PCOS and weight loss

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hollymeeker
hollymeeker Posts: 38
in Motivation and Support
I was just wondering if anyone has Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and if you've had trouble losing weight? I know that it's more difficult to lose weight with PCOS, but I'm just wondering if you've been successful with weight loss. I'd love it if you would share your stories. :)

I've lost 17 pounds since mid-November, but it seems this week I've gained weight. I've been under my calorie and carb goals everyday. I guess I'm just frustrated. :cry:

Replies

  • cryspetstalerson
    cryspetstalerson Posts: 147
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    I have PCOS and I have had trouble. The doctors put me on Metformin, but right now we are waiting for our insurance to renew so I am not on it. When they put me on Metformin, I lost 20 pounds in a week, then gained it back. It is a never ending up and down battle. This time I am extremely serious about the weight loss and doing better than normal. I do get frustrated though and feel that it will never happen.
  • cassiejo84
    cassiejo84 Posts: 49 Member
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    I have PCOS and I have lost 80lbs twice....regained it back both times due to me letting my old ways take over. I am going to see my doc to see if I can get back on Metformin, but I wasn't on it when I lost before...it just seems more difficult this time around, I guess.
  • hollymeeker
    hollymeeker Posts: 38
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    Thank you ladies! I started taking metformin again too....mainly because I have diabetes. I know that it will take longer for me to lose weight, and I'm trying to be patient. I know it's not a race and that it took me 33 years to get to this size, and losing is a slower process.

    Thank you for your support ladies!!! I really helps!!!! :happy:
  • bijoux2711
    bijoux2711 Posts: 28
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    I have PCOS and insulin resistance, so not gaining weight let alone losing it has been a big struggle. With the help of metformin, a low GI approach and a heap of exercise, I'm pleased to say my weight is filing coming down. I've lost 33kg (73lbs) in 6 months.
  • chippy83
    chippy83 Posts: 92 Member
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    I have PCOS and find it extremely difficult to lose weight. I'm currently about 235 pounds, and don't ever remember being below 200. The lowest I got was in 2004, when I got down to 206 pounds after a summer of an active job and daily workouts. My ultimate goal is to to get under 200, and first goal is to get below 230. My body tends to stay in a 5-pound range that I can never seem to get out of despite eating well and exercising... I find if I focus too much, sometimes I don't budge at all or I'll gain. This year, I am focusing on making better choices for myself. For the month of January, I am simply logging my food and exercise in MFP to track what I'm eating and see how that relates to the calorie goal. In February, I will start making more changes to modify my eating. Food is my biggest enemy-- I have problems with portion control, and if left to my own devices to choose a "serving" of something, I inevitably eat twice or more of the amount I'm supposed to. I also love carbs and sugar, and am working on reducing my intake of those while finding acceptable alternatives that leave me feeling satiated. Lastly, I also find that my body needs exercise, and I lose more when I do both cardio and strength. Sometimes my workouts are only 30 minutes on the elliptical (w/ a fair amount of resistance; burns about 400 cals) and 10 minutes of various dumbbell lifts with my arms, but I seem to have better luck when I incorporate strength. I'm also going to look into buying a mini elliptical or stair stepper for home that I can use when I want to watch TV but still move around.

    One last note-- My husband & I want to start thinking about having kids in another year or so... I plan to check-in with my gyno at my annual appt in a few months to see if there's anything else I can be doing. The last time I inquired about Metformin, I was told I didn't need it until I wanted to have kids.
  • Starla_
    Starla_ Posts: 349
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    I have PCOS and I only found it hard to lose weight when I didnt have the motivation or determination to actually do it properly.

    Since I started actually exercising and tracking what I was eating I have been losing weight successfully. I also found out I have a gluten intolerance partly due to the PCOS and since cutting out gluten I bloat a lot less and have less issues.

    I do a lot of bodyweight strength training rather than cardio.

    It may take longer for you to lose weight but that shouldnt discourage you either. Aim for a slow steady weight loss and make a lifestyle change rather than adopting a dieting approach that you wont keep up. It will be better and easier to maintain in the long run.

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