Question able the Sleeve and PCOS

 Hi,
I noticed a few people have posted that during their surgeon meeting the surgeon changed the WLS from RYN to the Sleeve so I'm researching the sleeve. I have severe PCOS and I'm wondering does the Sleeve help it at all? 
I want to be fully informed about both the RYN and the Sleeve just incase. I also have insulin dependant type 2 diabietis. 
Any information someone can give me would be very helpful
Thank you
Heidi

Hiya,

I haven't had the sleeve, but think I can answer. I have severe PCOS too. Any mass reduction in weight will help alleviate the symptoms of your PCOS.

However, my understanding is that the RNY provides an advantage over the sleeve for diabetes patients. I am nor 100% sure why (I don't think science is yet sure why) and I have long wondered if that advantage carries over into the insulin resistance that causes / is caused by PCOS too.

At any rate, I am off all my PCOS meds, and have normal hormonals and a restored cycle after a year and 175 pounds! I am hoping this proves to be a permanent fix.

ETA: Found this article online to add re; why RNY in the advantage for diabetes.

The fact is, nobody knows for certain but there are theories about this as well as clinical research.

One theory is that by changing the anatomy of the intestinal tract, certain hormone secreting cells in the gut are brought in closer proximity to the pancreas which amplifies their effect on the pancreas. Two hormones in particular, glucacon-like peptide (GLP1) and gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP), are hormones that are manufactured from special cells in the distal intestine, the ileum. GLP1 in particular stimulates the pancreatic beta cells to secrete insulin. As mentioned above, the RNY brings the GLP1 secreting cells much closer to the pancreas and these cells are stimulated to secrete the GLP1 hormone every time a meal is eaten. Therefore, after a RNY is performed, the pancreas receives much more stimulation from GLP1 with every meal so, if the patient still has some degree of pancreatic function left, it responds more vigorously to each meal.

The above explanation makes perfect sense, but things are never as simple as they seem. Based on a number of studies performed on rats, it appears another mechanism is more likely. Although it has not yet been identified, some studies suggest that there may another hormone which acts as an antagonist to GLP1. It is thought that this hormone is secreted by the proximal intestine, or duodenum. This is the part of the intestine that is actually bypassed in the RNY procedure. It is thought that if this hormone exists, its levels go down after a RNY is performed. Therefore the GLP1 hormone is allowed to exert its effect on the pancreas without any interference from this hormone, labeled an anti-incretin. Therefore, based on rat studies where various surgeries were performed on the gut, this theory appears to be more plausible.

It is obvious that much more research is needed in this area before we get a clear answer to this question. I find it exciting though, that we are making definite progress in our understanding of diabetes which will lead to more effective treatments in the future. Stay tuned!

 Thanks for the information flyingwoman. What a great success you are. WTG.

Hi Heidi
I had RNY and have type 2 diabetes.  Pre op I was on 60 Units long acting and 45 Units short (3 doses) and kep****ching the fasting Glucose rise... So scared.  I started on the optifast and within 5 days I was off short acting insulin and by 2 1/2 weeks on 5 units of the long acting.  Post op I was off all the insulin and remained on metformin 4 tabs a day.  The next few weeks post op were a bit discouraging because I need to add back some of the long acting 20 units and 5 units pre meals.  I was really discouraged.   However 10 weeks later I've lost 49 pounds and I'm off all the insulin, just metformin.  I also have PCO since age 17.  I don't ever imagine ever going off the metformin (research shows it helps with appetite / PCO...oh another tool to use)  I'm really pleased.  I know each person is different but I only wish you the success I've had to date.  It's all about the body catching up to the surgery.  Still have very heavy and painful periods...waiting for them to stop, because I really worry about my iron levels.  I take 3 proferin a day, so far so good.  Good luck, PM if you have any questions I would love to help/keep you posted.  Diane

 Diane so happy for the information you provided me. ALso wtg on your success. I hope I have the success as well. Keep up the great work and keep me updated. I sent a request to be friends.

Heidi