Hello from CT - Newbie!

  Hi Everyone! My name is Kathy and I am from CT.  Today is my first day here and I am so glad there is a PCOS forum.  No one knows what a struggle or as I call it, a "CURSE" it is to deal with this syndrome except someone else who lives with it too. So, thanks for being here!  I am in the process of deciding if I am going to have a RNY or a LapBand.  My first consult is on 5/22/08 and I am scared to death.   I am leaning more to RNY at this time.  My sister had it and lost 125+ lbs and feels great. I was wondering if those of you who have PCOS and had WLS have had lessening of the PCOS symptoms?  Have your periods regulated?  Has the hair growth slowed down?  Have you lost at the same rate as someone without PCOS? Thanks so much!  I am happy to be here! Kathy   

Hi Kathy!  Welcome to the board. This seems to be one of the slower boards, so don't get discouraged if you don't receive alot of replies.  Can't speak on the LapBand, as I had RNY.   So far, my symptons are greatly reduced.  The rings around my neck have lightened considerably, hair growth has slowed, and my period regulated one month after surgery.  I'm happy with my losses so far and couldn't imagine losing any faster.  Best of luck in doing your research!

Hi and thanks for the welcome! I noticed the slow responses  LOL  I thought this would be a "sistahood" of PCOS women, but it has been quiet so far.  I have met a few really nice people, but you are the first to offically welcome me.  Thanks!  WOO HOO for you with your success so far.  It is definately encouraging to know that the symptoms can reduce after surgery.  I have my first appt on 5/22/08 with the surgeon.  I am leaning towards RNY but am still not 100% sure.  Ill be honest - the change scares me so much that I CANT decide!  I guess ill get thru it when i have the face to face with Dr. Pohl. Thanks for sharing your success with me!  Best of luck on the rest of your journey! Kathy :o)

I chose RNY because I knew lap band wouldnt work for me, but to answer your questions yes I am having more periods post op even though I am not supposed to be having them, but its nothing to do with the surgery, I have developed fibroid tumors since may 07 when I had an endometrial ablasion.  they did a full DNC then burned out the uterine lining.... well the lining grew back and so did some tumors which far as I know I didnt have before.  2 periods this month... so am considering histerectomy now... on the hair issue my facial hair has thinned some or seems that way..but I have been plucking it for a long time, but the weight loss seems to have done more for slowing the growth, some of it doesnt seem to regrow now... I use an epilator on it or tweasers... most of the lessening of hair is on my under chin area, the 5-6 hairs that grow from my real chin are un-affected at this time.  my side burns are unchanged either...but I have hopes... my dark patches are getting better too, the doctors tests show i am no longer showing positive for insulin resistance... which is great, they are also putting me on meds to help with my emotional problems and the hair growth...