PCOS and a journey to wellness. Join me!

DrAJ84
DrAJ84 Posts: 117 Member
edited September 28 in Introduce Yourself
PCOS is polycystic ovarian syndrome and it can make weight loss difficult due to insulin resistance. I ballooned in weight not knowing I had this disorder until age 26. I have gradually gained weight since my teens and struggled to lose weight unless I practically starved myself & exercised 6-7 days per week for 90+ minutes. Now with a medication regimen to supplement my lifestyle I plan to get to my goal weight of 160-165. Anyone want to join me? And do I have fellow soul"cysters" with the disorder.
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Replies

  • Kelly_Wilson1990
    Kelly_Wilson1990 Posts: 3,245 Member
    We just found out that my daughter has PCOS. She is on medication to help her also. I do not have it but am willing to support and encourage you in your weight loss.
  • JenInAustin
    JenInAustin Posts: 53 Member
    I've got it and have definitely noticed how it affects my *need* for sugar and carbs. Realized it is because of insulin resistance. Have started on Metformin and can't believe how good it feels to have a normal appetite vs. crazy craving swings.

    A journey to wellness sounds great to me :)
  • sunflowermom2
    sunflowermom2 Posts: 37
    I have it severely bad. I also have infertility issues with it. It does make it hard to loose the weight. I use to be on metformin but had to get off it because the side effects it caused me. Add me if you like.
  • brknllama
    brknllama Posts: 113 Member
    I am a fellow cyster, found out when i was fifteen and i was always over weight (by only a few pounds) then the summer between my freshman and sophomore year I gained between 30-40 lbs. It was a really stressful time (finding out my dad had cancer) and I honestly could of cared less about my weight until i got to college, was very unsuccessful until about this spring when i lost 20lbs. (I'm 21 now) Which is very exciting to me, I still need to lose 30lbs to be at a healthy weight. :D
  • DrAJ84
    DrAJ84 Posts: 117 Member
    I've been taking metformin and byetta and lost about 20 pounds in 2.5 months. I've had PCOS symptoms since I was a teen but never diagnosed until January this year.......When I was a teen they just slapped birth control on me just saying I had irregular cycles. I must say the meds help a lot now that I have it! It reduces cravings and I eat less. Right now I am doing Chalean Extreme workouts plus 45-50 minutes of cardio like zumba, bellydancing, or the elliptical 5-6 days per week. Medicine plus workouts are doing well since I began the combo this year. Just glad to get weight under! After all I work in healthcare and I educate patients on rehabilitative exercise for injuries every day. It was depressing because I try to set an example yet my disorder made me gain weight. Glad I know the cause now. I was tired of doctors that did not know the answer just saying you need to lose weight. Well duh, i knew that I just couldn't do it!....and for years not understanding why. What workout programs are you ladies trying?
  • chicpower1
    chicpower1 Posts: 169 Member
    I'm a soul cyster! LOL! Diagnosed September 2009 but I suspect I've had this for quite some time. Even when I was in my 20's and active duty in the Army I struggled with my weight. I ran, I worked out, I cut back on what I ate, but I just couldn't seem to fit into the "appopriate weight" by their standards. Taped and measured weekly, hounded about my weight, forced to do extra EXTRA running. At least now I know why I was struggling.

    I'm new here, on day 4.
  • TwinMamma09
    TwinMamma09 Posts: 140
    Welcome! I am a fellow PCOS'er also. I was diagnosed this year without many symptoms in the past except infertility. They didn't even find the PCOS when I was TTC 3 years ago. I finally had my twin girls 2 years ago and after breasfeeding them ,they found out I did in fact have PCOS. I still have my issues with it and know that if I don't eat well, I gain weight fast.

    Keep us posted on how things go and any tips you find along the way!
  • myheartinsf1
    myheartinsf1 Posts: 70
    I have pcos and take glucophage. I was on metformin but the side effects were to bad and the brand name is ok for me. Good luck on your journey and feel free to add me.
  • mikesnwgirl
    mikesnwgirl Posts: 112
    I am a fellow Cyster. I was diagnosed when I was 18. I have insulin resistance and infertility because of it. I am currently on this weight loss mainly to get healthy, but getting a baby out of the deal would be a great bonus. I will send you a friends request. Thanks for making this thread.
  • DrAJ84
    DrAJ84 Posts: 117 Member
    Feel free to add me as a friend for anyone reading this thread.

