which WLS is best for PCOS?

I am currently in my 6 month medical supervision period and am having a hard time deciding which surgery (band or RNY) would be best for me with PCOS. I am 38 with a BMI of 41 and 2 small kids and was thinking the band may be the better choice but I'm curious if peole have opinions or information they can share.

Hi,

I was told by my PCP, Endocrinologist and Surgeon that for people with PCOS, the bypass is more effective.  They all said that I could lose only half the weight with the band, but the bypass will give more results.  Also, the bypass is good for insulin resistance (goes with PCOS) .  I used to have low blood sugars and get the shakes if I didn't eat.  Since surgery I have not had 1 low blood sugar.

It should be your decision though........but for me I wanted the best results now and in the long run. I would ask your doctors and talk to others with PCOS.

Good Luck!

Thanks so much for your help. When i started down this path I was going for lapband, but am now seriously thinking of switching to bypass. i was a little scared about how restrictive it is as I do enjoy a beer  and a Diet Pepsi once in a while :) However, after meeting with my dietician i am getting the feeling that gastric bypass may be the best choice for my insulin resistance, PCOS, and high blood pressure. So anything you can share about your experience is always welcome. People around me keep reminding me of the risks of bypass and that may be freaking me out a bit.

Have you thought about VSG?  Thats what I had, and I am really happy with it.

I had the duodenal switch and I am thrilled.  I have regular periods since surgery, my cholesterol (which wasn't all that bad before at 176) is 93, I have lost 73 pounds in just over 3 months, and I am feeling great.  Look into ALL your options - there are more surgeries than RNY and band!

I think the malabsorptive procedures are better for those of us with truly whacked metabolism, which I believe most PCOSers have.

Unfortunately my insurance only covers the bypass or the band. And the area i live in only has those 2 available at this time. I will continue to do my research as I have about 2 months before my 6 month period is over.

Personally I'd go for the RNY as it tends to have better results when dealing with diabetes & IR as opposed to the lapband.  I am very happy with my RNY and am glad that I don't have to deal with all the maintenance of the band.  Anyway my diabetes and IR were 'cured' within days of my surgery and they have not returned.  It's your choice but personally I favor the RNY due to the effects it has not only on the endocrine system but with the overall average weight loss as well.  Personally I was not going to go through sugery and still be fat...ya know?

Good luck making your decision!

This is not a my surgery is better than yours type of post, so please don't take it as such. I just wanted to give info on diabetes results with the DS. The DS has a higher cure rate than with the Lap-band and RnY. I want you to know all the facts and it really upsets me that doctors only push those 2 options. My advice RESEARCH!!! You and you alone are your best advocate.


Be Blessed
Deirdre

I started the process of WLS thinking I was going to have the band, just because I didn't want my anatomy changed. But after talking to several doctors, I made the decision to go for the RNY bypass.  I am so happy I made that decision.  I have lost 25 lbs since surgery on 12/8 and I just had my first period, without having to take a pill.  I also didn't want to put myself through surgery
to only lose 50 lbs.  I want to get to goal, (100lbs to lose). 
Yes there are alot of risks with the bypass, but what is the alternative?  I didn't want to die from diabetes or a heart attack at an early age.  I didn't have any complications with the surgery. 
They have refined this surgery and I was able to have it done laparoscopic. They didn't have to open me up...which leads to a quicker recovery.

:)

I had RNY and am out 10 mths, 2 periods a month and cramps are horrible.  Didnt help anything, but I have lost 110 lbs which is GREAT!  I usually just spend the first day of my period in a hot bathtub.