What's wrong with me? (and who to see)

Racheldt87

What kind of Dr. do you go to for metabolism help? I have gained 10 lbs every winter since I was 18 (after getting on birth control). Since then for the last 6 years I have taking phentermine every Spring- Summer to lose the 10 lbs, then would gain it back over the winter and repeat the process the next year. This process is exhausting and frustrating. I work out year round and count calories year round. I have decided that phentermine is probably to blame for this mess. So obviously I've decided not to take it this year or ever again. However, I can not lose the 10 lbs I've gained. ( I gained this 10 lbs in 1 1/2 mo- Jan to Feb. kind of out of no where). I have been exercising a ton since then and have not lost a lb. I just started Insanity 3 weeks ago and although I am more toned I have still not lost a lb. I eat every 3 hrs about 200-300 cal for a total of 1300-1450 a day. Any suggestions??? B/c I do not want to take phent again.. I saw a endocrinologist hoping she could help. She told me I might have mild PCOS and prescribed me Wellbutrin to help w/ the stress of this. She also saif most ppl on it lose weight. Well I've been on it 2 months and have lost nothing. I have zero depression so it seems like a waste to take it. Also it makes me kind of shaky and I'm dental hygienist (so I plan to stop taking it).. Her appt cost me $400 so I don't really want to go back since she wasn't very helpful... but I need help!!

kelsully

I wonder if perhaps you need to visit a few different threads or websites that discuss the idea of eating more to lose...I know there is a philosophy of really fueling yourself etc to lose. Look at Fat2fit radio and eat more to lose more. Read through and suspend judgement and disbelief in the ideas until you have done a little research. You may need to consume more to get that metabolism going again.

bcattoes

I'd start with your primary care physician, discuss your problem and ask for a referral. I know nothing about PCOS but if you have it you might want to search for threads or groups from members who have it. I know there are some out there.

Are you sure you really need to lose 10 lbs? It is hard to lose the last 10, but I've noticed a lot of people work very hard to take off 10 more than they probably need to. Women are designed to carry a certain amount of fat on our bodies.

JulieH3art

Well, have you had your hormone levels tested?That would be my first instinct. What the eff is "mild PCOS"? Did she do an ultrasound of your ovaries? If you are worried about PCOS, see a gynecologist.

Since it is so regular, she's definitely on to something. You could have atypical seasonal depression, which manifests almost like clockwork. Because it is atypical, it might not manifest as the usual melancholia but as aggression, insomnia, weight loss/gain, or increased need for sleep. Do you recognise any of this?

Wellbutrin is typically the drug of choice when treating seasonal affective disorder.

What's your blood sugar? Do you have diabetes or other metabolic diseases in the family?

chantels1

I agree with eating more to lose weight, and also take your food diary to your Dr. with your workout schedule. Also maybe ask to see a nutritionist. But I still think you need more calories. Your body is hoarding! ;-)

Racheldt87

Thank you guys, I really appreciate the feedback! . And to answer some of the questions.. My gynecologist first thought I had PCOS 2 years ago and put me on Spironolactone. She is the one that suggested the endocrinologist. The endocrinologist did take my blood for labs and said everything came back normal. I am a member to threads about PCOS and have read some books.. I don't have too many of the symptoms in my opinion though and I have not ever had an ultrasound done... However the endocrinologist said the instead of PCOS it is now called Metabolic syndrome b/c many women do not have cysts. I have not given any thought to the seasonal affective disorder, that is a good thought. I don't ever feel depressed in the winter but I dont like the winter either. The thought of eating more to lose scares me b/c to lose the weight in all the past years I did a strict 1200 cals.. Eating 1300-1450 a day now is more to me. I guess I shouldnt really just say "I want to lose 10 lbs" b/c I don't care how much I way as long as I can look like I did at 10 lbs less... Basically shrink my belly back down. Most of my weight gain is in my lower belly giving me a pregnant like pooch which can't be healthy. My grandpa is diabetic but it's type 2 and was contributed from his poor diet/exercise habits. If anyone has any additional suggestions they would greatly be appreciated and thanks again to those who have replied!