Weight loss with PCOS

melissawilson21
melissawilson21 Posts: 74 Member
edited October 22 in Introduce Yourself
Hi! i am excited about this program and I look forward to losing more weight. My name is Melissa Wilson and I am 25 years old. I am from North Carolina. I am married with three children and after having my last child I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. PCOS means you have cysts on your ovaries which interferes with your hormones, weight and gives you a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes. When I started trying to lose weight in February of this year I weighed 280. I now weight 258 which is a 22 lb weight loss. Another issue with this is that it is harder to lose weight. I am looking to lose 1.5 lbs a week and I am beyond ready to retrieve my old body back and just be healthy. I am also looking forward to meeting new people in the process!

:smile:
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Replies

  • LoyalAngel16
    LoyalAngel16 Posts: 186 Member
    Hi Melissa. I also have PCOS and at the same weight as you right now. It is harder to lose but it can happen. You can add me if you like.
  • brittanykira
    brittanykira Posts: 220 Member
    I also have PCOS. Just started my weight loss journey about a month ago. When you say that it is harder to lose weight, may I ask what exactly you mean? I am wondering what kind of battle I need to prepare for :/
  • amydee714
    amydee714 Posts: 232 Member
    Hi I'm Amy, I'm 40 years old, and was diagnosed with PCOS about 12 years ago. In terms of what makes it harder to lose weight, there have been numerous studies that have found a correlation between PCOS and Insulin Resistance. They are not sure which one causes the other, but there is some sort of relationship. As a result, for people with PCOS, they tend to not be able to process carbs and sugars as easily as other people. If you eat a diet high in carbs (even one that is low calorie) the weight may come off slower.

    For me (and I am not a doctor nor do I tell anyone else how they should or should not go about their own lifestyle choices) I have found that the best way for me to lose weight is to essentially eat like I am a diabetic. I have been eating this way for the last year and have had very successful results (92 pounds and counting!)

    Please feel free to add me as a friend because I am new to this site and LOVE the moral support. If anyone is more interested in the way that I eat feel free to ask.
  • OnMyWeigh464
    OnMyWeigh464 Posts: 447 Member
    PCOS sufferer here too. I hate how the symptons mean I have to put in 200% in order to lose a couple pounds a week, when some weeks I am so drained that I barely have enough energy to put in 100%...

    Feel free to add me! I believe the more friends on my list, the better...on MFP the support is always needed.

    Disclaimer: Just so noone feels ignored by me...I don't answer every single friend's statuses but I am still here watching and supporting and following your triumphs and tribulations :-)
  • Effpcos
    Effpcos Posts: 350 Member
    I have pcos as well and was diagnosed as insulin resistant a few years ago. I've found taking a magnesium supplement, sticking to high protein and low GI foods the most effective thing so far. Avoiding soy proteins, and white flour and sugar helps too.

    edited to add- forgot to say feel free to add me, =)
  • lisamarie2181
    lisamarie2181 Posts: 560 Member
    Hey ladies!! Fellow pcoser here too!! Feel free to add me, we all know what a PAIN in the butt this is, having supportive buddies that understand helps :)
  • kate_xoxo29
    kate_xoxo29 Posts: 27
    I also have PCOS & so far have lost 75lbs. Feel free to add me :)
  • thoseblueeyes
    thoseblueeyes Posts: 812 Member
    Hi I also have PCOS. You are right weight comes off slower but that is okay, slow and steady is the way to do it. There will be days that you will want to throw your arms up and say I give up when you see .2 weight loss. Just remember tomorrow always come and you can either be .2 lighter or not cuz you threw your hands up.... Just remember you can do this and you will do it. You are doing this more for your health. I am excited for you and can't wait to hear about your sucess.
  • TheMoxieMama
    TheMoxieMama Posts: 17 Member
    I also have PCOS. It does make it more difficult--but success is possible. That it takes so long to lose a dang pound makes me much less likely to let that pound climb back on due to being careless with tracking my food, etc.

