ok- here goes lots of questions

this is my story just for info- i will be 30yr. in aug. and i am scheduled for lap band june 28th with dr. bryan freeman in anniston. I found out i had pcos after a miscarriage in my 10th wk 3.5yrs ago. i have been on metformin 2000mg per day since then. I was blessed with my second child in 2004 and have had laparascopic surgery 3 times for scar tissue from 2 c-sections, endometriosis and ovarian cysts. 2 years ago in nov. i had a hysterectomy leaving my left ovary- well, shoulda took it out b/c i had to have it and more scar tissue and endo removed in january of this year. OK-  i have just started back on my metformin (i know bad girl) this week. i am at my highest weight ever of 230 and i am 5 foot. i am really looking forward to this surgery for lap  band with hope of help- i have been on every diet on the market and i am not looking to be skinny just healthy- my dad has high bp, hyper thyroidism and has had 4 bypasses, and diabetes and he is 54- my mama died 3 yr ago of pancreatic cancer. so that being said - i do not want to go there- ya know. so any advice  you can give me on what to expect- i am sooo nervous that i will regret this-i love food (obviously) but if this makes the joy of eating go away maybe that is what i need- any info greatly appreciated!

wow! you have been through so much! it's wonderful that you are going all out to take some more control though. It's the best thing you can do! I hope you can get your surgery done laproscopically, also. here is a link someone else has posted about PCOS and the roux-en-y surgery http://cms.clevelandclinic.org/bariatricsurgery/documents/pu bs/PCOS.pdf which might be good reading for you, i don't actually know too much about each of the surgery's, but please feel fee to take a look at my profile for some stuff i've stolen from other people with info on it ; ) most of the weight loss surgeries will help with PCOS, just like the roux-en-y...it's losing the weight and something to do with the insulin and they way our bodies in particular act with insulin. --from a site (for everyone's info, even mine!):   "Researchers also think insulin could be linked to PCOS. Insulin is a hormone that controls the change of sugar, starches, and other food into energy for the body to use or store. For many women with PCOS, their bodies have problems using insulin so that too much insulin is in the body. Excess insulin appears to increase production of androgen. This hormone is made in fat cells, the ovaries, and the adrenal gland. Levels of androgen that are higher than normal can lead to acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain, and problems with ovulation." and "The medicine metformin (Glucophage®) is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It also has been found to help with PCOS symptoms, although it is not FDA-approved for this use. Metformin affects the way insulin controls blood glucose (sugar) and lowers testosterone production. Abnormal hair growth will slow down, and ovulation may return after a few months of use. Recent research has shown metformin to have other positive effects, such as decreased body mass and improved cholesterol levels. Metformin will not cause a person to become diabetic." --So, some surgeries will effect your insulin more than others. My mom had been approved with her insurance for a lap-band, but she researched the duodenal switch, got that instead, and is now no longer diabetic (she had been for 14 years, just regulating with pills). The way your body handles sugars and starches, etc, has a greater impact on those of us with PCOS than some "normal" people who have the same surgeries. Anyway, just food for thought.  All i can advise, is take time to learn your eating habits, make sure the surgery you pick will support a lifestyle change that you can support and make in your life.   I know there are "no-no" foods that differ from surgery to surgery. Hopefully just reading about everything will help you gain more confidence!! I know it did and still does for me. I'm still learning so much!

Have you researched the vertical sleeve gastrectomy as an alternative to the band?  There are more long term complications with the band, and with your history of scar tissue problems, it might be something to consider if you havn't already. The sleeve is not reversable (a large part of your stomach is removed), but for me that is an advantage...I don't ever want to go back to what I am now.  Of course everyone must make their own decision, but alot of people are not aware of the sleeve proceedure as a very viable alternative to the band. m2

I know you will do great! Our stories are simular except I havent had to have a hysterectomy yet.  Have you checked out the Lap Band Forum also? Lots of good info there as well..  Good luck to you!!

Thanks so much to all of you for all the great information! I definately will take all of your advices into consideration! I love this board it gives so much support when you need it - you guys are great!  thanks melissa