Joy! Go you. This is awesome.

Steph

Of course your friends are here. Keep on going - you're so inspiring, friend. xo

But can I pinch it?

(OK, so that was wrong. And I'm sorry. But seriously? GO YOU! Congrats. As a fellow thyroid-wrestler, I know it isn't easy and I know you've had to have worked twice as hard as most people. You rock.)

I totally understand the need to write about weight loss. The community of other WL bloggers is one of the most important pieces of my journey! Congrats on the shrinking bum!

YOU are an inspiration! This really is so cool!

look at you with the amazing shrinking ass!! where did you get that? I need one!

congrats, lady. it must feel so awesome to have your hard work pay off. :)

Y, take the metformin. Diabetes killed my mom. Metformin just helps your body use the insulin it has. I know it is scary at first, but you can do it.

*Slaps that ass on my way out*

THIS is amazing, Y.
seriously amazing. I'm so glad for you that you are finally seeing results...and that you are sharing them!!!

Wow! Your ass looks great!

You are doing great and are an inspiration to me to get off my growing ass and do something about it!

Dude, your ass looks awesome.

One of my very close friends takes Metformin and she said as long as you are very careful to take it with food, it's fantastic. Let me know if you want more information and I'll ask her for you (either email or I can tell you on Saturday at the meet up in Pasadena!).

Wow that is a big butt difference! Keep up the good work! You are an inspiration to those of us who keep giving up.

I am glad things are moving in the right direction for you. I have been struggling with my stupid thyroid and the weight thing for YEARS. No one ever believes me when I say it is my thyroid. They just automatically assume that if you are fat, you are a gluttonous, lazy pig. And I am not. I eat right, and I exercise like MAD and its only just now starting to fall into place. It took FOREVER for my thyroid med to actually work.

But it is. And I am so so glad. Each weigh-in day, the numbers are dropping. And I just had to buy pants FOUR sizes smaller than the last time I had to buy pants.

Hoo-fucking-RAH.

:O)

Best of luck as you continue on....

You are doing awesomely, I'm really in awe of your dedication to it. xoxoxoxo

Can't wait to see your awesome ass on Saturday morning! Go, Y!!!

You can TOTALLY tell. I'm so glad you are seeing progress!!

Know what? You kick ASS (your OWN especially! Great job!).

I totally understand what you mean about needing the motivation. It is a daily, actually more of an hour to hour, struggle for me. I am having the hardest time getting up off my own ass and getting moving and I'm stuck in the lack of motivation/guilt/depression downward spiral. Ugh. You're doing SO awesome! Your new flat ass is my inspiration... I'm sappy, I know.

Go, Y, Go!

Hi Y,
I've been reading your blog for awhile now and find you sooo funny and real. I've wanted to comment for awhile now on your health but never have 'cuz really who am I? Not a doctor for sure!!! Anyway here's my comment--actually two of 'em!!! Take the metformin!!! I take it and have for a couple years now. BUT start slow--cut the tabs in half and only take those for a week or so, then slowly work your way up to your correct dosage. Seriously it will so help!!

Second, buy the book The Schwarzbien Principle. Serious. It SOOOO helped me to learn how to eat. I have NEVER felt better.

Email me if you'd like. Otherwise--good luck!!!! And thanks for all of the fun stuff!!!

Love,
A fellow so-cal girl with food/health issues.

Yuck. Screw whoever said that. I am always thrilled to hear about your progress. Not thrilled if things are not going as well as you would like, but thrilled that you are putting it out there. I feel like I can relate. I have a different set of "reasons" why things have happened to me. I think you look beautiful. I wish I had the forethought to take pictures myself. I've lost 80 pounds and don't look any different to myself. I know that can't be right, but I have no basis for comparison. You are awesome to have taken this seriously, to have chronicled your efforts, to have taken the pictures, and to have realized that there are a bunch of readers out here who DO absolutely give a shit about it and aren't bored for one single second. You inspire me to keep going. :)

Holy crap! Check you out lady!!! I'm seriously stoked for you. I'm doing a happy dance every time you lose some weight. And the booty shrinkage??...yeah I'm dancing!

