PCOS, infertility & low carb question...

hmhs · 06-03-2007, 06:42 AM

Hi everyone,
I'm new here & wanted to know if any of you have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)? I have symptoms of polycystic ovaries, but don't officially have PCOS. Anyway, I've been trying to get pregnant for two years and have seen specialists and have had no luck. My last ditch effort is to try a low carb diet which supposedly could help.

Just curious if anyone had any information about a low carb diet for me or any advice. I do know I'm not supposed to put my body into Ketosis for fertility reasons. Will low carbing still work if I don't ?

Thanks!!

LuckyKitty · 06-03-2007, 09:18 AM

Welcome!

I'm in a similar boat, but haven't gotten to the specialist level (doc suspects PCOS, infertility for >1.5 yrs). From what I understand, low carb is really good for PCOS patients - it was actually my gyno that put me on it several years ago. I'm certainly not a doc, but I don't believe that ketosis affects fertility, altho there are mixed opinions about remaining in ketosis after PG occurs. If you're concerned you can always do a quick induction then move immediately to the higher levels, so you aren't in such severe ketosis. If you have weight to lose, you might as well just use the LC to lose it and not worry about ketosis - it's a lot easier, in my experience, to stick with if you can just jump in with both feet. It might also be something to get your mind off TTC for a while. I've heard of lots of ladies, on these boards and others, that got PG once they started LC/got their weight under control.

Sorry for the book

We have a TTC forum, you're welcome to come hang out!

KrystaLyn · 06-03-2007, 09:27 AM

I know a lot of ladies at Soul Cysters do the Insulin Resistance Diet and like it. It won't put you in Ketosis. You can get info on it there.

KiraNichole · 06-15-2007, 03:45 PM

I too am in the same boat...

I have not been diagnosed with PCOS, but I have ALL the symptoms!! I am gonna start the lowcarb thing Monday to lose the excess weight, and see how myu situation changes. I am also on BCP to regulate my cycles.

HOwever, I had a question to go along with yours, you are TTC now, is there anything to wrooy about putting your body into ketosis if you are gonna TTC like starting in November????? I'm not gonna TTC until I get rid of a few lbs and see how my body is working at that time. I'm new to all this!!!!! LOL

Thanks for listening!!!

-Jme

Lucky4 · 06-16-2007, 04:51 PM

I have had PCOS for about 30 years but back then, they didn't know what it was--so there was no help. I'm not sure where you heard that ketosis would harm fertility--people in the previous ages probably experienced ketosis off and on and it certainly didn't seem to affect our population

PCOS is one of those things that is kind of diagnosed when everything else is ruled out. Once, I had HUGE cysts--a few months later they were gone. The Dr. will check hormone levels (I was almost devoid of progesterone), cysts and things such as normal periods, ovulation, etc. I was lucky when I was younger and managed to have 4 children--but I also had 2 miscarriages and assume it was from my lack of progesterone.
I did find LC though and kept in ketosis. As well, I took natural progesterone and tried to keep my weight at an acceptable level. Thank God my periods come almost every month now where they used to come every 3-6 months. I can assume I'm ovulating from things the Dr. mentioned like daily temp and discharge. The problem is that I went off of LC for about a year and immediately became insulin resistant. He put me on Metformin--which is also suppose to help with fertility and now, I'm back on LC and doing great. I'm waiting any day now for my blood test results--I'm sure they'll be much better than when off LC.
I would definately go to a Dr. for an official diagnosis--but don't be afraid of the natural progesterone cream or ketosis.
Good luck

123Nkechi · 06-16-2007, 09:52 PM

I am new also and I was told by my doctor that I could have PCOS but my official diagnosis is insulin resistance. I have been taking metformin since that diagnosis in October 2005 and although I was told that my weight would improve after taking the meds I have only managed to lose 10 or so lbs. I have had years of hormonal issues and have had trouble losing weight all my life. At one point I had gone almost a year without a cycle. I was using the progesterone cream but I noticed I was a little more moody when I used it after I started the metformin so I stopped about a year ago. Right now my cycles are still pretty regular so guess I don't need it. I am really interested in learning LC programs are going to work for me. Can anyone tell me what affect ketosis can have with the drug metformin?

