Looking for fellow PCOS-ers to motivate and educate each other

cbinnd
cbinnd Posts: 178 Member
in Introduce Yourself
Hello! I have been diagnosed with PCOS for about 10 years now (I am 28 yo) but I have only recently begun educating myself within the last couple months. I am slowly learning what is best for my body in diet and exercise through trial and error as well as reading what has worked for others. I would love to have a group on MFP of individuals going thru the same process so we can help, encourage and educate one another. Feel free to add me!
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Replies

  • Dannigreen31
    Dannigreen31 Posts: 557 Member
    Hope it all goes well for you. I'm currently being tested for it. Had a scan yesterday and awaiting results soo I might not even have it but I have read up on it. Apparently a low sugar diet is the way to go with it and reduced carbs :)
  • cbinnd
    cbinnd Posts: 178 Member
    dannijordan30 wrote: »
    Hope it all goes well for you. I'm currently being tested for it. Had a scan yesterday and awaiting results soo I might not even have it but I have read up on it. Apparently a low sugar diet is the way to go with it and reduced carbs :)

    Yes I have reduced my carb intake and increased my exercise which has really been helping me! Sometimes its hard to stay motivated tho!
    I hope all turns out well for you! My biggest concern is the increased risk of diabetes and other problems later.
  • treehugnmama
    treehugnmama Posts: 816 Member
    Hi I'm 40 and I was diognosed at 19. I went to reduced sugar, white flour potatoes diet when I was in my 20s trying to get pregnant but was never able to completely cut it out and had lots of cravings. Just told I was insulin resistent and a week ago cut out all sugar and white flour as well as potatoes.....no carb cravings!!! I should have done that years ago. I am down 8.9 pounds the first week and that never happens! Good luck on your journey I don't now how to friend someone but if you are looking for some support along I am too.
  • minime165
    minime165 Posts: 4 Member
    Hello everyone, I was also diagnosed with PCOS when I was 18 or 19. I am now now 36 and still struggling with weight. I would love some friends on here to help with motivation. I am currently in a study group with my daughter about nutrition and healthy weight goals. So far I have lost 16 lbs and feel really good about my progress. My fitness pal is helping all of us count calories and keep track of what we are eating.
  • Nikki31104
    Nikki31104 Posts: 816 Member
    I have PCOS. I was diagnosed about 5 years ago. I was taking Metformin for it. Then I quit because I am a knucklehead. I gained 20 pounds in one month. The only thing I changed was the Metformin. So this week I started taking it again. I have at least 40 pounds to lose. I don't know a whole lot about PCOS. Just that it can cause diabetes and it also leads to even more painful menstrual cycles. You can add me if you would like and we can motivate each other.
  • kristenvdv
    kristenvdv Posts: 12 Member
    Recently diagnosed after gaining a lot of weight when I hit 30. Working on losing it... And now need to work on the lifestyle bit. All, feel free to add me as a friend.
  • cbinnd
    cbinnd Posts: 178 Member
    treehugnmama wrote: »
    Hi I'm 40 and I was diognosed at 19. I went to reduced sugar, white flour potatoes diet when I was in my 20s trying to get pregnant but was never able to completely cut it out and had lots of cravings. Just told I was insulin resistent and a week ago cut out all sugar and white flour as well as potatoes.....no carb cravings!!! I should have done that years ago. I am down 8.9 pounds the first week and that never happens! Good luck on your journey I don't now how to friend someone but if you are looking for some support along I am too.

    Wow! Good job! So it was better for you to completely cut out the sugar, white flour, potatoes rather than reduce them? Thats good to know!
    How do you avoid sugar? I have found that to be so difficult if out with friends, etc.
  • cbinnd
    cbinnd Posts: 178 Member
    minime165 wrote: »
    Hello everyone, I was also diagnosed with PCOS when I was 18 or 19. I am now now 36 and still struggling with weight. I would love some friends on here to help with motivation. I am currently in a study group with my daughter about nutrition and healthy weight goals. So far I have lost 16 lbs and feel really good about my progress. My fitness pal is helping all of us count calories and keep track of what we are eating.

