A Babbling Newbie.

[ciaobella]

Hi,

I was recently diagnosed with PCOS (finally) & Insulin Resistance. Sorry if this is TMI or I'm babbling, but I'm trying to figure all of this out.

I've had many of the symptoms (weight gain, irregular/v. heavy periods, excessive hair growth, depression/anxiety, etc) for a number of years & my former GYN said I had PCOS, but only put me on BC. Unfortunatly, the BC made me sick & nothing else was done...no blood tests or even a referral to an endo. Luckily I moved to a new city a few months back, changed doctors & the new GYN insisted on getting the PCOS under control. I got to the point where all past symptoms were getting worse. The worse part I felt like Jekkyl/Hyde some days...like I couldn't control it & I was having insane sugar cravings all.the.time.

So. I've been on NuvaRing for about 4 months (no side effects) and started Glumetza about 2+ weeks ago. So far, so good I'm up to 1,500mg daily w/ minor "digestive issues". The depression/anxiety seem to be better, too. I'm feeling calmer. My typcial mid-day crashes are getting better, too.

Ok, so now I need some guidance. The endo wants me to meet with a dietician, but my ins doesn't cover the visits. I was hoping to try the "diet" on my own with books/websites. I know I need to do low-carb/low GI, but something not as extreme as Atkins. (Atkins worked for me, but once I stopped I gained back more than 2x what I lost which left me quite depressed).

With all the diets & books out there I guess I'm just hoping for some insight from others in my situation. Any suggestions? Also, will the Glumetza help with the weight loss? I guess I'm weary b/c I've tried so many different diets & other than a couple of lbs. nothing seems to work (except for Atkins). I'm looking forward to hearing what others have to say about the diet or just the IR/PCOS in general.

Thanks for listening!!

[LilBitMagoo]

Hi and welcome to SC. No, your not babbling your just letting others know what your going through. I'm glad you were able to find a doctor that actually wants to help you. Did your new doctor do bloodwork and the ultrasound?

I'm in the same situation my doctor would like me to see a dietcian and my insurance doesn't cover it, but she mentioned if my thyroid or cholesteral was an issue they might. I don't know I will get my results on Thursday for that.

[ciaobella]

Thanks

My 1st visit to the new GYN was b/c I had gotten a v. heavy period for 5 weeks straight. She did a pelvic ultrasound & blood work. My TSH3/4 levels were off & they found cysts. They also did an endometrial biopsy (which was fine). The endo ran a ton of tests (glucose & others) & a thyroid ultrasound. My thyroid is fine, but my insulin levels were very high.

These new doctors have been very proactive with getting things under control. It's refreshing. I was told the same thing about using the cholesterol/tyroid excuse for the dietician, but I have neither. She also said I can try using the IR diagnosis & try the preemptive measure for getting diabeties.

Good luck at the doctor this week.

[Eva37]

welcome to sc

[dschni]

I am feeling the same way as are most of the woman that are dx with PCOS. Good luck to you.

[Sarah Louise]

Welcome to SC !!!

[LaTejanaFria]

Welcome Caiobella! If you're interested in support from others on a low carb/Glycemic Load eating plan, check this thread: http://www.soulcysters.net/gi-diet-243080/
I think most of the women there are following The G.I. Diet: The Easy, Healthy Way to Permanent Weight Loss by Rick Gallop. I've heard there are different "versions" of the book for the UK, US, and Canada.

[Mail Girl]

Welcome!

I'm TRYING to follow the Low GL Diet by Patrick Holford. It's a long book to read, but fairly easy to practice. If you want more info, let me know...

[Lovin'Life]

Hi! I am doing a low carb diet, not atkins. I don't think that eating only red meat and cheese is good for our bodies. So I allow myself to eat vegetables, fruits and breads that are low carb and high fiber. In the first month, I lost 12 pounds. And, one night a week, I allow myself to eat whatever I want - pizza, hamburger with the bun, brownies, cheesecake...whatever. It helps keep me 'on track' and not feel deprived. This has been a very easy lifestyle for me to follow - as I can still have salads, chicken, tacos (with low carb tortillas), I just have to improvise a little bit.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

[SlaveToTheCorps]

Hey, Gorgeous!!
Welcome to SoulCysters!!
Hope you take some time to look
around & meet all the great STRONG
WOMEN, who like yourself...
Won't Let PCOS Keep Them Down!
ness

[ciaobella]

Thanks for all the warm welcomes.

I've decided to try the GI diet. The book is read & tomorrow I clean out the cupboards & go grocery shopping. I've been on Glumetza for 3+ weeks now & was having some serious issues on day 2 at 1,500 mg. I went back down to 1,000 for the past week & plan to start 1,500 again tomorrow. If I have problems this time, I'll call the doctor.

Found out this week that a very good friend of the family has PCOS & has had some major success with diet/weight loss. I knew she was dieting, but never knew there were medical issues. She's very gung-ho about helping. I'm lucky.

Thanks again everyone. Enjoy your weekend.

[CHELLEB73]

Welcome to SC. Good luck on the diet. Lovinlife is definitely right, if you allow your self one day to have something that you really want, it will help you stay on track!!

[tina_d]

Awe, I remember when I cleaned out my cupboards. The local food pantry loved me that day. lol

Good luck with your dieting. I don't really follow one diet or the other because I also have a family to feed, and don't want to have to do two different meals everytime I cook. I also don't want to live off the prepackaged meals either. So when I buy groceries, any prepackaged food is checked for fat grams and carbs. I buy lots of lean meats, and any hamburger that I brown, is washed in hot water to get out any of the fat juices. Pastas, wraps, and bread are all whole grain for me. And I watch the amount of food I take in.

[LaTejanaFria]

Found out this week that a very good friend of the family has PCOS & has had some major success with diet/weight loss. I knew she was dieting, but never knew there were medical issues. She's very gung-ho about helping. I'm lucky.

I'm lucky too to have a friend with the same issues. We talk about problems, successes, etc. every weekend on our hour hike. She's on metformin and I'm trying herbal remedies, but we're both cheering each other on! Good luck!