:) Great job!

dude, I'm totally noticing the same thing. lost like 15 lbs, seemingly ALL from my ass. all my jeans are doing that saggy, draggy thing now. grr.

A lot of us struggle with the weight issues (and you know I'm your sister in the thyroid issues, too). I always appreciate your candor, hon.

Nice ass!

Yea! Clap Clap Clap!

I don't think your blog is at all boring to read :-)

Wow!! If that isn't motivation, I dont know what is.. You look awesome..
We're so proud of you! :)

I think you should continue to write about your weight loss. SO MANY PEOPLE are struggling with the same and can relate. It's real life, go with it.

As far as the Metforming, well, you might be one of the lucky people who has no side effects. I was not. I was truly miserable for the first few weeks, but I lost something like 17 pounds and had a few favorite foods that I could eat. My doctor switched me to Glumetza, which is extended relief Metformin and I have had zero side effects and it does the job well.

(also, I gained all 17 of those pounds back. And then some. Am now seeing a nutritionist.)

Woo hoo! And while this is all awesome, I have to say that you are in some serious need of new pants. Those are WAY TOO BIG FOR YOU! :)

Y, the shrinking woman... I love it!

Go You!

And if you ever want a walking partner (at the park or otherwise) I'm definitely game. I need to shrink my own, thankyouverymuch.

Hey. I have been reading your blog for years. YEARS! I have commented once in a while, but not too often. But I always read, because your voice sounds so real. Like someone who's really going through things. And you know what? This weight thing, and the health things? They are real things. They are real. And people can relate. And people care. I, for one, am happy to read whatever you have to say.

Oh my god, seriously, how long are you going to keep writing a really great blog that people adore? Really, lame-o.

I love both those booties, but you know that already. :)

Hooray for you! Way to go. And fwiw, I like reading about your weight loss. I'm so very impressed and inspired by the fact that you are working so hard even though your body is working against you.

You haven't lost me!

You may get motivation by writing about this, but I know lots of people (I'm one) get motivation by READING it.

Losing weight is hard enough if you don't have any medical issues...so to see you working so hard at this - and seeing results - is really motivating. You're really doing fantastic! And like so many others, I'll read what you write any time...any subject.

Still here. Keep writing :).

You are amazing and so brave Y. Don't let anyone tell you different. I've been coming here for over two years (yes, I know, I should comment more. sorry) and I've never once thought you talk about Fat too much. Never. Your posts give me motivation and hope.

I have hypothyroidism and am insulin resistant also. I started on Metformin last year and took it for around 6 months then stopped taking it for about 4 months. I realized then that I felt better when I was taking it so I went back on it about a month ago. It helps me lose some of my belly fat, slows down the unwanted hair growth on my chin, and I just feel better on it. I don't like to take pills either but I'm more afraid of getting diabetes. So I second that about taking Metformin!

You are so brave and amazing for this. Keep writing and I'll keep reading and commenting. You truly are awesome.

You're doing fantastic, Y! Keep up the good work. If my posting a positive comment helps you stay on track with your weight loss, then I'm going to be out here making lots more. Because. You deserve to be healthy and happy and you can DO this! I KNOW you can. Hugs.

I think you lost more readers because you stopped updating as much, not because of the topics you selected. I'd read anything you wrote!

I'm really proud of you and happy for you. You're amazing and wonderful and I'm right here beside you - to cheer you on!

xoxoxox

We have the same dx - I promise the metformin is FANTASTIC! It really does help.