    Wow! 16 pounds! Thats awesome! What have you learned and implemented that has helped you with your weight loss?
  • cbinnd
    cbinnd Posts: 178 Member
    Nikki31104 wrote: »
    I have PCOS. I was diagnosed about 5 years ago. I was taking Metformin for it. Then I quit because I am a knucklehead. I gained 20 pounds in one month. The only thing I changed was the Metformin. So this week I started taking it again. I have at least 40 pounds to lose. I don't know a whole lot about PCOS. Just that it can cause diabetes and it also leads to even more painful menstrual cycles. You can add me if you would like and we can motivate each other.

    It is so hard to know what the best course to take is! I haven't taken any medication for my PCOS because I'm terrified of a) the side effects and b) becoming dependent on them. Thankfully there is so much more information on PCOS online then there use to be, but definitely take it with a grain of salt too. But we can beat this together!!
  • cbinnd
    cbinnd Posts: 178 Member
    kristenvdv wrote: »
    Recently diagnosed after gaining a lot of weight when I hit 30. Working on losing it... And now need to work on the lifestyle bit. All, feel free to add me as a friend.

    Nice to know we aren't alone!!
  • minime165
    minime165 Posts: 4 Member

    cbinnd wrote: »
    Wow! 16 pounds! Thats awesome! What have you learned and implemented that has helped you with your weight loss?

    Thank you cbinnd. So the the program is a system of making goals and gradual changes. Food is categorized into reds, yellows and greens. Greens are foods that are good for you and should be eaten freely while staying within the daily calorie goal (1200-1400). A yellow is something you should slow down and think about while a red is something you should stop to consider if it is something you really need or want. All fruits and veggies are green, even those with high fat content like avocados due to the health benefits, and we need to have at least 5 a day. The eventual goal is to get down to 15 reds a week. It is a really great program and it has our whole family being more conscious of what we eat.

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  • treehugnmama
    treehugnmama Posts: 816 Member
    Over the years I have reduced carbs and sugar many times due to pcos. I was always hungry always. With being diognosed with insulin resistent I decided to cut it right out and I'm not hungry!!! I've never not been hungry. I have breakfast lunch and dinner and an evening snack. I do not snack between meals as it adds more insulin. I am not grain free but I am wheat free. Once the sugar and flour and potatoes are out fruit taste sweet again. I do not feel deprived..not yet anyways :)
  • sarahmarieb36
    sarahmarieb36 Posts: 39 Member
    I was diagnosed about 3 years ago but I knew something was wrong since I was around 16. Feel free to add me, anyone!
  • nolabone
    nolabone Posts: 117 Member
    Hey lady. Sent you a friend request. I've had PCOS since I was 14, am 25 now. I think mine is largely linked to my type 1 diabetes. The fact that I've gained a bunch of weight over the years isn't helping it either. I've been exercising more, trying to get into weight training, and focusing on eating a high protein, higher fat diet (though it changes day to day sometimes. :p:p )

    Anyone can feel free to add me.
  • treehugnmama
    treehugnmama Posts: 816 Member
    I think there is a link with diabetes for sure. My has diabetes. I see the signs of pcos in my 11 year old daughter too. For 20 years I managed to outrun the insulin resistent but it caught up to me.
  • cbinnd
    cbinnd Posts: 178 Member
    treehugnmama wrote: »
    Over the years I have reduced carbs and sugar many times due to pcos. I was always hungry always. With being diognosed with insulin resistent I decided to cut it right out and I'm not hungry!!! I've never not been hungry. I have breakfast lunch and dinner and an evening snack. I do not snack between meals as it adds more insulin. I am not grain free but I am wheat free. Once the sugar and flour and potatoes are out fruit taste sweet again. I do not feel deprived..not yet anyways :)

