Weight loss for IVF 2021/2022

[WeightlossKin]

I need to lose three stone to qualify for IVF. I've got one to lose for my referral and two more after that for treatment.
Creating this for myself and for others who might want to buddy up!

Goodluck with your weigh in/at slimming world today @Lakyta1717. Hope it's a better experience this time!

@WeightlossKin thanks! I've weighed at home and they say I've stayed the same. But we'll see what the ones at SW say. I'll take any loss to be fair. Then I'm off shopping to buy clothes for my interview before coming back and planning the lesson for it.
You never know about your referral, go in with that initial target you had, get them to refer you and see what happens. The Fertility Clinic might put you on cloned etc if they think that will help you and you can focus on the next target after that. Go in thinking positively! (I know I'm the biggest hypocrite with that line, but deep down I know it's true that we have to be positive as possible during this whole process)

@Lauralozzle thank you for sharing with us. I imagine the last few lockdowns/covid lifestyle etc hasn't helped you with that same 7lb, but you can do this! I used to be a big binger on snacks etc, but I've slowly trained myself not too over the last year. Like you, I have a bath or I distract myself with something until the urge goes away. I either do some cross stitch (which I get so caught up in, I can lose hours!) or just go for a walk around the block until it passes.

We will all do this! I know it 💪🏻😊

Hiya just jumping in here :).

I have pcos & want to lose 4stone. Husband is super fit and loves running, I get frustrated at him keep telling me it’s easy and I should join him… I don’t want to run! I do keep telling myself tomorrow is the day I will start couch 2 5k but it’s just not for me. I enjoy Zumba, going to try to get into yoga & going on more walks, which with a healthier diet should get me there!

It’s so nice to read similar posts to know I am not alone in this. We can do it!

Rant time:

Okay, had an off piste first day but since then I have been immaculate. I have never eaten so much fruit and veg. I literally snack on half a cucumber daily ffs! I have less that 10 syns every day (most days have actually only been like 5 syns) in order to counteract my off piste first day. I even (tmi here, sorry guys!) have not had a great stomach most of the week, and yes still, STILL! I have gained half a lb.

I know half a lb isn't much but what the hell is my body doing?! I am so frustrated and am so close to the end of my tether now. I just want to lose this weight. I'm sick of holding back my husband and I's progress towards IVF. I'm angry and upset that for some goddamn reason, I just cannot seem to do this. I'm so frustrated.

I'm not going to give up, I'll do better this week, stay on track, plan, get organised. But for today, I'm angry and I'm going to allow myself to feel this.

@Hedgehugs sorry for me ranting as your welcome 😂 but this is my safe space to have that rant about how I'm feeling.

Welcome! We all get exactly what you're going through and I agree, it's so frustrating when people says "oh just do this" or "it's easy". In theory, yes it is but in reality it is so so difficult.

I tried to start running and I want to do the couch 2 5k but I just never get around to it. Find exercise that works for you, otherwise it isn't sustainable. I'm getting back into my cycling and am really enjoying that.

You got this though, we will all get there eventually.

@Lakyta1717 thank you. Yes, lockdown and WFH hasn’t helped much. I’m determined at the minute though. Saving a HEXA and some syns for a milky hot chocolate in the evening which is helping me on the evening snacking front because I feel full inside haha.

Sorry about your weigh in. I know how discouraging it is when you’ve been perfect. Just keep at it (easier said than done, I know).

@Hedgehugs hi! I need to get back into running- problem is I only like it when it’s nice outside! When the sun is shiny I really enjoy it, when it’s raining,cold, dark and miserable all running enthusiasm goes! It’s brightening up though so I should get back out there!

Had my external/internal ultrasound yesterday. Didn’t tell me much, but from what I understand there’s nothing major wrong but requires review. Fat lot of help that was. So, basically, there’s something wrong it’s just not major I’m about to die wrong!

Also got my consultant appointment letter, 16th May. So, that gives me an extra week to loose a lb!! All my tests have to be done by that point so I’ll be busy! At least with all the tests my anxiety goes through the roof and a consequence of that is barely eating all day!! I’m calorie cycling unofficially haha 😂

Given my appointment is 10 past two I might make a point of having an unofficial clothed weigh in on Mondays at about 2:15… can’t replicate it any closer!!

