Winning my life back. My battle against PCOS.

I know I am not nearly as diligent as I was in the beginning about keeping up with my blog posts.  Perhaps this is because it is summer time, I have been too tired after work, lack of motivation, etc.  All of that is an excuse though.  I have gotten back on the exercise wagon.  I still don't work out as often as I should, but I have been doing water aerobics two times a week for a couple of weeks now.  I go with 3 other girls from work.  There are only 7 of us in the office, and 4 of us go.  It is fun to be able to do something together outside of work.  Although Jen teases the heck out of me, I enjoy the time to do something for myself with my buddies.  I have still managed to lose weight.  I am trying to stick to the gluten free and sugar free diet like I have been since October, but find it to be much more tempting to cheat now that I have shed so much weight.  It is like the little "diet devil" sitting on one shoulder saying, "One little bite won't kill you..

WOW!!  It has been a while since I have done this!  Excuse me if I am a little rusty at putting my thoughts down on paper (or puter).  Things have been crazy the past couple of weeks (about 4 to be exact).  I left off on the last blog touching on the tick bite and Charles' layoff.  Since then, the tick bite has gotten much better!  The infection is gone, but the wound is still very itchy.  Charles is still laid off, but we have been fortunate with blessings.  Jacob has gone into this allergy season with a LOT of issues.  He is very allergic to almost everything.  His eyes were the first sign.  He had such bad allergies that they almost swelled shut.  Then came the infection.  He was put on Singulair, Clariton, nose spray and eye drops.  After the eyes started to get better, the breathing got worse.  He ended up in the ER, and had to do three rounds of steroid treatments.  He then was put on more medication.  Things got a little better, then on Mother's Day during a day trip, he

OK, so it has been a while since my last posting, so what you are about to read is a list of ramblings that have been going through my mind for the past week.  1. B.U.T.T.- My life is full of acronyms, so I created one that makes sense for women going through the same things as me.  Every woman has insecurities.  Most of them can be narrowed down into this four letter acronym.  (Butt, udders, tummy and thighs).  I was looking in the mirror last week and was thinking about the changes my body has gone through with the recent weight loss.  Obviously, I am liking my appearance a lot more than I used to.  However, I have come to realize that there will always be parts of a woman that they are never quite satisfied with.  I read on a friend's blog a couple of weeks ago about her battle with "chub rub", you know, when the tops of your thighs rub together creating holes in all of your favorite pants, or giving you the chafing that burns like something from the pit of hades.  T

I realize how I have been neglecting my blogly duties.  There has been a LOT of personal things that my family has been dealing with the past month.  I wanted to say thank you for all of my friends and families prayers.  I feel that God has once again shown us that HE is in charge, and that we need nothing more than to lean on HIM in times of trouble and turmoil. That being said, I am happy to say that I did not rely on food as my crutch through the past several weeks.  In the past, I would have plumped up a good 10 pounds just from shoving every comfort food within reach directly into my pie hole.  Amazingly enough, I even lost 2 pounds.  No, mama, I did not starve myself either.  I did fall away from exercise regularity for a while.  I still exercised, but not as often, and didn't go to Zumba at all last week.  I felt it necessary to spend as much time as possible with my guys.  Speaking of Zumba, I really did not want to go last night!  I was in a mood, and just wanted to be

If it were possible to shake off all your fat in one night, tonight would've been the night!  Ms. Annie kicked my booty hard core tonight.  It probably didn't help that I had Mexican directly before Zumba!  I have to say that I did allow myself a cheat this evening, but have been very good all week.  I know it is only Monday, but I am talking about 7 days, not the work week. I got to watch my sissy shake her groove thang too!  It is hard not to giggle at one another.  We feed off of each other.  I am curious to see what I weigh in at tomorrow.  A lot has been going on lately.  While I haven't had anything bad to eat, there has been a lot of eating on the run.  My routine has been off. Here's to hoping the rest of this week gets back to the normal routine of things.  ~Signing off for now, Jess

JULY 2010 (208 LBS)    DEC 2010 (191 LBS) MARCH 2011 (175 LBS) 5 MORE POUNDS UNTIL I REACH MY INITIAL GOAL!! 1 MORE POUND UNTIL I REACH A "HEALTHY" BMI!! 

