PCOS/Insulin Resistance and Banding

Your story sounds exactly like mine. I was banded on June 20th. I have PCOS and insulin resistance(they usually go hand in hand), I am pretty healthy other than the weight. I have 2 boys as well and they are 7 and 5. I gained 75 pounds with the first then lost 65 of it. I had Toxemia with the first birth. Then because I had stopped losing my PCP suggested I go see and endocrynologist. I did. That was when I was diagnosed, plus I was skipping my menstral cycles. I wanted another child and so did my husband. Well same thing as you . I finally got pregnant after being on metformin and following Dr.'s orders. We then had our second son. I also gained back the 65 pounds with my second and then had toxemia and congestive heart failure. The dr.'s first thought I had a heart murmur and did tests but then found out that the fluid around my heart was only pregnancy related. SO just like everyone else is saying that RNY seems like the way to go, I thought so too until I spoke with my surgeon. He said absolutely not you are to health to do RNY on. He said I would be more than likely to be one of his most successful patients. My husband and my best friend went to meet him with me. My husand said well at least he is honest he could have made more money doing the RNY surgery. Anyway here I am and I was banded June 20th 2 days before my birthday and have lost a total of 28 pounds! I feel awesome and my periods are starting to get regular I have gotten it 2 months in a row with out medicine! I would seek a surgeons opinion but from someone who came from where you are I am here now and I feel awesome! I don't have anymore crashes in sugar like I used to and I am not cranky, I have so much energy now! I wish you all the best in your decision...

Oh yes I didn't finish reading everyone elses posts. When I was banded I had restriction.  For any type of surgery whether it is the RNY or the LAp BAnd you have to work for it. I had the lap band replaced laproscopically and I am not going to lie and tell you I Was not in a bit of discomfor, but guess what I walked and followed what they said to do when you have WLS surgery and I had no gas pain. I also had immediate restriction and I have a larger band which is unusual since I am considered a "light weight for the surgery". I have not been going through bandster hell. I Am losing weight and with any weight loss you have to work for it! Did any of the RNY people tell you that because of vitamin deficiency that there is a lot of hair loss and also I have seen peoples teeth fall out and yellow because of vitamin deficiency. Not attractive at all! Also there is a lot more loose skin because of the rapid weight loss your body doesn't have time to adjust to it. With the band you could still get this but is unlikely. Oh yeah and the success rate long term is longer with the band since it still can be adjusted. I have had 4 knee surgeries and have had hardware in my body that had not had to be removed for over 15 years. And I Did get a fill and because the needle is so small I didn't even feel it go in. My husband was standing in the room with me. IT didn't hurt at all! You do have to do what is comfortable with you though and find a Doctor that you can trust to guide you. God Speed!

I was banded on 5/18/07 and have lost 54 pounds with no fills. None of it was pre-op. There are a few bandsters that have restriction after surgery. For the most part, I only have head hunger and not physical hunger. I have attached a link on some recent studies regarding insulin resistance and the band. Good luck with your surgery.  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/72364.php http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-05/aps-lbg042507 .php

I have PCOS and insulin resistence also.  I went in for an appt to schedule my lapband and was told to check into the Vertical Gastric Sleeve due to my metabolic syndromes (PCOS & IR).  That the RNY was the best for people with PCOS and the second was the VSG.  If you are interested in reading up on it there is a link here to it.  I have read about it and sent message to people that have had it and I have an appt in 2 wks to schedule my date!! Good luck, do your research and pick the one that is best/most comfortable for you and your situation.

Hi from one more with PCOS and Insulin Resistance.  The important thing with any of the surgeries (or diet for that matter) when you have PCOS is to avoid refined sugar.  Our bodies just don't process it correctly.  I personnally chose RNY because it has a built-in refined sugar monitoring devise that results in the dumping syndrome described above. The amount of malabsorption depends on the surgeon and each individuals body.  My surgeon only does a 1 foot bypass, so there is very little malabsorption.  This was a huge concern for me.  Some bypass are much longer.

Keep seriously considering the lap-band!  I have PCOS and it worked for me!  I have not had to work extra hard at losing either.  A little over 5 months and 72 lbs gone!

 I was diagnosed with PCOS in my early 20's.  Didn't use BC with my husband for years and got pregnant (luck) 5 years ago.  Ever since the baby, my periods are back to normal but have other PCOS symptoms.  Getting the band in March was the best thing I ever did though!