Trying to lose weight with PCOS

I will be 35 in a week, and I have been dealing with PCOS since I was sixteen. For more of my story, here is a link to the blog I wrote when I first joinded MFP: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/jcstanton Since I joined MFP, I have lost about fifteen more pounds for a total of 44lbs since May 2011. It's never been EASY to lose weight, but it IS possible. You do have to prepare yourself mentally, though, because as difficult as it is for the average person to lose weight, it is that much more difficult for us. I agree w/ mstankowski, if you can, see your doctor and talk to him/her about getting a Metformin Rx (diabetic pill). Metformin helps curb the insulin resistance problem our bodies have, and insulin resistance plays a large role in the weight problem. A few more things that have worked for me: Drink AT LEAST 8 8oz. glasses of water/day (I like to carry a 32oz. bottle with me everywhere and I try to drink 3 of those per day); exercise for a minimum of one hour 5-6 days per week (be sure to include strength training in 2-3 workouts each week); if you can afford it, join a gym (it's a great motivator for me); STAY AWAY from fast food and processed foods as much as possible; eat fresh/frozen fruits and veggies, lean meats, and fish; learn portion control; eat a small meal every couple of hours (helps keep blood sugar balanced and boosts the metabolism); most of all, surround yourself with people who will inspire and encourage you to keep going even when you think you can't. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I know it can be done, because I'm doing it.

I am struggling with pcos as well! I have beem dealing with pcos since I was 18 and now I'm 30! I want to lose weight so bad and I know its possible cause I have done it! Its just a lifestyle you have to stick with and thats were its hard for me! I need motivation to keep with it! If you are someone that can help do that please add me as a friend Kell_lynn! I am going to start using myfitnesspal app again! I got out of it and I know I need to get back on track again! (:

hey i have pcos and found out I have it about 2 months ago. what works for me is just working out and exercising about 5-6 days a week and doing lots and lots of cardio with a little bit of strength training. I am currently doing insanity and I love it :-)

I just finished reading The Paleo Diet and have spent all week glued to The Primal Blueprint website. There are tons of success stories of people who have struggled with PCOS and have erased symptoms by following this diet. You should check it out.

Exercise is absolutely necessary for me to lose weight with PCOS! That paired with a diet based around veggies and lean protein with NO processed or fast foods or simple carbs. I have to be really strict with a healthy lifestyle to lose weight but I am down 38 pounds so far and feel amazing.

I had my hormones checked last year (please do this if you haven't yet). My doctor put me on metformin, took me off the high-estrogen BCP (my estrogen was fine without them), and put me on progesterone since my progesterone was close to zero. I also eat around 100-125 carbs per day, sort of like a modified South Beach diet plus the "Linking" method (always eat protein with carbs), and I have to exercise. I've found that even if my diet and calories are spot-on, I will not lose weight without exercise.

Even with all of that being perfect, I still go weeks without a loss and then lose about a pound per week when I do lose. It's incredibly frustrating, especially when I see so many people losing 8-10 pounds per month, but I figure 56 pounds is better than 0. I'll never regret starting, and I don't plan to quit. Ever. Once I hit goal weight, I'm going to keep logging my calories, exercising, and watching my carb levels. My doctor warned me that I'm pre-diabetic (insulin resistant), so it's imperative I keep everything in check. Hopefully, that risk will go away once I lose more weight. I have my yearly A1C test coming up, and I'm hoping it's down a bit. /crosses fingers

It's NOT easy...every dang pound is a struggle - BUT you actually can "treat" your PCOS with a healthy diet and exercise, so I was basically killing two birds with one stone.

Exercise is a must. A healthy mix of cardio and weights. I started running, but really, do what's comfortable for you.

I also found that carbs were a huge issue. I was prescribed the metformin but HATED what it did to my body, so I stopped it. I extremely reduced the amount of simple carbs and upped my protein as much as I could handle. Every meal is approximately 60% protein. No more white breads, sugars, candys (Sad face, infinityyyy), etc. I do allow them as treats, but honestly, I don't even like eating it anymore, because you can seriously tell a difference.

Research also shows that taking a supplemental super B complex can help, along with iron and a daily vitamin. I also take St. John's Wort for the mood swings that tend to come along with PCOS. I'm no doctor, but this has really helped me. I'm a huge advocate for herbal teas and LOTS of water too.

You ladies CAN do this!!!!! (PS - This weight loss also helped me regulate my cycles enough to get preggers...it may be the only time I'm able, but I had my one baby!!!)

So, between the herbs, and going gluten free, you can practically cure PCOS.
I'm just having a very difficult time completely switching to a gluten free diet.

Crunchybubble what herbs do you mean that help with PCOS? there is a part of me that wonders if PCOS is part of my migraine issue too, so anything i can do that will help it i am all about, and the less pharmaseutical the better


Also, has anyone ever seen or noticed with all the groups we have, is there a PCOS group?