I am 5' 7 1/2" and used to weigh 120 pounds. Then, I got pregnant and gained 60 pounds with my pregnancy, actually was fortunate to lose 30 pounds weeks after delivery... but I still had that 30 pounds lingering on me! I didn't go back to my pre-pregnancy weight... I was depressed! I was frustrated!! It took me years until I was diagnosed with PCOS in December 1998. I was actually thrilled to be diagnosed with something because I couldn't understand how my metabolism was high then to become very low after pregnancy... I was thin so I thought I would return thin, but it didn't happen that way!!

After I was diagnosed and wanting to conceive another child so badly, I ended up losing 36 pounds! I was hardly eating much... but I was a elementary teacher and kept my focus on the children and running around with them and drinking Diet Cokes all day. I don't know if this contributed to my weightloss, but I was taking Clomid also. I really haven't done the research on Clomid helping with weightloss, but I felt it helped regular my hormones thus actually helping me to lose weight. Has anyone else had this experience? Or know any websites filled with Clomid or hormonal research as realted to weight gain/weightloss??? I would love to read all I can!

Anyway, I wanted to mention that I was extremely thin high school/college. Some thought I was anorexic, and then BOOM! I was excessively fat. It was very emotional for me! So, Spring, you saying that about your daughter, I can totally relate! I too love potatoes & bread, but have not had any pototoes for a long time and have bread sporatically. Whereas I used to eat lots of bread, if I ever crave it I will only allow myself one slice. I am wanting to eliminate it our my diet. I'm still working on that. I set mini-goals so as not to be discouraged. And I realize that I will make mistakes, so I don't get discouraged if I mess up one night. I just work hard the next day...

Drink lots of water!! Water!! Water!! Water!! That's my first best piece of advice. Stay away from diet drinks & regular sodas (for sure). Train the mind to drink water. It's the best diet drink for you! Cold, icy water... Mmmm... Also, herbal teas are good!

I was thinking about how to go about helping my Dad who loves carbs as well. He is overweight. I was thinking that his body would go into some kind of shock if he all of a sudden elimated carbs, so for him I think slowly decreasing carbs one by one would be better for him. For example, instead of two spoonfuls of mashed potatoes, only have one. This will help a lot. Making mim-goal like that will lessen the carbs, and get him where he should be.

Ultimately though, cutting the carbs way down is the best way to go. I wish I knew about Atkins diet when I was younger as a lifestyle and I wouldn't find myself where I am today. I think training the children young is best.

If anyone has any advice or answers to my above questions, I would appreciate hearing from you! I love this forum and want so much to get to know you all!

Christy