Any PCOS sufferers that have lost weight without meds

From what I've gathered it really depends on your body. I have hypothyroidism and PCOS so it's definitely a double edged sword. Over the past two months I've lost about 5 lbs (and a couple inches... i never kept track) by doing C25K and not really changing my diet too much (I eat very healthy anyways, high protein, lactose intolerant, gluten free and low carb). For me slow and steady is how it goes, but 7lbs in 3 weeks sounds great! And good job to everyone else who has seen success.

Hello, in 2008, I was able to lose 130 lbs while not on my PCOS (Metformin) medication. I started at 285 lbs. I don't recommend this for everyone, but at the time I was considering weight loss surgery, so I felt that I had to do something about my weight or get cut open and I really didn't want that. For the first 5 days, I drank nothing but liquids, I ate liquids (broths, jello, clear low cal juices, crystal lights with an occasional diet coke just so I didn't give up)...I slept A LOT over those days. At the end of the 5 days, I had lost almost 20 lbs. After that I had broken my addiction to food and was able to handle a very strict 1200/day calorie diet. I don't recommend this for anyone who has any medical issues, besides having PCOS, I was physically healthy and 28 years old. I ate 1200 cals a day, and did brisk walks for 30 mins to an hour almost everyday.

After I was down 50 lbs, I moved to the gym. I would do 1 hour of cardio, 1 hour of strength training (alternating areas of the body daily, just to make sure I didn't strain anything). Over 9 months, I lost 100 lbs. The last 30 lbs were the HARDEST to lose. I ended up having to get a tummy tuck because of the large amount of skin that I had left on my stomach which was causing rashes and my insurance paid for it. They removed 5 lbs of skin. I was always under the impression that taking Metformin and exercising was a bad mix, but I think as long as you drink a ton of water and dont overdo it, it should be fine.

Right now, I have only gained 30 lbs back because of brain medication, and I've had the hardest time trying to lose. I'm on Metformin again, and I'm not afraid of exercising while on it.

I'm sharing all of this because this was the biggest thing I've ever accomplished, I was told that I would NEVER be able to lose weight due to my PCOS. It is possible, and I am living proof that women with PCOS can lose weight and change their lives. I just hope that soon I'll take off these wretched 30 extra pounds that my stupid brain meds caused...i do know its possible, I just get discouraged sometimes.

I lost all my weight without any meds, it can be done! Good luck!

I'm on meds.... and they ALL make me sick. but i have a pretty extreme case of PCOS >>>
but ive read of a lot of success stories that say you can do it without meds!!!! I think it can def be done. you just need to keep in mind that you will experience different progress. It might be slower than regular people, but dont get discouraged!!!! losing weight will ultimately HELP your pcos symptoms ... even 0.5lbs off is a step in the right direction :-)

Tips:
Restrict Carbs
Watch Portions
Be mindful of hormonal cravings/eating
Strength training if your friend
Low GI diets are great
Some up's and down's are okay
Slow and steady is the way to go

Good luck!!!

I lost most of my weight without meds. I have lost 180 pounds. I did it by basically avoiding as much processed foods as possible, having one grain free meal per day, and exercise. I also ensure I get enough sleep

I was diagnosed a few years ago, and have always fluctuated weight wise. I have been logging everything I eat, and starting to exercise a few times a week. I have lost 14lbs in about 6 weeks without any meds. I am feeling great, and losing a little bit steadily! Best of luck to you on your loss!!

Thank you Alisonb8

I lost 108 pounds three years ago and I have PCOS. I have been on meteor in for years and thought I couldn't lose weight because of my PCOS and hypothyroidism however, 3years ago it all clicked and I did it. My cycles regulated and I had a baby 7 months ago. I have gained back some weight so here I am again.
Good luck to you! You can do this! Friend me if you would like. Take care.

I was just diagnosed last week after not losing any weight in 14 months. I initially lost 50-ish lbs with low-carb and exercise, but I hit a WALL. And a bad one. I tried 1200 calories for 6 months. I tried 2200 for 6 months. Now I eat between 1800-2000, and I exercise 6- hours a week (3 of it being heavy strength training). I also walk 4-miles a day in addition to the exercise. I even did a week-long juice fast and lost exactly 0 pounds. I have tried raw vegan. I have been a vegetarian for 8 years and even added chicken and fish back into my diet to attempt Paleo. Nothing. I finally forced my doctor to help me figure out what the hell, and got my PCOS diagnosis after some more blood work.

I am on a low level of metformin, and she thinks I will do well since I've already figured out the diet and exercise portion. I might go see an actual endocrinologist in January, just to make sure I don't need anything else. They've been convinced it was my thyroid for years, but were never able to get an abnormal lab result.

So the short answer is: it depends. It depends on your body and how well it responds to diet and exercise. I have exhausted that avenue, and I'm hopeful that the low-dose of metformin will help get things moving again. I'd like to lose at least another 20-30 pounds, and I'm tired of struggling.

We are twins!!! I got my diagnosis last week too! Same story, lost a ton, and then hit a wall for SIX YEARS!! I tried eat more, eat less, run more, run less, fitbit, HRM, all of it! And nothing! I started the Metformin XR 1,000 mg last week and BAM!!! 7 lbs gone! I know my ticker says 2lbs but I didn't "man" up and add the 5lb gain when I started logging again.

OP: I think it is possible. It is possible for some people!! I will add though...I have had ZERO side effects from the meds. (Crossing my fingers).