My PCOS Story
Sammybunny711
Posts: 92 Member
So...I have PCOS and am probably what you would call a "skinny 'cyst-er'" in that I am not overweight or obese. However, PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) does not discriminate and it is certainly easier for me to gain weight than it is for some people. I have to constantly be vigilant and not let myself go nuts on indulgence types days or restrict myself too much on others. Food is very important to a woman with PCOS. Because the condition can turn into Type II diabetes at the drop of a hat, it is essential that one watches one's sugars, starches, and other categories of food.
When I was first diagnosed, I weighed 146 pounds at 5'3". My doctor told me to eat with the following restrictions:
-No dairy (replace with rice milk, occasional goat cheese)
-No beans, starches (like potatoes and corn).
-No sugars or artificial sweeteners.
-No fatty meats (think hot dogs, sausage, bacon)
-No refined carbohydrates (only whole grains)
I implemented her plan immediately and within six months, I had lost forty pounds. My acne disappeared, my moods stabilized, I had lots of energy, and I looked and felt great. With the aid of biologically identical progesterone, I was able to have normal periods each month. However, ovulation was still a rarity. Fast forward another six months.
I am underweight (a WHOLE other ballgame to tackle). I had to slowly add back in dairy and other foods that I had not eaten for an entire year (and I mean it. I NEVER cheated.) Back came all the struggles with balance and moderation and slowly, over the course of two years, I maintained a healthy weight by only eating dairy and potatoes on the weekend, staying active, etc. When I got married, I weighed 126 pounds. By spring of the next year, I weighed 146 again. I knew I needed to make a change.
However, I could not be as restrictive as I had previously been. I found No S (No Snacks, No Seconds, No Sweets, except days that begin with S [Saturday, Sunday, Special Days]). It really helped me to stop my snacking, but the only thing to help with the weight was MFP.
Fast forward to the previous month (i.e. September 2011). I went off the bandwagon. A lot. I binged, I stopped MFP, I stopped No S and you know what? I feel terrible. I have not gained weight, thank the LORD, but I knew that if I continue in this manner, I will lose all my work over the last few years and I will hurt my body and aggravate my PCOS.
I have learned I still need to eat whole grains. I still need to limit my sugars, dairy, starches, fatty meats. But I can enjoy them in moderation. I need to do No S so that I do not go nuts. I need to do MFP so that I am accountable.
Women out there with PCOS...it is a constant, vigilant journey and it is tough. But it is entirely possible to get healthy with determination and trial and error, lol. Hopefully it won't take you guys as long to find what works for you as it did me! It really is worth it--knowing about nutrition and how YOUR body individually responds to it.
When I was first diagnosed, I weighed 146 pounds at 5'3". My doctor told me to eat with the following restrictions:
-No dairy (replace with rice milk, occasional goat cheese)
-No beans, starches (like potatoes and corn).
-No sugars or artificial sweeteners.
-No fatty meats (think hot dogs, sausage, bacon)
-No refined carbohydrates (only whole grains)
I implemented her plan immediately and within six months, I had lost forty pounds. My acne disappeared, my moods stabilized, I had lots of energy, and I looked and felt great. With the aid of biologically identical progesterone, I was able to have normal periods each month. However, ovulation was still a rarity. Fast forward another six months.
I am underweight (a WHOLE other ballgame to tackle). I had to slowly add back in dairy and other foods that I had not eaten for an entire year (and I mean it. I NEVER cheated.) Back came all the struggles with balance and moderation and slowly, over the course of two years, I maintained a healthy weight by only eating dairy and potatoes on the weekend, staying active, etc. When I got married, I weighed 126 pounds. By spring of the next year, I weighed 146 again. I knew I needed to make a change.
However, I could not be as restrictive as I had previously been. I found No S (No Snacks, No Seconds, No Sweets, except days that begin with S [Saturday, Sunday, Special Days]). It really helped me to stop my snacking, but the only thing to help with the weight was MFP.
Fast forward to the previous month (i.e. September 2011). I went off the bandwagon. A lot. I binged, I stopped MFP, I stopped No S and you know what? I feel terrible. I have not gained weight, thank the LORD, but I knew that if I continue in this manner, I will lose all my work over the last few years and I will hurt my body and aggravate my PCOS.
I have learned I still need to eat whole grains. I still need to limit my sugars, dairy, starches, fatty meats. But I can enjoy them in moderation. I need to do No S so that I do not go nuts. I need to do MFP so that I am accountable.
Women out there with PCOS...it is a constant, vigilant journey and it is tough. But it is entirely possible to get healthy with determination and trial and error, lol. Hopefully it won't take you guys as long to find what works for you as it did me! It really is worth it--knowing about nutrition and how YOUR body individually responds to it.
