best wls for PCOSers

I am looking to get wls surgery but Im worried about my PCOS. I do crave sweets alot like any other PCOSer. What do you think?

I had the RNY in 2004 and am pretty happy with the results.  I started at 239, got down to 149 and am currently at 156.  My goal is 141 so I am still (eternally) dieting. I was considering the lap band, but my doctor thought that I should take a more aggressive approach since I have a very hard time losing.  Boy was he right! I generally avoid sweets, but haven't had much dumping anyway.  Besides all the sugar free options make avoiding sweets fairly easy. 

I agree with the RNY.  Although it is possible to loose weight still with the lapband it's much more difficult.  I know 2 ladies on another website who are both more than a year out from their lapband and still struggle to loose weight and work their tail off.   I had the RNY as well and started at 254 and now bounce between 140-145 (my goal is 140).  I too crave sweets and am thankful that I dump to keep me in line from eating too much.  I'm happy with my RNY choice and it's allowed me to stay within 5lb of goal even after having a baby post op.  If I remember right...there was something with the RNY & not the Lapband that affects the way insulin is used in our body so for PCOSers not only the diabetes goes away for most of us but the IR as well.  Last bout of labs I had ran my IR was still gone as well as my diabetes. Ideally though the decision on which surgery to have is yours. Good luck with your decision.

I am PCOS and I had lap-band 7.5 months ago. As you can see I am only down 18 pounds, but only had a total of 50 to lose. Still, it has been a very slow process. I did not qualify for RNY as I was not that overweight. Maybe you can look into VSG? That seems to be gaining popularity these days.

I choose to go with the RNY.  I am still waiting decision though.  But after speaking with my surgeon and my cravings for sweets was one big reason. With the dumping, I see it as Parlvo's Dog.  If I am going to get sick from it, I will not want to eat it.  Good luck!

Hey there!

I am a bandster and had surgery on 2/20. Since that time I have lost 27 lbs and feel great! I am on my way to losing alot of weight. It is mainly the mindset of the patient and how badly they really want to get to a healthier state. I chose the lapband because I want to have a baby and did not feel that bypass would be my best option. I know a lot of peopl that have had the bypass and are doing great! As for the PCOS and the surgery....GO FOR IT!!! Today I started my period without the help of any drugs. I have NEVER had a period on my own and feel elated that I had this surgery. Good luck on YOUR journey. It really is as individual decision and journey.

I went with the lapband.  You can see my profile for detailed info on my band journey so far, but long story short, I have regained to my pre-op weight. The truth of the matter is, my regain was due to not following my aftercare schedule or following any of the band rules, rather than the PCOS symptoms.  When I have good restriction, take my metformin and other meds everyday, and follow the band rules, I have had no problem losing weight at a steady rate of 2-ish lbs per week. I think that a PCOS-er can be successful with any WLS, as long as they're committed to the new lifestyle they'll be taking on.  There are many factors to consider alongside the PCOS. Good luck!  Jessie Edited:  I mistakenly wrote "2-ish lbs per month", when I meant "2-ish lbs per week"!  Silly.

Please consider this one of THE most important decisions of your WLS journey.  PCOS will eventually figure out what is going on in your body, you need to have a very good endo and a good pcp to be treating your pcos.  I had RNY, I also lost my ovaries and uterus 3.5 years later. Not because of a surgery, but because I thought I didn't have to take my meds for pcos anymore, why would I? All my symptoms were going away, woo hoo for weight loss!  Please be educated. Check out pcos.org and make sure you have a strong medical team on your side.  malabsorption surgeries usually work the best. a restrictive surgery is good because you will be eating less food and you are changing your lifestyle... right ladies? but have one of those lovely mood swings!  I love my job at the bariatric clinic, I talk to ppl all day about pcos and insulin resistant diseases, I work for a brilliant and caring surgeon that is very aware of the pcos and the effects it can have on a womans body. good luck doll!

Kitty, I had a lap-band for about 10 months.  I couldn't find a dr to do my fills, then got concerned about not having dr to follow complications, should they occur.  I had the band removed and a sleeve performed in June, '07.  I am beyond pleased.  No fears of erosions, slips or GERD causing a wearing of my esophagus.  It is a "do it and go" surgery with little need for follow-up.  I would encourage you to go to the VSG site to read about this surgery. Best wishes, AnnieZ 

I have the band and have lost over 20 pounds so far and it may be my imagination but teh small amount of excess body hair growth I had before has slowed. I also have been using the nuvaring for over a year as my birth control and PCOS symptom helper and have had lighter, shorter, and most importantly nearly pain free periods ever since