capook · 07-07-2007, 09:01 AM

I have a 2 month old baby girl thanks to LC. I tried for 5 years to get preggo. I had no problems TTC with my 9yo, but then I gained weight and found out I had PCOS. Tried clomid (I don't recommend it) made me phsyco. I took metformin for 3 years, but didn't get pregnant until I dropped below 270. I had a very healthy pregnancy and lost weight the whole time. I had to moniter my blood sugars but never had to go on insulin. Ketosis doesn't affect fertility, but once your preggo you'll need more whole grains and such and that will keep you out of ketosis. I was 245 when I wnt in to have my baby and I've lost another 20 since.After I had my baby my insulin resistance reared it's ugly head again so I'm taking fenugreek to help with breast milk production, but as an added benefit it also helps regulate insulin. My fasting sugars were 105-120 and now they are in the 90's

lyric_325 · 07-11-2007, 01:06 PM

Hello everyone, I'm not quite new here but I'm new to posting but it's like i'm at the end of my ropes here. I had a friend a few years ago that found out she had type 2 diabetes & she went to the dr. ran further test & found of she had PCOS @ the time I knew nothing about it. However she had the irregular cycles, Hirutism & of course overweight.

Fastforward months later, I start believing I have PCOS. I am not diabetic but I have AN, irregular TOM, hirutism, thinning hair, overweight & now that i'm married TTC. I lost some lbs in 2004 alot of symptoms started to lesser but of course like most frequent dieters I regained the weight & then some.

Well summer 2007 I saw myself on a family picnic video and was totally disgusted got on the scale and saw I was 325lbs on a 5'2" frame ( maybe 5'1.5") I started lc as I did in '04 & from July '06 to nov '06 i went from 325lbs to 275-283lbs. I have not been diagnosed but without a doubt I know that I have to have PCOS & or be IR or maybe both. For all of you, you know that this is so hard to deal with. I need the support of you all who are going through this battle. I need to surround my self with people who know my pain.

Today is a new day and I'm back to trying at the lc lifestyle for real. I weighed myself yesterday and the scale read 296.6 so I'm off to a start for success. Anys support you can offer please do. Sorry for the long post but needed to get this off my chest so to speak

123Nkechi · 07-21-2007, 10:56 AM

I have been eating pretty good and watching my carbs for a while now but I would like to know what WOE is being used by those with PCOS. I know that I probably will see more results once I start exercising and I am thinking about doing the BFL but I am not sure about the diet part. I see many using Atkins but a lot of people just say LC or their own method. I have an ebook called the PCOS diet that I inquired about in another thread but not many people responded. I an not too concerned about ketosis at this point. I am trying to develop a way of life.

LuckyKitty · 07-27-2007, 12:10 PM

to everyone who is struggling with TTC, it's a rough road, but there are lots of success to keep you motivated along the way (just check out the TTC thread and you'll see 2 new ones

)

123 - you asked about plans. I have to recommend Atkins. I think this is where a lot of people start and then go on to make modifications after they learn a little more about their bodies. In my experience, Atkins got me free of the carb-fog-brain and taught me how to really address my HUNGER not my desire to eat. From there I've tweaked for myself based on things that I've learned from South Beach, LGL, etc. Really, tho, I don't think you'll go wrong starting with any of the tried-and-true plans and really working whatever you choose, by the book, until you have a handle on your bod. GL!!

123Nkechi · 07-27-2007, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenkat

to everyone who is struggling with TTC, it's a rough road, but there are lots of success to keep you motivated along the way (just check out the TTC thread and you'll see 2 new ones

)

123 - you asked about plans. I have to recommend Atkins. I think this is where a lot of people start and then go on to make modifications after they learn a little more about their bodies. In my experience, Atkins got me free of the carb-fog-brain and taught me how to really address my HUNGER not my desire to eat. From there I've tweaked for myself based on things that I've learned from South Beach, LGL, etc. Really, tho, I don't think you'll go wrong starting with any of the tried-and-true plans and really working whatever you choose, by the book, until you have a handle on your bod. GL!!

