Overweight? Please come in.

Jewlz018 · January 2011

Hi Ladies.

For those who are overweight and have seen an RE I was just curious as to what they said about your weight.

From things I've read I know that being overweight or underweight can affect your fertility and that losing even a little bit of weight can have a positive impact. From the cycles I've charted, it appears that I am probably ovulating. What other things might my extra weight be doing to my fertility?

I have struggled with my weight my whole adult life, and just finally had to decide I would not let this stop me from TTC. MH and I have been married for almost 6 years but together for 13 years and I had delayed the TTC previously because the extra weight.

Since we have decided to seek the help of an RE next month (which will be our 14th consecutive cycle and 16th cycle total of TTC) I just want to be a little prepared (emotionally and mentally).

I hope this makes some sort of sense...

MrsVo · January 2011

I'm about 20lbs overweight but no one has ever told me in a clinical setting that my fertility would benefit from loosing weight. I also don't know what it could help you do other than ovulate normally (which I don't do).

Jewlz018 · January 2011

Thanks Papps. I have a lot anxiety about this 1st appt. for different reasons and one of them is my weight.

I know this anxiety is probably normal though so I guess I need to try to just chill out. lol

Ya Never Know · January 2011

My RE never mentioned the weight, but my regular doctor did. I'm about 30lbs overweight, and my regular doctor said that losing it would probably help regulate things with the PCOS.

Jewlz018 · January 2011

Hi MrsVo. I am more overweight than you. I guess I should have put a note that I meant more than say 20 lbs. overweight. I wouldn't expect that a doctor would say anything if you have a minimal amount to lose. Unfortunately that is not the case with me.

BTW - How is your pup doing? No more health scares?

Mrs. Mo · January 2011

Since I ovulate on my own, the only instance where BMI would come to play is if I was considered obese (by their standards). I'm not sure the actual BMI, but if I was over it, they would have just needed a panel/commitee of docs to look at my file to ensure I would be doing the best protocal & dosage of meds.

Jezebell26 · January 2011

Hey hun. I can't believe I'm going to admit this but I guess u would consider me obese if u go by those stupid charts. I'm 5'4, I wear a size 18/20 or 2x depending. I'm close to 100 lbs over weight for my height. My wonderful RE has never mentioned my weight or size. I do have pcos and that is part of this struggle. I carry all my weight in my tummy area and have yo yo'd for years. I've tried ww, jenny, dexatrim, hydroxycut, etc. I don't lose much, get discouraged and eat. Now dontr get me wrong I'm not hitting the drive through 3x a day but I don't make great choices. I feel ur anxiety and frustration ands encourage u to move forward with ttc. My RE has treated me like anyone else. He looks at us in terms of treatment and the goal of achieving pregnancy. I think I asked him on our first appointment if ny weight would be an issue and he said of course it might help ovulating and such since I don't but since I never did, even at such a young age, he wasn't too concerned. Its been my new years resolution for as long as I can remember. Please PM if u have any questions or need a friend

This will happen for u and I'm proud of u for moving forward! There are girls out there twice and three times my size with babies! It is possible! Xoxox *hug*

99luftballoons · January 2011

I'm not overweight, but I have struggled to stay at a healthy weight for most of my life and it's been particularly difficult for me while TTC so I hope you don't mind me responding.

There was a study a few years ago that showed that even if you ovulating regularly, being overweight (actually, I think it was more than overweight, I think it was a BMI of over 30) reduces your chances of getting pregnancy significantly. Here's one of the write ups about it: https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20071211/obesity-linked-to-infertility-in-women I'm not sure if they know why exactly, they just know that it does. It also exposes you to higher risks when you get pregnant (gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, etc) and for the newborn which is at a higher risk of things like premature birth.

I don't know that unless you are significantly overweight that your RE will talk to you about that, but every RE is different. Good luck

lckcdc3 · January 2011

I too had severe anxiety about going to the RE and him mentioning my weight. I have struggled with weight litterally my entire life. My husband and I have been married for 5 years and just passed our 4 year TTC anniversary. During the first 3 years of TTC I continually tried to lose weight and eat healthier overall. By all means I am not a saint but I did try to cut out the nasty stuff. But when all of that didnt work we finally decided to go to the RE. I knew I had PCOS and I knew that has a lot to do with it. At the RE appointment he very nicely said (in the most non judgmental way) that of course loosing even 10 pounds could dramatically help. But that wouldn't prevent us from trying. I dont have high blood pressure & even with PCOS I dont have diabetes and I'm not insulin resistant. I just have a lot more weight than I should. I've seen plenty of shows and know plenty of obese women who sucessfully got pregnant. Unless your doctor completely disagrees being overweight shouldn't prevent you from have a child. ::HUGS:: It will all work out!

