Best WLS for PCOS?

Hi everyone,

     I have been dealing with PCOS for 20 years now.  I have my first appointment to see a surgeon on Oct. 15th.  I am wondering what others have learned about PCOS and WLS.  I also would like to know what the most reccommended surgery is for PCOS.  I really want to be as educated as possible about the options before I speak to my surgeon.

Thanks!

PCOS slows down your WL because of the insulin resistance. I am one that knows because its done it to me. I had my WLS and I am 8 months out tomorrow and have lost 50 pounds where others have lost that in about half the time. I am not complaining but the symptoms are awful. I have also read that there is no actual surgery that cures the pcos but it will relieve some of the issues. My issues seemed to have gotten worse after the WLS but would still do it over. I am currently looking into having a hysterectomy due to other issues and hope it will clear up or atleast help me with the symptoms. But the insulin resistance is the worst of them all because of my fluctuating blood sugar levels I am still on metformin and bp meds. Which sucks because I was hoping to get off of them after the WLS.  Your hormones do tend to get out of whack afterwards but eventually get back to normal so they say. I say even though surgery will not cure pcos you should go through with it and feel good about it. Like I said my symptoms are still there and may have gotten a little worse but I don't regret having the surgery. Now I just hope to get them under control.....

Yes, PCOS basically prohibits weight loss. My primary doctor told me that WLS is not a going to get rid of my insulin resistance. However, it is one of the best things people like us can do to lose the weight. Plus, it is going to help with so many of my other problems I have because of the weight.  It is so unfair that we can go on a diet and lose 5 pounds and someone else would lose 30 pounds. I truly believe that PCOS is a curse!  Weight gain, unwanted hair, inability to have children in some cases…nightmares to most women!    I just want to do my homework. I am wondering if I need to go for gastric bypass, the sleeve or DS? I’d like to learn what people on here have experienced and maybe what their doctors have suggested. 

I agree with you and everything that your doing before you do your surgery. But from what I understand and have seen the most effective surgery for any type of co-morbidity is the DS. I had gastric bypass but still have hbp, diabetes, so I think if I would have known about DS at the time I would have gone more towards that end. I know its alot more complicated but what surgery isn't. But its best you research and do whats best for you and what you feel comfortable with. Good luck hope everything falls into place for you.

Liz

It's different for everyone. A close friend of mine who's had severe PCOS had WLS almost 5 months ago and the surgery has improved her symptoms dramatically. She's 100+ pounds down and her PCOS is all but gone! She had RNY in May.
I have PCOS as well and am planning on having RNY. The information that my surgeon gave me says that in a great number of cases PCOS is mostly resolved after surgery. Not for everyone unfortunately but for a great number of women!

That's great to hear!  I have an appointment tomorrow to see the surgeon for the first time  instead of the 15th.  I can't wait!

The DS corrects the insulin resistance issue and there is a metabolic component built in to the surgery which is key since we with PCOS often suffer from slow metabolisms as well.  I was insuline resistant pre-surgery.  I am not now.

I am losing slower than some other people (2-3lbs per week) but it's been very consistent and I have yet to stall (knock on wood). 

I was also diagnosed over 20 years ago.  For the first time in my life I'm not on the pill and am having periods on my own.  I had surgery 3 months ago.

It is so different for everyone!
I have suffered from PCOS, Insulin resistance, Type II Diabetes, & Infertility since my teens, but sing my RNY in July I have lost almost 100 lbs.  I now do not have to take ANY medications including Metformin.  My cycles are regular and I am on BC to avoid a pregnancy too early.  Just b/c one person does not have a successful WL experience doesn't mean it doesn't work.

My advice is to research the different surgeries and studies that have been done.  Also, your Surgeon should be able to provide you with all the information you need and answer any of your questions.  RnY was recommended for me by my Primary Dr. as well as my surgeon...1 reason being that the surgery bypasses the pancreas which controls your insulin.

My WLS has been a success and I look forward to starting a family next year.....

Best of luck to you on your journey!

I am soon 2 yrs post op. Only down 95 lbs. I have 50 lbs left to go, just about, to surgeon's goal. PCOS sucks.

I had RNY, open.

Yes I am sad it's slow going but at least I won't need plastic surgery for extra skin! ;)

Hi ladies!  I haven't had WLS yet (awaiing insurance approval), but my surgeon told me the best option was RNY  and said that with my age and how long I've had my diabetes and PCOS that I have a 90-95% chance of complete remission of both disorders.  Wouldn't that be wonderful!!!