Dear Y,

I am 34 years old and have been heavy my whole life. Almost three months ago I decided that I was going to make a change. I joined Weight Watchers and finally returned to the gym (where I've been a member for the last four years, but hadn't worked out in almost two years). The weight loss has been slow, I've only dropped about 16 pounds, but it's made an amazing difference. I don't feel any different on the inside - I still feel like me - but I know that I am starting to look different on the outside. I know what you mean about wanting feedback - throughout this whole thing nothing has made me feel more motivated than the response of my friends and family cheering me on and telling me I'm doing great. So, I understand your perspective. This journey is hard and long and frustrating, but it's the little things that keep me going. You are doing great and you look great. I'll be reading and cheering you on every step of the way.

-Michelle

That's a huge difference! Wow!!! Well done, well done. keep it up!

Y, you write about whatever you want whenever you want for as long as you want.

Second, wow, those pictures are drastic! I'm glad to know you can still rest a cup on it - LOL - but you are doing so great. You rock.

Y,

Metformin...all the way. I did the whole waffling thing, too. I was heavy, tired, depressed, lethargic and insulin resistant. No amount of calorie/nutrient counting and exercise seemed to affect my weight by more than five pounds. However, I did tons of research on metformin after it was prescribed and weighed my options. I did experience some side effects - but those really were blessings in disguise. They taught me a better way of nourishing my body.
One amazing thing? I stopped craving hamburgers, fries, ice cream, etc. I used to be totally addicted to McDonald's fries. While on Metformin, they elicited nothing more than a 'meh' type of response. I started metformin at 234 and dropped to 167 in the span of five months.

Then, I stopped taking it. My weight ballooned up to 242, I suffered from SEVERE exhaustion and could barely manage to go to work or enjoy my life. Truth is, I got cocky and thought "I can handle this by myself." Sadly, my insulin resistance disagreed - - even after my strict adherance to a diet and exercise program.

I started back on metformin...and watched the weight melt away, the energy level increase..and my mood began to lift, too!

Remember, you can always STOP taking it if you don't like the side effects. You have been working so hard for so long...don't deprive yourself of a helpful tool in this battle against insulin resistance, hashimoto's..and the dreaded 'fat'.

And Y, don't hesitate to email me with any questions regarding metformin. I started on a 500mg dosage and have been as high as 2500mg. (Metformin user since 1/2007. Stopped in Nov '08 and started again in May '09)

Wow, that is a major difference. Nice work, keep it up, diabetes is no joke.

It's good to hear that blogging has helped you keep motivated.

I found two things that have helped me keep exercising: finding a fun way to work out, and blogging about exercising. I posted my workout plan on my blog along with a before picture, and I'm logging everything I do publicly, so now I'm definitely committed. And it's been going great.

I really enjoyed this post. You have a great thoughts-to-words way of writing that makes me smile.

You write about whatever you want! It's inspiring, and part of your life, and your ass looks great! :) I'm trying hard to lose weight too...and it's such a rollercoaster And my weight loss blog probably needs to morph into something more interesting. Putting the rest of my life on it would probably be a good start.

You're incredible. So many would have just given up, Y, just generated the excuses, but you don't.

Y -- take the meds -- they really, really help. my husband also takes metformin and it has really delayed the onset of diabetes and further problems. I would have given up SO long ago if I were you and YOU are an inspiration to show what persistance does!!! I'm so proud of you.

You're an absolute inspiration Y - keep up the hard work because it is definitely working!

I love that you talk about your challenges with your weight. It's nice to know I'm not the only one.

And baby, we'll always have JLo asses.

Wow! You look great!

::wolf whistle::
Nice :)
And seriously? The fact that you write about your real, actual life, even when it sucks, is why I keep coming back. Write about whatever is on your mind, and we'll be here to cheer you on or commiserate, or maybe just laugh at your kids a bit.

Smiling so much here :-)

Smiling at the ponds you have lost...
Smiling at the baggy jeans...
Smiling at all the wonderful support in the comments above...

So wonderful to see and hear this.

The difference is amazing! Nice job! You write about whatever you want--it's YOUR space.

Hugs, Babe..you CAN do it! i am so proud of you!

if someone is turned off by your blogging - big fat duh! to them! they can go somewhere else. I say - Go go go! this is your blog, your life, your "fans", your weight, your purpose. So I will never stop reading because you rock!!

