this will always be my journey
When I was young and even now I was never the most coordinated.. I was the largest person in my house and compared to how thin and pretty my younger sister was all the time.. When I went to college I was so insecure because all the friends I had made where so thin and pretty.. then there was me.. through the years if I put my mind to it I could do it.. cross fit ✔️ mountain biking ✔️ road biking ✔️ hiking ✔️ walking ✔️ and now cardio kickboxing.. through everything I have tried I have never really lost weight I just kept going up and up... I set goals like biking 50 miles in 4 hours in Oceanside ✔️ tons of 5ks... diet trends and fads.. medication.. but it wasn't until I truly went to my doctor cried and asked for help.. I knew I had PCOS but I didnt know how bad it was.. and that became my crutch.. binge eating out of boredom.. using food to cope.. on my 35th birthday I got a hoodie that was a 5x yes I ordered it that size off of Amazon because I never trust close but I was already hitting a tight 3x... well I put it on and started crying.. why did I let it get this way? I was 320 pounds.. thats the heaviest I had been ever... thats when I said no more... I needed to do something.. I started walking/hiking more, signed up for more events, signed up for a weightloss program that focused on exercise, and just kept trying.. I am almost one year post op hysterectomy.. but in 2 years I have lost over 70 pounds and I truly feel its due to not restricting myself, having my hysterectomy, and getting on horomones.. now I still have issues like I cant see the weightloss in the mirror, can barely tell in pictures, and am unable to take a compliment.. maybe one day I will but for now I need to continue and hold myself accountable more.. #insecure #pcos #weightlossandfatloss #journey #HealingTime
Living with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) often means facing unique challenges when trying to lose weight. From personal experience, I understand how frustrating it can be when traditional dieting and exercise don’t lead to expected results. Like many, I’ve struggled with binge eating triggered by boredom or stress, which only compounds the difficulty of managing weight. One important lesson I’ve learned is that weight loss is not just about calories in versus calories out; hormone imbalances due to PCOS can make the process slower and more complex. Seeking medical advice and getting hormonal treatment have been crucial steps for many in my support group. The journey is not linear. For example, after a hysterectomy or other medical interventions, some people experience more energy and different hormone levels that can impact body composition and metabolism. What truly helped was adopting a mindset focused on progress, not perfection. Celebrating small wins like completing bike rides, hikes, and races – even those 5Ks – builds confidence and motivation. Additionally, embracing various activities such as cardio kickboxing, mountain biking, and CrossFit can break the monotony and keep the body engaged. Another key insight is the importance of self-compassion. It’s common to struggle with recognizing changes in the mirror or photos, even as the scale moves down. Learning to accept compliments and acknowledge effort rather than just outcomes is a vital part of emotional healing during this long journey. If you’re dealing with similar challenges, I encourage you to connect with healthcare professionals knowledgeable about PCOS, consider a personalized approach to diet and exercise, and most importantly, be kind to yourself. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep setting attainable goals, track your achievements, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support from communities facing the same hurdles. Your journey is uniquely yours, and every step forward is worth celebrating.
