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PCOS

Tasha lost 165 pounds

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Update: This PCOS warriror has lost 165 pounds total.

Transformation of the Day: Tasha lost 85 pounds. This tall sista was dealing with PCOS, pre-diabetes and high blood pressure. She decided to join a local weight loss camp to kick off her efforts and lost 23 pounds in 10 weeks. Since then, she’s continued to workout and eat clean/low carb. Check out what she shared with us about her journey… tasha before and after My name is Tasha and I want to share my weight loss story. I’m 28 years old and I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). I’ve been overweight my entire life. My highest weight was 372 pounds. My A1c blood sugar had reached a whopping 6.7 and my blood pressure was 160/90.

In March of 2015, I decided to attempt to lose weight through a 10 week weight loss camp for overweight people. I remember telling myself, “If I lose 20 pounds, I’ll be satisfied.” I lost 23 pounds. After the program, I continued working out, doing boot camps and eating a clean, low carb diet.

As of today, I have lost 85 pounds and my A1c is 5.9. My blood pressue is 114/74. I have changed not only changed internally, but externally as well! My results were definitely my inspiration to keep going when I felt like giving up.  I’m 6’1″ tall so I have a lot of height to carry my weight.

I gave up all fried foods, lots of carbs, and red meats. I now eat minimal starchy carbs, a lot of fruits, lots of vegetables and lean meats and other proteins. I workout about 5 days a week for a hour a day, mixing strength training and cardio. I love cross training and cardio kickboxing.

My advice to anyone trying to lose weight is to not give up on yourself. Your body is a lot stronger than your mind. You can do anything! Don’t let a setback be your stopping point! Keep pushing!

Instagram: @hellohealthy87 tasha weight loss story

CeCe lost 82 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: CeCe lost 82 pounds. Despite dealing with high blood pressure and  polycystic ovary syndrome, she was determined to change her lifestyle and lose the pounds. She shared with us about the actions she took.

cece before and after

Over the past few years, I decided that I wanted to make a lifestyle change. It seemed as though every year started the same. I’d make a plan to change my eating habits and lose weight. Unfortunately, after a few weeks, I’d slowly digress (bread and white potatoes are my favorite).

During a visit to the doctor, it was discovered that I had high blood pressure. I was to immediately begin taking two medications. I was only 27 years old and had to take medication to have a better quality of life. That’s when I decided to start making small changes in my life. I took advantage of the resources provided through the my job such as course on; “Weighing on Wellness”, “Fitting Fitness into Your Busy Life”, and “Women and Stress”.

Eating Habits: I am definitely a potato and bread type of lady. I love potatoes and would eat them everyday. As well as muffins, toast and Hawaiian rolls. I took a 6 week nutrition class through my job. I learned about simple and complex carbs and how my favs just turned into sugar. Somehow, it just clicked in my mind and I decided that I was not going to eat like that anymore. After losing the first 30 pounds, I decided to use a program I found online. The program’s nutritionist helped me improve my eating habits by monitoring my food. I was introduced to oatmeal, which I’m still not a fan of but it gets the job done. I now eat more green vegetables, vegetables in general, fruits, fiber, brown rice and healthy snacks. I have bread once a week and it’s always whole wheat!

My slogan is… I HATE THE GYM. For exercise, I started by walking 30 minutes a day, 7 days a week. My coworker then volunteered to meet me at the gym and do routines she’d learned from her personal trainer. My fiancé realized that I was serious and added me to his gym plan. I took advantage of the Zumba and hip hop dance classes twice a week. Later, I hired a personal trainer and he advised me of the machines to help perfect my body type, “triangle”. I used the arc trainer for one hour a day for six days a week. I also continued to attend Zumba weekly and walked during my hour lunch break. The DietBets have also been helping me a lot.

My highest weight was 272 pounds and that was three years ago. I maintained around 260 lbs for a while. I’m now down to 190 pounds and working toward 150-160 pounds. My height is 5’3″.

Some weeks are better than others, but I continue to push. Small changes helped transform my body and lead me to the path of a healthy and active lifestyle. I still have weight to lose to achieve my fitness goal. I’m staying motivated and never turning back! Why would I ever stop at 82 pounds down! It’s so embarrassing, but it’s a reality that us live in. No amount of waist training or “get fit scams” will permanently work for a goal that takes a mental change to achieve.

To those wanting to lose weight: It’s not an easy task but it’s doable. Even with my issue of PCOS! I never thought I’d be able to accomplish my weight loss. I cried, pouted, cursed myself and got mad at the world about my own mistakes. However, I prayed my way through it. Your health is the most important thing. Sometimes you’ll have to be your own cheerleader and that’s okay. Believe in yourself and do the things you thought were impossible!

Instagram: @nojudgmentzone

Sakeithia lost 44 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sakeithia lost 44 pounds. Getting to her highest weight of almost 300 pounds and being diagnosed with PCOS were two of the major factors that motivated her to change her lifestyle and life healthy.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

Sakeithia before and after

HI! My name is Sakeithia and I lost 44 pounds in 6 months. As of January 2014, I was at my highest weight EVER, weighing in at 293 pounds (I’m 5’9″ tall). I was noticing that my face was getting fatter and my pant size was consistently increasing. My doctor diagnosed me with PCOS as well. I was motivated to do and be better.

Now, I drink only water and mainly lost my weight by ending my long term relationship with fast food. I’m use to eating lean meat and green veggies so that was fine. I changed my eating habits by meal prepping as well. Every Sunday, I prepare and organize my meals and snacks for the entire week. I incorporate various fruits, tilapia, chicken breast, green vegetables and salads into my diet. I found that not only did I eliminate unnecessary calories, but cooking at home and meal prepping helped me to save money. For workouts, I save money and avoid gym memberships by simply walking in my neighborhood and doing Julian Michaels’ Fat Burning DVDs at home.

My advice to anyone attempting to lose weight is to keep going! So many times will come where you want to quit but keep going! After wearing a size 18/20 for as long as I can remember, at 25 years old, I’m now down to a size 14/16. If anything, this lifestyle change is well rewarding!

Instagram: @lovesoulkeke

Fighting PCOS: Kiah lost 55 pounds

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kiah before and afterUpdate: We featured Kiah‘s amazing story a year ago. She’s maintained her weight loss and dropped 8 more pounds. “I am down a total of 55lbs and have about 50 more to lose. I’m off my medication and losing weight naturally with PCOS. I’ve lost more inches than anything! I’m also teaming up with doctors kiah pcosand specialists to spread awareness about PCOS in hopes of finding a cure. The biggest changes that have helped me lose weight and keep it off is my willingness to keep working out. Even when I don’t always make the healthiest choices, getting adequate exercise is vital for continued success. I still don’t drink sodas and do my best to stay away from processed and chemical based foods. I continue to workout out at least 3 times weekly for 45-60 minutes. Here are some new before and after photos that I hope inspire more women. Thank you again for sharing my story. It is most definitely a journey. Steady wins the race!”

I want women with PCOS to know this….Fact: Women with #PCOS who exercise 30 minutes a day can lower insulin levels and take inches off their waist. A recent study has shown that PCOS women did not see weight-loss on the scale, but lab testing showed improvement in insulin sensitivity and waist size. I am proof that you can still become healthier and smaller even when the scale doesn’t move. I’m down 5 dress sizes and my PCOS symptoms have reduced significantly.  For more information on the importance of exercise for PCOS go to www.pcosnutrition.com

Here are some new before and after photos that I hope inspire more women. Thank you again for sharing my story. It is most definitely a journey. Steady wins the race!” www.facebook.com/AjourneyIdeserve

kiah weight loss story

Oct 2014 – Weight Loss Story of the Day: Kiah lost 47 pounds.  She was diagnosed with PCOS and experienced a number of symptoms including weight gain. She has worked to get her PCOS under control and change her life.  Here is more info about her journey…

Kiah weight loss story

I have always struggled with my weight. I’ve gone from the college athlete playing basketball on a daily basis to an emotional eater adding unhealthy weight. My fitness and health experiences are broad spectrum. Recently,I was diagnosed with PCOS. I gained 95 pounds and went up 9 dress sizes in 11 months, losing a bit of myself in the process.  I felt so alone and lost due to excessive facial hair, rapid weight gain, heart complications, and mood swings. I am currently on Metformin for PCOS, however that alone was still not enough to get the “old me” back. I had to fight for her and even though I did not always know how I would succeed, I was certain that I was going to succeed. Today, I am happy to say that I have lost 47 lbs and counting! Changing my eating habits and working out is a must for me to win against PCOS. I am sharing my journey to healthy living in hopes of helping my friends and family.

We all know it begins with a choice, a commitment to oneself to break bad habits and embrace good ones. We also know that the choice must be made daily, hourly; from 5 am alarm clocks to turning away carrot cake and doughnuts at work. My commitment is not just about losing weight, but starting a new lifestyle that includes better food, more activity, more joy, feeling healthy and happy. I am committed to caring for me because I deserve a joyful life.

My initial weight loss commitment was a struggle. I would exercise hard before going to work. I was feeling like I had accomplished a great deal only to see little to no weight loss (my starting weight for this journey was 265 lbs.). Weeks went by and only a few pounds to show for all my effort. Needless to say, I was discouraged feeling like perhaps the whole idea and effort put forth was pointless. I knew something wasn’t right as I had lost weight before using the tools that I had gained from all those years in athletics, yet I had no answers. Fortunately, I gained health insurance (finally) and made an appointment to see a doctor. I was diagnosed with PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; a disease in which women’s hormones are imbalanced causing unwanted changes in the way women look. Overtime, it can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease and diabetes, due to weight gain. I am now on medication for the PCOS and with my doctor’s blessing I’ve recommitted to my goals.

I exercise at least 4 days a week and eat healthy foods once foreign to me – eggplant, brussel sprouts, and asparagus; in additional to healthier meats, no soda, more water, and no meals after 8 pm.  I also chose to commit to the Dr. Oz two week cleanse diet during my journey with great success – 11.7 lbs. in ten days.

It has taken me about 8 months to lose 47 lbs. Its a journey my friends and I hope other women are inspired by mine. This is my journey. Everyone deserves to be healthy and happy…inspiration comes from a myriad of sources. Perhaps my successes, struggles, insights and support will inspire others. For workouts, motivation, and inspiration go to www.facebook.com/AjourneyIdeserve

Instagram: @ajourneyideserve

Kiah before and after

What is PCOS and how does it affect weight gain and weight loss?

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Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has been directly linked to the weight gain in some women. If you are following all of the right practices to lose weight and haven’t made progress, or are gaining weight even though you are exercising and have reduced your caloric intake, you may want to ask your doctor about being tested for polycystic ovarian syndrome. Understanding whether or not PCOS is affecting your body can help you to formulate a better plan to gain and manage a healthy weight.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is an endocrine disorder that leads to the growth of small cysts on the ovaries. It can have other effects in your life beyond just making managing a healthy weight difficult. PCOS has also been linked to menstrual and reproductive difficulties as well. It is estimated that 5 to 10 percent of all women will develop PCOS in their lifetime. Treatment can vary from prescription medication to control the endocrine and hormonal levels in the body to prevent cyst growth to surgery to remove the cysts.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Unfortunately there aren’t very many striking symptoms to let you know that you have developed polycystic ovarian syndrome. Many women are unaware they have it until they begin to experience unexplained weight gain or have difficulty in losing weight. Some women may begin to experience painful menstruation or have erratic menstrual patterns. Only a doctor can diagnose PCOS.

Why does it interfere with weight management?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is an endocrine disorder. This means that the body is producing an imbalance in hormones. Hormones can have a huge effect on your ability to gain or lose weight. The fat around the belly and hips is much different than the fat stored elsewhere around the body. These are estrogen receptor fat cells, fed by estrogen and their presence has recently been linked to an increase in risk for certain types of cancer, including breast cancer. It you have PCOS, your body does not have the right hormone balance to support the processes to convert these fat cells to ketones that can then be consumed by the body. PCOS exists because of a very complicated reaction of the endocrine system to signals that the medical community is just barely beginning to understand. The specifics of how it works in each person varies, which is why treating it can be difficult.

What should I do?

If you have been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome, or you suspect that you have it, talk to your doctor. With proper testing, you can receive a diagnosis. From there you and your doctor can discuss a variety of options. While surgery to remove a cyst may be indicated, the concern is that the endocrine system will just keep recreating the problem. Getting the endocrine system under control and balancing the hormones in the body may be your best way to prevent a recurrence and to get back on track to maintaining a healthy weight.

Different treatments

There are a variety of prescription drugs, including Metformin, that your doctor may try to help you get your PCOS under control. They can include everything from hormone therapy to endocrine support medications. There is much you can do to help yourself as well. Making sure that you are eating a balanced diet with the right vitamins and nutrients to support a woman’s endocrine system is essential. It is important to also make adjustments to your diet and supplements as you age to meet your body’s needs.

Certain types of “health foods” may not be the best idea for you to eat if you are trying to manage an endocrine reaction. Certain types of soy help the body to produce estrogen which may not help you with PCOS. A 2005 NIH study showed that a low carb diet could be helpful since insulin resistance is a common condition associated with PCOS.

“Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age and is associated with obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance. Because low carbohydrate diets have been shown to reduce insulin resistance, this pilot study investigated the six-month metabolic and endocrine effects of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet (LCKD) on overweight and obese women with PCOS…

In this pilot study, a LCKD led to significant improvement in weight, percent free testosterone, LH/FSH ratio, and fasting insulin in women with obesity and PCOS over a 24 week period.” [source]

It is also a good idea to look for more information on any herbal supplements that you take as many are known to have specific hormonal effects that may not be clearly marked on the label as they are sold for a different purpose. The best thing you can do is to talk with your doctor. Bring a list of all the vitamins and supplements you take, along with a copy of your regular diet so you can work together to lessen the chance of PCOS occurring.

Rayane lost 80 pounds

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I’ve got another story from someone with PCOS for you tonight.  Rayane lost 80 pounds over the course of 11 months with calorie counting and food logging with My Fitness Pal.  Here is what she shared with us:

I have been contemplating on submitting my story on your page for months and I thought now is the time. Mine is a bit long and drawn out but I just hope it will encourage someone else.

I have never been “small”, but I was never as big until 2012. In November 1998, I ended up in the hospital for abnormal bleeding and had to recieve a D&C to stop it and get 2 units of blood. In August of 1999, I ended up back in the hospital for the same thing and had to have another 2 units of blood. I was put on the depo shot, and in 6 months I gained 50 pounds as a result of that medicine. Needless to say, I didn’t get another shot. From that day on, I kept gaining weight and my cycles were still bad. It took until 2005 for my doctor to figure out that I had Polycistic Ovarian Syndrome.  That is what was causing my bad cycles.  It made it hard for me to lose weight no matter how hard I tried. I was put on medicine and birth control to control my issues. Then in December of 2011, I that decided come January 1, 2012 I was done.  I was going to do whatever I could to lose the weight.  At my highest I was 265 pounds and it was Feburary of 2011. I started working out and watching what I ate. I use Myfitnesspal to keep track of what I ate and counting calories.

It’s not really a diet i just changed my lifestyle. I workout, Ieat alot of baked or grilled chicken. No white sugar, flour, rice, pasta. Only whole wheat or whole grain. Protein helps as well. I cheat once a week maybe but I get back on the grind. Most importantly I drink lots of water. I buy two 32 or 35 bottle cases at a time. I also take a daily multi vitamin.

It took me 11 months but I lost the 80 pounds I set out to lose. Today I weigh 185 pounds and I’m in a size 8/10 clothing. I am back to what I weighed in high school adn still have my curves. My cycles are still under control and because of my weight loss.  In April of this year, my Ob/GYN took me off the Metformin for the PCOS which is a pre-diabetic condition.

I want to lose about 10 more pounds and trying to get my stomach smaller. That seems to be the hardest but I am happy for the most part. I worked hard and did something I never thought I could do. I just want other women to know it can be done. With a good support system and hard work you can reach your goals. I did it all myself because I was over being overweight.

Rayane weight loss PCOS

Kitamu lost 67 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Kitamu on her 67 pound weight loss.  She has gone from 415  pounds to 348 pounds.  Her motivation was being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).  

“I’m 30 years old and I’ve lost a total of 67 pounds.  I started at 415 pounds and I’m currently at 348 pounds.  I hope to lose a total of 175-180 lbs total.  My motivation was after being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. I learned that a lot of things I ate caused PCOS symptoms like pelvis pain, missing periods and skin issues. However, it’s when I learned that all this weight could make me infertile, I didn’t want that to happen! I’m not ready for children yet, but I do want to have them.

I started slowly cutting things out like ice cram and replacing them with healthier alternatives like frozen yogurt. Candy bars I cut out completely.  Fried foods and coffee I have limited as well.

My current workout routine is a 30 minute uphill walk 5 days a week and I add yoga when I can. I plan to start a new gym membership next month.

kitamu weight loss