You're doing so great!!! I don't even know you really and I'm still so proud of you!

About the running--not to be all advisey or anything but I started my weightloss at 221 this year and I'm currently at 206 and this is what is working for me so I'm passing it along and you can ignore me if you wish--have you thought of starting c25k? Google it if you haven't heard of it but it is the coolest thing ever. When I started I literally could not run for 2 whole minutes without having to stop. I wanted to cry the first time I did it, but I kept up with it and now about 10 weeks later I'm jogging 20 minutes without stopping! My goal is to be able to jog a full 5k without stopping and I'm going to try to hit that by August 1.

Also? The people who stopped reading you because of this? F them sideways. Seriously. They are the equivalent of the girls in hs who would stop being your friend once your hot brother went to college. Not true readers or friends, so they can kiss your ever-shrinking ass.

Y, your milkshake will bring all the boys to the yard no matter what... but you are looking AMAZING and your thoughts are just as beautiful!! Keep up the great work!

I was diagnosed with the LATE STAGES of hypothyroidism yesterday. I knew it wouldn't kill me cuz I've been following your blog for about a year now.

You are my inspiration! I will fight back and win too!

bj

What a difference in those pictures! Good job! Keep it up! I love reading your blog no matter what you talk about and I wish you the best on your journey.

Y. I have not been writing or commenting much lately, but I had to come out of hiding to say, GREAT JOB!!!! You must be so thrilled, and how great to see the numbers go down on the scale and proof in the pics that you're taking! I've also lost a few pounds recently and it makes you feel supercharged...very, hear me roar, kind of thing.

or maybe that's just me.

But, it must be said: YOU GO, GIRL.

I can't believe someone would complain about what you write about... people are so weird.

Anyway, I rarely comment, but I wanted to say that you can totally tell you've lost weight! Good for you!!!!!

I love yo ass.

OMG, I am sooo proud of you!!!! Your butt is sooo much smaller. You keep going :)

You're an inspiration to me. I have just started my journey this week and would like to lose 35-40 lbs. I just focus on health every day.

Please keep posting, I love your journey!

Jean

I have been a reader for a very long time.. I will continue to read. Keep writing. Please.....

Y - PLEASE take the metformin. I've been on it for years as I have polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance goes along with that. The only side effect I've ever had is sometimes having the runs. IR can cause damage to your blood vessels, which then can play into heart damage. It can also cause liver damage. Metformin is one of those generics that are very cheap at Walmart, Target, etc. You will lose weight and have more energy when you have your IR under control. I also take Omega-3 Fatty acid as research shows that Omega-3 can help with the IR.
Keep on truckin' Y. You can get this under control!!!!

well you aint losing me as a reader..
Y you are not just awesome but fucking awesome.
im currently trying to lose weight as well and having health problems. You inspire me a lot!!!!
hugs!

Yay! Way to go and well done! My attempts to lose weight have yet to be refelcted by my trouser size.

(Metformin really isn't that bad. I took it a long time due to polycystic ovaries).

Wow. What an accomplishment. I want you to keep talking about fat and take lots more pictures of your ass! I sometimes feel like a thyroid dx means frumpy forever, but you are proving me wrong. Thank you!

I tried the metaformin, but had side effects, like horrible cramping and abdominal pain. I bought some stuff I read in a book online called Eleotin MB tea. It tastes horrible, but I drank it for a few months and my blood test shows no more insulin resistance. I crave a lot less sugar. It's worth looking in to!

You go girl! Nothing is better motivation than putting on your "fat" clothes and realizing your swimming in them. You look great :)

WooHoo you go girl!!!!

Y-
PEOPLE often SUCK! Seriously. Not all people, but some people. I can go on a rambling psychoanalytical rant about those that purposefully and maliciously like to leave posts just to EFF with people, but what's the point! Just flip them the bird when you read their post, forward it back to them with no response or with a response that says, "We're sorry, your comments can no longer be accepted as writtent. If you feel you have reached this response in error, please check your comment and try to post again."

