PCOS and Weight Loss/Gain

Recently had a comment from amka, who has a very interesting blog! She asked if PCOS was affecting my weight loss.

Absolutely. Not only is it the cause for my weight gain, it definitely poses a challenge where weight loss is concerned. The main sticking point, if you will, is that traditional dieting with PCOS does not work, at least for me. I should preface this by saying that I am NOT a Doctor, Nutritionist, or anything in the medical field. I can really only speak from my own personal experience and that is what this blog is really about.

For years I wondered why I could ONLY lose weight if I went on a low-carb diet. Now I know... I have insulin restistence - counting calories alone will not do it for me. Believe, I starved myself on the "Points" system for months with NO result whatsoever. I started on a Low Carb diet and the weight just melted off, it was almost like magic.

Staying away from sugar for so long now let's me see how terrible it makes me feel when I do have it. I feel like I have ingested some form of poison if I eat very much. I feel sluggish and sick. No wonder I spent so long being uncomfortable and miserable. Still... don't think I don't crave sugar... I do... but I find other types of substitutes or I indulge just a little not enough to make me sick.

I recently read an article online that I found extremely interesting. It would almost appear that the medical community is beginning to catch up on this serious health problem we call PCOS. I won't get into the fact that the name itself is WRONG (why are we labeling a disease by one of its' symptoms? "Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome").

"NEWER TREATMENTS
Rather than focusing on relieving specific symptoms, the newer treatments aim at what may be the root cause of PCOS, ie insulin resistance. Many of these new therapies are designed to lower insulin levels and, thus, reduce production of testosterone.

Investigational Therapies
New evidence suggests that using medications which lower insulin levels in the blood may be effective in restoring menstruation and reducing some of the health risks associated with PCOS. Lowering insulin levels also helps to reduce the production of testosterone, thus diminishing many of the symptoms associated with excess testosterone: hair growth on body, alopecia (hair loss), acne, obesity and cardiovascular risk."

(taken from link above)

Up until quite recently most doctors treated PCOS based on whether or not the patient wanted to get pregnant. It's mainly seen as an infertility problem. Which is an absolute tragedy given that PCOS regardless of fertility or desire to achieve pregnancy, puts patients at SERIOUS risk for endometrial cancer, uterine cancer, fibroid tumors, endometriosis, type II Diabetes, and most importantly Cardiovascular disease... not to mention that chronic insulin spikes cause serious damage to other organs.

Gee, I wonder if there might be a connection to heart disease being the number 1 killer of women and PCOS? Am I the ONLY one seeing a possible connection here?

The article above points out that there are now studies going on to evaluate the use of insulin controlling medications and their effects on patients with PCOS.

Metformin (Glucophage) to regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity

Many of the women I have read about on different PCOS message boards are on this medication already. Many had to fight their doctors or change doctors just to get a prescription for it.

I have not gone that far yet. I'm a firm believer that I can control this with diet (low carb, no sugar), exercise, and vitamins. Although, I am on Lexapro for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression - which is another offshoot problem of PCOS.

I recently read some very interesting information on vinegar and its' effect on blood sugar. I'll post about that tomorrow!

Post Lapse, W2W and Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper

It's been quite a while since I posted here. I haven't had anything new to report... which is to say that I haven't lost more weight. ;o)

I didn't realize that people were actually reading this blog. The last few comments I've received have been of the "spam" nature, so I apologize, sincerely to those of you who have stopped by and were met with old posts. Many thanks to Joyce, who brought this to my attention by posting a comment/question on my other blog.

Joyce asked if I was still using the W2W (Women to Women) system. I am still using it and wouldn't give it up for anything. I have noticed a definite improvement in my energy level and the way I feel in general. I hate getting too graphic (even if my blog title implies otherwise) - but within 3 weeks my cycle returned and followed on time the month after that as well.

I've been a little less than aggressive in dieting recently. Although, I have managed to maintain the weight loss and am still happily sitting at 157. I have not been as diligent in persuing the time to workout regularly. Life gets in the way and if I'm not careful the holiday menus will as well. ;o)

In other news, while I have sworn off sodas with 99% success - I have to admit to developing a strong liking for Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper. I think it's the very first diet soda I've ever had that I didn't have to tolerate the icky "diet" aftertaste. It's actually really good!

Back On Track - Finally!

Two more pounds down and that much closer to my goal of 140! This has not been easy... but it hasn't been quite as hard as I once imagined. It's funny how when you get going and start creating new habits it just isn't the giant undertaking that was once too overwhelming to consider attempting.

I'm far more than half way to my goal. Now, I just hope I can get the rest of this off by Thanksgiving. I know I have major temptations coming up in November and December. I'll be making fudge, toffee, and cream cheese mints... just to name a few treats. I won't allow myself to be sunk... but I don't plan on depriving myself during my favorite time of year either.

I know it will be impossible for me to over indulge - I can't handle too much sugar without getting REALLY sick ... which is a great thing, actually.

No Such Thing As A Sleepy Dieter...

I admit to a momentary lapse of sanity when I chose to go off caffeine cold turkey. By 9pm I had a ear-bleeding headache and I don't have the attention span to even attempt to ride something like that out. It's just not going to happen.

I figure I've dropped about 26 pounds WITH caffeine - I can manage another 20... I just have to buckle down and get to business. No big deal.

That being said, I'm happily caffeinated today... coffee and tea.

I'm also off the freaking Shwarzbein principal diet. I'm sure it's a great diet... and perhaps I'll use it as a maintenance program when I've lost the last 20 - until then... I'm sticking to low-carb because I know it works.
Well, it works when I stick to it anyway... which as of today - I am 100% on board.

Breakfast - steak and eggs

Lunch - leftover steak, string cheese, and a salad.

Mourning The Loss Of A Dear Friend...

*sigh*

Caffeine... my friend, my supporter, my comfort...

Today, I give you up...

But, I will keep in close touch with your friend, decaf, while not as flavorful or inspiring as you... I hope it will make the hole that you will undoubtedly leave, just a bit smaller.

That's right, I'm turning over a new leaf (no autumn pun intended here). I've decided to quit caffeine cold-turkey. And, today marks my first day on the Shwarzbein principal. I've decided to go gung-ho and eliminate these last 20 pounds.

So, pardon the sleepy posts that will undoubtedly follow. I have my concerns over the lack of stimulants in my system... will I be able to hold a conversation? Drive? Remember to pick up the kids? Can I live without my beloved iced tea? What exactly will I order when I take the kids through Sonic?

So many questions... and the answers will come in time, I'm sure.

Until then, I bid a fair adieu to my beloved caffeine. We'll be together again... someday.

A Great Pair Of Cords...

I have to apologize for the lack of consistent posting lately. The only excuse I can possibly give is that sometimes, "life gets in the way..."

Anyway, I spent last weekend at Pismo Beach, we rented a house for my husbands birthday. We had so much fun and ate a lot of really great food. I completely skipped the carb counting and just relaxed and had a good time.

I know, I'm not quite as dedicated as I was a few months ago. Although, I'm not gaining anything back, thank goodness. I think mentally I've just created a barrier that basically says, "I'm only willing to go so far" and certainly not in the direction of largers numbers on the bathroom scale.

My weight fluctuates 2-3 pounds, fairly typical.

This past weekend I fit into a size 10 at the Bass Outlet. A cute pair of chocolate cords, they were 30% off - but I'd have bought them at full price. I never thought I'd slip into a size 10, easily, ever again. I'm thrilled!

On top of that... I'm finally able to buy clothes at American Eagle... one of my favorite stores.

I'm not 100% happy with where I am now... I've got another 20 pounds to lose, at least. But, I'm much happier than where I was 6 months ago. The biggest issue is to maintain the weight and not go back the other direction... I think I can manage that. I've really established a lot of good habits and I've eliminated the majority of sugar and carbs in my diet.

Although, I am still considering going on the Shwarzbein Principal diet. It's a little bit more lenient than straight low-carb. I'm thinking about doing it throughout October. I've still got a couple of days to decide. If I do start it, I'll start on Saturday the first. A fresh start, clean slate on the first day of the month. That's probably just what I need.

Successes and Failures...

Loser... and not in the good "weight loss" sense of the word either.

You may recall that my ultimate goal was a 50lb. weight loss by my husband's birthday.

The deadline was YESTERDAY... and the sad fact is that I only made it to a little over half of my goal. I've lost a whopping 26 pounds since committing to this little adventure just 6 months ago. Rather pathetic, don't you think?

Still... I'm committed. But, I have to tell you... I now KNOW the secret.


Exercise.

Period.

Dieting only gets you so far... and a comfortable diet can help you maintain any weight within 2-4 pounds. But, without a regular exercise routine there just isn't going to be much weight loss. Since trying to get over this cold I have slacked off on my exercise routine and it appears that my weight loss has stalled. I'm trying not to beat myself up about it, but that is easier said than done.

So, I've decided that Monday morning (why not today? Tomorrow? Because I am going away for the weekend and I am going to relax and have a good time, I'll also be monitoring my carb/sugar intake... but I'm not going to sweat this weight loss stuff right now) I am going to recommit myself to my weight loss efforts. In fact, I am going on the Shwarzbein Principal diet for 28 days. Combining that with regular exercise I think I can get my diet back on track.

I'll update you on the exact diet and my progress as I go along.

I'm going to have to create a new goal as well...

Wish me luck!

What A Good Cold Can Do...

I really cracked down on the water, even while battling a cold. I don't know about you, but I have the hardest time drinking water when I'm sick. It's just not a comfort drink for me. Even though I was sick, I tried to work out yesterday, I even made it through almost 3 sets of my lower body workout on the Total Gym.

I've observed something recently... a lot of people are sticking with water at meals. I've cut out sodas, even diet sodas... they are just a huge no-no for me. I've even cut out wine at dinner, I used to have at least one glass 3 - 4 times a week with dinner. Not anymore... I go weeks without consuming any alcohol. But, I havent' cut out coffee or iced/hot tea. Typically, I drink water in-between meals and coffee in the morning, iced tea with lunch and/or dinner.

Am I missing out on some key component here? To be healthy should I be eliminating all beverages on a daily basis with the exception of water?

I have to wonder... I really do.

Yikes!!!!

Well... well... well... I can tell you that this was certainly an unwelcome sight. I jiggled, I bounced, I swore, I threatened, I begged, I cajoled, I attempted to bribe. Still, that SOB in the bathroom resigned itself to read a dreary 161. And seemed to admonish me with a "don't push your luck!"

Now, don't bother going back to previous posts, I admit... that's a 3 pound weight GAIN.

Am I annoyed? Yes.
Frustrated? Absolutely.
Willing to throw in the towel? Not a snowball's chance in hell.

My mother assures me that muscle weighs more than fat and that I have been "working out like a fiend" (her words NOT mine). With the exception of the weekends, I am still working out at least 30 minutes a day on the Total Gym and at least three days a week I do a 20 minute Pilates workout on top of that.

I probably need to start hitting the Gazelle Glider an additional 20 minutes... but I really detest that thing. It makes me feel clumsy and uncoordinated.

Now, I admit to falling off the wagon on the weekends... a bit. But, since Monday I've been straight... I haven't waivered. I've ordered my burgers without buns, I've avoided temptation, I had eggs and bacon for breakfast this morning, I had nuts as a snack. I'm really trying to stick with the program here...

One thing I am not quite up to par on is water consumption. The weather has cooled slightly (high 80's low 90's) and I'm just not diving in like I have in the past. My fault, my problem, I know. I'm pushing about 50 ounces a day... but I should really be doing at least 80 ounces a day. That's 30 ounces shy... and I do know that the carb cravings tend to disappear when I have my water up to the designated level.

What I fear (and it is a fear) is having to give up caffeine. I've read at various diet sites and msg boards (pertaining to weight loss, low carb, and PCOS) that when all else fails, giving up caffeine can do the trick. The problem is that I'm a hardcore Starbuck's addict. I grind the beans at home, I run through the drive through at least 4 days a week. I don't DO well without caffeine.

Problem is... I want to be thin, healthy and have my caffeine fix.

Isn't that terrible?

The Jackass In The Bathroom

Had a morning meeting with my arch-enemy Bathroom Scale this morning. Considering that I've had some issue with water weight for the last week or so I'm pretty pleased at the results this morning.

I'm also back to my normal workout routine, so the goal is to drop 8 pounds by my husband's birthday.

Here is where the jackass in the bathroom tells me I am now...





Wish me luck!

Shwarzbein... Atkins... Southbeach... OH MY!

I've waited too long between posts... I'm still experiencing "issues." So I'm not going to update my weight until I feel it is accurate. I won't bore you with gory details. Let's chalk it up to "water weight" and let sleeping dogs lie.

The kids are back in school and I am back to regular 30 minute Total Gym workouts at least 4 days a week. By next week I expect to be back to my 30 minute morning routine and my 20 minute Pilates routine in the evening.

I'm trying to stick with the low-carb thing. Atkins has gotten me where I am thus far... I admit, I am afraid to try anything else.

In my W2W kit I did receive a lovely copy of The Schwarzbein Principal. It's a cross between Atkins and Southbeach... that's kind of general. But, there is also a large amount of time devoted to "damaged fats." Yes, it's almost as confusing as it sounds.

Still, there is a 4 week meal plan complete with recipes. Supposedly you only have to stay on that version of it (kind of like induction) for 4 weeks. After than you can go to a more relaxed version. But, this is supposed to heal your metabolism.

I'm tempted to try... but afraid to go away from what has been working.

Any thoughts?

WomenToWomen Update

Without going into graphic detail... I'm thrilled with my purchase of the W2W personal supplement system. After 1 week I am noticing a difference. A certain spring in my step...

More importantly, I'm noticing a hormone shift in the right direction.

I'm not posting my current weight because I haven't weighed myself in a few days. It's a female thing. The kids have gone back to school, I'm back to my Total Gym workouts, and as soon as things level out - we'll see where my weight is. At last check I was sitting at 159... sure hope I am still below the 160 mark by the time I have my next early morning appointment with my buddy Mr. Bathroom Scale.

Notice I have applied a male personality to my scale?

There are some similarities... none of them complimentary to either a man or the bathroom scale.

Women To Women...

I finally broke down and ordered from www.womentowomen.com - it's geared for PCOS, Peri-menopausal, and post menopausal support. I've researched, I've looked and this is only one of two places that I have found a complete, natural, system to help restore hormonal balance.

You may recall that not too long ago I swore I would attempt to put together similar supplements on my own because I was not about to pay that much. It's about $270 for a 90 day supply, but they do bill in installments. Now, that may seem exorbitant. But, if it works and according to women who have tried it, they've been able to get off the anti-depressents, than it will be worth it. Plus, if I were to put together all the supplements I should be taking, on my own, I'd be popping pills all day!

I'm not big on pill popping... but, I'm not too keen on having panic attacks either. Given the choice I'll be a pill popper with a big smile on my face!

My symptoms are pretty severe, so I did opt to go with the "severe symptom" product line. But, if you symptoms aren't as severe, you can get away with paying less. They have a nifty quiz you can take to see exactly where your symptoms line up with women your age. It's very interesting and the entire site is very informative.

D-I-E-T not so much fun to spell...

In case you haven't noticed the first three letters in the word diet are d-i-e. Doesn't that just make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? There is no wonder why the mere prospect of a diet gives people the heebie-jeebies and cold sweats!

Which is why I've adopted the completely B.S. sounding theory of "lifestyle change." As bogus as it sounds... I keep thinking that if I just accept this as a life sentence instead of a death sentence it will make the whole weight-loss process easier.

In truth, I have noticed that the longer I do this whole low-carb thing, the less I crave the carbs and, really, they don't taste all that great when I do have them. The obvious exception being chocolate, cheesecake, and my new-found love pies. Although, truthfully, I don't feel so great after indulging. It usually makes me sick... except for the pies.

I did my usual tango with the grim reaper of dieting, also known as the bathroom scale, this morning with happy results, finally!

Lava Colada and Pilates :o)

If you were hoping that I was going to have some nifty recipe for a fruity drink with no carbs... keep dreaming. Although, I am tempted to investigate those happy little things that Kim Catrall has been vamping in recent commercials.

If anyone has tried those and they are worth a damn... let me know, please.