I watched a show tonight about how kids bully one another.  There were several different scenarios thrown about.  There was the "overweight girl" who was taunted by the so called "pretty girls".  There was the "tom boy" who didn't quite fit in.  Then there were the boys;  one boy who was not so athletic thrown into the mix with some very athletic peers.  Although the individuals bullying and being bullied were just actors, the bystanders didn't know, and the scenarios were very realistic. I was bullied as a child.  It wasn't so much in grade school, but by the time I hit 7th grade, it was in full force.  I was not overweight then.  I was actually very thin.  I was not athletic at all.  I excelled in academics.  I was not wealthy.  I didn't wear the "coolest" clothes.  The list goes on.  If someone could pick on me for something, they did.  I went to a different school district during high school.  The experience there was quite

I spoke with my doctor's office.  The news from my recent blood panels was great.  I have lowered my cholesterol about 100 points, my glucose levels were normal, and my triglycerides were also normal.  I lowered my triglycerides by almost 200 points.  The doc was very pleased.  He said I didn't need to have anymore blood work ran for a year.  I do need to raise my good cholesterol, but couldn't have really been happier with the results.  I finally feel like my hard work is paying off.  The outside appearance was an obvious change, but you never really know what is taking place in your body.  To see those numbers on paper really put things into perspective.  I feel like I have no choice but to maintain this lifestyle now.  The proof is definitely in the numbers.  That was a true blessing from God.  I have been praying about this for 5 months along with family and church family.  I feel like God has laid a new path before me.  It is my choice to stay on that path. There are

I went to the doctor's office first thing this morning to have my follow-up blood work done. This is the follow up that was scheduled 4 months ago at the beginning of my journey. This was a very nerve racking morning for me. I tried to put on a brave face, but the unknown is getting to me. I hate surprises! Several things raced through my mind as I waited to get stuck. I reflected on the last 4.5 months. I am very proud of the lifestyle changes I have made. I have lost 30 pounds, eat healthy, and even exercise regularly now. One would think my numbers would have no choice but to improve. Then there is the memory of the doctor saying that my cholesterol could still be high even with diet and regular exercise. I knew this going into my journey, but have the hope that I will not have to be medicated. The side effects of cholesterol meds really concern me. The results should be in within the next two days. I am really anxious to see how things pan out. I feel like I am back in school

30 lbs down as of Saturday!!!!!!  I couldn't have been more excited!  Every time I feel like goofing off or swaying in the tiniest way, I remember how far I have come.  I also know I don't want to go back to the place I was.  I wasn't myself for over a year.  I had no drive to get out and do things.  Everything seemed like a chore.  I wasn't even the mom or wife I know God intended me to be.  Don't get me wrong.  I was and still am a devoted wife and mother.  However, I am much more active with my family now.  I want Jacob to see me making healthy choices so it is not something he has to learn.  It will just be something that comes natural to him. Speaking of the little man...we celebrated his 4th Birthday with a party yesterday.  There were 35 people in my house.  It was great to have all of my family and friends in one place.  I think everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves.  I was beat after all was said and done.  All I wanted to do this morning was sleep

So...my back was hurting last week, so I didn't do my miles.  I did the two Zumba sessions, but that is it.  I skipped Monday for Jacob's birthday.  I really did not want to go tonight.  It would have been much easier to sit down and watch the Biggest Loser people sweat instead of sweating myself.  So....I....went to Zumba!  There is no room for excuses at this point in the game.  As soon as I let the old ways creep back in, there is no telling what kind of down-ward spiral will ensue.  I was happy to find that I have lost a total of 28 pounds now.  I just have one pound to go until I am out of the 180's.  I am almost back to the weight I was when I said my vows!!  Yay for me.  It wouldn't be as much of a journey without the friends who are on this journey with me.  I am literally watching people I have known for years melt away before my very eyes.  There isn't even magic involved.  It's just good old fashioned nasty sweat and pain.  I guess the saying, "