We ALL have our stuggles of some sort. WE could do so much better to support each other by countering our strengths with another's weakness and pulling them up; but what we tend to do is use our strengths to ram the other and their weakness deeper and deeper into the pit they already feel they're in. I do it, I know it; I pray about it and try to grow my goodness as much as I can.

Thanks for showing us your A-S-S. A little piece of A-S-S is nice once in a while. ;)

Chin up, Little Lady!

YAY for smaller, flatter asses :)

You should be so PROUD of yourself!!! I am very impressed with these photos, as well as the "sitting in the chair with the cell phone" picture. You go girl!! Keep up the good work!! You are an inspiration!!

I LOVE your blog. Congratulations on your before and after pics. You are a true motivation for me!!!! Keep writing!

PS -- I loved the BEEE-VUR post. Gabby is adorable.

I come here to see how you're doing, not for you to entertain me with my ideas of what you should write. I pray for you when you're having a rough time, and I rejoice for you when you have some success. So keep writing whatever helps YOU--it is, after all, YOUR blog.

I enjoy reading your blog no matter what you write about. I enjoy stories about your kids, your neighbors, your childhood, your husband and your weight loss. I enjoy the way in which you write about your life. Readers that come with a certain expectation as to how they want you to entertain them are silly. Pay no attention to them.

Y, you look terrific and I'm impressed with your asslessness! I want to wring, I mean hug, your neck though for not taking the Metformin. You've wanted a dr. to pay attention to YOU. Now you have one and you're nhot paying attention to HER. Sistah! Read about it, know what side effects you might expect, learn how to take it correctly then take it for a month. If you want to change your mind, of course you can. Keep up the great work sweaty woman. You're an inspiration!!

Y, I come here because I love reading about YOU and your beautiful family. Please don't stop writing about things that are important in your life just because some dufus (who hopefully won't be back for another 2 years) complained.

/would still tap that

*claps hands over mouth*

DIDN'T SAY IT -- it was him *points*

Y, I truly honor you and I am not kidding when I say you are a total inspiration to me. I have thyroid probs too, but not as bad as yours. Your tenacity and perseverance? It's absolutely amazing. You rock. And your shrinking ass is totally motivational!

I can't tell you how many times I've given up because I saw no results. This post has inspired me to not give up; no matter how few results (if any) I see...because they will show up. I just need patience. I'm glad you're taking steps to better health. My husband has diabetes and his mom (age 76) and brother (age 41) died from complications for diabetes, so congratulations on your progress and keep it up!

Holy shit your ass is WAY smaller!! You go girl.

I lost HUNDREDS of readers when my son was diagnosed with autism. Didn't feel too great. I'm working hard at getting new and better ones now.

But you recently gained a reader...me :) And I love hearing you talk about your fat!! :)

For every one of the readers you "lose" talking about The Fat, you have another reader who struggles with the same issues and who feels less alone because of what you write about it. So thank you for helping those of us right here with you.

Y...I adore you. In a real life way, I don't even know you, but I adore you none the less.

I love what you write. It often hits me in such a personal way. It motivates me to keep going and sometimes it is just the kick in the stomach that I need.

I know no one ever wants to hear negative comments from people, no matter how much you try not to care. My advice is still the same, forget that person and their snarkiness. If their life is so sad and pathetic that they need to leave someone a mean spirited comment...just think about how much their life must truly suck. I feel sorry for people like that. And in reality, why care about someone who hasn't bothered to check in on you and your life in 2 years? They are SO irrelevant.

As for the diabetes meds....please take them. My mom died at age 60 from diabetes complications. For years, she didn't take the disease seriously and didn't follow through with medical advice. It shortened her life by decades and my heart will never stop breaking. Take the meds. Keep working out. Keep being your amazing beautiful self...and sharing it with us.