0
Replies
-
I just joined MFP due to my PCOS. I am a fat cyst-er who has always struggled with my weight. I am trying to get pregnant and need to get control of the weight once and for all in order to help with the process. I am on my third round of provera and clomid with my regular doctor before I go to a fertility specialist. I know at 215 that the first thing a specialist will say is loose some weight. I also know that I am borderline type 2. PCOS runs in my family so I was diagnosed at 11, but being diagnosed early doesn't make the battle easier.0
-
Thanks for sharing Sammy, I just posted today about my confusion with PCOS.0
-
I have PCOS as well. I have never been put on a restrictive diet by any of my doctors, and trust me, there have been a few! I have been on and off of birth control to try and regulate my hormones and get a period monthly, not even that has helped. I have gone up to 7 months without a period while on the pill. I will often go off the pill if I am not seeing results. I dont see the point of putting chemicals in my system that aren't doing their job. Last year I went down 45lbs and started getting a regular period since November. In January I went for a check up due to pain in my right ovary. I was told it had been a cyst that had ruptured and the pain was from the pressure of the fluid remaining but that my body would absorb it and the pain would go away. Well the pain/discomfort kept at it, especially when its that TOM. I went back last month and had another ultrasound and was told I had more cysts and beginning stages of endometriosis(sp). I was put back on the pill :ohwell: I was told that I needed to be on it for the cyst to shrink. I DO NOT LIKE BEING ON THE PILL! I was also told that it was normal to not get a period while on the pill since it stops my body from producing hormones. (this was the first time I heard that since normally they give me the BC to get a period). I also, and this is the part I hate most of PCOS, have a lot of excess body hair, especially on my face (sideburns/chin). I try waxing, threading, hair removal creams but it is always there and it grows back soooo fast!
I really dislike PCOS!!
(if anyone else has problems with the excess hair, how do you handle it?)0 -
I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2006 & since then have lost 108 lbs... we have to work SO much harder than other women to lose the weight since we gain so easily. I'm on BC to regulate my period & it actually helped clear my skin (as did my changing to a healthier diet). Losing all that weight actually improved the dark hair on my arms, it's a lot lighter! I still have a ways to go, but at least I know I'm not alone! I'm here for anyone who may need some support! :happy:0
-
I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2006 & since then have lost 108 lbs... we have to work SO much harder than other women to lose the weight since we gain so easily. I'm on BC to regulate my period & it actually helped clear my skin (as did my changing to a healthier diet). Losing all that weight actually improved the dark hair on my arms, it's a lot lighter! I still have a ways to go, but at least I know I'm not alone! I'm here for anyone who may need some support! :happy:
I haven't found a single thing that the BC has helped me with
They told me that it would help with the periods and hair but nothing, I have been at it for about 10yrs now...0 -
I actually was diagnosed after going off the pill at eighteen years old. I did not have a period for SIX MONTHS. During the time I worked with my first PCOS doctor, I did not use the pill. However, before getting married, I decided to go back on. I must say, it has worked wonderfully for my acne, giving me a monthly bleed (it's not a period because you do not ovulate beforehand--it just helps to keep your ovaries from developing cysts and also clearing your uterus of excess tissue buildup.) I am trying to keep my diet under control so that when I go off the pill it will be easier for my husband and I to get pregnant (We want to wait about four more years to have children.)0
-
:I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2001 when I went to the Emergency Room with fever, abdominal pain, and some other symptoms. At first they thought I had an ectopic pregnancy but later found out that I had PCOS and Diverticulitis!!!!!!!!! Hubby and I tried to get pregnant to no avail for the next 8 eyars :frown: I am now 37 years old and my children are all four legged but I also struggle with the typical PCOS chubby Cyster issues. It's frustrating and hard to lose weight and then gain it back faster than most people would. I am doing better now. More regular TOM, some symptoms have lessened or all out disappeared now, not taking meds anymore for my PCOS and if I ever get pregnant then it will be at God's good grace and not from fertlity treatment anymore. Hubby and I are going to enjoy the rest of our lives as loving Uncle and Aunt to our growing family and cherish every moment with them.
:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:
Best of luck to you girls! :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: 0 -
Girl I have tried that electrowhatever thingy to remove my female man beard. I have tried nair to no avail. I gave up the ghost and just shave everyday. If your hair is light don't shave it makes it darker and thicker but since I started I just have to keep up with it. I find that every time I find a good hair remover it is no longer available after a few months or I just can't find it. Waxing by a professional is the best and only way to truly remove all unwanted hair and to keep it light. I didn't get hair until I went off the pill.0
-
female man beard.