I cannot believe it was four years ago today that my little man was welcomed into my arms.  He was worth every minute of doubt, pain, and all of the tears shed.  I thank God every day for the blessing that it is to be his mommy!  We spent the day having lunch with Papa, went to see my friend Leslie's new Valentine baby (also a miracle baby), and then daddy made us lobster tail and shrimp for dinner.  Does it get any better?  Obviously, I skipped Zumba tonight... I even managed to file our taxes which was the worst part of my day.  All in all, it was a great day to spend with my little angel.  Signing off for now, ~Jess

Ok....step 1. NEVER DO ZUMBA IN SHAPE UPS!!!<-----Unless you are very coordinated.  I did this last Thursday, and paid dearly for it.  I was sore until Monday.  I had the day off and did a ton of laundry.    I decided that every time I would go upstairs to get a new load, I would do lunges.  I then followed up with Zumba in the evening.  There was one new routine, but it substituted another song, so I thought I would be just fine. I woke up Tuesday morning feeling awful.  I had really hurt my back with the shoes, and didn't rest like I should have over the weekend.  I went to see the chiropractor yesterday.  I felt so good this morning when I woke up that I wore my heeled boots to work today.  I know...what was I thinking?  I followed that up with Zumba again this evening.  I am not sure if I am putting more effort into it, or not drinking enough water, or pushing myself too hard at home, or what, BUT I am sore tonight.  My calves are on fire!  I know that was one very long

It is funny to me how the society views "skinny" or "thin". Everyone wants to look perfect in a bathing suit, but are never satisfied when they put it on. I went to Florida with one of my best friends when we were 19. I weighed 160 pounds. I thought I was huge! I got plenty of stares, but I managed to convince myself that they were looking at my fat butt and pale skin instead of the fact that they may have been admiring the scenery. I got married a month before my 23rd birthday. I weighed 172 pounds. I was so bummed that I couldn't lose he weight before the big day. I did love my dress though! When I got pregnant with Jacob, I weighed 180 pounds. I had reached an all time high at that point. I thought I was lucky to have lost 12 lbs in the beginning of my pregnancy. How stupid is that? I was losing weight because I was sick and on bedrest, but felt good about the drop in pounds. Why is it that we are never happy with who we are? Why is I that a

I could have used the fact that I didn't have to work yesterday, and only had a half day on Tuesday as an excuse to eat whatever I wanted and not exercise.  It would have been really easy considering Zumba was canceled.  I am proud to say that I didn't do that.  I walked 2 miles Monday, 2 miles Tuesday, played on my Auntie's Wii Fit Wednesday (after bowling), and did some Zumba tonight.  Hopefully all of this hard work is paying off.  I was excited to find out this morning that I am down another half a pound.  I believe that makes a pound and a half in the last three weeks.  That is ok.  I realize I have hit somewhat of a plateau.  In the past, this would have been about the time that I would say, "Well, obviously it is not worth it.  I give up!"  I keep reminding myself of why I started this journey.  It isn't just to better my health.  It is to be a better wife and mother to the family I have been blessed with.  I remind myself that I have been doing this

I was on the last sentence of a very long blog entry when I somehow hit delete.  Without typing everything over again, I will sum it up.  Today marks the 6 month anniversary of my Papa's death.  It is also what would have been his 77th Birthday.  I miss him very much each day.  I want nothing more than to make him proud.  I will continue this journey each day remembering what you taught me growing up; that I can do anything I put my mind to.  I will not give up. I love you very much.  Until we meet again... ~Jess