Hugs and lotsa love,

You've been my inspiration a lot when I really DON'T want to work out. I just think, if Y can do it, so can I. I started the thirty day shred yesterday and thought of you. I read you and love what you write.
please don't stop!
emily

I love you. It doesn't matter to any of us what size you are but it matters to you and that's what's important. So you know what I say FUCK 'EM if they don't want to read what you have to say. There are plenty of blogs on celebrity gossip, wood carving, and what people cooked their kids for lunch. They can click away anytime. Me, I will be here reading whatever you need to write.

If you do not take the metformin to lower your glucose blood sugars you will end up on insulin. You don't like pills? You're gonna HATE shots in your stomach.

Take the pills. Not for what you look like. Nobody really cares what you look like, they like you for YOU, not your body. But if you won't take the pills you're gonna get really sick. Diabetes is nothing to fool with. With metformin you can eat a fairly normal diet. Once you go on insulin, you can forget normal.

Plus, it REALLY helps you to lose weight. Really. I promise.

WooHoo! Look at you! All that hard work is paying off! I'm glad you finally found a Doctor who listened to you. You don't know me, but you are a total inspiration to me. (Also diagnosed with hypothyroidism last year.) I know if you can do it, that I have a chance. Bless you Y!

Y! This is awesome! I'm so happy for you!

And as a PCOS sufferer who had to take metformin (which is what contributed to me finally getting pregnant again), I can honestly say it was hard for me to get used to at first (all the symptoms) but it's so worth it. And I'll have to take it again after the baby is born (and I'm done nursing).

So very happy for you. This is awesome.

Well, it's been a long time since I have read your blog (not sure if it's 2 years, haha) but I am happy to read your writing still. You are a great writer and photographer. I, too, have struggled with weight all my life; it's a constant in my life. But, I have recently lost 75 pounds. It was anything but easy! I'm still needing to lose more, but at the moment it is challenge enough to just keep off what I have lost. You are doing great, keep going! I know how hard it is. You can do it. If I can, I believe anyone can. I have the metabolism of a slug. Try to keep jogging. That is what really helped me.

"I RAN on the treadmill. Granted, only for 2 minutes at a time, but still. I RAN."

As a person that's struggled with thyroid problems, crappy primary care doctors, and then an awesome endocrinologist who finally diagnosed me with Hashimoto's, I completely understand that statement. You go from feeling like you can't get off the couch for months and then when you have that one day, that one workout where you are actually sweating like real people and not exhausted after 5 minutes, it feels amazing. You feel like you could conquer the world because you had the energy to RUN.

You are doing an amazing job, Yvonne. Don't let anyone tell you any different.

I have never commented before, but I always read your blog. I too have two boys and then a girl that I never thought I would have. First off, the jeans pictures are amazing--nice work! And second, I really enjoy reading you. You can talk about weight loss all you want!

Well Y..... see how much of an absolute inspiration you are for so many people in this world, besides your family!

We love you, because you are real and share your problems honestly with your devoted readers. You are someone whom we can relate to and see ourselves within you.

Thank you for being you!

*Hugs*

P.S. Take your metformin before I drive down the coast and kick yer arse!

Wow Y! That is a HUGE difference in those pics! Good job!! I know it is soooo hard to be going through this, but I love your blog and won't stop reading! :)

You have lost a LOT of weight. I'm in the process myself so this is so good to see. Success!

Y, you're a rock star. I love your fearlessness and your tenacity.

What is so ironic about this post is that while you blog to keep yourself motivated, others come to your blog to get or stay motivated.

Also, your a** looks awesome. I never thought I'd be saying that in a comment, except perhaps to Rick Springfield.

You should not fear metformin. it's a very good drug AND one tends to lose weight on it. It won't give you diabetes, it will just help your muscles more able to absorb insulin. Seriously, take the meds my friend.

WHEW - I'm so glad you can still rest a cup on your bootie - don't scare me like that! Seriously...those pics show that you've made tremendous progress!! Keep it up!!