    Just a note: how many minutes of weekly exercise do you think is needed for significant weight loss in overweight and obese individuals? The answer is 250+minutes. According to ACSM, this is a recommended guideline. Google ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) and weight loss guidelines to find the article/ information. So if you workout 5 x per week at moderate- intense levels for roughly 50 minutes you should see progress.
  • Ali_TSO
    Ali_TSO Posts: 1,172 Member
    I'm a Soul Cyster! I have infertility, and was constantly fighting the weight-loss battle, but never realized it's bc of PCOS. Sucks that we hve to work twice as hard to lose weight as other ppl. But that's just the hand we were dealt, I guess - just gotta push through!!!
  • astovey
    astovey Posts: 578 Member
    I've got it too...was diagnosed when I was 16. I was only put on birth control to force TOM. Had all of the symptoms, but they do get better with weight loss :)
  • DrAJ84
    DrAJ84 Posts: 117 Member
    I'm a Soul Cyster! I have infertility, and was constantly fighting the weight-loss battle, but never realized it's bc of PCOS. Sucks that we hve to work twice as hard to lose weight as other ppl. But that's just the hand we were dealt, I guess - just gotta push through!!!

    Hey Cyster:

    I understand your battle. I was never diagnosed until this year and had been wondering all my life why my weight was up and down so much. I was very thin when I ran track and field but I worked out for more than 2 hours daily. My weight shot up whenever my activity decreased and 30 minute workouts do nohing for me. I need at least 60. But we can do it!!! One of my goals is to get under 200 pounds this year.
  • sugarcrystal8
    sugarcrystal8 Posts: 38 Member
    I'm a fellow Soul-Cyster. Was diagnosed about 3 weeks ago, which finally explained why after trying for almost 2 years we still couldn't get preggers! As soon as I found out, the next day I went gluten-free, low dairy, low sugar for my diet. Last week i started to incorporate exercise (3 days last week) and hopefully I can add more this week. I'm about 5'8" and 188 pounds and would like to get down to 150, with 130 being an ultimate goal but not sure if I'll get there. I am hoping that the weight loss will help me be able to conceive. At 37 years old I feel like I don't have that much time left for it to happen.

    Thanks for posting this!
  • egoheen
    egoheen Posts: 24 Member
    The funny thing is when I first was diagnosed, I couldn't find a single person with this. Then I move back to PA and people left and right were telling me about it. It's been very hard for me especially since I'm ready to have kids and can't. My endocronologist suggested this site to start tracking my weight. I'm also a member of fitday and caloriecount so it's hard to figure out which one I like best. It's so nice to find other cysters.
  • Missy8856
    Missy8856 Posts: 29
    I am a fellow soul cyster! Add me too!
  • DrAJ84
    DrAJ84 Posts: 117 Member
    The funny thing is when I first was diagnosed, I couldn't find a single person with this. Then I move back to PA and people left and right were telling me about it. It's been very hard for me especially since I'm ready to have kids and can't. My endocronologist suggested this site to start tracking my weight. I'm also a member of fitday and caloriecount so it's hard to figure out which one I like best. It's so nice to find other cysters.

    Just by talking to people around me I found out that a few of my friends had it to. Good luck on your weight loss goals and I'll join you along the way. :0):heart:
  • sheisbrown
    sheisbrown Posts: 171 Member
    I have PCOS too. Its hard to lose weight but we can do this! Feel free to add me as it always helps to have friends on here and I would love to have a new person that understands our struggle. Good Luck!
  • DrAJ84
    DrAJ84 Posts: 117 Member
    I'm a fellow Soul-Cyster. Was diagnosed about 3 weeks ago, which finally explained why after trying for almost 2 years we still couldn't get preggers! As soon as I found out, the next day I went gluten-free, low dairy, low sugar for my diet. Last week i started to incorporate exercise (3 days last week) and hopefully I can add more this week. I'm about 5'8" and 188 pounds and would like to get down to 150, with 130 being an ultimate goal but not sure if I'll get there. I am hoping that the weight loss will help me be able to conceive. At 37 years old I feel like I don't have that much time left for it to happen.

    Thanks for posting this!