Thanks for responding!

I was beinging to think no one was going to answer. I am still researching and tweaking my diet so that I can make a lifestyle change.

LuckyKitty · 07-27-2007, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 123Nkechi

Thanks for responding!

I was beinging to think no one was going to answer. I am still researching and tweaking my diet so that I can make a lifestyle change.

Sorry it took so long, I've been having some struggles off the boards and haven't been posting as much. If you ever need some encouragement, please feel free to PM me! Good for your for making this a LIFESTYLE change. That's the hardest, but most important part!!

123Nkechi · 07-28-2007, 06:02 AM

Okay so far I have learned that most people are doing Atkins and another lady told me she was doing CAD. I am still tweaking my diet and trying to overcome my temptations so I can get this think under control. It's not cool being 35, single, and having to face the thought of infertility...

LuckyKitty · 07-30-2007, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 123Nkechi

Okay so far I have learned that most people are doing Atkins and another lady told me she was doing CAD. I am still tweaking my diet and trying to overcome my temptations so I can get this think under control. It's not cool being 35, single, and having to face the thought of infertility...

If you need anything at all, let me know. I'm a great cheerleader!!

What's your recent dieting history, if you don't mind me asking - and if you do, just ignore me

. Have you been doing one plan that stopped working?

123Nkechi · 07-30-2007, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenkat

If you need anything at all, let me know. I'm a great cheerleader!!

What's your recent dieting history, if you don't mind me asking - and if you do, just ignore me

. Have you been doing one plan that stopped working?

Thank you! That's so sweet of you

! I've tried Atkins before and I've also done Weight Watchers in the past. Even did Kimkins for a week when I first got here. The only think that stops me I have to admit is me

. I have been doing okay with watching my carbs but sometimes I slip up. I am doing better though. You can read my story and progress in my journal (link below in signature). I need all the help I can get!

123Nkechi · 09-07-2007, 02:04 PM

Pointers on WOE please! I seem to have a real struggle during TOM and I fall totally off the wagon.

KrystaLyn · 09-07-2007, 04:01 PM

I also do Atkins to control my PCOS. It's the only thing that works for me.

PS~It is totally fine to be in ketosis unless you are ACTUALLY pregnant. It sounds like some in this thread think you can't be in ketosis at all if you have fertility issues. But it is only if you are actually pregnant.

123Nkechi · 09-08-2007, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KrystaLyn

I also do Atkins to control my PCOS. It's the only thing that works for me.

PS~It is totally fine to be in ketosis unless you are ACTUALLY pregnant. It sounds like some in this thread think you can't be in ketosis at all if you have fertility issues. But it is only if you are actually pregnant.

I guess I need to be doing Atkins then. I had the book a while ago but I will have to look it up again. Thanks!

As for getting pregnant...I don't plan on getting there soon so my best bet for beating cravings I think is to get in ketosis before TOM so that I can resist cravings. It's just so hard for me sometimes

.

Nik · 09-09-2007, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capook

I have a 2 month old baby girl thanks to LC. I tried for 5 years to get preggo. I had no problems TTC with my 9yo, but then I gained weight and found out I had PCOS. Tried clomid (I don't recommend it) made me phsyco. I took metformin for 3 years, but didn't get pregnant until I dropped below 270. I had a very healthy pregnancy and lost weight the whole time. I had to moniter my blood sugars but never had to go on insulin. Ketosis doesn't affect fertility, but once your preggo you'll need more whole grains and such and that will keep you out of ketosis. I was 245 when I wnt in to have my baby and I've lost another 20 since.After I had my baby my insulin resistance reared it's ugly head again so I'm taking fenugreek to help with breast milk production, but as an added benefit it also helps regulate insulin. My fasting sugars were 105-120 and now they are in the 90's

Candace:
You sound like me! My son is eight, we've been TTC for four years, and I just started Atkins as a last ditch effort, since clomid and Met did not help me. Wish us luck, as I approach that big milestone of 270 you mention.

What really concerns me is how to do LC while pregnant. Now that I've started, I don't want to stop. Was your OB concerned about your weight loss during pregnancy? How many carbs did you take in, and how much were you losing? I'll need a frame of reference since (hopefully) I'll get pregnant while still on induction and will need to jump quickly into another level. Any advice would be WONDERFUL! *thanks*

KrystaLyn · 09-09-2007, 07:39 AM

Well, considering you aren't supposed to lose weight while pregnant, Dr. Atkins only recommends doing the maintenance level while PG. I think the only important thing about it is that you are not in Ketosis. And maintenance is when you are just out of Ketosis anyway. As long as you add the additional recommended 300 calories (preferably whole grains) a day, and are out of Ketosis, you would probably be fine.

If/when I get PG, that is what I am going to do...hopefully

Nik · 09-09-2007, 09:05 AM

Yeah, Krysta:
I totally agree. It's hard though, to know how much carb is going to knock you out of ketosis without knocking you into gaining. My goal isn't to lose weight during pregnancy. My goal is to avoid getting trapped in the chaotic cyclone of slow death by carbohydrates.

When I was preggo with my son (8yo), I gained seven pounds during my first seven months. Due to my size (then, about an 18/220lbs), my doctors were not concerned. When I got sick, I quickly gained about 37 pounds (10 in the eighth month and 27 in the ninth.)

KrystaLyn · 09-09-2007, 02:51 PM

Yeah. I know from doing OWL that I can easily eat at least 40 carbs and still lose and be in Ketosis, so I will probably try to do well above that if I get preggers. I kindof hope I reach goal before I get PG, so I can start experimenting with carb amounts, but if I don't, I am guessing I will have to go somewhere between 50-75 carbs, but that is just a guess without going through the pre and maintenance phases to find out for sure. And all the extra carbs will come from whole grains and probably beans, on top of the usual Induction and OWL foods. At least thats the plan

123Nkechi · 09-10-2007, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KrystaLyn

At least thats the plan

Looks like a great plan to me! KUTGW

!

BobbiOh · 09-19-2007, 01:42 PM

I do South Beach which works great for me. I can't comment on TTC, since we've never tried.

06-03-2007, 06:42 AM	#1
hmhs Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 16 Gallery: hmhs WOE: Moderate Carbs Start Date: May 07	PCOS, infertility & low carb question... Hi everyone, I'm new here & wanted to know if any of you have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)? I have symptoms of polycystic ovaries, but don't officially have PCOS. Anyway, I've been trying to get pregnant for two years and have seen specialists and have had no luck. My last ditch effort is to try a low carb diet which supposedly could help. Just curious if anyone had any information about a low carb diet for me or any advice. I do know I'm not supposed to put my body into Ketosis for fertility reasons. Will low carbing still work if I don't ? Thanks!!

06-03-2007, 09:18 AM	#2
LuckyKitty MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Kentucky Posts: 2,712 Gallery: LuckyKitty Stats: size 22-24/12-14/toned 8-10 WOE: Applying what I learned from Dr. A to MY body Start Date: 9/1/02	Welcome! I'm in a similar boat, but haven't gotten to the specialist level (doc suspects PCOS, infertility for >1.5 yrs). From what I understand, low carb is really good for PCOS patients - it was actually my gyno that put me on it several years ago. I'm certainly not a doc, but I don't believe that ketosis affects fertility, altho there are mixed opinions about remaining in ketosis after PG occurs. If you're concerned you can always do a quick induction then move immediately to the higher levels, so you aren't in such severe ketosis. If you have weight to lose, you might as well just use the LC to lose it and not worry about ketosis - it's a lot easier, in my experience, to stick with if you can just jump in with both feet. It might also be something to get your mind off TTC for a while. I've heard of lots of ladies, on these boards and others, that got PG once they started LC/got their weight under control. Sorry for the book We have a TTC forum, you're welcome to come hang out! __________________ Kat Feed yourself what you would feed a person you loved and care for. Love and care for yourself. ---Juniper01