@Lakyta1717 that's so bloody annoying! Are you keeping a food diary? Are you drinking loads of water? It could be down to a sudden change in the way you've been eating if you've suddenly allowed yourself more carbs than usual? (Aka water weight from the carbs). What did your SW "consultant" say? Try to keep yourself motivated this week, you're absolutely going to see your much deserved loss next week 💪 you're doing everything you can. I definitely get the frustration. It's such a horrible situation to be in. And it's so unfair. I'll be angry with you if that helps, I was reading all about BMI and how actually studies show it really is bullshit in terms of positive outcomes from IVF and it murders me that it's just a bloody budgeting exercise. We've come so far though. We are absolutely going to do this! I'm also pretty fucking angry that I work in the NHS and their leave policy says IVF is 'treated the same as cosmetic surgery' i.e. a voluntary and unnecessary procedure and not covered by medical leave. Ugh. How many calories does rage burn??

Welcome @hedgehugs! Fellow PCOS'er!
If you don't like running don't do it. Weight loss is mostly diet anyway so stick with the exercise that you love instead of forcing yourself to do something you hate. With PCOS there's a bit of a balance with not doing exercise to a point where our bodies get too stressed, so less is more sometimes. Anyone who thinks any of this is easy is very lucky!!

@Lauralozzle that's annoying your scan wasn't helpful. I had a scan that showed loads of free fluid around my ovaries and a GP told me it was normal but MY GP said it was normal for my PCOS. Which isn't the same bloody thing. These tests honestly. What's the point!
Very excited for you that you've got a date. You can definitely make your target by then! Ten past two is a difficult time, maybe had lunch ready in the car so you can eat straight after?!

I'm in a right grumpy today 😂 I'll come back with a more positive tone next time... Or not depending how my weigh in goes tomorrow as I absolutely need to lose over a pound or I'll be dreading my GP appointment!!

Hi all

@Lakyta1717 no no it’s fine I have done slimming world in the past and completely get your frustration. So frustrating when you have stuck to plan all week and you get a gain, but hopefully it will all catch up with you next week. Don’t give up keep going!!

Everyone’s going crazy for the calorie deficit at the mo, I am going to give it a go and track the calories. I have done slimming world in the past but fell off the wagon; didn’t get back on, and gained everything back… and more!

We can do thisssss!

@Hedgehugs so long as my rant didn't scare you away 😂

I definitely won't give up, I really want it to work this time so giving it my all.

@WeightlossKin I did a food diary, recorded everything as and when I ate. I have a feeling I just didn't eat enough, when I explained what I'd eat in an average day and that I'd go to bed hungry, the consultant guy told me to eat more and see how it goes this week. So that's my plan, eat more free food! Can't complain about eating more 😂

I've not read that about the lack of evidence for IVF and BMI but figured it would be true anyway, considering some women can get pregnant and carry to term despite being hugely overweight. It's so frustrating that it's purely for money saving reasons. Just like some CCGs offer only one free cycle whereas others offer multiple. Purely for monetary reasons. I follow a lot of IVF tiktokers in the US and by Christ, just getting one free round is amazing compared to over there. They've all taken loans or pay ridiculous insurance fees because only one or two companies off insurance for infertility treatment. It's so insane.

Urgh. Weigh in today, I’ve gained 1.8lbs. I have not eaten 1.8lbs worth of gain.

Might have to try some SP days this week to see if that helps. This is so frustrating!

Oh I'm sorry @Lauralozzle it sucks when things don't go to plan and you feel it's unjustified. Our bodies can be such pains in the backsides!

I've massively upped my Speed Free food since my weigh and did a cheeky weigh today and was glad to see it had gone down, so that's obviously what I need to do.

Don't let it get to you too much and make sure you have a great week this week! You got this 💪🏻

@Lakyta1717 thank you. I weigh 1.6lbs less today so must have just been a fluctuation. Madness but much more like it. I was expecting a maintain but not a massive gain.

Irritating though because I can jump so much, and I’ve just looked where I’ll be on my cycle on 16th May for consultant appointment. Likely to be around the start of my period when I’m at my heaviest! Urgh!!

I must try and have a good week. Yesterday I basically caved and ate a load of mini eggs last night. That won’t help the gain!

