PCOS and Pre-Op

I have PCOS, and have had my whole life. Of course, like most of us, I wasn't diagnosed til my mid twenties. I am starting the process to have RNY surgery now. My consultation is this upcoming Wed, March 3, 2004. I am so hoping that this surgery will help with the ravages of PCOS. My Mom, also has this, but has never been diagnosed. She has the skin-tags, and diabetes, (as do I) and all the things that we know come with this. I'd like to escape some of this if I can. Also, having a child is something I long to do. It took Mom 11 years and losing 85lbs to have me. She was 34. I will be 30 in August of this year. I need to lose about 167lbs to get to my goal weight of 150. I feel like I'm reliving her life, and that scares me because now at 64 she is overweight, miserable, in bad health, and it pains me to see her this way. So, if any of you have a word of advice or whatever, let me know. thanks to all, Susan

Dear Susan, I also have had pcos my whole life and I too was diagnosed in my twentys. I haven't had the surgery, but I have had children. I went to an endocrinologist and lost about 50 pounds with weightloss medication and glucophage. Then I went on fertility meds. and was pregnant within two months with my first boy and three with the second. I have borderline diabetes, but don't actually take anything for it now. I do feel better when I am on glucophage because it helps control my hormones, but I haven't started back on it because I was breastfeeding. I am very over weight and I hope that I will get to have this surgery someday soon. I know your frustration. It took my husband and I four years and medical intervention to have 2 angels. I will keep you in my prayers. You aren't alone in your struggles. Try not to focus too much on what the future holds as far as negative things. Many people have children in their 30s and 40s. I am glad to know that I am not alone in the fears that pcos can bring as we get older. Take care and have a wonderful day. Sincerely, Jeana

Hi Susan. I actually think the main reason I'm having this surgery it to get rid of my PCOS and it's ramifications. I was diagnosed at 21 (now 26) and it's miserable. I was also diagnosed with diabetes last year. I was told that over 90% of people with type 2 diabetes are able to see drastic reductions in their sugar levels immediately after surgery. I'm hoping to be one of those people. I went through fertility clinic last year and they put me on insulin shots, as you cannot use glucophage or other pills when you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. My regular doctor saw that I didn't have any success with the fertility thing and said that after this surgery, there is a huge fertility boom. I have also been told that many doctors advise you to wait 8 - 12 months to begin trying, as your body is still healing. As far as the reduction of the cysts, I'm still not sure. It would be great to have a period on my own, but I'm not asking for any miracles here! Good luck with everything and let me know how it goes! Lisa