Today was my mom's birthday so I booked us for pedicures complete with foot masks and massages! She ended up with a summer pink nailpolish with blue and yello polka dots on her big toes (very retro... gorgeous!). My pedicurist (is that a word?) was not as creative... so I've got shimmery bright pink nailpolish with no nail art :o(

Still... mom commented on how my arms are toning up. Eventually, I'm considering putting up "before" and "after" pics, but at the moment I just don't have the guts to do it. ;o)

We had lunch at El Torito, it was fun. She had a couple of peach margaritas (woo hoo!) and I had a Lava Colada, which is a Pina Colada with a Strawberry swirl. All fruity, strong, and no doubt, filled with carbs.

Good grief, I'm not sticking with the program too well this week, am I?

I came home, started pounding water and did a 20 minute pilates workout (still love that), followed by another 20 minutes of whatever-the-hell you call those things where you step up on the fanny-lifter one leg at a time over and over again until you want to cry... or scream if you are more the Braveheart type workout enthusiast. I finished up with arm toning using weights.

Yippee Skippee.

I'm not eating anymore today either... that would be to make up for dessert...

You see, I didn't stop at the Lava Colada. I finished with 3/4 of a "Chocolate Volcano" cake complete with Dulce De Leche ice cream and hot fudge sauce. What can I say? It was chocolate!
Oh, and I also had a tiny bite of my mom's birthday flan. Which was quite tasty, but lacked in chocolate. ;o)

I finally got around to placing the order for my diet supplements. I firmly believe that the following items had a lot to do with my weight loss:

• Cortislim
• Taurine
• Apple Cider Vinegar with Cayenne and Grapefruit rind caplets

I also ordered the Zipfizz that Scott over at www.scott-o-rama.com recommended. It already looks better than sugar-free Red Bull. If it is - I'm ordering a freaking case... or two!

Fanny Lifting and Iced Coffee

Still holding at 162... did a 50 min. Pilates workout today because I just couldn't stand to look at the afore mentioned skinny, implanted, lipo'd, blonde hags anymore. Besides, I love doing the pilates workout. Although, my ab muscles usually kill me the next morning... at the moment though, my rear is pretty sore, no doubt from my aerobic/fanny lifting joyride yesterday...

Wait that last part probably didn't come out quite the way I wanted it to, that could get completely misconstrued...

Kinda like the time someone told me that she loved that I "shoot straight from the hips" and I looked at my third child and said, "well, not anymore... that one was my last shot."

Anyway, enough of my yackin' (for you Tap fans out there)...

Thought I would give you my special recipe for iced coffee low-carb style...

I am a Starbuck's addict, I love a good iced cafe americano with sugar-free vanilla and cream. Don't get on to me about caffeine and dieting, blah blah blah... I couldn't care less. I lost the first 20lbs. drinking Starbuck's every day (5 days a week, that is).

My version...

Ice, add a good shot of sugar-free vanilla Torani syrup (and a dash of s-f caramel if you like)
Fill with Coffee
Drizzle in heavy cream, to taste

Stir...

Voila`

;o)

Pretty simple. Really tasty!

There Is A Sweaty Line Between Love and Hate...

Ok, let's get this one out of the way right now...

For the record, that 22lbs. to go is my first weight goal. That's the one where you say, "Gee, if I could just get down to XXX, I'd be thrilled!" That's what 140 represents to me.

Now, my ideal weight is between 128 - 132. I'd be over the moon with that range.

So, just what am I doing to achieve that?

Well, I'm back on my workout routine. I hate, with a passion, doing "hop about the room like a freaking ninny" aerobics. Cannot stand it... it's like that line from "City Slickers" where Phil goes a bit bonkers at the birthday party and says, "If hate were people... I'd be CHINA!!!!" - that's me where aerobics is concerned.

So, I'm very proud of myself that I managed to pull off 25 minutes of fat burning, muscle building, cursing at the little skinny people on the screen, aerobics today. From there I went into my 20 minute pilates routine, which I love... love with a deep, unabiding, passion.

That's sounds a wee bit strange, doesn't it? But, I do... I unapologetically love to bend and contort around the family room floor... far better than I like "double step touch and squat, drag the foot, and double step touch... now power march!"

Stupid, skinny, blonde, breast-implanted, lipo'd, hags. #!@#$#@#$%#!

