Noob :)

I posted this on the general forum, but wanted to post it here since you ladies probably know exactly what I'm talking about.  I have PCOS and have been on diets off and on for the last 5 years. Instead of losing any actual weight, the scale has consistently gone up. I know this is because of insulin resistance, and even though I am on Metformin to help with that, it's not enough. I have tried many diets - the 6 week body makeover, South Beach, Weigh****chers, Atkins (for about 2 weeks until I got really sick) and The Insulin Resistance Diet. All made me *feel* better inside (more energy, better mood), but none actually made me lose weight. I am frustrated and at the end of my rope. I don't know what else to do, really. I have given these diets (lifestyle changes, whatever) my complete devotion. In fact, I'm still on South Beach right now even though it's not making me lose weight. It's just sort of become second nature to me. Anyways. I was wondering how many of you have PCOS and if that's the main thing that led to your weight gain, as it was/is for me. Before my PCOS I was healthy and active. I'm 5'2" and with a bigger frame, but always weighed around 130-140 in high school. I was in size 10 & 12 back then and comfortable. But now...I'm just so ashamed of the way I look and feel and I know it's not really my fault. Insulin resistance and PCOS is something I can't control. At least, not at this point. I have a feeling that once the weight is off and I can start clean I can have better control over it. But it's sooo hard getting to that point. Impossible, really. If you have PCOS and got or are looking into WLS, what type did you do? Lap band? Laproscopic RNY? Full RNY? Duodonal switch? I've heard that some types of WLS are better for PCOSers than others (Lap band isn't restrictive enough). What about hormone fluctuations? One girl told me that she had such a rush of estrogen after her surgery that she went into shock.  I also want to know about conception. My husband and I have been trying to have a baby for 5 1/2 years now with no success. I know that I'd have to wait for a year after WLS to try to have a baby because of malabsorbion and nutrional concerns, but what else should I know? Is there a specific forum on this site that deals with people like me, with PCOS? Thanks!

WOW! I probably could speak for the majority of us here when I say that I could have written your post myself. In fact I told my endocrinologist last month that I was "at the end of my rope". Metformin, also has not been enough for me. Last week, just for the hell of it, and "just in case", I did a weight loss/diet history. When I actually sat down and recalled every attempt, every pound, and every dollar I have ever spent on this !$#% Up journey, I nearly cried. Now, I myself am heavier than I have ever been. My husband and I have also been trying to conceive for 5 & 1/2 years now! I know this may not answer any of the questions you are asking, but I hope it helps to let you know that you are definitely not alone. So believe me, cyster, you are definitely in the right forum. Good Luck and God Bless!

Well that's definitely encouraging to hear! I know I'm not alone and it's great to finally connect with people who can relate 100% to how I feel.  As I'm reading through the forums and through the website in general, I'm getting more and more excited because I think this is it - this is my answer! It's a bit overwhelming though, I have to admit. :)

I am sorry that you have been having such struggles in your life. But so have all of us here. I have insulin resistent PCOS. But I do think mine was because I have been overweight my entire life...since 3rd grade. I have no memory of weighing less than 200 lbs. I had surgery on 3/15/07 laproscopic gastric bypass RNY. My decision was based on my endocrinologist. He said metformin would help me lose a few pounds but wouldn't help any more than that. Diets would not work for me because I was so far gone. Weight loss surgery would be the only way that I would have a chance of reversing my PCOS. 10% weight loss can significantly reduce PCOS symptoms so alot more than that should dramaticaly change me for the better. Before surgery if I wanted to have children I would have had to seen a reproductive specialist because I was infertile. Fortunately I had a daughter two years ago...she was born premature becasue I was undiagnosed with PCOS and had complications later on.  I have heard from support groups and many women that after surgery they become fertile very quickly that's why it's important to protect yourself from pregnancy after surgery so that you can wait until your body is healed and you won't hurt the baby. Well good luck with everything and remember there are alot of out there with PCOS having the surgery. Christal/dionysus_star

Thanks for the comment and your story :) It's good to know I'm not alone in all this. I mean, I've always known there were others out there just like me, but it's nice to actually FIND them!  I'm still new to all of this and feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the different choices. Thank you for your encouragement!

Let me say that I can truly relate to your post. I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 17. I has been a never ending battle ever since. PCOS is apart my life and in my early twenties I decided to research more about this condition and my body. Through diet I have reversed most of my symptoms. But, just like you, I am looking into WLS as the tool to help my continued success.

I was like you...very active in high school (walked to & from school...was in marching band, drill team & PE...plus I rode my bike everywhere I needed to go)...weighed approx 160 and wore a size 14.  Anyway...I got my first car...gained 10 lbs...went off the pill at 19 and gained 75lbs in a year.  My DH & I started trying to get pregnant at the end of July 1996.  We'd been actively ttcing for 8 years when I had Lap RNY.  At 16 months post op we decided to go without protection...boom...pregnant after 9 years & 4 months of trying, wanting & dreaming.  On July 31st last year (10 years after we started trying) I gave birth to our beautiful daughter.  My PCOS is sooo much better now.  I still have the facial hair & occasional acne...but the health issues are gone.  I have regular cycles...I'm no longer insulin resistant or diabetic...the dark patches of skin are gone...and of course...I have my baby girl.  Hormones will naturally fluctuate after surgery as estrogen is stored in fat cells & as those shrink the estrogen is released.   As for post op pregnancy...there's a post op pregnancy forum and many of the women on there have PCOS.  If you have any specific questions...feel free to ask...I'll do my best to answer them. Kristy