Question:
PLEASE HELP! WLS and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

I am having a very difficult time locating any information on whether WLS is appropriate for women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS can cause obesity and I need to know if women with PCOS should consider WLS or if WLS will even work on a PCOS patient. Any information greatly appreciated!    — Megan C. (posted on July 2, 2001)

July 2, 2001
Depends on how you define "work". PCOS is not a cureable syndrome, but it is controllable... but basically you'll always have it. Personally I believe because of the carb issues (we crave them incessantly) we are going to face a more difficult battle than others. WLS has allowed me to lose 88lbs- but I also think PCOS is the reason I have ONLY lost 88lbs. It has restored my period (not using any medications to produce one) it has slowed down my hirsutism (still not to my liking), and my depression has dropped a mite bit- but if you've ever read the issues I post, you'll know they are by no means gone.... seems I just find new ones. My acne is pretty much gone and my male patterned baldness (which I did not know I had) has grown back in! All of my tests come back normal enough to please my Endo. Any how, my hormones could very well be entirely out of whack due to my weightloss... I just need to chill and see what year 2 brings... it could be that because of my PCOS, things will take longer for me??? who knows... Very happy that I did it- regardless....
   — Karen R.

July 2, 2001
I have PCOS and I am still considering surgery. Actually I'm not considering it-- I'm going to do it. I never considered that I wouldn't loose weight or that I would loose it any slower, but I'm glad you ask this question because it may just determine what kind of surgery I have.
   — K T.

July 2, 2001
The whole entire reason I was introduced to WSL is becasue of my insulin residence that was because of my PCOS There are a few people that I have talked to on her that had the surgery that also have PCOS. Since the surgery I have regained my periods and have stopped taking my Actos for my diabetis. The WLS was recamened by the doc that treats my PCOS HOPE THIS HELP
   — Heather G.

July 2, 2001
There are several questions and answers in the Library that I found very informative and helpful!
   — NancySTX

July 3, 2001
THANK YOU LADIES for your help and quick response! You just don't know (well, maybe you DO) how confusing the issue of WLS and PCOS has been for me in deciding if WLS is RIGHT for the PCOS patient! I wish I could express my gratitude. I had not been able to find any info regarding PCOS and WLS ... you have been tremendously helpful and have helped put my fears to rest.
   — Megan C.