    Thanks for posting!
  • Nanaface1
    Nanaface1 Posts: 12
    I have PCOS too! I am 27 years old and was diagnosed at 17 when my "TOM" stopped for 2 years suddenly. I was about 215 then and lost 35lbs and was taken off of the Glucophage I was put on because of insulin resistance (hypoglycemic). I've been a member of MFP since August 22(ish) because I'm trying to lose the weight I put on from pregnancy (my son is now 2 *rolls eyes*) and I've lost 15lbs since. I notice I lose like 2/3lbs one week and the next couple of weeks it's only like half a pound or so...it's tough but since I started working out I've noticed a big difference.
  • danielledimedio1985
    danielledimedio1985 Posts: 54
    Hi ladies :) PCOS too, with insulin resistance. I don't suffer as badly as some women, my only issues being absent periods and awful weight gain/inability to lose weight. Thankfully I don't suffer from acne, hair growth, hair loss on my head, or some of the other lousy side effects. From February of 2012 through July of 2012 I was able to lose a little over 40 pounds! The past few months I have not been as diligent as I had been and am trying my best to get back on track. Please add me..I love having new MFP friends to support and who can support me as well!
  • misskariw
    misskariw Posts: 171 Member
    This syndrome is MEAN ain't she girls? I hate it. I think about it every day. I'm finally trying to do something about it. I read something about how because of PCOS our bodies chemicals are already way out of whack. Insulin , more prone to depression, testosterone in places where it doesn't belong, etc... Therefore, the more you can avoid chemicals in your foods and eat whole food, the better. I switched oatmeal brands this week to one with less unpronouncables in the ingredients list. I try to avoid McDonald's altogether. Switched from "flavored" cooking spray to olive oil or canola oil. Switched from cow's milk (hormones, steroids, antibiotics) to almond milk. I'm buying more fresh produce than canned or frozen. I'm not saying you have to go all organic, all the time. For most of us, that's just not practical at all. But, cutting the "fake food" is important I think. Otherwise, steering away from white bread, white pasta, white rice is probably a good idea. And logging your food & exercise here will help, too!
  • shantiface
    shantiface Posts: 12 Member
    Thank you all for sharing your progress - it's actually SUCH an inspiration b/c some days I just don't even think it's possible :)
  • melissawilson21
    melissawilson21 Posts: 74 Member
    Hi everyone!!!! Sorry it has taken me so long to respond, I have been extremely busy these past few days with the kids and a birthday party and working overtime. I also just moved into my new home and we have been here for three weeks now and I have been looking around for some inspirational posters for my office since I work from home. I found my Rosie the Reveter poster in quote "We can do it!".. I love things like this, I love how it shows that women are just as strong! I really appreciate the support and the inspirational stories you all have posted, I enjoy reading things like this and it brings me a lot of hope that if others can do this, I CAN TOO! I am still about the same weight, I ate a little more than I should have this weekend but I am going to straighten up this week and get back on track. I was wondering, does stress and being tired make you eat more or less? I feel that certain kinds of stress makes me eat more but then like the 'busy' type stress makes me eat less (I eat healthier during this time really). I was also wondering if any of you are doing any specific exercises? Thanks for any help!

    Miss Melissa
  • melissawilson21
    melissawilson21 Posts: 74 Member
    Hi once again,

    I also wanted to mention what I have been taking which has helped me some. I have been taking Green Coffee Bean Extract, fiber pills. I keep my weight balanced and it also helps me kick it up a notch as far as metabolism goes and it is natural.
  • Cattallie
    Cattallie Posts: 11
    Hey Melissa and gals! I too have PCOS, im 32 5'10 and currently 230 (245 3 weeks ago) but it can be conquered! Just stick with your personal goals, be strong, and it will come off before you know it. With me it was evil evil carbs.but anywho as far as emotional eating goes, when I was stressed and it depended what I was stressed with I ate less as well. Depression is when I feel you eat more of course due to those endorphins your brain loves so much. I notice when I'm off work there are extra things that like to slip in and when I'm at work I do not think twice about cravings. Keeping yourself busy I think goes a long way. I even crouched a king size blanket to keep my mind off of food that I did not need to be thinking about. Being tired I think just doesn't phase me either way. Feel free to friend me, I've had this app for ages it seems and just started doing something about it 3 weeks ago. That goes for anyone! Keep up the fab work ladies we can so do this!
  • redlibby
    redlibby Posts: 20
    Hi,

    I was diagnosed with PCOS and insulin resistance when I was 17 and have struggled with my weight for a while now. I'm sticking to a low GI diet and exercising as much as possible to get down to a healthy weight. Feel free to add me :)
  • melissawilson21
    melissawilson21 Posts: 74 Member
    Hi!
    First, how do you add friends on here? I am still new to this thing..lol.
    Second, I made a new goal and reward for my weight loss. I am thinking that if I can get the rest of the weight off of me..I may go back and get a tubal reversal and have another baby. My son is really wanting a baby brother and my husband is wanting one too..and maybe me too. I want to get some things squared away before I even think about reversing anything and then once I get that done I will go for it. Does anyone have any rewards or anything they they are looking forward to when losing their weight? I know we should really celebrate since it is more of a fight with our case. thanks so much for responding to this board!

