Questions from 22 yr old, New to forum!

I just realized this forum existed, and this might be kinda long, but please bear with me. I've read as many entries as I can read, and I'm not seeing any exact answers.

 

I'm 22 years old, 405 lbs. I will be having RNY surgery on January the 8th. I've been married for over 5 years now, however, so I'm not really your typical 22 year old. Basically, I am wondering if there's hope for me to ever be able to become regular as far as menstrual cycles are concerned. I hope this, because one day soon, I would love to start a family. However, due to having PCOS (which I have unfortunately neglected in recent years) I haven't had a period since age 16 (6 years).

 

Like I said before, I've read a lot of threads in this forum, and many women seem to indicate that even though they have PCOS and have not had a period in many years, that they "return" after surgery. Now, I don't want to get my hopes up, but is this a realistic possibility for someone my size and history?

 

Can anyone share their experience, if similar?

 

-Cathryn EDIT on 1/6/07: Surgery postponed to January 26th!

Well Cathryn, I'm definitely not going to get your hopes up.... PCOS is a very different syndrome in each woman that has it.... what happens to one woman after surgery, might not necessarily happen to the next woman... But I think in our age bracket, theres a very good chance that your periods will normalize. But again, I'm just speaking opinion here.... You've probably seen my post already if you've read that far back.... I was diagnosed with PCOS around 11 or 12 years old.... never started on progesterone until I was about 16 or so... and still- I was never consistant about taking it then (I sometimes just didnt take it for a year or more) so I too had spells where I neglected it too... My first cycle came 31 days after my surgery, and I've been regular since surgery (every 29-31 days). And more than obvious signs that I ovulate too,which of course I have never been able to do... But right now, dont stress about it!!! I know its easier said than done... but I was sitting in your shoes at one time so I know how the worry hits you.... But I honestly think you'll be fine...

Thank you, Soule. I appreciate your reply. I will consider, of course, that every woman is different, but it is nice to know that there is a good chance. I had honestly not even considered ever having children because I thought there was just no chance. But hearing stories like yours and a couple others, it just makes me glad that I'm having this surgery sooner than later. :) Thanks again.

Hi my name is Nikki~    I am 23 yrs old and I also have PCOS.  I had WLS 11/29/06 and finally had a period by myself last month!!!! It was so exciting!!!!!! I was diagnosed in june of 2005 and was put o provera (maybe u should ask ur Dr. about it) and had regular visits from aunt flo while taking it every month.  I was 349lbs b 4 WLS and was trying 2 get pregnant so i know exactly how u feel!!! I was told that I should have WLS in order 2 get off the excess weight I couldn't loose b cuz of the PCOS in order to get pregnant!!! My D.r said that as I loose weight my PCOS symptoms will lesson dramaticly and I will get regular visits from aunt flo on my own without the provera!!! I was also taking 1500mgs of glucophage (4 the PCOS w/IR) b 4 WLS and was taken off of it in the hospital!!! So it is differant with every 1 but u should b and fel better after WLS!! Good luck on ur Surgery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  And I hope that u get the family u want soon after!!! If u have n e more questions dont hesitate 2 ask!!! U can add me as ur friend if u'd like...I m glad 2 finally find some 1 close 2 my age whose going through the same thing I m!!!!!!

Thank you Nikki. I really appreciate your response. You and so many others here give me hope. Congrats on your weight loss. That's incredible, and much luck to you in the future. I am very optimistic about my future.

Hi Cathryn, I also have PCOS and have been diagnosed several years ago, but I didn't have any treatment for it and the last year had about 2 periods on my own... The funny thing is the day before surgery I started a very light period  of all times to have one!!!  And since then/post-op have had one every month... So I guess the weight loss is helping my hormones along... Good luck on your upcoming surgery!!! Take Care

Thank you for your reply. You guys have helped me stay optimistic. Please see my follow-up post in this thread.

Well, I cannot believe this, but after 6 years I started today. :S 6 YEARS AND TODAY IT HAPPENED. I haven't even had surgery yet, I have just been losing a lot of weight on my pre-op diet. So... yay? :) PS thanks to everyone for their replies

Yayyyy!  Congrats on starting on your own!  When its been 6 years, that is a big thing to celebrate!  The weight loss, even if it may seem insignificant, is a huge factor in starting your period.... best of luck.

Congratulations on doing so well on your pre-op diet. I never have regular periods and can even skip several months at a time. I was on normal birth control pills and they really helped with consistency. I am hoping that after the surgery they will become more consistent again without medication...but you never really know how the surgery is going to effect you. Good luck with everything!    ~Christal/dionysus_star