Question:
Anyone have PCOS and then have WLS?

Hi! I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and am considering WLS. Has anyone here had the surgery and have PCOS? Did you symptoms improve (hormones, fertility, excess hair, insulin resistance)? I know that there must be some cysters in the group. Anyone? :)    — Lori B. (posted on May 20, 2001)

May 20, 2001
Hi Lori, I had my WLS 4 months ago (down 85lbs!!) Yes, I had (have) PCOS. Since my surgery and weight loss, my excess hair has diminished (almost non exsistant), my hormones are going back into their normal cycles. I am experiencing some problems with my period- but my doctor (ob/gyn) believes it is because of two plus years of no periods. I didn't have the infertility issues because after my son I couldn't have anymore children (for other reasons other than PCOS). Hope this helps. Email me if you like at [email protected]. Good luck
   — Cindy K.

May 20, 2001
Lori-I am 3 months post-op and have PCOS. I have lost 63 pounds so far, but its too soon to tell about much improvement. Before surgery I suffered hair loss (on head), hair growth (on face, neck and belly), irregular cycles, the whole list of PCOS symptoms. It does seems as if my hair is getting thicker in the places where it had thinned and my insulin levels are normal again. My spouse and I have not had children yet, so I hope that when we do start trying for a family (once I'm a year post-op) I won't have too many problems. Even if the symptoms of PCOS never fully resolve, they will surely improve with weight loss. Good Luck!
   — Anne B.

May 20, 2001
Hello Lori, I too, have PCOS. I was diagnosed about 2 years ago. I am only 17 days post op, so I wouldn't be much help in answering from my OWN experience, however, I do have a girlfriend who has PCOS and is 13 months post op. She lost a total of 240 lbs, and as a result her menstral cycles are normal, the excessive hair growth on her neck, chin, face and belly is to an extreme minimal, and she is also 5 weeks pregnant! This is a miracle to her and her husband as they had spent thousands of dollars and months and months trying to become pregnant before she had WLS. So, WLS helped her PCOS significantly and I hope it does the same for me! I hope that helps answer your question. Good Luck and feel free to write back. : )
   — Heather W.

May 21, 2001
Hi Lori! I'm 31 oooops 32 (many where does time go). . .I was diagnosed several years ago with PCOS. My cycles have been very abnormal prior to surgery - I'd go 7-8 months without a cycle. I had surgery end of January, lost 75# since that time, and my periods (since surgery) have been like clock work!
   — Teresa M.