Y- You inspire me! I love your blog! I'm with you Sister I do not want to take the drugs. I have been diagnosed with PCOS and my endocrinologist gave me one month to lose weight and then I wouldn't have to take the drugs. Well I lost weight and did not take the drugs! Keep at it! It's tough, but you are a tough girl!

Everyone's a critic....yada, yada, yada. Ignore the bad and go with the good! The more you write about your struggles, the more we get inspiration from it. Thank you!

I could come here every day of my life and some things would be constant. Some would bother me, some would not, and as if you care.....I mean I almost raped you in that elevator at M2S you should definitely care what I think, right...

1. you writing about your thyroid - I have same problem, I write same things - we must be twins
2. you writing about your weight - I have same problem, I write same things - we must be twins
3. you writing about being diabetic - I have same problem, I write same things - we must be twins
4. you taking (or not taking) metaformin - I tried it, it made me sick, I don't take it - we must be twins

5. I have a serious Vitamin D deficiency, and well, Vit C and B12 when it was all said and done - and you might want to have yours checked - you know, us being twins and all

None of that bothers me because - duh, we are twins after all -.

Now, the one thing that bothers me is, I could come to your blog every blasted day and the one thing that would bother me...your freakin' memory thing never remembers my info and I have to keep re-entering it...over and over - why must you do your evil twin sister like this?

*on a side note, I broke my leg in January if you remember (or better like how could you or anyone forget since I never shut up about it) and it was late March before someone said, "hey look, you have a Vit D deficiency, I bet that's why your leg won't heal" and so I had surgery and I go back this upcoming Friday for my 4 week post-op and if this doctor doesn't help me figure out why the (*&*&( I can't get well, I'm may blow a gasket - as if it is his fault and not my crazy vitamin deficient, thyroid malfunction, diabetic body...

I would very lucky to have a booty like yours thankyouverymuch. lol
And keep talking about whatever you want. It's YOUR blog. And I love it. =)

Wow well done chick. May the force be with you for the rest of the pounds. Cheering you on here.

Well done on your weight loss so far!

I would recommend taking the metformin. My friend took it and it also helped her with losing some more weight.

Y, please please use the Metformin.

As a few people have mentioned previously, it's prescribed alot for Poly Cytic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which I have.
I've been on it for 3 months and the weight that I was never able to lose before on my stomach and ass has just melted off.

Here's my advice;

1. Do your research, go on the diabetes and PCOS boards and find out what works for other people. Metformin is the generic version of the drug. Some people prefer the brand Glucophage for its decreased side effects.

2. Give yourself time to up the dosage.

My Gyn wrote my prescription for Glucophage 500 like this;
1/2 tab at night for 2 weeks,
1 tab at night for 2 weeks,
1 tab at night and 1/2 tab on morning for 2 weeks,
1 tab twice daily for 2 weeks,
1 tab 3 times daily for 4 months ( I then have a re-check of my ovaries scheduled)

3. DO NOT take the tabs on an empty stomach!! I have resorted to drinking Boost Glucose Control shakes before I take my tab, if I don't have time to eat.

4. See a dietician. This will help the Metformin to work, and makes a MASSIVE difference in how much you can lose. I've been on a Low Glycemic Index diet. It's been interesting ;)

5.I'm trying to put my hands on the article, but my Gyn also took me off of my birth control because in a few studies there was a strong correlation between long term use of the Pill and Insulin Resistance. She recommended a Progesterone only IUD and I chose Mirena for that.

Please don't freak out about the Metformin, it's just another tool in your kit for getting healthy and keeping yourself there.

keep on taking pictures of your butt! as a reader i get very attached to the people i follow and want to see them through their journey. i don't understand not following when you are revealing real and painful life issues on this blog. it is a damn good blog and you should keep at it!

I love all the entries you write. Look at you, you lost a lot of weight, you look amazing Y! When I see someone that is struggling with a disease but still loses weight.. it kicks me in the butt to go workout because compare to you, my reasons ARE pathetic. Keep posting when you want to post. That's what blogging should be about.