JazzFlute · January 2011

Back in June, after one unsuccessful medicated cycle, I had a huge moment after trying to go shopping for clothes. I had been avoiding looking at the scale when being weighed at the doctor's office even though I knew I had gained a lot of weight. I finally saw my weight on a print out and cried and cried. I knew that I couldn't continue with treatments until I lost weight. It was such a hard decision because the last thing I wanted was to take a TTC break and lose month after month. But I knew it was the best thing for me.

Now, I'm down 25 pounds and we are ready to start treatment again. My doctor didn't say anything during our intial appointment but I wish he would have since hello, I was probably at least 50 pounds overweight. I know I could stand to lose more weight but I'm comfortable with a 25 pound loss. I know that even if it doesn't help with my fertility, losing weight was the right thing for me and ultimately, that is the most important. Best of luck to you!!

Jewlz018 · January 2011

Thanks to all for your responses. It really means a lot to me to hear your experiences.

I am working on my weight issue (some days more then others). I would never say anything for sure, but I am not having any symptoms of PCOS but my blood pressure is borderline. Getting some of the weight off will help with the BP I'm sure.

I am no longer letting the weight get in the way of pursuing my dreams (in this case a baby). :-) Looking forward to my appt. just wish it wasn't more than a month away although I guess that time will fly by.

Best of luck ladies! I am always rooting for you all and am constantly amazed by the strength of the women on this board.

hispenguin · January 2011

I hope you don't mind me posting, but I figured it was safe since you mentioned SAIFW in your siggy.

I am overweight. Lord only knows by how much. I have PCOS, and for the two years previous to going to the RE I had ovulated once on my own. My RE mentioned losing weight the first appointment. I started to watch my portion sizes and carbs as well as walking/jogging, and lost about 15lbs. It didn't help me ovulate though, I didn't ovulate until I did my cycle with injections. There are a lot of other women that do ovulate once losing some weight though.

Good luck!

MrsVo · January 2011

Jewlz018:

Hi MrsVo. I am more overweight than you. I guess I should have put a note that I meant more than say 20 lbs. overweight. I wouldn't expect that a doctor would say anything if you have a minimal amount to lose. Unfortunately that is not the case with me.

BTW - How is your pup doing? No more health scares?

I have been overweight since a kid (I was obese as a child) so I think I will always identify myself as overweight whether it be 20lbs or 100.

My pup is doing great! Thanks for asking

tarabehr · January 2011

I am overweight and I am obese. Like you I was so scared about going to my first appointment with our RE and getting the "you have to lose weight run around." To my excitemnet he was amazing about everything. He didn't mention a thing about my weight or MH weight. I was the one to bring it up. All he said was "of course it wouldn't hurt to lose weight. That beause I ovulate normally and regularly, the only reason losing weight would help our infertility, is because less medication would be used during our treatments.'

DH and I both decided that we would wait for a few months before starting treatment, so we could lose weight. We know it's in our best intrest to lose the weight just to be healthy and saving money wont hurt either Wink . I am starting to get anxious though and everyday I want to call the Doctor and say screw it I want to start now where do I sign.

Over the past year of TTC I have always had this cloud hanging over me of "If I lose the weight I know its going to happen." So I try and I fail, try and fail over and over and over. I have the best motivation too and you would think it would be more then enough to make me stick to it. For some reason though, I continue to fail. Like Jezebell said you can PM me too if youd like to talk need and support or motivation. I could use some friends that are in the same boat as me.

Anasara · January 2011

I'm what would be considered morbidly obese. I came into this world @ 9 lb 15 oz; I've never not been "huge". But, I have no health issues besides IF. About 5 years ago I tried to get gastric band surgery & was denied because I didn't have any medical issues that warranted it. So dumb!

Anyways, the 1st RE I saw was very dismissive; he basically told me to lose the weight & I'd magically get pregnant. I got a 2nd opinion & It was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

My current RE actually did tests & found PCOS with IR. She put me on Metformin & I've lost almost 40 lbs. I'm still big, but she's cool with that. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact she dealt with IF herself & went through IVF for her kids.

I have just a little more weight to lose to make the BMI requirements for IVF. She keeps reminding me to take my time & don't think I'll magically become a size 6. She says big people get pregnant all the time so why not me? LOL!

mrsarjiltobe · January 2011

I'm also obese. My BMI is over 40. I was approved for gastric bypass surgery, but I decided against it when I noticed that a majority of people who had it gained their weight back within 5-10 years. I've discussd this issue at length with my RE. He said that yes, any weight loss would increase my chances of success. However they treat me the same, and don't bother me about it. He said that if I go forward with IVF, he would like to see me lose about 20 lbs to increase the chances. I have severe PCOS with IR, but no diabetes. I've been on Metformin for over a year, but it hasn't done anything to help me lose weight. Don't let your weight keep you from TTC, or from seeking treatment with IF. I see women much bigger then me having babies every day. Good luck!

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