Wondering if...

Hello all,
I had my RNY 2/06 and went from bout 280 to 175 to now 220.  I been trying to get preggers for the last year and a half to no avail.  Starting to think I may have PCOS.  Read some things and before my RNY I was high cholesterol, diabetic, used to cut off my own skin tags, did not have regular periods.  One time they gave me Provera to start my period, after I did not have one for 4 months.  It gave me hives, ick, but that was pre-RNY.
So...  I am wondering now if I might have PCOS.  I don't have many of the previous conditions and don't have to take diabetic meds anymore as I can control my sugar levels with careful eating practices.
I have been contemplating having a revision since after all this time I never did get to my goal weight of 150.  I don't wanna be Twiggy, but thought I was outta the "x" clothes and I'm creaping back there, and it's getting harder to move (I have arthritis).
I have a wonderful son, and if he's the only natural child I can have, its fine, but I sure would like another one and looking into adoption seems like a long hard road.  If I could just get me fixed up we should be able to have another kid...  Seems I got preggers so fast the last time. LOL  I guess it can't always be easy, huh?
Anyway, your thoughts would be appreciated,
Gosh

I used the fertility drug Clomid. It induces ovulation.  I used the lowest dose (my choice) and timed EVERYTHING right down to the hour!!..lol  Each pregnancy took 4-6 months to conceive...almost the same as trying without medical intervention.  It has the lowest (at that time anyway, 25 yrs ago) rate of multiple embryos.  Things have advanced since then.    I also found that when I went on Metformin for PCOS and a diabetes related condition, I began to ovulate regularly.....but by then I had needed a hysterectomy for continual cervical dysplaisia (kept the ovaries).  I take liquid Metformin now (Riomet) for PCOS Insulin Resistance and related ovulation pain.  If I miss a week or so, my next cycle is very painful because of the remaining cysts.
Best wishes in your journey...
Kim in Fontana

I have a question for you regarding your partial hysterectomy. I am currently going through something similar with dysplaysia. I am having a lot of problems with that and have also been diagnosed with PCOS. I have been discussing having a hysterectomy with my OBGYN but do now know if it would interfere with my weight loss due to the loss of hormones and also hormone supplements I would have to take if they take everything.  I am currently taking metformin and BCPs for my acne and irregular periods. Did the hysterectomy help also with the PCOS symptoms?

Liz

Hi Liz...the hysterectomy did not help with my PCOS except to say, it saved my life.  Unbeknownst to me or my doctor, I had stage 2 uterine cancer, totally contained within the uterus.  (I had wanted my tubes tied and my Obgyn suggested a total removal of the uterus since I wanted to acheive sterility...inlight of so many dysplasia results). It was discovered after my hysterectomy biopsy was done .  The margines were clear of pathology and no further treatment was needed.  If I had not gone in and been checked...the cancer would have worked thru my uterus within 18 months.  That said....the only thing that changed was...my ovulation became regular within months of the hysterectomy.....not that it did me any good fertility wise, but it regulated my hormone cycles.  I did not have an acne problem but my weight problem remained.  I  still battle PCOS, mainly weight control, and Insulin Resistance, even with my RNY.  The liquid Metformin helps greatly with ovulation pain.  I am thinking of getting more bloodwork done to see if an oopherectomy (removal of my ovaries) is warrented.  I have had surgery for Malignant Melonoma and my family has all passed away of cancers.
 I have been reading the book, The Metabolism Miracle, maybe some new information will help.  The best weight loss eating plan for PCOS is the low Glycemic Index plan..there is lots of info on that in books and online.
Let me know if I can be of any more help...best wishes on your continued WLS journey and PCOS war...
Kim in Fontana

Well I am glad they caught it before it turned it took a turn for the worst. My mother n law passed away from uteran cancer that spread within a few months also. Thank you for all your great information. I have been hinting to my OBGYN about wanting to have a hysterectomy but he's not too convinced about doing the procedure yet. I was under the impression aside from helping me with the dysplasia that it would also help me with my PCOS. Well I was hoping but now after what you've explained I realize that there is nothing really that will cure PCOS. I also have insulin resistance and high blood pressure. I know with weight loss it should control the PCOS but have had a slow weight loss due to my insulin resistance. Even with my WLS at times I feel so helpless because of the slow progress in weight loss  and added issues due to the PCOS. Thanks again for the great information and hope all goes well for you and your journeys.


Liz