HI all! I am new to this forum, I usually hang out in the PCOS boards. We have been TTC for about a year now. I have had a PCOS diagnosis for 5 years, so we didn't try on our own for too long, so 3 failed clomid cycles and 3 failed injectibles with IUI cycles later, we are at IVF.
My doctor is very supportive and has never said anything about my weight (280, 5'5"), but I need to do this. IVF is too expensive to have weight be the factor that causes it to fail, plus all the negative health affects for myself and future pregnancy. I am a nurse and know and understand all of the reasons why I should lose this weight, but just don't seem to be able to. So, I am looking here for support :)
Thanks for listening,

Jenn

Hi Jenn!! Welcome..Here you can get all the support you need. I am in your shoes also. I did 1 Ivf cycle at 280lbs, BFN, and my doc suggested to loose weight. I am now 230lbs and have 40 more to loose before I do IVF#2. I am doing Atkins and it is going pretty well for me, in fact my doc suggested it. BTW I am a nurse to and we should know how to loose weight be healthy, b/c we preach everyday, ugh? Have you done any type of cycle before? It is a pleasure to have you!! I wish we didn't all have to be here!

Cindy

I've done 3 clomid cycles and 3 injects/iui cycles. I have tried many diets, some work for a little while, but not in the long run. Atkins works for a couple weeks, but then I get bored with it, etc. I think I have limited will power and that is the issue. Something always looks/sounds better than what is on my diet. Or stress puts me amuck. I must not give up though! Thanks for your support
:)

Jenn

:hismilie: Hi Jenn!...Have you read "The WeighDown Diet?" It is a biblical based plan...and it really set the mindset for my current weight loss. For the first time.....I can honestly say I feel I will never REGAIN this weight. If you want the freedom to eat anything you want...read this book. If you need additional info..I will be glad to go into details.

Thanks Goldie, I will look into this. Is it a book? I will look on ebay or something. Anything specific that worked for you?

:) Hey Jennifer....Yes the Weigh Down Diet is a book by Gwen Shamblin. It is a few years old so you very well may be able to find it on ebay and also I would think you could get it fairly cheap on one of the book warehouses online.

It basicly teaches you what we all really know is the #1 key to losing weight. Don't OVEREAT. Stop eating when you are FULL. But is does it in a way that really clicks. It did for me. The first day she instructs you to go as long as it takes to feel true hunger. She explains that most people graze so much all day long...that the stomach never empties out; thus preventing weight loss. If we are giving ourselves fuel so much all day long...our bodies never get the chance to use what EXTRA we have for fuel. So the first step is learning your body's signals for TRUE hunger. And how to lishen to your body. The you ask yourself What are you hungry for. You eat when you are only TRUELY hungry. So for about three months I made conscious eating my goal. I lost 13 pounds in three months. I know that may not sound like I lot..but remember I was eating ANYTHING I wanted...pizza..cookies..reg soda..etc. I just NEVER overate and for the first time in years and years I finally felt my stomach burn and heard my stomach growl.

Then after about three months...I started reading south beach and also Dr. Phil's book. I incorped more HEALTHY eating habits and VERY slowly began to exercise. By healthy eating for me I mean....2 fruits a day, lean meats like baked chicken and grilled fish...lots of vegetable..spinach salad...and all low-fat dairy such as cottage cheese, 2% cheese and skim milk. I switched to diet soda and buy bottled water for dicipline. As of yesterday I have lost 55 pounds. That is basicly 5 pounds a month...not fast I know...but after dieting since I was 9...I finally feel freedom to eat ANYTHING I want. I just can't do it everyday.

I think I learned the freedom feeling from this book. I use to go on diet after diet...and the first time...I slipped :rolleyes: I would beat myself up mentally and feel awful....and eat like a pig for days. It was awful. This book changed my mindset soooo much...I wish EVERY over-weight person could read it. So what if I had a piece of strawberry cake (made with fresh strawberries) Sunday....I didn't over-eat that day...and I got right back on plan Monday morning....Society has a way of making us feel guilty if we are not perfect. Then we beat ourselves up for not being perfect. I say...grasp the freedom...and be healthy...mentally as well as physically.

Hope this helps. Sorry so long......

Thanks so much! I am definately going to look for this book :)
I just found out that the new job I started has much better medical benefits (why I moved), but doesn't offer short term disability (ie maternity coverage) until you have been there 2 years. Major bummer :bawl: So, I think we will be waiting awhile for IVF. I make most of the $$ because DH is still in school, so we cannot afford to take the time I would want off. The perks are that there is more time to save $$ and more time to lose weight, and when the benefits do kick in they are awesome! What can you do?


Jenn