    Good luck on the baby making! I am not yet married so have not started working on fertility issues. My reproductive endocrinologist is awesome though and has helped a lot in terms of weight management. When I met him I was about 250+ pounds and I am now at 220.....of course still a long way to go to get to 165 but at least I have a fighting chance now that I am on the correct meds.
  • kimberlymax
    kimberlymax Posts: 5 Member
    I was diagnosed about 2 years ago. I got serious about a year ago about losing weight. I was always a little bigger than all of my friends - in grade school I was the first to move from kids to juniors clothing. I gained a lot of weight in college and got up to a size 16 at one point and then by grad school, I was back down to a 12/14. Once my dad passed away in 2005, I was up to 198 pounds. I got down to 187-ish by going to the gym very infrequently, then I started ice skating again and lost another 10 pounds and was down to 177-179, and last summer I added a personal trainer to the mix and I work out with him 2x a week and weight wise I am down to 164-ish, but I know that I have lost more fat than that and gained a lot of muscle. I am down to a size 8 pants and lost a bra cup size (another cup size or 2 would be amazing...but I think genetics are hurting me there!). Doctor said at my last appointment a year ago that if I got down to 150 that I could get off of the metformin that I am on. I have 15 more pounds to go and if I could get my diet under control (the tough part for me), I will be well on my way!
  • BrownSugar81
    BrownSugar81 Posts: 34
    I also have PCOS and struggled with infertility, as soon as my husband and I stopped trying we got pregnant in Oct 2008,
    our bundle of joy arrived in June of 2009 and let me tell you he has been the greatest blessing in our lives!
    Good luck and we are together in this weight loss battle!! :)
  • noveleigh
    noveleigh Posts: 10 Member
    Hi there, and welcome to MFP! I know how you feel being a fellow cyster myself. I hope this site helps you as much as it's been helping me. Having no insurance (and can't afford to go to the doctor w/o it) I needed a plan, and this site has helped so much with the effort. :D Feel free to add me if you like.
  • clala82
    clala82 Posts: 90 Member
    I am a cyster, too. I have gained and lost a significant amount of weight at least three times in my 28 years. PCOS is so frustrating. The only way I lose weight is when I really watch what I eat and do a lot of cardio. The insulin resistance is the biggest beast for me. When I was in high school, I wasn't thin, but I was athletic...just could never lose all the weight, even though I was active playing tennis and/or jogging nearly every day. Was only diagnosed with PCOS about 4 years ago with my own advocacy and forcing my docs to do the right tests. Now I'm trying to get back into exercise.

    I'm also looking for friends here on MFP. If you're a PCOSer, friend me! :smile:
  • DrAJ84
    DrAJ84 Posts: 117 Member
    Hi there, and welcome to MFP! I know how you feel being a fellow cyster myself. I hope this site helps you as much as it's been helping me. Having no insurance (and can't afford to go to the doctor w/o it) I needed a plan, and this site has helped so much with the effort. :D Feel free to add me if you like.

    Insurance, oh boy tell me about it! I work in healthcare and unfortunately cannot get good coverage. I've been told my PCOS is a pre exsisting condition. Sooooo they will not cover it, or my reproductive endocrinologist appointments (considered maintenance by them), Also no insurance company for pre exsisting condition coverage will cover an individual taking metformin and last but not least the meds I take barely get any $ reimbursed by my isurance since I take metformin and byetta for "non intended" diagnoses (ie since I am not diabetic they do not cover it in full). Such crap, I can't wait until legislation goes through to stop insurance companies for denying those with pre-exsisting conditions (around 2014). Unfortunately what they usually do is upcharge the insurance rate so you can barely afford it if they cover you.
  • cobarlo14
    cobarlo14 Posts: 582 Member
    I've been taking metformin and byetta and lost about 20 pounds in 2.5 months. I've had PCOS symptoms since I was a teen but never diagnosed until January this year.......When I was a teen they just slapped birth control on me just saying I had irregular cycles. I must say the meds help a lot now that I have it! It reduces cravings and I eat less. Right now I am doing Chalean Extreme workouts plus 45-50 minutes of cardio like zumba, bellydancing, or the elliptical 5-6 days per week. Medicine plus workouts are doing well since I began the combo this year. Just glad to get weight under! After all I work in healthcare and I educate patients on rehabilitative exercise for injuries every day. It was depressing because I try to set an example yet my disorder made me gain weight. Glad I know the cause now. I was tired of doctors that did not know the answer just saying you need to lose weight. Well duh, i knew that I just couldn't do it!....and for years not understanding why. What workout programs are you ladies trying?

    I also have PCOS/Insulin resistance -
    Truthfully, I didnot exercise....after I hit 50lbs I started exercising. Mainly treadmill I have here at work.

