Pcos and WLS

So, I meet with the surgeon on Tuesday. A few things I am interested in finding out. 1.  My hair is already VERY THIN.  It has been thin since probably High School.  Do those with PCOS still see the same kind of hair loss as other RYNers?  I cant imagine my hair being much thinnner....I think maybe I should shave it all off! 2. Have you noticed any decrease in facial hair?  If I could take the facial hair off my chin and stick it on top of my head...I would have a full head of hair!  If it does not help I am thinking laser at a year out.... 3. There is talk about hormones being stored in the fat.  So when you loose fat---my assumption is that these hormones are going to be released.  How has that gone for you?  I know just losing my pre-op weight that my cycles have been much heavier and more painful and more 'regular'.   Michelle

Ok to answer your questions one by one to the best of my ability in my half asleep and very pregnant stupor lol... 1.  My hair had been very thin for years before I had my RNY done in 2004.  It did not help the thinning.  I think it made it worse, I won't lie.  Almost 4 years later, I am happy to report that my hair is now thicker than it has been in many years. 2.  I have also had a decrease in facial hair since having the WLS.  I don't know if that's way for everyone or not, but maybe that's a bit comforting to know.  At least I don't have to wax the chin and lip anymore lol. 3.  Yes, you do become much more regular and have more normal and heavier cycles when you lose weight.  And in my case, I also became a lot more fertile.  Find yourself a good birth control.  It will help you immensely on making the periods more bearable. Hope this helps.

I too will answer as best I can... 1.  My hair is quite fine.  And although it wasn't very thin pre surgery it did thin out a little from 3-6 months post op but now is just as good as it was before surgery. 2.  I do have facial hair.  And although it didn't go away, it did stop getting worse and I think the growth slowed a little too.  I still have to shave it daily though to keep it un-noticable but now if I need to skip a day I can and it's not too noticable.  I'd love laser removal...but just don't have the $$ now to do it. 3.  Estrogen is stored in fat and as your fat cells shrink they do release the pent up hormones.  It can lead to funky periods for a bit after surgery.  You may want to look into a hormonal birth control like the NuvaRing or OrthoEvra patch (go for the ring...that patch sucked!****il you've lost the majority of your weight.  You could also go on a bcp but use a back up method like a condom as the pill is not as effective in RNYers as it is with people who haven't had surgery.  These hormonal birth controls can help with the heavy/painful cycles you're having now and maybe even later after surgery too.  Good luck!

1.  My hair has actually gotten thicker post RNY.  I was fully expecting to lose some so what VERY pleasantly surprised when it has started to come in.  I have two places where my hairline had actually receded that are now full of new hair!! 2. Unfortunately, I've seen only a slight decrease in facial hair.  I'm still shaving daily.. but it's not as thick as it used to be... but then again, I'm REALLY paranoid about facial hair. 3.  My post op cycles have been kinda weird.  The first two days I've had a lot of clots, which cause bad bad cramps.. but the last two days are usually a breeze.  My cycles have also shortened from 35-40 days down to 30-32 days.  My BBT also says I'm ovulating on my own now, where I wasn't before.  Before, my crams were really really heavy... from the sounds much like yours.  Other than the clotting pain, they're much better.

I am so glad that I read this. I am waiting for my insurance approval. My tentative surgery date is July 15th. I too have PCOS and it is a big reason why I am doing this. I have not had a period since October 2007 unless it was induced. I too have facial hair that I shave every day. I am so sick of it! I feel like half of a man. No period and facial hair! It was just really great to read everyones answers and know that I'm not alone! Thanks!!

I am 10 wks po and my hair is thining also I find that it is dry and brittle. I had thin hair before, but now it has gotten worse. I can't wait to be over this stage.