I didn't really get into the reasons behind this decision, but you've all been so amazingly supportive that I should probably be a little more forthcoming about the details. I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) many years ago. While I have proven via food journals that I'm eating under 2,000 calories every day (which, according to their charts, means I should be losing weight just doing my daily life and moving this much weight around), and my blood tests show that I'm not diabetic or pre-diabetic (whatever that means), people who have PCOS tend to have insulin resistance and weird reactions to carbs, as well as fatty livers.
That's such a weird diagnosis: fatty liver. Like, how do they know? Does my liver have a hard time fitting in movie theater seats? But, ah well, it is what it is. Actually, while my liver numbers were on the high side of the totally acceptable range, apparently these test results can fluctuate a lot, depending on what you're eating that week. Regardless, when I had the blood test, my liver wasn't fatty, but it was definitely a curvy liver. Anyway, the experts recommend a serious carb-restriction for someone with PCOS, although from what I've read on the PCOS issue and ideal nutrition plan, things like brown rice and fruit are okay.
If you have infrequent periods, acne, or other seemingly minor symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, your health may be at risk.
Now let's talk about some ancient history: I lost about 75 pounds six years ago, through eating a lot of fruit and Special K, abstaining from sugar and getting a lot of exercise. Then it slowly but surely started creeping back on when I went back to eating things that weren't fruit or Special K (gee, really?).
I'm probably back to the same point with activity that I was back then, but instead of losing, I'm still gaining. The only thing that's different is that I'm eating more calories now, somewhere around 2,000 rather than 1,200, which is far too low for my body weight, according to the logic behind the Weight Watchers Points system (which I'm not following, but whatever). With the weight gain on what should have been a weight-loss calorie intake, it was time for me to do something because something was out of balance.
Also, I don't want a fatty boom batty liver, hence the talks with the nutritionist. I understand that it's very possible that my increasing weight is due to some kind of metabolic syndrome (I have some of the markers of this, according to Dr. Google), too, or possibly a thyroid issue. There are a lot of questions, obviously.
Mostly, though, the nutritionist is a sanity check before I start getting into some serious medical testing. Also, I believe firmly that if you always do what you always did, then you'll always get what you always got. Ok, no more platitudes.
However, I hope to hear from other people who might be dealing with similar issues, so if you have some theories or suggestions, let them rip in the comments. Also, any tips for practicing positive liver image would be appreciated! (Just kidding.)
Related: When you're sick, you want answers, but sometimes the first diagnosis isn't the right one. And the wrong one can be deadly. Learn what you can do about it.
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