Out of Denial..hopefully

marykirk · 09-19-2005, 01:15 PM

Hi all,
I'm new to this board, but not new to PCOS unfortunately. Five years ago, I suspected I had it. I have been over 300lbs for 10 years, and only by a sheer miracle did I go on a low-carb diet five years ago and "accidentally" conceived my son. Now that I understand PCOS and was officially diagnosed with it 2 years ago, do I realize just how much of a miracle it was that I had my son.

I was able to manage the irregular periods with Yasmin, and that also somewhat controlled the facial hair..or at least improved it. However, now, I'm the highest weight I've ever been..350, and I'm at my wit's end. I have lost and gained so much weight in this era of low carb dieting. I need a more permanent solution.

I have questions about metformin, and how it works, if you get it from your OB/GYN, or what. I have questions about how everyone stays on low-carb diets without wanting to vomit after awhile...I literally cannot eat some foods because of being on Atkins.

I'm anxious to hear about people's efforts to permanently change their diet to deal with the insulin resistance. I'm particularly challenged, as I have a huge sweet tooth, and it seems like I'm giving up life to give up pasta and sweets.

I'm here to gain motivation, support, to give support, to understand my choices for treatment, and to hopefully lose weight and have another child. I do not want to have weight loss surgery, and am looking for some people who are in it for the "long haul" .

I hope I'm in the right place.
Thanks,
Mary K.
Virginia Beach, VA

Jlynnleal · 09-19-2005, 02:21 PM

Just wanted to say welcome to SC.

CarrieBoo · 09-19-2005, 02:37 PM

Hello there, welcome to SC! Unfortunately I can't offer much advice as I'm new to PCOS and am currently trying to find a great doctor who's knowledgable and understanding to answer all of my questions and concerns as well. But I did want to tell you that I'm glad you are here and I'm sure you'll find some support and answers among the many wonderful ladies here.

SABTeacher · 09-19-2005, 02:55 PM

Hi Mary,

Welcome to SC. I recommend that you visit the diet and exercise section of this site. You'll be able to get a lot of answers over there. There are a number of women who have successfully lost a lot of weight (and kept it off). They have done so on different diet and exercise programs. Having PCOS does not mean that you'll need to give up carbs. You will have to experiment with your body to see what works for you. Many women are able to eliminate symptoms by simply reducing their simple carbs (white bread, white rice, sugar, etc) and replacing it with complex carbs (fruit, whole grains) and adding some more healthy proteins. The IR diet is very popular on this site, so you may want to check that out. It allows carbs, but only when linked with proteins and balanced in amount. A lot of us have success on the south beach diet, which also allows healthy carbs. Then, there are many women who don't limit carbs at all, but reduce calories and have been very successful.

As for Met, I can't help since I have never used it. I know that MANY women on this site use it and it has helped many of them. It seems that endocrinologists are more apt to prescribe it, but some OBs and GPs do.

Good luck to you!
Shari

hellofromangie · 09-19-2005, 04:34 PM

Hello and Welcome!

You have come to the right place for support. As Shari (SABTeacher) has said, some OB/GYN, or Primary Care doctors can prescribe Metformin or they will refer you to an Endocrinologist that specialize in PCOS. I Look forward to seeing you around the diet boards to share support for weightloss.

Angie