Bummed there was no Zumba tonight, but came home and did 2 miles of my walking video. I had some Imos lunch buffet today, so felt it necessary to still work out this evening. I was very excited this morning to see that I did actually shed a pound. That makes the first pound lost in three weeks! 26 lbs down and counting. I am going to kick this PCOS in the butt! My initial goal is to lose 38 pounds. That will put me just under what I was when I got married. The next part of my goal is to get into a slinky black dress I have yet to buy. The plan for that dress is to wear it to my 10 year high school reunion. I don't necessarily want to look the way I did in high school. That is unrealistic. I would, however, like to hear someone say, "Wow. You look great!". Don't let this weather be an excuse to not exercise! Get up and move! Signing of for now, ~Jess

I honestly cannot figure out if people are just freaking out for no reason, or if we are actually likely to get over a foot of snow with an inch of ice.  We don't have a generator, and the thought of no electricity is not at all appealing.  I just hope that we can get to where we need to be safely, and home safely.  Is it sad that I am concerned that Zumba will be cancelled?  I guess it shows how much I actually enjoy it!  I didn't do the mile I promised myself today, but it is because I was not feeling the best.  I got a ton of rest and finished the night with our small group.  It was a very insightful evening. I hope all of you who are traveling in the next few days take it slowly.  Please be careful.  I am praying that we all remain safe and warm. Signing off for now, ~Jess

As I posted on facebook, I was a little disappointed that I have not lost any weight in the last three weeks.  I did, however, do my measurements for the second time on Thursday.  The last measurements were taken two weeks ago Thursday.  Even though I have not lost anymore weight, I was down 4.5 inches.  I was very excited about this.  I needed to see some progress, and felt like that was quite an accomplishment.  It kinda made me wish I had taken my measurements back in October when this journey began.  I have done pretty well with the diet this week.  I did have 2 slices of pizza on Thursday, but limited my caloric intake to under 1500.  I picked Jacob up from a Birthday party at preschool, and the mother of the Birthday girl was not going to take no for an answer to her offering me pizza.  I knew I wouldn't have time to stop anywhere once I dropped him off at the babysitters, so I went ahead and had a free lunch.  I have not been able to work out since Wednesday at Zumba.  I am

          New hair.  I got a coupon in the mail, and decided to go crazy!  Going for a complete make-over...lol.

 I have a waist Although I don't think this is the most flattering picture I have ever taken, I felt it necessary to share it, because there is a story behind it.  I got this shirt for Christmas from my dad and bonus mom 2 years ago.  I loved it when I pulled it out of the box, but knew right away it would not fit.  It was very tight looking.  Although it stated that it was an XL, which is the size I have worn in shirts since I was 19, it looked more like a medium.  I thought about giving it to one of my sisters or friends, but it was a gift, so I held onto it.  It stayed in my closet with the tags on until October 2010 when I got sick of looking at things I couldn't wear.  I took everything that didn't fit to friends or donation bins.  This shirt went to my boss.  She brought it in on Monday, along with another shirt I gave her.  She told me it would fit now, and that she wanted me to have it back.  I disagreed.  I knew it would not fit.  I tried it on so she would st

I got a call from the Zumba instructor today.  She was calling to let me know that I had someone donate some classes for me.  I really tried to figure out who did it.  I called 2 people in particular.  I still am not certain who donated the classes.  I guess it really doesn't matter.  It was a blessing, so I will accept it.  I am very thankful to the person who did this for me.  I feel like I have a great jump start on the fitness path, and now I have no excuse to give up.  I have to stick with it.  I hope I make whoever it was proud. I had a good day today.  I feel better than I have felt in years.  I realized that I ran through the snow with Jacob, and wasn't out of breath.  It wasn't that far of a run, but I would normally be gasping for air with very little effort.  I will keep this posting short and sweet.  My thought for today is to pay it forward.  If someone has blessed you in some way, be a blessing to someone else. Signing off for now, ~Jess