Way to go Y!!!
I have had huge anxiety problems in the past and one of my biggest triggers was taking pills. (so when the Dr said "hey, you have anxiety, take these pills I was more than a little ticked!!)..however..I started off with half a dose and worked my way up and it was teh best choice I've ever made for myself. Nothing happened side-effects wise that I couldnt handle and ultimately I've never felt more grounded and healthy in my life..you're doing so much to take control of your life Y, reach out for the courage to take them..(if they suck or make you feel worse then you stop..that simple).
also, please, never stop writing..you have an incredible voice and awesome sense of humour and joy. There are those of out there who appreciate every post!

Don't have time to read all the comments but my husband was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes just before Christmas last year, and was prescribed Metformin. It started making a difference right away, and now his sugars are well-managed, he's got more energy, and his overall health is much better.

Neither one of us noticed any negative side effects.

Don't fear the metformin! It might help. Stay strong; I'm a long-time reader and you are a true inspiration.

I just read your comment on bloggess's "beautiful" post, and I wanted to tell you that if those words were painted on your body, I for one would say that they are beautiful, that you are beautiful. I am not in any way minimizing your achievements in weight loss, or your need to lose weight. Not telling you to do anything differently. Just telling you, in the midst of it, that you are beautiful.

Go you!

I can totally relate to this and I am SO GLAD you write about this stuff. I've been working to lose weight, too. It's hard. It's an effort you put forth every minute of every day. Look at you! You're doing it! And the "I RAN on the treadmill. Granted, only for 2 minutes at a time, but still. I RAN." stuff? I was blogging almost the same thing in February. I ran my first 5K at the end of May. YOU CAN DO THIS. You really, really can. You are! Keep up the good work and keep writing.

Dude, there are so many worse things that a flat ass. If that's what you ultimately end up with, eh, be at peace. I can't believe how well you're doing. I'm so glad, future flat ass and all.

might be helpful, might not. best of luck, either way. we're all pulling for you. :)

http://veganhope.com/2009/04/11/the-post-that-started-it-all/

OMG so much smaller!

Hi Y- I am also insulin resistent and the metformin does help a little. I am not diabetic but have PCOS. It really does not do much to you. I am supposed to be on 200mg a day but i take just 1000mgs The higher does doe smess with your stomach and well I guess that could be one way to loose weight but really thats a pain in the ass to deal with, literally. It does not make you feel weird or anything like that and no weaning is nessary to come off of it it. It is a simple medicine and really does make the insulin resitence better and it keeps my periods in check. Best of luck. You ass looks great by the way

Oh god! You mean when I'm reading blogs I'm not watching movies with beginnings, middles and ends? So your life is process or something? And you, like the rest of us, have struggles that stick around for more than five minutes?

I applaud your writing and whatever motivates you to do what's important to you. Huzzah!

Well its your blog and I reckon that gives you the right to write about whater you like! And your arse looks HEAPS smaller! good for you.

Not only your backside, look at little your arms are in the 2nd picture. WOW- congrats!

Hey, just wanted to say, thanks for owning the numbers and putting them out there.
How fun will it be when they start with ones? Go, you!

Sorry I'm a little late to this party. Hope you've started taking the mefortmin by now and seen that you can live with it - heck, it's a lot easier taking a few pills every day than having to monitor your blood sugars constanmtly and shoot yourself up with insulin regularly.

I know of what I speak: I had gestational diabetes with both my pregnancies. I also have a family history of Type 2 diabetes. I was diagnosed as PCOS about 7 years ago (while trying to conceive my son), and put on glucophage then. After I got pregnant, I stopped taking it. A few years ago, when I had 146 lbs on my 4'10" frame, I went to an internist who specializes in weight loss. She diagnosed me with IR and put me on glucophage. I also changed to eating a lower-carb diet and lost 20 lbs. (The best low-carb info online is at http://livinlavidalowcarb.com/blog/). I've lost another 10 lbs since then by using a treadmill desk so that I can walk while I work.

You can do it, Y!

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