    Melissa
  • IrishAmericanPrincess
    IrishAmericanPrincess Posts: 4
    First, how do you add friends on here? I am still new to this thing..lol.

    Click on the person's user name under their picture, then click the green add friend button.


    Feel free to add me as well everyone!
  • thatsingergirl
    thatsingergirl Posts: 70 Member
    Hi ladies... I am also a PCOSer, and I'm trying to get down to a healthy weight, but often the scale just goes in the wrong direction... I'd love some more friends who are in the same boat, so please feel free to add me!
  • sunnyj81
    sunnyj81 Posts: 61 Member
    Hello Ladies,

    I also have PCOS and need to lose weight in order to start a family and just be healthy in general. I only need to lose 50lbs, but I know it's going to be a struggle. Need all the support I can get!! Please add me if you like!
  • deeray
    deeray Posts: 103 Member
    Hey ladies!

    I'm 32yo, mother of 2 girls, 8 and 12. I was actually just diagnosed with PCOS last week. I've been dealing with my weight all my life and missing periods left and right. I was actually told by one Dr, that every woman's cycle was different. And mine was completely normal. That was after 38 days straight of being on my period. But, now that I haven't have a period in 3 months, this Dr actually took me serious. My husband and I had been trying to conceive for about 5 months. Then once I was late, I was sure I was pregnant. After SO MUCH blood work, and negative pregnancy tests, my Dr ordered the ultrasound. I was totally shocked when she said I had PCOS. I knew people before who had it, and never thought that's what was going on with me. I would always think, ok, maybe it's just the stress that has things all messed up, or maybe me being overweight. I didn't know. Sucks, how you go to a Dr, and they tell you, you're fine. Now this. I've been started on 10 days of Progesterone pills, to start my period. If that doesn't work, I'll have to start taking Metformin. I'm extremely nervous about the whole thing.

    Please feel free to add me.

    I could use some friends going through the same things as me, as I begin my weightloss journey.
  • melissawilson21
    melissawilson21 Posts: 74 Member
    Hi ladies... I am also a PCOSer, and I'm trying to get down to a healthy weight, but often the scale just goes in the wrong direction... I'd love some more friends who are in the same boat, so please feel free to add me!

    Hi, welcome to the board! I feel the same as you, I have right at 80 lbs to lose. i will add you asap! :)
  • melissawilson21
    melissawilson21 Posts: 74 Member
    Hello Ladies,

    I also have PCOS and need to lose weight in order to start a family and just be healthy in general. I only need to lose 50lbs, but I know it's going to be a struggle. Need all the support I can get!! Please add me if you like!

    Hi, I have known a lot of people in the stage of life you are in right now with the same problem with good outcomes. I will be moe than happy to support you and I am excited that you wil be able to start a family soon, I know it is a major blessing :)
  • melissawilson21
    melissawilson21 Posts: 74 Member
    Hey ladies!

    I'm 32yo, mother of 2 girls, 8 and 12. I was actually just diagnosed with PCOS last week. I've been dealing with my weight all my life and missing periods left and right. I was actually told by one Dr, that every woman's cycle was different. And mine was completely normal. That was after 38 days straight of being on my period. But, now that I haven't have a period in 3 months, this Dr actually took me serious. My husband and I had been trying to conceive for about 5 months. Then once I was late, I was sure I was pregnant. After SO MUCH blood work, and negative pregnancy tests, my Dr ordered the ultrasound. I was totally shocked when she said I had PCOS. I knew people before who had it, and never thought that's what was going on with me. I would always think, ok, maybe it's just the stress that has things all messed up, or maybe me being overweight. I didn't know. Sucks, how you go to a Dr, and they tell you, you're fine. Now this. I've been started on 10 days of Progesterone pills, to start my period. If that doesn't work, I'll have to start taking Metformin. I'm extremely nervous about the whole thing.