    How long did it take for you to get over your sugar withdrawals?
  • kmbrooks15
    kmbrooks15 Posts: 941 Member
    Read "The PCOS Diet" by Hillary Wright. Great stuff.
  • Successfulsleeve
    Successfulsleeve Posts: 1 Member
    HI everyone! Michigan here. I have been suffering from PCOS for 20 years...2 years ago I had Sleeve Gastrectomy and am down 115 pounds..with 60 more to go. I just joined MFP today and am looking for friends. I love to give and get support-I think it is so important! I have been in limbo in the weight loss dept for a year and it is time to buckle down on those carbs-no getting around that with PCOS. I am 38, a nurse/mom of 2/ and hate exercise :) I am going to blog on here as well. Feel free to add me!
  • treehugnmama
    treehugnmama Posts: 816 Member
    Cbinnd I didn't really have any....I cut out artificial sweetner as well I think that helped. I know before I'd have a diet coke and then be looking for a chocolate bar. The first day was a bit tough but that was it. I guess I'm an all or nothing gal. I think another helpful thing is the three meals and evening snack. I don't eat anything in between. .....I know that is not what we have been taught but it is a new approach with insulin resistent and is working...got be out of the "I felt like a insert sugary snack here rut"
  • janice1112011
    janice1112011 Posts: 7 Member
    Hello Ladies. I was diagnosed with PCOS ten years ago but had symptoms since I was 13 yrs old. Im a 30 year old stay at home mom of 3 young children (5 and under). I have always been heavy, but Ive gained more weight after having each child (a total of 60 lbs in 5 years). I recently decided that I dont want to be like this anymore. I want to chase after my kids without getting exhausted. Im tired of all the pain in my feet (plantar fasciitis) from all the weight they are trying to support. I hate exercising but love dance so Im looking into a dance workout dvd. Im startng off with portion control (becuase I have always ate way more than I should) and increasing protein intake. Looking for as much support as I can get. How do you make a lifestyle change with family? My husband and kids are all very thin and healthy.
  • treehugnmama
    treehugnmama Posts: 816 Member
    Welcome...I have lots to loose too. One thing I do is try to have a similar meal so I'm not making two meals for example kids love chicken tzkiki wraps. I'm doing low carb so they have wraps and I have all the same goodies on my salad. If they have steak sups I'll have steak stir fry. I also bbq up extra chicken breasts at dinner so I'll have them for lunches. For movie snacks instead of potatoes chips we have quinoa chips etc...no one feels like they are missing out. I try to do as much food prep/meal planning as possible in advance...today I made a lasagna but I made my half with zucchini instead of noodles. I'm still eating what they are but it's low carb
  • Nikki31104
    Nikki31104 Posts: 816 Member
    janice1112011 wrote: »
    Hello Ladies. I was diagnosed with PCOS ten years ago but had symptoms since I was 13 yrs old. Im a 30 year old stay at home mom of 3 young children (5 and under). I have always been heavy, but Ive gained more weight after having each child (a total of 60 lbs in 5 years). I recently decided that I dont want to be like this anymore. I want to chase after my kids without getting exhausted. Im tired of all the pain in my feet (plantar fasciitis) from all the weight they are trying to support. I hate exercising but love dance so Im looking into a dance workout dvd. Im startng off with portion control (becuase I have always ate way more than I should) and increasing protein intake. Looking for as much support as I can get. How do you make a lifestyle change with family? My husband and kids are all very thin and healthy.

    I have the same problem. It is so hard to change everything when you get so much negative feedback from your family. No one in my family wants to eat healthy. They want everything fried. Or all the sugar they can get.
  • cbinnd
    cbinnd Posts: 178 Member
    edited May 2016
    Nikki31104 wrote: »
    janice1112011 wrote: »
    Hello Ladies. I was diagnosed with PCOS ten years ago but had symptoms since I was 13 yrs old. Im a 30 year old stay at home mom of 3 young children (5 and under). I have always been heavy, but Ive gained more weight after having each child (a total of 60 lbs in 5 years). I recently decided that I dont want to be like this anymore. I want to chase after my kids without getting exhausted. Im tired of all the pain in my feet (plantar fasciitis) from all the weight they are trying to support. I hate exercising but love dance so Im looking into a dance workout dvd. Im startng off with portion control (becuase I have always ate way more than I should) and increasing protein intake. Looking for as much support as I can get. How do you make a lifestyle change with family? My husband and kids are all very thin and healthy.

    I have the same problem. It is so hard to change everything when you get so much negative feedback from your family. No one in my family wants to eat healthy. They want everything fried. Or all the sugar they can get.