06-16-2007, 09:52 PM	#6
123Nkechi MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Girl Raised in the South (Carolina)! Posts: 1,137 Blog Entries: 20 Gallery: 123Nkechi Stats: Check out the countdown! WOE: LC or something like it... Start Date: Starting Over AGAIN!!! September 22, 2008	I am new also and I was told by my doctor that I could have PCOS but my official diagnosis is insulin resistance. I have been taking metformin since that diagnosis in October 2005 and although I was told that my weight would improve after taking the meds I have only managed to lose 10 or so lbs. I have had years of hormonal issues and have had trouble losing weight all my life. At one point I had gone almost a year without a cycle. I was using the progesterone cream but I noticed I was a little more moody when I used it after I started the metformin so I stopped about a year ago. Right now my cycles are still pretty regular so guess I don't need it. I am really interested in learning LC programs are going to work for me. Can anyone tell me what affect ketosis can have with the drug metformin? Last edited by 123Nkechi : 06-16-2007 at 09:54 PM.

07-07-2007, 09:01 AM	#7
capook Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Kaleefornia Posts: 815 Gallery: capook Stats: 325/266/140-150 WOE: Stop putting CRAP in my mouth!! Start Date: January 2003/Aug 2008	I have a 2 month old baby girl thanks to LC. I tried for 5 years to get preggo. I had no problems TTC with my 9yo, but then I gained weight and found out I had PCOS. Tried clomid (I don't recommend it) made me phsyco. I took metformin for 3 years, but didn't get pregnant until I dropped below 270. I had a very healthy pregnancy and lost weight the whole time. I had to moniter my blood sugars but never had to go on insulin. Ketosis doesn't affect fertility, but once your preggo you'll need more whole grains and such and that will keep you out of ketosis. I was 245 when I wnt in to have my baby and I've lost another 20 since.After I had my baby my insulin resistance reared it's ugly head again so I'm taking fenugreek to help with breast milk production, but as an added benefit it also helps regulate insulin. My fasting sugars were 105-120 and now they are in the 90's __________________ http://www.myspace.com/bobbleheadbabygearCandace

07-11-2007, 01:06 PM	#8
lyric_325 Junior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 3 Gallery: lyric_325	Hello everyone, I'm not quite new here but I'm new to posting but it's like i'm at the end of my ropes here. I had a friend a few years ago that found out she had type 2 diabetes & she went to the dr. ran further test & found of she had PCOS @ the time I knew nothing about it. However she had the irregular cycles, Hirutism & of course overweight. Fastforward months later, I start believing I have PCOS. I am not diabetic but I have AN, irregular TOM, hirutism, thinning hair, overweight & now that i'm married TTC. I lost some lbs in 2004 alot of symptoms started to lesser but of course like most frequent dieters I regained the weight & then some. Well summer 2007 I saw myself on a family picnic video and was totally disgusted got on the scale and saw I was 325lbs on a 5'2" frame ( maybe 5'1.5") I started lc as I did in '04 & from July '06 to nov '06 i went from 325lbs to 275-283lbs. I have not been diagnosed but without a doubt I know that I have to have PCOS & or be IR or maybe both. For all of you, you know that this is so hard to deal with. I need the support of you all who are going through this battle. I need to surround my self with people who know my pain. Today is a new day and I'm back to trying at the lc lifestyle for real. I weighed myself yesterday and the scale read 296.6 so I'm off to a start for success. Anys support you can offer please do. Sorry for the long post but needed to get this off my chest so to speak Last edited by lyric_325 : 07-11-2007 at 01:09 PM.

06-03-2007, 09:27 AM	#3
KrystaLyn MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina Posts: 1,977 Gallery: KrystaLyn Stats: 158/156 post-partum/125, 5'2 WOE: Breastfeeding Start Date: Second Time Around started Jan 01.07	I know a lot of ladies at Soul Cysters do the Insulin Resistance Diet and like it. It won't put you in Ketosis. You can get info on it there.