LMAO!!!!!!!! :laugh:
That is exactly what is is!!! Along with the sideburns....Samuel L Jackson in Pulp Fiction has nothing on me!!! :laugh:
I've done the waxing a few times and it irritates my skin...and I am currently using Veet but it still sort of leaves a stuble and I REFUSE to shave!! lol0 -
I also have a bad reaction to waxing or hair removal creams, makes my skin come out in a rash or just really dry and sore, but threading doesn't cause the same problems so have been getting that done regularly on my face.
I have had PCOS diagnosed since I was about 16 (now 25) and for a lot of that time steadily gained weight. Managed to lose a stone or two a couple of times but as you know it comes back on all too quickly.
Made the decision last year to change my approach, no diets just sensible eating and (a lot of) exercise and it is slowly working. Its interesting to read what your doctor suggested you exclude from your diet - I got very little advice on diet when diagnosed. Just joined MFP for some motivation and support as it is still a long way to my goal of 175lbs.0 -
It's so funny how the PCOS umbrella is so broad. I've known "thin cysters" and they struggle with the same thing we do as over weight cysters.
I was officially diagnosed in 2004 (after being married since 1998 and not getting pregnant). Ironically I found an article in a magazine and ripped it out and took it to a doctor and told her that it fits me to a T and I was right.
We got pregnant with the help of medication in 2004 and I miscarried so I took a year off to recover emotionally. Got pregnant again in 2005 with the use of meds and our daughter is now 5 years old and just started school.
I got pregnant again in January without meds. I lost weight by watching what I ate and exercising and SURPRISE!! Baby girl will be here soon. Shocking considering I am 37 and my body decided to cooperate on its own for a change
0 -
I have PCOS too, a thin cyster
Do you ladies have "problem areas" for your weight loss? I'm loosing inches in all the spots that are above the waist, and I just want to loose below the waist. other than exercise and toning do you know any secrets that helped you with the "stubborn" fat?0 -
Thanks for posting! I am also a PCOS-er, and I didn't get any dietary advice when I was diagnosed. My doctor just put me on some medication that made me feel terrible. I went off it and another doctor told me that the dosage she'd given me was obscene. So, I'm trying to deal with it through diet and BC. BC is rotten, but I've been on it since I was eighteen due to terrible cramps and fevers at that TOM, so I've mostly made peace with it. I'm sorry to hear that beans and dairy are not recommended. Those are two of my favorite food categories. In fact, the lunch I'm making now contains both. 0
-
I got pregnant again in January without meds. I lost weight by watching what I ate and exercising and SURPRISE!! Baby girl will be here soon. Shocking considering I am 37 and my body decided to cooperate on its own for a change
This is awesome!! Congrats!!!
I have always said I want to be a mom by 35...but at this rate, who knows!0 -
I was diagnoised in 2004 after the birth of my 1st kid. I'm still confused. So many unanswer questions and concerns...I've been to 7 doctors--NONE of them knew how to treat PCOS. 2 of them had never heard of it. I've learned more about treatment options on MFP than a doctor.
I knew nothing about the mood swings, the acne, the weight gain, the link to diabetes, ect, ect, ect!!!
The only thing I was told was that I could never have any more kids. ha! 9 years later, I got an unexpectant surprise... I was pregnant! I thought I was being Punk'd!! But nope, I was pregnant. I carried to full term delivered via C-section (complications from Gestional Diabetes) and has struggled an ENTIRE year to lose the baby weight. It's so depressing! I've never worked so hard and been more committed to lossing weight and getting healthy than now and I am seeing little to no results. It's taken me 4 months to lose 13 pounds!! UGH!!! SO FUSTRATING!!
So thk you for your post. I am intersted in learning more about the diet your doctor put you on... will be inboxing you shortly...0 -
It's great to see so many PCOSers on the boards (well...it's not great that we have PCOS, but it IS great that we have such support! :-) Diet has been an awesome way to treat this illness. Trust me, diet MUST be combined with BC or any other methods of medication you try to use. You cannot use medication alone or you are putting yourself at greater risk for diabetes and infertility issues (this is all in my opinion, of course, please don't think of me as an expert). I have just really seen so many people use diet as a way to naturally treat this an come out on top.
Here are some REALLY helpful links/blogs concerning PCOS or Nutrition (sometimes both!):
http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/
http://www.keeperofthehome.org/
http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/
http://www.katheats.com/
http://ohsheglows.com/
http://pcosdiva.com/
Most of these are in my google reader and if they aren't, they have helped me in the past! There is a wealth of information particularly about nutrition on these blogs! Have fun!0 -
I was also diagnosed with PCOS and it has plauged me for years. The worst part for me are the unknown and prolonged cycles. I have not had a problem losing the weight now that I am serious about it but I sometimes think I waited a little to last to get on the healthy wagon. Glad to know I am not alone because for so many years I thought I was.0
-
Thanks for posting! I'm getting ready to have surgery for endometriosis and am plannign on talking to my Doc about PCOS when I go in this week for the pre-op consult. I've been doing some research and realized I've got some of the symptoms (cysts, some hair issues) but I also have other issues (i.e. endo, spastic colon) so we'll see what he says. If it turns out I do have it, I'm glad to know there's such a great support system on here.0
-
I too am a skinny cyst-er...but can gain weight at the drop of a hat. My dr has not restricted my diet per sey but they have told me to watch my carbs...haven't given me much guidance on the topic honestly..0
-
I am having problems and haven't had any help figuring out what is wrong with me, not even from doctors. Here's my problems:
To begin, the first time I ever started working out daily I couldn't get off my period so I was put on the pill. That was when I was 13. Anytime I'm not on the pill I will stay on my period for months, longest being 7 months. Well, I'm on the pill of course to fix that problem. Also, ANYTIME I start working out even when on the pill I will start and stay on my period. I told my doctor and he simply said "just exercise". I understand I need to exercise to be healthy and I'm pushing myself through with continuing to do so. However, no one, not even my doctor has given me any advice on why I stay on my period when I work out. He sort of smiled and said "just exercise". WTH?! Has anyone else ever had this problem? If so, did your doctor actually give you a reason to why it happens?
So...is this anything anyone with PCOS has experienced?0 -
! Has anyone else ever had this problem? If so, did your doctor actually give you a reason to why it happens?
So...is this anything anyone with PCOS has experienced?
I've never heard of this on any of the PCOS boards that I visit. have you tried searching on the web for a reason?0 -
Oh yes, many many times! I never find any useful information.0
-
Thanks for posting! I am also a PCOS-er, and I didn't get any dietary advice when I was diagnosed. My doctor just put me on some medication that made me feel terrible. I went off it and another doctor told me that the dosage she'd given me was obscene. So, I'm trying to deal with it through diet and BC. BC is rotten, but I've been on it since I was eighteen due to terrible cramps and fevers at that TOM, so I've mostly made peace with it. I'm sorry to hear that beans and dairy are not recommended. Those are two of my favorite food categories. In fact, the lunch I'm making now contains both.
Don't worry you don't have to go completely crazy with your diet to lose weight with pcos. Both beans and dairy are great sources of protein, and balancing those with carbs is what is the most important thing. I have lost over 60 pounds still eating dairy. I understand the whole clean eating thing, and that's great for some people, but I'm just here to let you know I did it without cutting out all that stuff. I have found that what seems to be effective for me is always eating protein with your carbs, and just using wholegrain whenever possible.0 -
Thanks for posting! I am also a PCOS-er, and I didn't get any dietary advice when I was diagnosed. My doctor just put me on some medication that made me feel terrible. I went off it and another doctor told me that the dosage she'd given me was obscene. So, I'm trying to deal with it through diet and BC. BC is rotten, but I've been on it since I was eighteen due to terrible cramps and fevers at that TOM, so I've mostly made peace with it. I'm sorry to hear that beans and dairy are not recommended. Those are two of my favorite food categories. In fact, the lunch I'm making now contains both.
Don't worry you don't have to go completely crazy with your diet to lose weight with pcos. Both beans and dairy are great sources of protein, and balancing those with carbs is what is the most important thing. I have lost over 60 pounds still eating dairy. I understand the whole clean eating thing, and that's great for some people, but I'm just here to let you know I did it without cutting out all that stuff. I have found that what seems to be effective for me is always eating protein with your carbs, and just using wholegrain whenever possible.
I too have found that dairy and beans are great for the diet IF they are eaten in moderation--for instance, I try not to eat dairy unless it is an S day (see my first post on No S) or if it is in the presence of my husband, close family, or friends. Starches I treat the same way. It is a great way to limit it without giving it too much thought.
) 0 -
It's great to see so many PCOSers on the boards (well...it's not great that we have PCOS, but it IS great that we have such support! :-) Diet has been an awesome way to treat this illness. Trust me, diet MUST be combined with BC or any other methods of medication you try to use. You cannot use medication alone or you are putting yourself at greater risk for diabetes and infertility issues (this is all in my opinion, of course, please don't think of me as an expert). I have just really seen so many people use diet as a way to naturally treat this an come out on top.
Here are some REALLY helpful links/blogs concerning PCOS or Nutrition (sometimes both!):
http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/
http://www.keeperofthehome.org/
http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/
http://www.katheats.com/
http://ohsheglows.com/
http://pcosdiva.com/
Most of these are in my google reader and if they aren't, they have helped me in the past! There is a wealth of information particularly about nutrition on these blogs! Have fun!
Thanks for these links, have loads of great info there. Have saved them all to have a proper read later. It's always great to have new info that might help with PCOS symptoms and the ultimate goal of losing weight!0 -
Glad the links were helpful! I have found them tremendously helpful, myself.) 0
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.2K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 421 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 23 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions