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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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To think losing weight is a battle I just can't win

161 replies

starshaker · 17/11/2015 22:06

I am trying so hard and it's not working. If anything I'm putting weight on. I go to the gym 3 times a week and follow a meal plan. On the days I don't go to the gym I do exercise at home and will walk at least 4 miles a day with my dogs.

I have pcos and am on anti depressants. I feel like I can't win against them

OP posts:
perrita · 19/11/2015 22:53

Have you ever tried Slimming World? My BMI is about the same as yours and I have PCOS too and I've just lost 12lbs in my first ten days doing it. I think it sounds like the plan you're on just isn't working for you, don't feel bad, just be honest and try something different. Keep exercising but just change the diet, that diet sounds more appropriate for someone who is already slim but wanting to tone up rather than losing weight.

perrita · 19/11/2015 22:57

I've just seen a post where you said all your spare money is going to the gym, could you maybe stop doing the gym to do a programme like WW or SW instead? There are lots of free ways to exercise. Good luck!

fromheretomaternity · 19/11/2015 23:28

Apologies if this is repetitive as I haven't read the full thread

But I had PCOS and got some advice on a diet specifically tailored to that. Key was low GI foods to keep blood sugars stable. Things like white pitta bread were no-nos. Also was very careful with high sugar foods like grapes. If you are in London i can pm you the name of the nutritionist I used, otherwise there are a bunch of books on Amazon.

Worked for me and got the PCOS under control

starshaker · 20/11/2015 08:42

I have now joined WW. I can't stop the gym because its a years membership. I also don't want to as I enjoy it. I have made an appointment with the doctor for today. There is 2 doctors on. Both of them I like and feel they actually listen to me.

OP posts:
LimboNovember · 20/11/2015 10:23

metformin and low gi

LimboNovember · 20/11/2015 10:24

fromhere

can I ask how you know you have it under control please

Aspergallus · 20/11/2015 11:35

Weight loss is hard. Otherwise we'd all look like models wouldn't we.

I'd suggest asking your Dr about switching your antidepressant to Fluoxetine. It is, at worst, weight neutral, at best promotes weight loss.

About the PCOS, you really ought to try paleo. It's low carb but rice and sweet potatoes are allowed and you'll feel less sick. To be honest, the sicker you feel when you try low carb, the more you need it. You wouldn't tell an alcoholic or herion addict to keep using because the withdrawal makes them too sick, would you? Carbs have a disasterous effect on your metabolism when combined with PCOS. Commit to it for a month and see what happens.

Are you on Metformin? This can promote weight loss with PCOS.

At your current weight your GP won't want to give you the pill, but maybe agree a level of weight loss at which point you'll be allowed to go on Dianette or Yasmin. Both can help with weight loss in PCOS.

Make sure you do some HIIT at the gym. Try spinning? If you aren't ready for that, make sure you are getting good advice at the gym, ask about how to do HIIT at your current weight and fitness level.

I've been managing my weight with PCOS since puberty. It's such hard work. You just can't take your eye off the ball for a minute. If I relax and eat in a way that seems completely normal to other people around me I can shoot up 20lbs in a month. To maintain a healthy weight (usually at the upper end of my normal BMI range is as good as I get) I have a protein shake (Maxi Lean) for breakfast, salad with protein (salmon or chicken) for lunch and a small portion of protein with veggies for dinner. I have one desert a week, and maybe a bowl of vegetable broth here and there. That's it. Exciting, eh?

Good luck.

Dontyouopenthattrapdoor · 20/11/2015 11:50

Ah OP I hear you. It really isn't a level playing field, this weight loss thing.

I have insulin resistance. A "normal" diet has me putting on weight. Lots of lean protein and veg shifts it for me. I can have rice or potatoes occasionally.

I hope the GP is good. It definitely sounds like you could do with some additional medical help and a meds review to try and help your body be more receptive to weight loss.

starshaker · 20/11/2015 19:11

I got a good doc but not the 1 i really wanted. He still helped and has put me back on cytalopram and has given me antihistamines to control the itching.

I know I don't get hunger side effects on this medication so I will hopefully not put anymore on. I will make another appointment to discuss diet etc soon.

OP posts:
gutrotwein · 20/11/2015 19:36

Sorry, haven't read whole thread, but...

About 14 months ago I was stuck in a fairly sedentary job, then I moved, got a dog, started walking and eating sensibly.

It's taken me that time to lose about 2 stone (still going!), but I KNOW that it's sensible weight loss. I'm not following a programme - just eating sensibly and exercising a lot.

Don't give up - you're only a little way in, but it will stay off!

(Thank god for dogs, eh?!)

talkinpeace · 20/11/2015 19:38

Keep using the gym : if nothing else, when you suss it out you'll be a toned butterfly emerging from your chrysalis Smile

My only extra suggestion at this stage is to keep a mood / food diary

Which foods make you feel good mentally and physically
which are negative
which are neutral
what goes through your head when you want to inhale a tub of icecream

if you can learn to analyse your mood before you eat then you can learn to manage both the moods and the intake

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