    Please feel free to add me.

    I could use some friends going through the same things as me, as I begin my weightloss journey.

    Hi, I take metformin and it did work at first. I just started it again after being two months off of it and I have not had a period for 3 months. id have a tubal ligation when I was 21 after having my third child so I doubt pregnancy even though it is still possile for me..they suggest if I miss my period for that long amount of time to take a pregnancy test regardless of the tubal. I haven't had a period tha has lasted as long as yours did..the longest mine lasted was for about 7 days.. You may also want to check is you are insulin resistant as well, the signs of that is darker areas under your arms,neck and inside of the leg area. if so, you need to really watch your sugar; I have this and it is a wreck..but watching my sugar has helped it and you can tell if you take in too much sugar because the spots will ge darker..it's crazy! They also say the more of a healthier weight you are, the symptoms will go away..but I am not sure on that yet. Thanks so much for posting to this board and I wish you the best of luck on conceiving!! :)
  • jcstanton
    jcstanton Posts: 1,849 Member
    I also have PCOS. Just started my weight loss journey about a month ago. When you say that it is harder to lose weight, may I ask what exactly you mean? I am wondering what kind of battle I need to prepare for :/

    It just means that, as hard as it is for anyone to lose weight, for us it's that much more difficult. We have to be careful of what kind of food we eat in addition to watching our calories. The best diet (diet meaning the food we eat, not a temporary regimen for the sake of weight loss) for us to adhere to is something similar to what a diabetic eats. We can still eat "good" carbs like fruits and whole grains, but in moderation. Anything with added sugar, processed foods, starchy foods like white potatoes and rice, and white breads and pasta are all pretty much off limits.
  • jcstanton
    jcstanton Posts: 1,849 Member
    You may also want to check is you are insulin resistant as well, the signs of that is darker areas under your arms,neck and inside of the leg area. if so, you need to really watch your sugar; I have this and it is a wreck..but watching my sugar has helped it and you can tell if you take in too much sugar because the spots will ge darker..it's crazy!

    Yep. I started to notice when I cut out simple carbs and all the junk that it started getting much lighter in color...especially after the doc put me on Metformin.
  • Sambobin
    Sambobin Posts: 1
    Hi all. I also have PCOS, and have done since I was 16. I am 21 now, and have been living with it for 5 years. I take metformin, which is a wonderful drug. It regulates me, and it is also a weight loss drug. i know that this sounds like a bit of a cheat, but it really is a good thing to have. Four months ago, I weighed 115.8. Now, I weigh 103.8. That is an average of half a stone a month. I can't say that it has been easy, and there have been a few setbacks, but what I can say is that I am proud of what I have achieved, and I couldn't have done it without the support of my family and friends. With hard work, and yes, a little bit of help, I am on my way to having my dream body. Friend me if you want!
  • ADT83
    ADT83 Posts: 6 Member
    Hi All, I also suffer from PCOS and am trying hart to lose about 60lbs. My last doctor check-up was a wake-up call for me when I was told I was at 198lbs. I try really hard to do things naturally, using herbs and vitamins, and acupuncture. I've made an effort to exercise regularly since June, and go to the gym for an hour a day, 5 days a week mixing up cardio with weight training. After not seeing any weight loss, I picked things up a bit, and am now closely monitoring my food intake and trying to walk more daily. My question for you all is regarding your cycles... I've noticed that when I decrease my calorie intake, my cycles become irregular. I am now on cycle day 72 and beyond three weeks of erratic spotting, have not ovulated, nor have I had a period. It's so strange, because up until I started watching what I eat, my periods were becoming more regular and I was ovulating with each cycle since I became more active in June. Has anyone else had this sort of problem before? From everything I've read, and the advise of my doctor, I assumed that the opposite should be happening...
  • deeray
    deeray Posts: 103 Member
    For my cycle, it really doesnt matter what I do. I'm on day 56 of my cycle. No spotting, just random massive cramping. I walk/jog 2-3miles everyday and do weights, maybe 3x a week. I havent lost any weight, just inches. Which I'm still happy with, lol. But, I watch my calories and stay active. Nothing seems to work for me. My Dr told me I need to lose about 50lbs, and I should go back to regualr cycles. But, if I'm doing all this with no change...I'm not too sure what else I need to do.

    Hope we get some answers soon. This is all very annoying, lol.
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