Ended my Christmas in tears

[Renee750il]

Amber, check into something called "peak fitness." I've found I get way better results doing cardio/aerobic stuff that way rather than the traditional (and to me, monotonous) methods.

[Dakotah]

First, (((HUGS)))
Second, listen to the advice in this thread.
Third, more (((HUGS))) You can do this girl. If you need me, my number is on FB. I definitely want to hear from you and we need to catch up. <3

[JessLough]

I'm just going to say that if you have feet issues, talk to a doctor before running out and buying VFFs. They can make certain issues worse.

[PitBullLove]

It sounds like you are making very responsible and positive decisions for yourself and your happiness. That's really great, much more than many people do. Don't feel bad, you're already doing great.

[skittledoo]

Originally Posted by katielou

Hugs I have been where you are and am still somewhat there. Can you talk to your doc?

Knowing the strength you have girl you can work through this and be a happy healthy you.

I have pcos and associated weight gain have lost most of it with still a little to go.

If you need anything give me a shout.

Thank you so much. I know I can do this, but I also know it's not going to be easy at all. I just ave to stay positive. I don't have a dr yet and I don't have health insurance right now so I have to do my research to find one I can afford out of pocket. There's a holistic doctor I know (and can afford) that I think deals with a lot of weight patients. I have to ask her.. but for checking to see if I have PCOS or anything else that's contributing to my weight issue I'd have to see a different doctor for diagnosis first.

Originally Posted by Laurelin

Lots of hug and vibes and know you are definitely not alone. I haven't stayed right on top of my weight lately and it shows. It is amazing how quick it comes on with PCOS and how slow it comes off.

That's the most annoying part of the problem for me. The fact that it comes on SO quickly, but to lose it is so darn hard.

Originally Posted by JacksonsMom

I'm sorry (hugs) I think we can do it together! I need to lose weight too and lately it's been getting to me. I pretty much pigged out this holiday season

Lets make an effort to do more hikes with the dogs too!

yes yes and yes... I'm going to try to get every Sunday off work so if Sundays ever work for you...

Originally Posted by FG167

I'm in more or less the same boat. Gained weight no matter that my job is seriously physically taxing. My Dr is concerned about it. We also want to try for a kid in another year or so and I have the same concerns...my goal is to run a 1/2 marathon (or two), this year and to be consistently active. I want to buy a bike for days I don't feel like running. We also both just signed up for gym memberships.



I'm going to second this. My VFFs changed my outlook on running for exercise, it's so much more fun and easier to stick to when there is no pain. I really love my Bikilas but do not like the fit on the three other pairs of VFFs I have ordered. I think I need to size up. I also bought Vivobarefoot trail runners and they are also super comfortable, waterproof, and minimalist. I have flat feet, bunions, terrible joints, and often also get shin splints (I was a runner all my life until the last 5 years or so). The minimalist shoes have done WONDERS for me. My fiance is a serious distance runner and swears by Hoka shoes for lack of pain, they are also hideously ugly but they seem to be helping him a lot.

I don't care if my shoes are ugly if I'm just going to be using them for working out. A lot of people keep mentioning the VFFs and I've heard so many positive things about them... but as soon as I mentioned them to my boss she said to stay away from them especially since I have issues with the arches of my feet cramping up badly when I work out.

Originally Posted by Beanie

(((((HUGS)))))
First, I think cutting gluten will definitely help. If you want to make further diet changes I have more suggestions for you, but they can be pretty major... let me know if you want more ideas.
If you have a running store nearby, try going there and see if they can fit you in better shoes. A good store will have you either run on a treadmill or just up and down the length of the store and they will examine your gait, foot strike, all that stuff so they can put you in a good pair of shoes specifically for how you run. The right shoes can make a world or difference.
Also, I would recommend getting some weights and/or resistance bands. I lost weight running but I didn't run to lose weight; it was a by-product of an activity I enjoyed. Steady state cardio isn't going to be as effective as doing some weight training. Not that it won't work, but I would advise doing both. Weight/resistance training will make you a better runner too!

You're fighting a battle a lot of people do not with PCOS mixed in with everything and making stuff quite complicated. But it's a battle you CAN win. (((((HUGS)))))

I definitely want to hear your other ideas. Honestly... something major is what I really need right now. The PCOS hasn't been officially diagnosed, but i definitely have some of the symptoms and have multiple members of my family with PCOS so it's definitely something I want to be checked for and honestly think I have.

*** posting another response to other people's comments in just a second

[skittledoo]

Originally Posted by Jules

I am sorry, Amber I guess, as cheesy as it sounds, you can only start looking forward from here on. I would definitely see a doctor about the PCOS, I know it has helped me tremendously on my weight loss journey. The metformin, while it sucks to take at first, has helped me a lot with feeling shaky and then eating (the wrong things) which only send my blood sugar on a crazy doomed roller coaster.

