PCOS not my friend

ChunTingO · April 2012

Hi Ya'll!

I have always been a thicker girl but it was ok because i used to be very active too so i was toned but when i hit my early twenties i notice that i hadnt had a period in a months and i begain to gain an extreme amount of weight that even going to the gym almost everyday was not helping and even dieting was not helping. I noticed the shape of my body had change and there was more of a layer of fat below my belly button and there was hair growth in areas that i didnt have before and also my skin darked in certain areas like under my chest and arm pits and between my thighs. I was also becoming very depressed and emotional and i had no idea what was happening to me.
i went to the GYno and she saw the signs for PCOS something that i had no idea about at all an sent me to a specialist in HOuston Dr Allon at the advanced fertility clinic.
i was diagnosed with PCOS in 2008 and since then have been battling with weight gain, hair growth, depression and mood swings, bouts of illness, and being poked and prodded with needles and that scary wizard wand that they used to check my ovaries for cysts. lol! I have taken all sorts of BC pills and all different brands of metformin because as you know with pcos you can develope diabetes if not careful and it helps with the Insulin resistance too. So far i have been dropping and gaining the same 40lbs over the four years that i have really known i have PCOS.

I just wanted to know if there are any women who have reached their weighloss goals even with all the issues that PCOS can cause and how long did that take?

If there are any suggestions of what i could do to lose the weight, what vitamins, what type of exercise would be best, anything that got you to your goal i would sooooo appreciate to know.

Thank you all and hope to hear from yall !

bookyeti · April 2012

I battle PCOS as well. (Diagnosed in '07)

Losing weight/inches is surely a challenge with this syndrome -- we have to work harder and longer to lose weight due to our hormonal imbalances. Lack of energy and PCOS-related depression is a real culprit that can get us down as well. So it's difficult but not impossible.

For those with insulin resistance (IR), treating that first is VITAL. Whether it's done by reducing refined carbs, taking a medication like Metformin, regular exercise -- or a combination of those things -- that will put you on an even playing field with other 'weight watchers'... meaning once you treat your IR, you should be able to lose weight like a 'normal woman' (in this case, someone without PCOS).

*Regular* exercise is key. I don't think 'type' really matters, so long as you get out there and do it on a regular basis. You're more likely to stick with it if it's something you enjoy.

Just walking has been a life-saver for me; you can do it anywhere, it's low impact, and best of all it's FREE.

nuke0409 · April 2012

I have had PCOS since my teens but never missed a period though was always late. However, once I got in my mid-twenties, I started to be irregular and that's what made me go to a gyno. I was diagnosed officially with PCOS in 2011. However, my PCOS is not "severe" and is on the borderline (LH/FSH ratio if I remember was 3, for a woman without PCOS is 1 and for chronic PCOS it is greater than 3). I did not struggle with weight as much since I was never over the appropriate weight for my height. However, I was very bloated and I looked like a balloon though my weight was about 120 lbs (I'm 5 feet and 4 inches). I then switched to a low carb diet in order to give it a try so that my periods come every month..and yes, it worked! I have been on a low-carb diet since Feb 2011 now and I am proud to say that I have never missed my period ever since. I have also lost the bloatedness and with it, of course went the pounds. I now weigh 112 pounds but still struggling to lose inches around my lower waist (which currently measures 33 inches). Of course, I dont' want to lose any more weight in the process but I do make it a point to go to the gym atleast 4-5 times a week.

Sivimey · April 2012

Girl, you're singing my song. I was RX'd at age 21 with PCOS and Hashimoto's (an autoimmune disease that attacks your thyroid gland). I tried what common knowledge says you should do to lose weight - ie, eat less, exercise more - I also went veggie for 5 years, added anemia to my list of issues and managed to gain even more weight. Last year I switched doctors to someone who practices Integrative Medicine. He took one look at me and told me to cut out the carbs (my weight was/ is entirely between my ribs and my hips) and ran a bunch of food allergy tests. Since then I've been following a lower-carb Paleo/Primal lifestyle, eating under 50g carbs a day that come only from veggies and roots - no grains or sugar - and high quality meat and fat. I've lost 30 lbs since June, my skin patchiness has cleared up, the hair on my scalp has gotten thicker (and everywhere else has gotten thinner/ disappeared), and I have my period every 28 days like clockwork (it used to come every 22-24, which sucks so hard because that's like 2 extra periods a year ugh ugh ugh).

