Question:
Does anyone have insulin resistance & PCOS have trouble losing weight?

I am a little over 2 mos post-op RNY. I was diagnosed about 3 years ago with PCOS which also includes insulin resistance. I am currently on Metformin for this. Has anyone experienced slower weight loss due to the insulin resistance? Just out wondering also if you are on meds. for this and how much of it you take? From what I understand being insulin resistant causes your body to hang onto fat more. Is this true? Thanks!    — Allison T. (posted on June 19, 2002)

June 18, 2002
I have PCOS, as well as diabetes, and hypothyrodism (a lower than normal level function)...so it's a sort of a triple-whammy when it comes to my body's trying to hold onto its fat cells. I'm just days away from my one year anniversary. I started at a high weight, but have not lost what many others have at one year who started equally high. But I'm losing...and in fact have never before lost this much weight at one time. So, if it were not for these three medical conditions, my surgeon and gynecologist agree that I'd be losing at a much faster rate. Ultimately, it may take me longer than others not battling these conditions even though I drink 4-5 liters of water per day, drink protein drinks and keep protein levels up in general, watch carbs and eat 800-1000 calories a day. But that's okay. I feel better than I've felt in years, and my surgeon and I agree that we'll only really worry if I completely stop losing for an extended period of time. As for medications for these conditions, I take HRT, Levoxyl for my thyroid, and my blood sugar stays well under control, thanks in part to Actos. I'd previously been on Rezulin, until the FDA withdrew it from the market. I am still very, very glad that I had this surgery. I fought insurance companies and medical groups for six years in order to get it; it was worth the fight. God's Blessings to you.
   — CaseyinLA

June 18, 2002
Hi My daughter was diagnosed pcos 3 yrs ago she is 18 now...just last week she FINALLY got to see the endo dr specializing in this... He put her on gloucophage, the type 2 diabetic medicine he said with the insulin resistance no matter how strighly she followed a diet she would not loose weight, she is severly obese, Well she is 8 days into the medication down 4 pounds and following the adtkins diet strictly, she feels better all ready, He did say this may not help her loose all the weight and she STILL might need wls however, it will keep her from becomeing diabetic and will protect her heart,,so whether weightloss or not she is taking it...And just knowing she is not at fault for her condition completely has improved her out look...She is having no trouble following the adtkins doet now,, I am hoping it is enough for her so she does NOT need wls, shes only 18 and my surgery went badly so im kinda gunshy, but if she needs it she WILL get it, I am still pro surgery, its just this is my baby lol.... i hope you forgive me for rambiling xoxoxox Raven'sHussyBBD
   — BBD

June 18, 2002
I was diagnosed with PCOS in Feb 99 and could not lose weight even on glucophage. That was the main reason I decided to have this surgery. I am 11 weeks post op today and have lost 55lbs. I am not losing as fast as other patients at this point but I feel wonderful. I went from tight 22W to 14's & 16's when I went shopping this weekend. I still have about 40lbs more to go and I am sure they will be even harder to get off but I still feel I am lucky to be where I am!
   — Crystal D.

June 18, 2002
Hi Allison, I too was dx w/PCOS w/insulin resistance a few yrs ago. I did a 6mo study at Hershey Medical here in PA with Glucophage & Rosiglitizone. The Docs thought that might help with the weight, but it didn't. I had RNY on 3/20/02. I am as of today down 73lbs in 13wks. I am very happy with my loss and feel fabulous. I still have not gotten a period yet, so I will soon see a GYN to put me on something to induce it, like PROVERA. I was hoping that this 73lb loss would make a period come on its own but it doesn't seem to be working for me yet. I think my wt loss is pretty good and I have not had blood work done yet to prove this, but I believe that I am no longer insulin resistant. ~ Best wishes to you on your journey! ~ Debbie
   — Deborah F.

June 18, 2002
Look into the web site below. I was on their diet pre op and found it very good, and healthy too. It may help you with your insulin resistance. Good luck. http://www.carbohydrateaddicts.com/
   — Danmark

June 19, 2002
See my life history with the lovely PCOS by clicking my name :) But yes, I feel my body is fighting against me 24-7-52-365
   — Karen R.

June 19, 2002
I also was diagnosed with PCOS when I was about 16 years old. I had weight loss surgery on January 24, 02 and have lost about 65 pounds. I am a slow loser, but feel great and have much more energy. I started out as what is considered a light weight at 274. Please email me at [email protected] if you would like to
   — Heidi B.

June 19, 2002
My wife had fairly severe PCOS and her insulin levels were near 30. (I too had insulin resistance with levels in the low 30's before surgery). My wife is 14 months post op, down over 100 lbs and just had a insulin test that came back at 7 with no medication. Her symptoms of PCOS have basically disappeared. That is one of the major benefits of RNY surgery is that it stablizes insulin levels. It may take a little while, but focus on getting in protien and stay away from sugars and simple carbohydrates (starches and white flour).
   — Dell H.