    Start with short walks ( get a good headset to listen to music)
    I was on Metformin ER 1k milligrams, twice a day and Byetta was twice a day....I cannot afford the Byetta but found that I am slowly still losing weight without it (when my hubby gets back to work - I will refill the RX for Byetta) so I am going to stay with the metformin er, multivimin, b-12, vitamin D3, viactive. **I find keeping protein a major staple in my diet along with water helps with the weight loss. I still have pasta - scoop out my breads, 100 calorie rolls for sandwiches.** I will not deprive myself - but I will make smarter decisions!!

    If you don't have a nutritionist - Get one!! I love mine!!

    Feel free to Friend me if you want ;)

    You can totally do this!!
  • mizzvickic
    mizzvickic Posts: 5
    Hi!

    I'm in the same boat as everyone...found out just last year about my PCOS....some people can just eat healthy and lose weight...not me...I have to exercise ALOT plus eat healthy...so hard but with a thread like this, makes it easier knowing I'm not alone. :smile:
    Feel free to add me as a friend.
  • DrAJ84
    DrAJ84 Posts: 117 Member
    I am a cyster, too. I have gained and lost a significant amount of weight at least three times in my 28 years. PCOS is so frustrating. The only way I lose weight is when I really watch what I eat and do a lot of cardio. The insulin resistance is the biggest beast for me. When I was in high school, I wasn't thin, but I was athletic...just could never lose all the weight, even though I was active playing tennis and/or jogging nearly every day. Was only diagnosed with PCOS about 4 years ago with my own advocacy and forcing my docs to do the right tests. Now I'm trying to get back into exercise.

    I'm also looking for friends here on MFP. If you're a PCOSer, friend me! :smile:

    Sounds exactly like me. I have to workout like a mad woman to keep it under control especially if I am not on medication. good luck on the weight loss and I'll support you along the way!
  • newbeautifulme
    newbeautifulme Posts: 112
    I have PCOS too but I am not sure if I am insulin resistant or not. My fasting blood sugar is 81, but I don't know if that indicates insulin resistance. I do seem to put on weight so, so easily if I am not careful with carbs & sugar. I take Metformin to try to start ovulating & have a baby. Since losing the amount I have & no drugs (until 2 wks ago when I started Metformin), my testerone went from over 100 to 50 - which is the high end of normal.
  • cobarlo14
    cobarlo14 Posts: 582 Member
    PCOS is polycystic ovarian syndrome and it can make weight loss difficult due to insulin resistance. I ballooned in weight not knowing I had this disorder until age 26. I have gradually gained weight since my teens and struggled to lose weight unless I practically starved myself & exercised 6-7 days per week for 90+ minutes. Now with a medication regimen to supplement my lifestyle I plan to get to my goal weight of 160-165. Anyone want to join me? And do I have fellow soul"cysters" with the disorder.

    Starving yourself is not the answer..... Feed it the right things. your going to be really surprised!!

    You got this!!!
  • DrAJ84
    DrAJ84 Posts: 117 Member
    I have PCOS too but I am not sure if I am insulin resistant or not. My fasting blood sugar is 81, but I don't know if that indicates insulin resistance. I do seem to put on weight so, so easily if I am not careful with carbs & sugar. I take Metformin to try to start ovulating & have a baby. Since losing the amount I have & no drugs (until 2 wks ago when I started Metformin), my testerone went from over 100 to 50 - which is the high end of normal.

    PCOS/ Metabolic Syndrome/ Syndrome X

    it is my understanding that the insulin resistance is basically an abnormal response to carbs therefore you have an excessive insulin response, sustaining high levels of insulin in the bloodstream. I have a "normal" fasting glucose as well but it is the high end of normal. Continued deficiency with insulin response could lead to worsening glucose regulation.

    "The hormone insulin is primarily known for its role in glucose regulation. Under normal circumstances, insulin assures the efficient transfer of glucose from the bloodstream to the body. Insulin also serves as a signal to the liver to begin or discontinue glucose production.If the level of glucose in the cells is sufficient, insulin levels drop, signaling the liver to slow down glucose production. In contrast, if the cells of the body are not receiving enough glucose, the level of insulin will rise, signaling the liver to produce greater amounts of glucose. Insulin resistance (also known as Syndrome X) is the inability of insulin to perform its job effectively in the body. In early stages of Syndrome X, the body simply compensates by causing the beta cells of the pancreas to produce more insulin. Ultimately in some women, however, the beta cells may wear out and the body ceases to produce insulin in the amounts needed. The resultant condition is Type II diabetes mellitus. "
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