Anyways, it's working well for me and there's a zillion billion Paleo/Primal sites on the www if you want to dig deeper. Good luck!

claire1977 · April 2012

Hi ladies I'm really interested in this post I'm in the process of being tested for pcos and have a scan booked for next week so am keen to hear your experiences and understand how you manage the condition and find out your top tips for losing weight.:flowerforyou:

ChunTingO · April 2012

Thank you ladies for responding the more information and ideas the better I can understand and take control back from PCOS.

Kimberly602 · April 2012

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 23. I gained 80 lbs in about 6 years, yep I'm sure my over eating contributed a lot also... lol, can't blame it all on PCOS... I lost hope of losing weight because my doctors continually told me how hard it would be to lose the weight. I hit 237 in January of this year and felt like a blimp.. With the encouragement of my ex's sister, who has lost 130 lbs with PCOS, I finally convinced myself "I got this"... I can lose the weight... I started limiting my calories to 1300-1400 and just started moving..walking mostly... and I started losing weight. I cut out breads/pastas because it's what I over indulged on and honestly I don't miss them now. I eat TONS of veggies, eggs, chicken, nuts, fruit, yogurt.. and turkey pepperoni. Losing the weight is slow for me... but bottom line, it's coming off...

YOU GOT THIS!

ChunTingO · April 2012

awesome!!! thank you!!

yo_andi · April 2012

I'm a Cyster too! Welcome to this not-so-awesome club! I was diagnosed in '07 and it took me some time to gain control. I have been lifting, doing cardio and try to eat as clean as possible (and limit carbs to mostly whole grains). While I don't see huge losses, I have been consistently losing about a pound a week. Keep working hard, stay the course, and know that you can take back control!

princessruthie · April 2012

I also have pcos. Did some research and made the doctor change my birth control pills to metformin. It helped a little then joined a biggest loser game at work and lived at the gym. I went from 204 to 137.2 it took about 2 years :-)

ChunTingO · April 2012

Thanks girl! i need the motivation !!!

Mberanek408 · April 2012

Here's what worked for me in - one week of pure protein eating. 14 oz of lean proteins per day for a week to go into ketosis & get the additional sugars out of my liver - then on to clean eating, low carbs after week 1 .

1200-1500 calories a day including 3 servings of protein, 3 oz in the am, lunch and dinner and one ounce in between for snacks, veggies X 3 servings/day, fruit x 2 servings, dairy x 3 servings a day & 1/2 the amount of ounces of water per day / weight - IE at my highest I was 291 lbs - I had to drink 145 ounces of water to help flush out the excess sodium, etc. As you lose, you reduce your water intake proportionally.

After about a month< i was down nearly 40lbs. 15lbs that first week with the protien. That first week is a mother but if you can do that, you can do anything.

Second month, same eating plan and incorporated zumba - I love to dance. Third month, add weights..... I kept off 60lbs for nearly three years. My goal was 190 - im 5-10. Got to 230.

Had regular periods come back & got pregnant.....now that my weight is back up, starting this over again. Its going to be lifelong. As soon as you stop watching what you eat, you gain. Its that shockingly simple....

Its ok to have one high calorie day in the week. Just remember to go back to clean eating the rest of the week. For me that was Friday night, Saturday dinner and sunday breakfast. I allowed myself three meals a week to eat what I loved so I wasnt deprived, total of one days meals. I exercised each day and ate right the other meals.

ChunTingO · April 2012

Here's what worked for me in - one week of pure protein eating. 14 oz of lean proteins per day for a week to go into ketosis & get the additional sugars out of my liver - then on to clean eating, low carbs after week 1 .

1200-1500 calories a day including 3 servings of protein, 3 oz in the am, lunch and dinner and one ounce in between for snacks, veggies X 3 servings/day, fruit x 2 servings, dairy x 3 servings a day & 1/2 the amount of ounces of water per day / weight - IE at my highest I was 291 lbs - I had to drink 145 ounces of water to help flush out the excess sodium, etc. As you lose, you reduce your water intake proportionally.

After about a month< i was down nearly 40lbs. 15lbs that first week with the protien. That first week is a mother but if you can do that, you can do anything.

that is so inspiring ! i will have to try this out ! thank you!!!

Second month, same eating plan and incorporated zumba - I love to dance. Third month, add weights..... I kept off 60lbs for nearly three years. My goal was 190 - im 5-10. Got to 230.

Had regular periods come back & got pregnant.....now that my weight is back up, starting this over again. Its going to be lifelong. As soon as you stop watching what you eat, you gain. Its that shockingly simple....

Its ok to have one high calorie day in the week. Just remember to go back to clean eating the rest of the week. For me that was Friday night, Saturday dinner and sunday breakfast. I allowed myself three meals a week to eat what I loved so I wasnt deprived, total of one days meals. I exercised each day and ate right the other meals.

