Frustrated about weight loss

[amylocklear]

I am 38 years old.  have PCOS (and the resultant insulin resistance) and am trying to lose 30-35 lbs. 4 years ago, I weighed 194 lbs and got put on Metformin, I dieted only (no workout) by eating 5 small meals a day,perfectly portioned between lean protein, (low) carbs and (low) fats.  I lost weight to 147 (still not my goal but a definite improvement) and got stuck.  I then found out I was pregnant.  Soon after the pregnancy diagnosis I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes which I managed with diet (minimal exercise) and gained only 19 lbs.  Right after I had the baby, it took me two weeks to get down to 153, which I maintained until i got on birth control and I have just gained since, regardless of my exercise and food plan. I workout every day.  I keep a food journal…and VERY rarely do I ever come close to my researched daily caloric intake for maintenance.  I am usually FAR below (suggested 1900 or so and I usually stay in the 1200-1500 range for caloric intake).  Yet, I continue to gain weight.  I got back on Metformin but haven't noticed any results yet.  In the past, I was put on Adipex for a little while and only lost 6 lbs (while maintaining this food/workout regimen).  Got off of Adipex and have gained it back.  Honestly, I get so frustrated.  I am putting in lots of effort and food sacrifices for nothing. I had one doctor suggest I go to 800 calories a day but another tell me that was dangerous and to stick to around 1200.  it doesn't seem to matter.  I cannot lose this weight and I am so tired of this battle, but it seems nothing works anymore.  What other things can I do or what may be contributing to this inability to lose weight, given the regimented schedule I am on?    PLEASE HELP, I don't want to give up…and there are days, I'll be honest, I get so upset trying so hard with no results.  I feel like I am doing everything right with little or no results.

[Barb135]

PCOS and insulin resistance are actually 2 different conditions, though many wome with one, also have the other.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and is used by the body for handling sugar/carb intake.  Insulin is referred to as "the fat storage hormone".  Any sugar or simple carbs taken in, will be shuttled to fat cells, if not used, quickly, for energy.  With insulin resistance, the body doesn't use insulin effectively.

You might ask your doctor to run some simple blood tests to determine whether or not you might also be hypothyroid.  Hypothyroidism is a major cause of weight gain/inability to lose, and often accompanies PCOS and insulin resistance.  The tests you need are Free T3, Free T4 and TSH.  You might also ask for thyroid antibody testing to determine whether you have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

I, too, have insulin resistance and I take digestive enzymes because I don't absorb a lot of nutrients; the digestive enzymes do nothing to help me lose weight.  I also have Hashimoto's/hypothyroidism.

[amylocklear]

What does that mean exactly?  My Pancreas is not producing the right enzymes to help me lose weight?  Can you tell me more details?  Thanks so much for your reply.

[Daisey541]

You need enzymes pancreas is not producing to gain weight