Current Weight Loss Goal:

• Lose 8lbs. by Sept. 01

That's 5 weeks to drop 8lbs. Now, I think that is more than reasonable. Besides, 10 is more realistic and I'd be absolutely stoked if I pulled that off. Still, baby steps... baby steps!

Damn The Farmer's Market... Damn Them!

Ok, it's not their fault. I know... it's me. I visited the Avila Valley Barn yesterday in Avila Beach, CA.

Me and my damned weakness for cherry cobbler. Especially with their granola topping. Fresh cherries, crisp, sweet granola topping... all fresh from the oven. Only someone with a heart of stone and a black hole where their taste buds should be could resist.

I would post a picture... but I'm afraid the carnage we have left behind would be too much for even someone with only a casual interest in good, old-fashioned, hearty desserts to bear. I admit, I've been very bad. But, I don't regret even a single bite of that sweet, tart, summer treat.

How terrible is it that this is supposed to be a weight loss blog and yet I'm discussing sugar-filled baked items while supposedly set into a low-carb lifestyle? It's pretty bad, I admit. But, I also never felt that this should strictly be a "good news" blog about how I'm dropping pounds left and right and am down another size with each post. How ridiculous is that? (Although... how great would that be?) No, I think it's better to just lay it all out the good, the bad, and the fattening. Why the hell not?

BTW - tip here - did you know that heavy cream (not half and half) has no carbs? Yes, it has fat - but that's essentially ok on a low-carb regimen. I use it in my coffee with a sugar-free flavored syrup or just some splenda. I also drizzle it over frozen (or fresh) berries since blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are so good for you and when used in moderation are totally fine on a low-carb diet.

Now, here is the bad news... unless there is some sort of diet miracle, I won't hit my Aug. 3 goal... which as you may recall, was to lose 8 pounds. :o(

Gotta get back on that horse and watch it (aka no splurging) until I hit that goal.

Lunch With Mom...

I was at my mom's house today we had a "light" lunch. An asian salad with grilled chicken and a mexican salad with grilled chicken. Both were really great... unfortunately, we had chocolate chip cookies (fresh from the oven) for dessert. On the lighter side, we did wash it down with a nice peach tea from Crystal Light.

That almost sounds like the people who order a big mac, large fries, and a diet coke... doesn't it?

Things won't be any better tomorrow, we are going over to San Luis Obispo for the day. It will be cooler and we'll have direct access to home made pies from the Apple Farm. I can feel my rear expanding already. Auuugh!!!!

Going to do the 20 minute Pilates workout tonight... although I am tempted to try the 50 minute workout again, just because it has a longer leg/butt series than the 20 minute workout. I have to admit, I love working my thighs and rear... lift... LIFT... I NEED LIFT!!!

I feel like I have sluffed off a lot lately... it was easier to do this when the kids were in school and I was at my mom's every morning to work out on the Total Gym (which I love!). I never thought I would enjoy working out and I've never been one of those people who is "inspired" by results, but I do like the results I'm getting and I do like how working out makes me feel afterward...

Cutting and Grilling - No Steak Involved

I was having my hair done the other day (a very short cut that I love!) and the lady who does my hair kept grilling me on what I had done to lose so much weight (and to think, I've still got another 20 pounds, minimum, to go!). I explained to her that I was doing a low-carb thing and exercising.

I don't remember how it came up, but she started mentioning fluctuating Seratonin levels. I think this was in reference to chocolate or sugar or something. I explained that I didn't have to worry too much about that because I'm on medication to balance that out - the seratonin, that is. (sugar cravings and chocolate cravings are a whole other ball game) I told her that I had been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and depression. She said, "Doesn't everybody have that? I mean, all young mothers have that."

Now, here is what I have come to realize; people do not understand what GAD with Depression really is. Having severe panic attacks where you can't function and have chest pains so bad that you think you are having a heart attack - is not normal. Worrying to the point of not being able to function and not being able to control it - is not normal. And, yes, I absolutely believe that a good deal of this issue can be blamed on postpartum depression aka "hormonal imbalance" as well. Again, I don't have professional medical training on this... but I do know my own body and know this is the case with me.