I think I have a yeast problem -- advice?

[LottaKids_Omy]

I'd like to precede this by stating that I'm a mom of 8 kids, 6 of which actually came from my body.

I've never had a weight problem during pregnancies, and usually came out of them a few pounds lighter than when I went in. My problems came after I would stop breastfeeding. I would start packing on the pounds until my averages were about 10 lbs heavier after each child. So after baby #7 I tried Atkins. It was wonderful, easy, and I lost 50 lbs.

When I got pregnant with baby #8, I went off Atkins so that I could eat more fruits and whole grains. After baby, no problem, I used pre-maintenance while breastfeeding and quickly got back to within 5 lbs of pre-preg weight.

I stopped breastfeeding her a few months ago, and since then it's been nothing but problems.

I continued pre-maintenance since I only had a few more pounds to go, however I ended up gaining a whopping 35 lbs in a few months! So last month I went back on Induction. I didn't weigh myself the first week, but I knew I must have been losing weight because my clothes were getting looser and I could see some difference. I truly expected to see at least a 5-10 lb drop when I stepped on that scale.

NOTHING. Not one ounce was lost.

I was so disappointed and discouraged, because it is difficult preparing meals for a family my size without cheating at least a little, but I hadn't fallen off the wagon once. When I complained loudly and petulantly to my husband, he gave me the usual rhetoric that I am older now (pfffff, I'm 31) and have had so many kids that my body was probably just rooted to that weight, blah blah. However, there is definitely something weird going on with my body. I am getting constant yeast infections. I mean ... CONSTANT. As soon as I complete the 3-day treatment, I'll get another infection within a few days. Something is most definitely wrong. I had never even heard of systemic yeast infections or candida-free diet until I Googled "inability to lose weight". And there it was.

Does this sound like what others have experienced?

So I'm going to try the unyeasting diet. This is going to SUCK because the reason I loved Atkins so much was that I got to at least have my butter and cheese. I'm not a big coffee or soda drinker, so at least I've got that much going for me. What I'm looking for I think is some advice from others who have done it, maybe some encouragement, and a diet buddy, if possible.

Thanks in advance!

[Momtofour]

Did you try the yeast spit test that is listed in the sticky's above? You mention constant yeast infections so I would assume you have definately got a problem. I had yeast infecttions for awhile like your having, but it was before I started Atkins. I was eating alot of sugar laden foods. Since you are eating Atkins I am surprised that your infections are this bad. I would immediately start eating a yeast free diet. Don't expect miracles right away. You will be tired (I don't know if this will be feasable with 8 kids). It took me about 3 weeks before I felt a change in how I felt and to start losing weight. I would also take some supplements like Oil of Oregano. There are more supplements listed in the stickys above.

When I complained loudly and petulantly to my husband, he gave me the usual rhetoric that I am older now (pfffff, I'm 31) and have had so many kids that my body was probably just rooted to that weight, blah blah.

Sorry, but I have to agree with your husband on this one. Your body is definately going to change with age, and # of births. I think my third pregnancy about did me in. I also gained weight after nursing each child. I hope the yeast free diet helps. Keep us posted.

[BethHolland]

I was wondering if you ever got rid of the yeast? I am experiencing the same troubles you had in your post.