It's been a few days since I posted.  Life has been very busy, but good.  I got to spend a lot of time with the family this weekend.  I also got to catch up with a friend I had not seen in a while.  Spending a day with my in-laws always has a way of reminding me how quickly time flies.  Every time we see them, they comment on how fast Jacob is growing.  He will be four next month.  I cannot believe how grown up he is getting.  Not a day goes by that I let pass without telling him what a treasure he is.  I know what a blessing he is.  It was so hard to get him here, but completely worth the wait.  Anytime I feel sad about not getting a positive pregnancy test result, I just take a look at my little boy.  He will always be my baby. He reminds me of why I am on this journey towards a healthy life.  I have so much to live for.  There are definitely challenges that present themselves.  I was told that once someone loses a significant amount of weight, they naturally ease up on the amo

For those of you reading with PCOS, I encourage you to visit the website chiralbalance.com.  I do not get paid to tell you this.  I don't even get a discount.  The reason I am about to tell you this is because I believe in their products.  When I started my weight loss journey in October, I began taking a supplement called D-chiro-inositol (DCI).  It is a natural supplement which has helped me dramatically.  I, for the first time ever without the help of BC, have had regular cycles since November.  I also believe that my insulin levels have regulated.  I no longer have hypoglacemic episodes if I go without food for longer than two hours at a time.  DCI is known to help with all aspects of PCOS.  I could explain what it is, or how it works, but I know I would mess it up.  That is why I suggest you check out the site for yourself.  I do have to say that it is rather pricey ($60 for a month supply), but worth the price in my opinion.  If you have concerns, I suggest speaking with your

I had a bummer day yesterday.  It just seemed like everything I attempted to do went wrong.  I got sick after lunch.  It may have had something to do with eating those chips at the Mexican restaurant.  I couldn't figure out how to apply a blog template that I paid for (incompatible).  I burned Charles' steak.  I also used the teaspoon side of the seasoning instead of the shaker side.  I can't believe he ate it.  I just wanted to cry and really had no idea why.  What can I say, I am hormonal... Then I got a call from my friend asking if I still planned on going to Zumba.  To be honest, I was hoping that she would forget about it.  She didn't.  I showed up.  I am glad that I did.  It was just the time I needed to dance out some of the aggravations of the day.  I enjoyed myself. I have had my ups and downs so far on the journey to a healthy lifestyle, but I have a great support system.  If  it wasn't for those around me encouraging me to press on, I probably would&

FAMILY (my purpose) The definition of purpose as according to Wikipedia is a result, end, mean, aim, or goal of an action intentionally undertaken, or of an object being brought into use or existence... We had an amazing day today.  This morning, we watched our best friend's newest addition get baptized.  There is nothing sweeter than watching two loving parents with the company of friends and family dedicating their child to God.  After the baptism, their pastor gave a lesson to the children in the audience.  He started out the sermon with the word "purpose".  He asked all of the children if they knew what that word meant.  He held up a flashlight and explained the purpose of a flashlight was to bring light to dark areas.  The next part cracked me up, because only my son would raise his hand to say, "Um, I have a flashlight, but the batteries went dead."  Needless to say, the congregation let out an audible chuckle.  It was pretty darn cute.  The pastor went

So I was totally disappointed Monday night.  I was supposed to start my long awaited exercise journey, but the snow put a damper on that.  I said to myself that I would wake up early to do yoga the next two mornings, but everyone knows how hard it is to resist hitting the snooze button.  Needless to say, I didn't do the yoga yesterday or today.  However, I did go to ZUMBA tonight.  It was an hour long and totally kicked my booty!  Seriously, I have not worked out that hard ever!  I learned a lot about myself tonight; for one, I can really move my hips.  I am not sure if they moved the way that they were supposed to, but I can really move them!  I will have to remember to use my inhaler before I begin next time instead of afterwards.  That was the only downside.  Wait...how could working out have a downside?  On a serious note, I received my vitamins this evening.  I am super excited to start taking them.  I hope it doesn't matter that they sat in the freezing weather until I

