PCOSers who had WLS, did you take Metformin to get pg/during pregnancy after WLS?

I quit Met when I got my DS and my periods are regular and PCOS doesn't seem to be rearing its ugly head.  But I remember bleak stats about PCOS and miscarriage from when I was TTC my daughter 5 years ago - something like 50% m/c rate for PCOS women not on Metformin, and a normal rate for those who took it.  I stayed on Met the whole time I was pregnant and breastfeeding.

If you've gotten pregnant since WLS, did you use Metformin during TTC or during your pregnancy?  

Hi Rainy, I hope I can be of help.... I did go back on metformin when I was ttc, and I got pregnant that very first cycle. But I also took femara due to having PCOS. Even after shedding 240lbs, I could tell my pcos was sneaking back up on me. But I am 15 weekspregnant  now. I started weaning myself off the met between my 6th and 7th week and I've been fine so far.

I was actually on Metformin extended release , which my RE felt was better than regular Metformin. One day, when I was about 12 weeks, I started getting scared about whether I would officially make it out of my first trimester, so I did try to take my metformin one more time- and I felt like it was wrong for "ME". And I didnt take it another day.

SO I'm defintiely for it when ttc, but once you're near the end of your first trimester, I'd advise feeling out your own body and ur little one when deciding when to get off the met.

Soule, thanks for your reply!  Congrats on your pregnancy too. 

The reason PCOS has such a high rate of miscarriage is due to the high levels of insulin creating a toxic environment so to speak for the developing fetus.  Same reason it make it difficult to get pregnant even if you are having periods and ovulating.  I have not had my surgery yet but I did take Metformin to to help me get pregnant in the past.  I took it the entire pregnancy.  I am a nurse and not a doctor but from my research it seems that yes we are always at risk for insulin resistance due to PCOS.  The problem is knowing which came first PCOS and then insulin resistance of vice versus.  If you have lost weight and don't have any other symptoms of PCOS then you may not have high levels of insulin at this time.  Yes, we are always at risk. I would recommend talking to your OB about  seeing a reproductive endocrinologist for his opinion.  They can always do  a fasting glucose and insulin test to see how your body is responding and what your insulin levels are.  You may not need the the Metformin especially with the DS.  I think seeing a reproductive endocrinologist would give you the best in sight as to how to approach pregancy and what you need to do to maintain once pregnant.  I am in the process of being worked up for surgery.  If pregnancy comes about for me again, I believe that is how I would approach it.  I hope this helps.

Thank you, Mary!  I think your idea about seeing an RE is a good idea.  I will ask my CNM about that.  Best of luck to you in the future.

You are so welcome.  Best of luck to you and prayers that your desire for a little one is fulfilled.  Merry Christmas!

Okay i know you wanted to for those who have had wls havent gotten mine yet but i have head pcos since i was 16 and i did get prego when i was on metformin i chose not to take metformin when i was prego althought the docs told me i could, i just dont like taking anything when i get prego since i already lost two babies so i didnt take it and i did gain 100bs with each baby i still dont know if i should have taken it and maybe i wouldnt have gained 200lbs when i was prego but i dont regret it cause i probly wouldnt have had my kids if i stayed on it like when i did with my two miscarriages i hope this helps you

I did not take Metformin after WLS and had given up a VERY long time ago in getting pregnant (have been married 14.5 years and never used birth control and failed to get pregnant using fertility treatment).  I had the shock of my life when I became pregnant 13 months after surgery.  I used nothing to promote fertility...just didn't think it would happen so didn't use birth control.  I had a fairly textbook pregnancy and gave birth December 23rd, 2009!

Wow!  That is a great story.  I hope all is well with you and your new baby.  I love hearing stories of miracle babies.

I have started charting and my cycles are normal length and appear to be ovulatory, so I'm still on the fence about whether or not I'll use Met when we do start TTC, but everyone has given great input.