One day at a time, and I think by wanting a weight scale for Christmas, you have faced one of the hardest parts - facing reality in cold harsh numbers. We are all on a weight loss journey here together (and have lots of members with pcos issues) so I think together we ought to do it this year... One pound at a time!

I am glad to hear that Josh has been comforting and a good support for you!!!

(((HUGS)))

I think maybe we should have a 2013 weight loss thread... mainly for support of each other for those of us wanting to reach weight loss goals this year... i want to try to shoot for 50lbs this year I think, but I want to talk to a dr about it first and try to meet up with a personal trainer first as well before I make that goal concrete. It wouldn't get me to my final weight goal, but it's roughly a little over 4 lbs a month which is reachable. If I can shoot for higher I'll shoot for higher.

Originally Posted by Renee750il

(((((HUGS)))) I definitely can sympathize; it's always been a fight for me and I don't have PCOS or anything like that to complicate it. Yeah, it's hard.

Definitely try the gluten free. It's not the answer for everyone, and even for those of us it helps it's not always the whole answer -- I've learned I should not eat things like white potatoes or even most gluten free pastas and breads. You'll find what your tolerances are; it's trial and error, kind of like adding things back to a diet when you're looking for allergens.

I'm learning to add things back, too, by using different flours and combining them. You can make KILLER scones with oats and almond meal, or a touch of quinoa flour. They're delicious and they don't give me the shakes or seem to affect my weight the way stuff made with rice or even all-purpose flour does.

A little experimenting and you'll figure it out. One of the first things I noticed (after that awful detox period ) was that all that fluff and puffiness was GONE.

My friend, Dina, has had terrible health issues and her weight was spiraling out of control. The docs have poo-pooed gluten free, but she did it anyway and even without actively trying to lose weight she looks 1000X better and she's able to function again.

Romy's been a big help with suggestions on gluten free.

If you've got a good food processor, or better, a VitaMix, you can make a lot of your own flour from different things without it being so expensive. Quinoa flour makes great pastas and pizza crust, but it's expensive. I got two pounds of quinoa grain at Sams for $4.50.

You can do this, and you've got so many people who love you and we're all behind you -- and we'll be here as that behind shrinks

HAHA sadly... the behind is the only thing not overweight lol. I have no butt hahaha.

I know when I originally went gluten free with Josh for a while I had more energy and I did lose a little. I think for the energy reason alone gluten free might not be such a bad idea. We eat gluten free for the most part at home anyways because of Josh, but on work days I'll grab a sandwich sometimes since Subway is right by my work and if we go out to eat I definitely don't tend to eat gluten free anymore.

Originally Posted by Barbara!

What are your symptoms that make you think you have PCOS?

No periods... I mayyyyy have a period once in a blue moon, but I couldn't tell you the last time I had one. It started off really minor... I'd be a little late... think I may be pregnant, take tests that are negative and then eventually start. Now I don't even bother to test because I know I'm not pregnant, but I haven't had a period in months.

My sister has PCOS and my mom did too (she eventually had a hysterectomy). I think one of my 1st cousins also has PCOS.

Weight gain... and lots of it. Again this started slow at first. I used to be in pretty good shape and ran a LOT. Then over the past few years I would gain, then lose, then gain until this past year I literally blew up. I eat fairly healthy and my job is super active. I'm also active with the dogs outside of work so the weight gain is confusing. I would expect at the very least I would have stayed the same weight, but to gain a bunch??? I'm not talking a couple pounds either. I easily went from 175 to 214 in a year of this.

Hair loss... a LOT of it. My hair doesn't look like it because it's so thick but I lose so much hair every time I shower. I literally pull out handfuls.

Growing hair on my face and neck... not sure if this is necessarily a PCOS symptom, but my sister had this same issue prior to her being diagnosed... I've also been finding more skin tags recently which could be a result of too much insulin. Too much insulin I believe does fall under PCOS symptoms.

Infertility signs... to be honest... I've been married for over 2 years and we've never used protection... no pregnancies.

Oh and when I DO occasionally have a period I bleed really heavy to the point where I can't even hardly leave my house because I'd be in the bathroom every 10 min.

Originally Posted by Cardi4851

I'm sorry you are going through this. I struggled with my weight for years and eventually was able to get it under control. I completely understand the frustration of not being able to lose weight no matter what you try. I now have to eat gluten free for medical issues. I have gluten intolerance and it makes my epilepsy worse. One thing I will caution on eating gluten free, is that a lot of products replace the gluten with more sugar and other similar ingredients. Make sure to read labels, and if you don't think you have a gluten intolerance, sometimes products with gluten are actually all around healthier. If you feel the gluten is causing a problem, see a allergist and/or a gastroenterologist. A lot of doctors that do not specialize in such things are trained in the old school method of gluten problems = can't keep weight on, which specialists now know is not true. I'd be more than happy to share some of the gluten-free recipes and products I have found that are pretty decent and healthy (I hate cooking so they are all pretty quick and easy too)

The replacing gluten with more sugars I know about. I'm still learning what's safe and what's not in that department, but my husband has celiac disease and was diagnosed a little over a year ago so I've been learning a lot on the gluten free topic. He also can't have a lot of fat because his stomach doesn't handle it well and he has to tread lightly when it comes to dairy even though he doesn't always tread lightly. The man loves milk and I have to get on him if I see him drinking a lot.

Originally Posted by Dogdragoness

Vibes that its just like ... A simple holiday weight thing & not something more serious, I think every woman has been there, I got out of shape & gained about 10 lbs when I hurt my shoulder months back (got kicked point blank, couldn't excersise) so I know how weight issues feel ESP when none of your clothes fit anymore .

Not only that but ppl's comments & **** also don't help.

I wish I could say it was .... unfortunately it started before the holidays and it's a LOT of weight and not just a few pounds here and there. But... I'm going to kick it in the butt.

Originally Posted by Torch

If you have foot issues/pain, I would highly recommend that you look into cycling as an alternative form of exercise. It is SO much easier on your body and I think a lot more fun Of course, I'm a cyclist so I'm biased, but it's an amazing sport.

I have a treadmill which was given to me that I'm planning to use... I use to own a bike and enjoy cycling so I definitely wouldn't mind doing it again. I'd have to find what bike trails out here are good to go on... I will no cycle on roads (a lot of people do here) because it scares the crap out of me.

Originally Posted by MafiaPrincess

Lot of ladies with PCOS having success with very low carb diets. Diet may be more important than the exercise.. especially with PCOS.

http://www.reddit.com/r/xxketo/

Sweet thank you so much for the link.

Originally Posted by Dogdragoness

Does PCOS effect your metabolism/thyroid too?

Also working out, tho most ppl do it to lose weight, you can Al's do it to have more energy & feel better that's why I did it now I ride a horse the equivalent of 5 miles a day (once around the mile track for every horse we take.. Post of it is at a posting trot, which is veeeery good for the butt/leg/thigh muscles LOL) but when I'm not riding I do work out mostly because it makes me feel good emotionally.

I have no idea if it affects your thyroid, but I wouldn't be surprised. I know it does tend to go hand in hand with weight gain so I'd assume it definitely affects metabolism. I want to ride horses again so bad. I honestly don't want to get back up onto a horse until I lose some of this weight. I use to ride ALL the time.

[skittledoo]

Originally Posted by Renee750il

Amber, check into something called "peak fitness." I've found I get way better results doing cardio/aerobic stuff that way rather than the traditional (and to me, monotonous) methods.

Awesome thank you

Originally Posted by Dakotah

First, (((HUGS)))
Second, listen to the advice in this thread.
Third, more (((HUGS))) You can do this girl. If you need me, my number is on FB. I definitely want to hear from you and we need to catch up. <3

You rock. Call you shortly

Originally Posted by JessLough

I'm just going to say that if you have feet issues, talk to a doctor before running out and buying VFFs. They can make certain issues worse.

My boss actually mentioned this yesterday when I told her that a few people had mentioned me looking into VFFs. Not only am I going to mention it to a doctor I think I'm also going to do my research before I purchase any type of shoes right now.

Originally Posted by PitBullLove

It sounds like you are making very responsible and positive decisions for yourself and your happiness. That's really great, much more than many people do. Don't feel bad, you're already doing great.

Thank you

[~Jessie~]

I don't have any PCOS or eating tips, but I wanted to drop in and give you lots and lots of (((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))!

YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

[skittledoo]

Originally Posted by ~Jessie~

I don't have any PCOS or eating tips, but I wanted to drop in and give you lots and lots of (((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))!

YOU CAN DO THIS!!!

Thank you so much!!!!!

Also side note... On the list of symptoms that make me suspect PCOS I mentioned I haven't used any protection in over 2 years and still haven't gotten pregnant. That's another thing I want to talk to a Dr about. Every bc pill I have ever tried has made me really sick, but I want to go on some form of bc while I tackle this weight issue.

[chaospony]

Huge hugs.
I'm fighting the chub too.
I lost 80lbs through healthy eating and a few hours walking a day then I kinda stopped. The weight is starting to go back on and I swore 5 years ago when I started that I would be my goal weight by my 30th birthday. That is 4 months away.....oops!

This is the plan I am starting January 1st. http://whole9life.com/category/whole-30/
I'm pretty stocked. Hoping to keep it up for longer than 30 days. Hopefully the energy levels will come up and I will be able to exercise more.

I will add that when I was losing weight over the course of two years, it took lots of trial and errors to see what worked and what didn't, but once it clicked it and I got in a routine it was not nearly as hard as I thought it would be, as long as that motivation is there. And seeing the scale numbers drop is a pretty great motivator.
Once you get in that 'It has to be Now!' mindset I find it a lot easier.