I have tried everything, many trainers, docs, etc. I also take Metformin, and it worked by dropping ten pounds the first month, but it's come back, plus 20 more. I hope you find what you're looking for and are successful!

Yes!! Interval training (cardio and weights) will boost the hell out of your metabolism helping you to lose the weight at a steady rate and keep it off. The key is not only the diet but the exercise. I also read to not workout more than five days per week because if you do, it will make the testosterone in your system sky rocket which causes agressive and aggitated behaviors. Just FYI!

michellebd1980

I was diagnosed with it in 2001. My weight has fluctuated most of my life. I'm not on any medications for it currently. Although I've recently reset my ticker, I have lost 55lbs. I keep my carb intake around 100 net, and limit sugar. When I do use sugar, I use raw sugar, 'cause that substitute stuff isn't good for you either. Also keep processed foods to a minimum if possible. Definitely talk to your doctor, and figure out what works for you.

Stevia is organic and is the best to use with PCOS... The next best is Agave!:)

Sophie983

I eat a banana every morning (after I drink a glass of lemon juice - organic lemons) and I eat whole grain pasta once a week.

Exercise is the key.

Can i just ask what the lemon juice is for as i eat a banana most mornings. And i also agree excercise does seem to be the key

I read quite a lot of articles and I also spoke to a nutritionist about it. Lemon juice has got a lot health benefits.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/215380-drinking-hot-water-lemon-in-the-morning/
http://www.lifemojo.com/lifestyle/top-10-health-benefits-of-lemon-water-1422542

Ever since I'm drinking lemon juice in the morning, I go to the bathroom every single day But that's just my personal experience

PS
I am not insulin resistant and I don't have any other problems (acne, hair).
My stomach is my biggest problem. My body is totally asymmetrical (big tummy, big breasts, no butt and quite think legs).

Sophie983

On more thing. According to MFP I eat too much sugar every day. It's quite annoying actually. I get all my sugar from fruit and sometimes a little bit of honey (and an organic piece of chocolate every now and then). Should I be worried? I am losing weight and I'm feeling great .... It would be very hard for me to stop eating fruits...

pinkprincess205

On more thing. According to MFP I eat too much sugar every day. It's quite annoying actually. I get all my sugar from fruit and sometimes a little bit of honey (and an organic piece of chocolate every now and then). Should I be worried? I am losing weight and I'm feeling great .... It would be very hard for me to stop eating fruits...

My sugar level is always over, i dont eat chocolate its all from healthy stuff. I wudnt worry. Im stil loosin weight n over everyday x