Discussion Board

I'm so embarassed.

I was an active board member and McDougaller quite a while ago, but I fell off the wagon. Hard. I wouldn't even know where to start if I wanted to tell you about the disaster that has been my life for the past 4 years.

What brought me back was food allergies, and possible leaky gut syndrome. I need to start an elimination diet and figure out what foods are and aren't causing problems. I've recently eliminated gluten, dairy, and eggs but that isn't enough, because I'm still sick.

My symptoms:
-depression
-sleep apnea (probably due to weight)
-migraines
-mood swings
-fatigue
-unbearable body/joint/muscle (I can't tell what hurts) pain - I'm only 30 and I feel 90 sometimes
-digestion issues (bloating, cramps, gas, diarreah, constipation, etc.)
-very rapid weight gain (doubled from 170 to 340 in a year)
-difficulty/inability to lose weight
-brain fog
-inability to concentrate
(the last two are particularly upsetting because I used to excel at my job... now I can't even function some days)
-many many more things

(on a side note: I think wheat makes me 'crazy' - for lack of a better word)

When I started gaining weight, I was a vegetarian. I went vegan for 4 of the 12 months, but it didn't help, so I went back to veg.

I've been tested for celiac disease - negative.

I've never been more unhealthy than I am right now.

I'm back. Embarassed, but back.

Hi Mandy. I recognize the photo. Welcome back.

Thank you. <3

Hey Mandy,

Well, you could feel embarrassed for the backslide, or you *could* feel good about taking steps to get things going well for yourself again, right? (I think I like the latter!)

It sounds like you are feeling a bit overwhelmed, but it also sounds like you came here willing to get down to work and turn things around. After all, you have a lot of behaviors from your time as a McDougaller quite a while ago -- lots to draw on, plus there's a lot on the boards (oh, I'm *so* new here!) to read and watch and add to the mix.

Anyway, I'm genuinely sorry you've been feeling a bit crappy with life in some disarray, but please push through to the part where you get the ball rolling and start turning things in a good direction!

good energy vibing your way,
-Ginger

Welcome back, Mandy! I hope you figure out your intolerance and get back to health!

I hadn't considered it a possible food intolerance but, I'm having many of the same symptoms and now you have me thinking. I am allergic to citrus fruits and pineapple, but those have never given me the symptoms I'm having such as:
-depression
-migraines
-mood swings
-fatigue
-aches
-bloating
-gas
-difficulty/inability to lose weight
-brain fog
-inability to concentrate

Now that I'm thinking about it, perhaps I should consider doing a Mary's Mini with potatoes? The only thing that has gone up since starting this WOE is my consumption of potatoes, brown rice, quinoa, etc.

No shame... food addiction kicks us all of us to the curb. Seeing you well and healthy.

Aloha, patty

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you so much Ginger! I need all the good vibes I can get!

I wish I had lots of time to devote to this, but I don't. I have a full time job, and I am studying full time. Thank goodness I don't have any kids!!! Since I have no time to think lately, I'm just going to have to suck it up and dive in because I've got a crazy 2 years ahead of me (with trying to get my schooling finished).

My doctor (psychiatrist) told me that my problems are likely caused by food intolerances and/or leaky gut.

I am SO blessed to have found a doctor that will work with me on food allergies. SO BLESSED.

I thought that Mary's Mini was to help weight loss - not to discover food intolerances. No? I could be way off base, as I have been away for quite some time, and I hadn't really become all that familiar with Mary's Mini to begin with.

Truer words have never been spoken!
Thank you!

Hi Mandy! I remember your face from my first time on these forums. I joined in 2008 and I really studied the McDougall program, read lots of the posts in Jeff's forum and saved lots of recipes, and knew that this was the optimal way to eat. But I wasn't ready to commit ... couldn't imagine giving up chocolate, or never cooking with oil again, so I wandered away and tried "moderation" for awhile. It didn't work!

I came back to McDougalling a few months ago and am really happy with my progress so far. I now feel that this is the way I'm going to eat for the rest of my life. I've found the MWL program to be really good, not only for weight loss, but for really getting to grips with the principles of calorie density. And because I eat the same meals over and over, it's saving me time too!

Good luck, and I look forward to hearing about your progress.

Hi Mandy,

I'm sure the last thing you want right now is unsolicited medical suggestions, but have you been tested for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? Or thyroid issues? Some of your symptoms brought those to mind.

I sincerely hope you find what's causing you so much trouble. I'm looking forward to cheering you on!

Vola

Goodness! You've got a long list of symptoms. Have you had your thyroid tested? (Be sure to get the entire thyroid panel done, not just TSH.)

Don't let them tell your thyroid is "fine." Ask for the numbers. The higher your TSH, the lower your thyroid is. The labs and doctors consider TSH to be in the normal range up to 4.0, but, according to Dr. McDougall, TSH should not be above 2.0

Let us know how that goes.

Nettie

Mary's mini is for weight loss, but it seems like a good plan to me for seeing if it's one of the starches that I added that is causing the issues.

I look forward to seeing your progress! Everyone here is so inspiring!

Putting in another vote for a full thyroid workup.

I had the standard thyroid test done. Can't remember the number, but will have to check later tonight when I get home.
I will ask for a full thyroid panel next time I'm at the doctor, thanks guys!
I have not been tested for the ovary thing. What does the test involve? Can it be done via a standard blood test?