Hi all,

I hope this thread is still active as I'm really struggling to find any support anywhere!!! I turned 39 in January and really feel like my time is running out for IVF. I need to get my BMI below 30 and need to lose 3 stone in order to do that! I just feel like it's so difficult to lose weight anyway without the added pressure of doing it for IVF! I have joined WW but am so stressed that I keep falling off the wagon! Any advice/tips please? x

@Lakyta1717 eating more speed foods and stuff sounds like a good plan! I read somewhere that part of the magic to slimming world is to try to always keep your metabolism ticking over by eating quite often and snacking on speed food? Not sure the science makes sense to me but it obviously works! The cost of IVF is absolutely shocking honestly. I do feel very lucky we can get it at all on the NHS.

@Lauralozzle glad your weight gain was just an annoying fluctuation. That's an extra problem with being female! I've got my gp appointment Friday and my period is here so I'll weigh a bit more than I'd like 🙄🤦 stupid uterus. In your defence mini eggs are absolutely delicious and I won't have them in the house, on the bright side the contents in a bag have gotten less and less with shrinkflation?! So you've probably eaten a lot less eggs than you would have a few years ago just because of that!

@ScattyNat83 welcome! I've got 2 stone 4 lbs to lose to get my BMI below 30 so you're in good company! It is so difficult to lose weight and it gets harder the more pressure you put on yourself and can be a very lonely place as it's hard for people (even those that nee IVF) to understand. I think for me I'm just trying to take each weigh in at a time and accept that I'll get there when I get there, the more panicked I feel the more I emotionally eat. No magic words of wisdom really except only you can make yourself do it and only you can stop self sabotaging. Do you think WW would work if you didn't fall off the wagon? If you can't stick to it then I'd say ditch it and find something that you can stick to. I'm of the opinion that ANY plan, any diet, any "healthy way of eating" works, as long as you can stick to it.

Thank you. Yes, I agree that any plan should work if you stick to it, but I seem to be having more and more trouble doing it! I am so not in the right frame of mind at the moment but am very aware that my time is running out. I work in a school so Easter holidays are coming up. I'm going to try to use the time to exercise some more and batch cook for when I'm back at work. It'll be easier to eat well when the weather is nicer :)

@ScattyNat83 hi 👋 we are all in this together. I think losing weight is the hardest thing so far about this journey. I would say plan your meals/points - find out where you struggle (mine is in the evening) and try to plan how you will tackle that. This is advice I’m still working on. Drink enough water (another thing I struggle with) as thirst can often be misinterpreted as hunger.

If you have a bad day, don’t write the week off! Also, make sure you’re eating enough! I was on WW but realised based on how I generally eat (I like carbs but not brown rice/pasta) that once I’d met my points I was only eating about 800-900 calories, was hungry and then every few days would have a massive blowout. I’ve moved to SW because it’s more my style of eating, but I do struggle with snacks/chocolate if I’m honest. WW is a fab plan though if it suits you.

@WeightlossKin shrinkflation! Haha 😂 love it! I mean they were very nice… I think I’m going to have to not have nice foods in the house. I have no control! Might have to get DH to hide all his treats in his office or something.

Hey @ScattyNat83 welcome to the group! I like that we're a growing collective now, it's nice to have people who get it all! I'm a teacher, so know how hard it can be to stay on track in term time! It's definitely easier to eat healthier in the nicer weather because it feels right to have more salads etc for lunch doesn't it? To get me through work weeks, I prep on a Sunday and tub up meals for the week. It's really helped me stick to plan. If I don't, I get crap from the canteen or Tesco, which is never on plan! You can do this and you will do this 😊

I'm definitely feeling better for having eaten more these last few days. I like slimming world over weight watchers because I feel like I can eat so much on SW. I don't have to go without carbs and if I want cider, I can have cider and not feel too bad.
Will admit, today I've been off plan because of my interview and it was all out of my control. But it's one day and I can bring it back! Interview went well and hopefully will hear back by Friday. 🤞🏻

Lakyta1717 it is so difficult to be good in term time, especially this term. The kids seem to be a bit feral!!! I 'm on WW as I just always have been but like the look of SW. My only issue is that I am so used to weighing/measuring/pointing food that I'm worried I'll put weight on doing SW so have been a bit scared to try it properly. Silly I know! I like the idea of batch cooking on a Sunday, it'll take the hassle out of trying to decide what to have all the time!!!!

Lauralozzle I do fancy trying a different plan but am worried that it won't work. The problem is, I feel like I can't lose weight quick enough and I feel that because of my ag, I'm on a deadline which just makes me feel worse! I've been faffing about with this for the last 3 years :(

@ScattyNat83 if you’re happy with WW then stick on it! I was a SW, caloriecounting, WW, caloriecounting and then SW again. I know both WW and SW and they do work when you follow it. I just had issues not eating enough on WW, that’s all! I’ve been dieting from the age of about 19 - serious yo-yo here!

I’ve just started spotting so my period is on the way. I have to call the hospital when it starts properly to book in a HSG. I’m dreading the HSG!

@ScattyNat83 I agree with @Lauralozzle - if you're happy with WW, stick with it.
It's hard to stick to plan but it's worth it. We've all got such an amazing goal to aim for, it's what we have to remember. But also, don't use it as something to berate yourself with. It's so hard not to pile on the pressure, but if we do that, we just crack and fail. No one is perfect, especially not with weight loss. Slow and steady is important, it's not going to happen over night for anyone (not unless you lose a whole limb 😂 and that's not exactly conducive to our overall goal is it?!). Just stay positive, focussed and you'll get there.
Also, I'm glad it's not just my school where the kids seem feral this half term 😉 I'm so relieved it's nearly the holidays now! Don't know about you, but I am exhausted!

I've been determined this week to lose, just weighed in at SW and lost 2lb, which I'm really happy with. Especially because after my interview, (I didn't get the job, ah well!🤷🏼‍♀️) everyone was like "great yo' self!" 🤦🏼‍♀️ but I didn't. I went home, made myself some SW friendly tuna pasta and stuck to plan. Knowing how much I wanted to see a loss this week spurred me on to make better choices.
I'm feeling like I really want to binge at the moment, so I'm being careful and not going to the shops when those moments strike because otherwise I will buy absolute crap and gorge on it. Instead, I'm keeping busy and distracting myself.

@Lauralozzle I hope your HSG goes well. I've heard mixed stories, most have said it wasn't actually as bad as they expected. So fingers crossed it all goes well for you and it's not as nerve-wracking as you expect it to be!

@Lakyta1717 good job with your loss this week!

I rang the hospital, Sod’s law that the days I could have it are when the person who does it is off! So, I have to ring them again when my next period starts. I was looking forward to just getting this over and done with, but these are things out of my control, no point getting stressed about it.

This week has been a write off since my period came! But I’m planning to sort out the garden whilst the weather is nice - just need to distract myself from all the food!

@ScattyNat83 I think we're all aware of that horrible "can't lose weight quick enough feeling". It's really awful and having your age feel like an extra ticking clock makes it even harder. You can do this though. We all can! One bit at a time. When I switch from calorie counting to SW I just make sure I still weigh out a portion of pasta before cooking, so I take my weighing and measuring with me even though you technically don't have to, it helps me with portion control and to know I can't overeat.

@Lauralozzle I hope your HSG goes okay. I'm interested to find out if I need one so will be keen to hear how you get on and hoping it's an easy experience for you.

@Lakyta1717 well done on your 2lb loss! That's amazing 💪 and hopefully proves that it works for you and gives you the confidence to face the coming weeks with a positive mind 😊 you can do it! I am sorry you didn't get that job, I'm sure life has something better planned for you instead!

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend! I actually find the nice weather harder as everything seems to involve delicious food! I've got a lot on in the next week so it's going to be a good challenge to stay on plan.

I lost 3lbs this week but it was genuinely torture. I'm going to allow myself to just try to maintain this coming week (something I've never 'allowed') as I've loads of social things on and then hope to lose 1lb the following week. This is the nicest I have ever been to myself.
I'm doing two more weeks of intermittent fasting to use up my protein shake powder, but then I'll be switching properly back to slimming world for a while as this is so damaging to my mental health I'm actually surprised.

Hi ladies, I joined at the start of this chat (beginning of the year) having been told last July I'd definitely need ivf due to unexplained infertility. After losing 24lbs over 12 months last year, I discovered I was pregnant last month. Sadly I miscarried at 6wks+4 and I've spent the past few weeks trying to get myself back in to the frame of mind for losing weight. I've still 19lbs or so to lose before my consultant will put the referral in to join the ivf waiting list. I really struggle to lose weight quickly and need to find some motivation to get back into eating better and exercising again!