06-15-2007, 03:45 PM	#4
KiraNichole Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 5 Gallery: KiraNichole Stats: 223/223/145 Start Date: June 23, 2007	I too am in the same boat... I have not been diagnosed with PCOS, but I have ALL the symptoms!! I am gonna start the lowcarb thing Monday to lose the excess weight, and see how myu situation changes. I am also on BCP to regulate my cycles. HOwever, I had a question to go along with yours, you are TTC now, is there anything to wrooy about putting your body into ketosis if you are gonna TTC like starting in November????? I'm not gonna TTC until I get rid of a few lbs and see how my body is working at that time. I'm new to all this!!!!! LOL Thanks for listening!!! -Jme

06-16-2007, 04:51 PM	#5
Lucky4 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: All over the place Posts: 1,784 Gallery: Lucky4 Stats: Size 20-22/16 /8-10 Right under 5'8" WOE: Trying SouthBeach Start Date: May 2008 (LCer for a long time)	I have had PCOS for about 30 years but back then, they didn't know what it was--so there was no help. I'm not sure where you heard that ketosis would harm fertility--people in the previous ages probably experienced ketosis off and on and it certainly didn't seem to affect our population PCOS is one of those things that is kind of diagnosed when everything else is ruled out. Once, I had HUGE cysts--a few months later they were gone. The Dr. will check hormone levels (I was almost devoid of progesterone), cysts and things such as normal periods, ovulation, etc. I was lucky when I was younger and managed to have 4 children--but I also had 2 miscarriages and assume it was from my lack of progesterone. I did find LC though and kept in ketosis. As well, I took natural progesterone and tried to keep my weight at an acceptable level. Thank God my periods come almost every month now where they used to come every 3-6 months. I can assume I'm ovulating from things the Dr. mentioned like daily temp and discharge. The problem is that I went off of LC for about a year and immediately became insulin resistant. He put me on Metformin--which is also suppose to help with fertility and now, I'm back on LC and doing great. I'm waiting any day now for my blood test results--I'm sure they'll be much better than when off LC. I would definately go to a Dr. for an official diagnosis--but don't be afraid of the natural progesterone cream or ketosis. Good luck

07-21-2007, 10:56 AM	#9
123Nkechi MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Girl Raised in the South (Carolina)! Posts: 1,137 Blog Entries: 20 Gallery: 123Nkechi Stats: Check out the countdown! WOE: LC or something like it... Start Date: Starting Over AGAIN!!! September 22, 2008	What WOE is being used by those with PCOS? I have been eating pretty good and watching my carbs for a while now but I would like to know what WOE is being used by those with PCOS. I know that I probably will see more results once I start exercising and I am thinking about doing the BFL but I am not sure about the diet part. I see many using Atkins but a lot of people just say LC or their own method. I have an ebook called the PCOS diet that I inquired about in another thread but not many people responded. I an not too concerned about ketosis at this point. I am trying to develop a way of life.

07-27-2007, 12:10 PM	#10
LuckyKitty MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Kentucky Posts: 2,712 Gallery: LuckyKitty Stats: size 22-24/12-14/toned 8-10 WOE: Applying what I learned from Dr. A to MY body Start Date: 9/1/02	to everyone who is struggling with TTC, it's a rough road, but there are lots of success to keep you motivated along the way (just check out the TTC thread and you'll see 2 new ones ) 123 - you asked about plans. I have to recommend Atkins. I think this is where a lot of people start and then go on to make modifications after they learn a little more about their bodies. In my experience, Atkins got me free of the carb-fog-brain and taught me how to really address my HUNGER not my desire to eat. From there I've tweaked for myself based on things that I've learned from South Beach, LGL, etc. Really, tho, I don't think you'll go wrong starting with any of the tried-and-true plans and really working whatever you choose, by the book, until you have a handle on your bod. GL!!

