Which Surgery will help PCOS more?

I'm new here and I am looking into bariatric surgery in the next few months.  I'm 5'11" and weigh 284, my highest ever.  I was diagnosed with PCOS at age 17 and am now 31.  I've tried several diets; SB, Atkins, Optifast etc and always lose, but then regain everything I lost plus more.   I gained over 70 lbs going through two rounds of IVF in the last two years that were unsucessful.  I'm desperate to lose weight, be healthy and become fertile.  I've been leaning more towards the Vertical Sleeve surgery, but I just wonder if it will be as effective as the RNY in the weight loss and the alleviation of PCOS symptoms.  Can anyone give me any scientific data, share stories or give me any advice?  I'd appreciate any input to help me make an educated, informed decision.  Thanks!

Hi Stephanie,

I am new too.  I also have PCOS and I am schedule to have the sleeve done in April.  After doing  plenty of research I did decide to have the sleeve instead of the gastric or the lap band.  And like you I also want kids.  I didn't find out that I had PCOS until I was 25 or 26.  I will be 36 in April.  I started having irregular cycles when I was 17 but was put on birth control and it did help until I was around 21 or 22...still didn't know that I had PCOS and like many other PCOSers my cycle isn't normal to this day but after speaking with my PCP and my surgeon I do think that the sleeve is better for PCOS.  Although you will use weight slower than the gastric but faster than the lap band,  it will help your horomones get regular alone with your insulin.  Just remember to exercise and follow the diet plan for which ever route you go.  I'm not a doctor but after all of my research and talking with drs this is what I think will be best for me and my PCOS.  I hope this helps.

Good luck.

I'm looking to have RNY in the next few months.  I was HEART SET on the sleeve but until I sat with my pcp and my obgyn.  They stated that RNY was best for pcos and most other obesity related comorbities.  (I'm diabetic as well). 

Also, you're very similar in structure to me.  I'm 5'9 284

I hope this helps. 

Well I am 6 1/2 months out from having RNY and it has been such a blessing. I think that you need to rely on what your medical team... and i say team, because you need to discuss it with your PCP, OB, and Endocrinoligist.... as well as surgeon. I had talked to all my dr's and they all agreed 100% that lap band is not a good choice for PCOSers. I asked about DS and Sleeve, and they stated that RNy was the best choice for correcting the insulin resistance Issues that come along with PCOS.  Most of PCOS symptoms have gone into "remission" as PCOS never goes away. But as Idrop the weight, the symptoms have gotten better...

Again, you have to decide what is best for you, and rely on your medical team that you trust.... but continue to do your own research so you can make an informed discion.

My stats:

RNY 7/29/10
Starting weight 242 / current weight 158
Height : 5'1"

Good Luck on your Journey!

Erin  

Thanks.  The more research I've done, the more I'm starting to be convinced that the sleeve is probably not going to be as effective with the PCOS.  I still need to talk to my Dr. again, but I think I'm leaning toward  the RNY now.  Sigh.  Decisions, decisions.

Both my endo and my surgeon recommended the RNY for me b/c of my PCOS.

Hey gals! I am 8 years post op of my RNY. When I had my surgery my comorbidities were PCOS, Diabetes, and fibromyalgia. I would say within 6 months of surgery my A1C was in the normal ranges and I was completely diet controlled until 2 years ago. My cycle never went to a "normal" state and I have had a healthy child who is now 5 during this time. Had some difficulties during my pregnancy, but over all it was good. I gained 18 pounds with him and it was all gone within 2 weeks of having him.

I have since been diagnosed 2 years ago with Lupus and Sjogrens which has landed me on steriods and made me gain 45 pounds. i am getting off the steriods now and hope to see the weight dwindle. . My RNY surgery has been a huge blessing when it comes to my health issues. I would do it again tomorrow. It did not help regularity AT ALL!! I have had the mirena IUD incerted (still allows you to have kids) and it has helped TREMENDOUSLY with the cramping, heavy cycle, and regularity.

Be well and I hope this post helps!!! Good luck with your surgeries!

Thanks!  We actually sound a lot alike.  I too have the PCOS and fibromyalgia.  I'm apprehensive about the RNY because of the malabsorption issues.  I am already depleted in things like Calcium and Magnesium etc that is contributing to the Fibromyalgia.  That's why I was leaning towards the sleeve, but it seems that the more research I do, the more I'm finding out that the RNY is more sucessful in treating the weight issues and insulin resistance issues accompanied with PCOS.  I have an appt. to talk to my surgeon about these topics in the next couple of weeks.  I KNOW PCOS is the biggest factor in my weight problems.  No family history or anything!  It's evil and I want it irradicated!!

I had the RNY 2/2008 and lost 200 pounds with it, ive regained some though, carbs are evil even post op, and post hysterectomy, having the parts yanked out doesnt cure pcos unfortunately. I think because RNY has such a dramatic effect on diabetes, its the one most likely to help pcos, a diabetes like illness, but theres really just no information out on it yet I dont guess. thats the best info I have its worked im still under 300 pounds (used to be 435 so still a win) and with any luck ill get back down closer to 200 again just have to knuckle down, im losing again and even 3 years out its way easier to diet with the rny than it was before it, just seems hard cause you sorta think ok i had the surgery im done yay... well your not its still something that I will have to work at apparantly perhaps always but its worth it...

hope that helps

According to the 3 doctors I have now seen, it is not the surgery that matters here, what matters is your ability to live with the surgery you have and what surgery you can't live without!-

They ALL said that in their opinions the best success for loosing most of the symptoms of PCOS came from either the DS or RNY.  Also my OBGYN recommended those for PCOS, before the sleeve and band, because of the malabsorption. She also told me it never goes away, the symptoms just do.  Meaning you will still have PCOS, but your chances will still be good to have a baby.

Just the doctorly advice I was given.

For me- I chose the DS because it was what is going to be the best thing for me.

Best luck on your journey!
JJ