    I don't have kids so I can imagine how hard that would be! But when it comes to my husband who is pretty healthy (but tends to freak out if he thinks I'm trying to make things even remotely healthier), I have spent years trying to get him to go along with the dietary changes but he just won't. I then would blame my lack of self-control on him and the fact that if he gets the food (ie bread, treats, ice cream!!) I should too. It has only recently clicked in my mind that I am the one with the PCOS issues, not him, so I shouldn't expect him to eat the same as me. What I have done is sat down with him and discussed what my food intake needs to look like and why <---- this was very important to getting him on board and supportive. He now encourages me to think about what I'm eating (which is helpful at the times that I just instinctively go for something I'm used to eating) and has helped research good alternatives for me. At the same time, when he drinks soda or eats dessert, I don't make it about me. He is his own person and can choose what he wants to put in his body.

    I'm telling you, food has probably been one of our biggest issues in our marriage (me always nagging him to eat "better"). This shift in my thinking has changed how we deal with my need for restrictions. If it can work for us, it can work for anyone!

    When it comes to the food I cook for meals, it is what it is. If its fajitas, he has tortillas, I have lettuce wraps. Very much like treehugnmama said before. Honestly I don't really care whether he wants the food (because he would prefer KFC or Taco Bell), I want him to eat healthy so I prepare it for him that way. Of course I incorporate healthy dishes he likes as much as possible, but frankly, he has to suck it up and eat his veggies just like we all should. And he knows I do it out of love :wink:

    Something to keep in mind is that our tastebuds can be reset to go from preferring junk food to wanting healthy, whole food. It just takes time. This can go for our families also. Of course, I realize I have no clue what its like to get kids to eat this way, but my mom did it with us, and although I hated it growing up, I'm thankful for it now because I know how to eat healthy.
  • cbinnd
    cbinnd Posts: 178 Member
    treehugnmama wrote: »
    Cbinnd I didn't really have any....I cut out artificial sweetner as well I think that helped. I know before I'd have a diet coke and then be looking for a chocolate bar. The first day was a bit tough but that was it. I guess I'm an all or nothing gal. I think another helpful thing is the three meals and evening snack. I don't eat anything in between. .....I know that is not what we have been taught but it is a new approach with insulin resistent and is working...got be out of the "I felt like a insert sugary snack here rut"

    I am amazed that you didn't really have sugar withdrawals! I have attempted a Whole30 a couple times in the past, and the sugar withdrawals were rough. Although I know its worth it. I may just have to try again knowing others (like you) have succeeded! :smiley:
  • treehugnmama
    treehugnmama Posts: 816 Member
    Yes I was prepared for headaches the whole horrible couple weeks I read about bu I just didn't have it...I did have half a cup of sugar free ice cream (first sweetner I had) and all night after that I wanted bread or pasta bagel anything...so I went to bed lol fine today so no more artificial sweater for me.
  • VellWife
    VellWife Posts: 4 Member
    Hi!! I've been battling PCOS since I was 14. I'm 27 now. My fiancé and I have been trying to conceive for 8 years now. I'm trying to keep the faith but it's starting to wear and tear on me emotionally and mentally. Sinking into depression. I'm hoping to make some new friends that will encourage and support each other along this weight loss journey!!
  • theWODdoll
    theWODdoll Posts: 90 Member
    I have PCOS also, it's manageable. Would love to help with advice wherever I can!
  • treehugnmama
    treehugnmama Posts: 816 Member
    I was looking for something to give that "breaded" feel to things without adding white flour or sugar. I made eggplant and chicken dipped in egg and a mixture of almond flour and parmigian cheese tonigjt and it was great!!

    Anyone know what I can use in a milk based soup to thicken instead of wheat flour?
  • TravelingRae2016
    TravelingRae2016 Posts: 6 Member
    Hi everyone! I was diagnosed with PCOS several years ago after decades of doctors saying "well it could maybe be PCOS..." but then not doing any testing for it. All my doctors have given me so far is bc and tell me to lose weight. Easier said than done!

    Does anyone have recommendations for how to stick to the low carb diets? I get such terrible cravings and end up caving only a week or two into the process.

    P.S. Please feel free to add me!
  • nadatapryce
    nadatapryce Posts: 3 Member
    gn ladies....nots ure how to add people here but i too have PCOS and im trying to get pregnant. i am 32 and married 4 years. im working on the weight loss and i take a few pills on my own due to research on the issue. looking for a workout buddy.

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