ChunTingO · April 2012

that is so awesome and inspiring ! i will have to try the detox of the liver....doctor said my liver and my adrenal gland are inflamed

Mnferguson · April 2012

I also have PCOS officially diagnosed in 09 but I knew I had since 07 because it runs in my family and I had all the signs. I never really was huge until college when I gained the freshman 55 lb

then since then I have just been gaining weight consistently. I don't eat super healthy and have carb/salt cravings like no other. I startng using MFP last summer and in 8 months lost about 50 lbs then over the winter my roommate moved out and I lost all motivation and let my lonliness depress me. I feel like the hardest thing is that I never feel full or satisfied unless I am eating the food I want. I don't have a very high self esteem and even though I know that I am beautiful, I feel like the hair and dark patches on my chest and stomach are disgusting. Which is why I wanna lose the weight. To get healthier and hopefully balance out hormones so that the hair will thin or disappear all together. I need a co dieter or at the very least a co exerciser / motivator to keep on track. I feel like I can do it, I just need the presence. I like being active, playing VB, swimming, softball, etc. But I feel like I dont really have the energy and I wanna sleep all the time because I got the blues, which PCOS does not help with. I have never had a boyfriend at 25 years old and I would like suggestions on motivators for exercising and self esteem boosters. Things that make you feel better about yourself and give you your strengths?

mogletdeluxe · April 2012

Another one with polka-dot ovaries here

I've lost 77lb with PCOS. I was diagnosed in 2010, and that was my kick up the bum to do something about my weight. In essence, a shedload of exercise (six days a week for at least an hour), and portion control with 'sensible' eating. I did try low-carb recently and it shifted a very difficult 7lb very quickly, but (personally!) I found it unsustainable and have switched to a more low GI-style diet.

I am on Dianette and Metformin 1000mg daily.

PCOS doesn't have to be the complete b*tch she seems - it can be done

Sinanthiel · April 2012

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 15. I'll be 27 in June. I'm still dealing with it to this day. It's very hard for me to lose weight, and not only that I have a thyroid issue. I also have a ruptured/herniated disc in my spine. I'm in a great deal of pain every day, and I can't exercise unless it's extremely light with no pressure on my spine. Imagine having PCOS, a thyroid condition, and a ruptured disc. It's hard enough losing weight, but with thyroid issues and a ruptured disc added in my life, it's very difficult living everyday. I have no idea how I can lose weight with PCOS and not be able to exercise. In the past before I injured my back, I would workout really hard, and not lose weight. Once I worked out for 90 minutes a day (I would sweat like crazy too), went on a 1200 calorie diet, and in six months only lost 10 lbs. I used to be able to lose weight a little easier. When I was 19 I lost 40lbs in four months, but I was burning 800 calories a day and only eating 1100 calories in a day. Hopefully something will work out for me. With my thyroid borderline not functioning, I'm a little worried that it's going to take a very long time.

phantomoboe · April 2012

I have been dealing with pcos now since january 20th 2012. the doctor thinks I might of had it for several years prior . what that being said I've already lost about 43 pounds I started this program when I was about 20 pounds lost into the current method. I do have hot flashes in what not even though I'm 29. I just hope that eventually I get use to all the medications because I'm getting tired of the side effects. I recently should a going back to gym and swimming frequently . it has been a great relief of stress and a good workout. if any of you would like to add me I keep on trying to stay to my diet q 100 percent however today I might go out for just 1 day and have a little bit of pizza. or I might be good and make it to lab pepperoni with no bread pizza.

ChunTingO · April 2012

Thank you ladies im taking everything you are telling me to heart. I can get the weight off and keep away the blues. Currently they are still checking my blood work to see if i also may have thyroid problem. Im going to start the low carb suggestions and up my work outs to an hour a day for 6 days one of rest.

Thank you all for your responses and support

cramernh · April 2012

Since July 2011 - Im half way there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am in a plateau right now, but that is ok... this plateau is proof I can maintain AND continue my treatment to tie up my PCOS by the balls and keep it in place!

Chin up my dear!!!

by the way, your profile pic.. is that up to date?

You are quite lovely!

phantomoboe · April 2012

if you can try n do 30 minutes per day with pcos a workout is not a luxury working out is a requirement. if you swim swim if not I'm at least 30 min per day of what you can do be ita walking around walmart, or walking out of your apartment for 30 minutes down the road please dont stop working out and have 1 day off you can't afford it.

PCOS not my friend

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