Not really new - But haven't introduced myself yet!

Hi all! I haven't gotten around to introducing myself to the community yet because I just didn't know what to say.

When I first joined MFP a couple of months back, I was ready to lose weight, but I had no attack plan. I bounced around on the forums trying to get inspired for a couple of weeks until finally I ran across something that has given me a focus and drive like I have never had.

I have PCOS (poly0cystic ovarian syndrome), and because of that, I struggle to lose weight. Someone mentioned to me that they also had PCOS and the best thing they had found to combat their weight were diets that were low in carbohydrates. Now before all of the low-carb naysayers start typing a response before you've finished reading, just take a moment to understand where I am coming from.

Last year I was in a Biggest Loser style weight loss contest where we met with personal trainers twice a day for an hour (2 hours total). We did intense workouts. We had a dietitian meet with each of us and give us a balanced menu for us to follow. Everyone did absolutely great over the 3 month contest except for 2 people. Myself and the other girl who had PCOS.

Because of the PCOS, my body react the carbs and sugar in a way that starts putting blobs of fat on my body. That is why many PCOS patients are put on metformin. It isnt' because they are diabetic, but it's because the insulin+fat+carbs = disaster. The metformin helped a little with my weight loss, but over a 3 month period I was really only able to lose about 15 pounds. Yes, that is at least weight loss, but in comparison to everyone else who was doing the 3+ workouts and eating the same exact thing as me and I NEVER CHEATED...I felt robbed.

So I started doing some research on low-carb diets and PCOS. I knew I didn't want to be an Atkins (what kind of diet let's you eat pork rinds dipped in cheese dip???). I wanted something that helped with the long-term goal. I knew that often times someone who goes on a low-carb diet tends to put their weight back on when they reintroduce carbs. Which is why with the Atkins diet, you have to stay on it forever.

I ran across a French diet called The Dukan Diet. I did my research online. I looked into medical opinions, both good and bad. I went to the diet's website. And finally, I went and purchased the book. After I got the book, I spent 3 more weeks studying every page of the book and all the resources I could find online. I knew this diet was the one for me. I sat down with my husband after I had all the facts together and talked to him about it. There is no way I would be able to do the diet if he was going to be eating pizza and burgers still. I just wanted him to eat "healthier", but he surprised me and even himself. He wanted to DO the diet with me!

So here we are with 6 days down on the first phase of the diet and I'm down over 10 pounds. I'm not tired. I'm not hungry. Nothing funky is going on with my body. I just feel great. My husband is doing just as great and we have even started a blog together about our weight loss journey!

Now for the reason that I wanted to lose weight. I am 27 years old. I've been married for 5 1/2 years to my husband who will be 40 this year. We have no children yet. It isn't for a lack of trying either. My highest weight was 342 pounds (I'm 5' 7"). That coupled with the PCOS = slim chance of pregnancy and an even slimmer chance of a healthy pregnancy. Let's face it people, I need to get pregnant soon. My husband isn't getting any younger.

So here's to all of the ladies out there with over 100 pounds to lose and building a family on their minds!

**I do want to say that I am not a doctor, and any information I posted about how PCOS could be said wrong I don't convey technicalities very well!