Ok...I think I have the diet under control.  However, I have not yet begun exercising!  I decided when I started this transformation that I was going to take it one step at a time.  I feel that this was necessary for me, because if I feel overwhelmed with too many changes, I am more likely to give up before I even begin.  So...tonight I am going to our local gym to try out Zumba!  I know the instructor, and the first class is free.  I also have a customer who told me about a great walking in place video that works your whole body.  I am excited, but also nervous.  I realize how out of shape I really am, and know that I am going to be sore tomorrow.  However, this is a change that I am ready to make.  I am anxious to see what results will come when combining work-outs with diet.  I know how much more energy I have now than I did several months ago, but am looking forward to even more energy! I hope you all find 2011 to be one of your healthiest years to date! Signing off for now,

As much as I hate to do this, I think it is time to show some pictures of my progress.  I don't like to look at where I began, but feel it's necessary to remind myself of why I am doing what I am doing.  So...here goes: Before Now  I did want to say that even though I am eating healthier meals, I still eat several snacks throughout the day to keep my metabolism going.  I snack on lots of peanuts, carrots, and fruits.  It is important to keep blood sugars regulated. Signing off for now, ~Jess

So... yesterday was my day off.  Charles and I went to get our oil changed on both vehicles in the morning.  We stopped at Waffle House for breakfast.  I ordered 2 egg whites, a tomato (sliced), and 2 slices of bacon.  For lunch, I had a plain can of tuna.  I ate light because I knew we were having our annual work party in the evening.  Of course pizza was the dinner we were provided.  I was very proud of 2 of the girls that I work with.  They ordered salad and grilled chicken with veggies.  I have only eaten pizza one other time since I started my transformation in October.  I decided to make an exception.  I have to say that I did enjoy it, but the cupcake I had later pushed things over the top.  I had an upset stomach for much of the evening.  I was happy to find out I did lose another 2.5 pounds making my total weight loss 22.5 pounds.  I do believe that a healthy lifestyle is the only lifestyle that I should be living.  However, I do think the occasional "cheat" is neces

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about where my life has been and where it is going. I have thought so much lately about the changes I have been making in my own life. I have really enjoyed getting the compliments about my recent weight loss, the questions about how I finally found something that works, and the positive feedback I have gotten from those I know who are going through similar circumstances. As I was thinking about all of this, I remembered back to my pregnancy with Jacob (Jacob will be 4 on Valentine's day). Everything was so difficult during my pregnancy. The doctors really didn't think I would be able to sustain the pregnancy because my progesterone levels were so low. I had two very bad visits to the ER, and was on a lot of bedrest through the first trimester. Taking hormones, visiting the doc often, and just worrying about the little guy growing inside of me was very emotionally draining. My mom told me one day to "Let go, and let God&qu

After writing my first post, I felt like a weight had been lifted. I used to write all the time, but have not done so for years. The thought of keeping a personal journal never appealed to me. The thought of people reading my personal journal was terrifying. However, I feel like I am on a new path now. I am taking back my life, and if I can help one person along the way, it is all worth while. I only have a few minutes to post this morning, so I will keep it short. I promise to explain how and when I was diagnosed, what supplements I have been taking, my personal experiences, etc. I have been given the gift of gab! I just wanted to leave everyone with one quote this morning to start your day with. I know this one has really helped me. "YOU ONLY FAIL IF YOU NEVER TRY!" Signing off for now, Jess

In October of 2010, my weight reached an all-time high. After being "officially" diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) in May of 2009, I spent a year of taking Metformin every single day, and hated every single day of it. For some of you who may not know what PCOS is, to sum it up, it is a hormonal imbalance which about 10% of women suffer from. The symptoms range anywhere from missed/abnormal menstrual cycles to obesity, diabetis, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and the most common- infertility. Along with these, you are also at a higher risk for heart disease and certain cancers. Back to the metformin; metformin is prescribed to help regulate insulin levels in people with diabetes. Because women with PCOS are often insulin resistant, doctors often prescribe Metformin to them hoping to regulate cycles and promote pregnancies. The bad thing is that Metformin has some really mean side effects. These mean side effects occur in some, but