07-28-2007, 06:02 AM	#13
123Nkechi MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Girl Raised in the South (Carolina)! Posts: 1,137 Blog Entries: 20 Gallery: 123Nkechi Stats: Check out the countdown! WOE: LC or something like it... Start Date: Starting Over AGAIN!!! September 22, 2008	Okay so far I have learned that most people are doing Atkins and another lady told me she was doing CAD. I am still tweaking my diet and trying to overcome my temptations so I can get this think under control. It's not cool being 35, single, and having to face the thought of infertility...

09-07-2007, 02:04 PM	#16
123Nkechi MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Girl Raised in the South (Carolina)! Posts: 1,137 Blog Entries: 20 Gallery: 123Nkechi Stats: Check out the countdown! WOE: LC or something like it... Start Date: Starting Over AGAIN!!! September 22, 2008	PCOS Cysters!!! Pointers on WOE please! I seem to have a real struggle during TOM and I fall totally off the wagon.

09-07-2007, 04:01 PM	#17
KrystaLyn MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina Posts: 1,977 Gallery: KrystaLyn Stats: 158/156 post-partum/125, 5'2 WOE: Breastfeeding Start Date: Second Time Around started Jan 01.07	I also do Atkins to control my PCOS. It's the only thing that works for me. PS~It is totally fine to be in ketosis unless you are ACTUALLY pregnant. It sounds like some in this thread think you can't be in ketosis at all if you have fertility issues. But it is only if you are actually pregnant.

09-09-2007, 07:39 AM	#20
KrystaLyn MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina Posts: 1,977 Gallery: KrystaLyn Stats: 158/156 post-partum/125, 5'2 WOE: Breastfeeding Start Date: Second Time Around started Jan 01.07	Well, considering you aren't supposed to lose weight while pregnant, Dr. Atkins only recommends doing the maintenance level while PG. I think the only important thing about it is that you are not in Ketosis. And maintenance is when you are just out of Ketosis anyway. As long as you add the additional recommended 300 calories (preferably whole grains) a day, and are out of Ketosis, you would probably be fine. If/when I get PG, that is what I am going to do...hopefully Last edited by KrystaLyn : 09-09-2007 at 07:40 AM.

09-09-2007, 09:05 AM	#21
Nik MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,058 Gallery: Nik Stats: 299/pregnant/150 WOE: ANA Start Date: 8/25/07	Yeah, Krysta: I totally agree. It's hard though, to know how much carb is going to knock you out of ketosis without knocking you into gaining. My goal isn't to lose weight during pregnancy. My goal is to avoid getting trapped in the chaotic cyclone of slow death by carbohydrates. When I was preggo with my son (8yo), I gained seven pounds during my first seven months. Due to my size (then, about an 18/220lbs), my doctors were not concerned. When I got sick, I quickly gained about 37 pounds (10 in the eighth month and 27 in the ninth.)

09-09-2007, 02:51 PM	#22
KrystaLyn MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina Posts: 1,977 Gallery: KrystaLyn Stats: 158/156 post-partum/125, 5'2 WOE: Breastfeeding Start Date: Second Time Around started Jan 01.07	Yeah. I know from doing OWL that I can easily eat at least 40 carbs and still lose and be in Ketosis, so I will probably try to do well above that if I get preggers. I kindof hope I reach goal before I get PG, so I can start experimenting with carb amounts, but if I don't, I am guessing I will have to go somewhere between 50-75 carbs, but that is just a guess without going through the pre and maintenance phases to find out for sure. And all the extra carbs will come from whole grains and probably beans, on top of the usual Induction and OWL foods. At least thats the plan __________________ Krysta My 2008 Journal My boys are here! Ronan & Ashe born 11.5.2008 2007 LC Journal Our Recipes Last edited by KrystaLyn : 09-09-2007 at 02:53 PM.

09-19-2007, 01:42 PM	#24
BobbiOh Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 191 Gallery: BobbiOh Stats: 218/206/155 WOE: South Beach Start Date: June 2, 2008	I do South Beach which works great for me. I can't comment on TTC, since we've never tried.

09-19-2007, 02:36 PM	#25
123Nkechi MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Girl Raised in the South (Carolina)! Posts: 1,137 Blog Entries: