Question:
Any one out there with PCOS, prior to surgery?

I was just wondering if anyone that was diagnosed with PCOS prior to surgery had their bloodwork back to normal after surgery. I haven't had WLS yet but I have PCOS and the metformin makes me sick to my stomach, so I haven't taken it for a long time. I'm hoping that I won't need it anymore after I lose weight. Does anyone have any information regarding this? Thanks!    — mrssuperjfly (posted on February 6, 2009)

February 6, 2009
I don't have PCOS but is that all they are doing for your PCOS? Seems to me there should be more they can do to help you. Metformin is primarily used for diabetics to lower blood sugar. You didn't say whether or not you have diabetes but if you do I would consult with more than one doctor before i had WLS. Good Luck and God Bless, vinnigirl, retired RN
   — vinnigirl

February 6, 2009
I also have PCOS but haven't had surgery yet. I have the same problem with Metformin-nausea and diarrhea made it difficult for me to work. My Dr. put me on another form of it and it doesn't make me as sick. It's called Glumetza.
   — Jung

February 6, 2009
I have PCOS and had the Gastric Bypass on 2/2/09, less than a week ago. My doc sent me home without the metformin, he said with my new diet I wont need it. Also 2 days before surgury you have to stay off of it...but it was no problem because I was on a liquad, sugar free diet and I felt fine!
   — premdona

February 6, 2009
I have PCOS for years I'm 12wks post-op and Since surgery I've started to have regular periods right after surgery. Be patient theirs hope with wls.
   — roro31

February 7, 2009
I have PCOS and just recently had LapBand surgery (on 1/23/09) though I've heard a lot about diabetes being reversed with WLS, no one had any actual research data on the reversal of PCOS after WLS. I asked EVERYONE about it too. My surgeon did say though there isn't any documented evidence, if he were to say on his own, he would think it would help to reverse PCOS since PCOS gets worse with the excess weight. I stopped taking my Metformin during the 2 week liquid pre-op diet and have yet to start taking it again. Where how sick it turns my stomach when I take it, I didn't want to take it on a near empty stomach, so I'm waiting until I start up on regular solids, my surgeon told me that was a good idea. I'm not looking forward to starting it back up though, since the first month is usually when I feel the absolute worst due to the medication :( Has anyone found that with having PCOS and then WLS that your weight loss is not as fast, or more yo-yo fluctuation that someone without PCOS? I've been post-op for 2 weeks, and haven't lost any weight, though I did lose about 18lbs during the two weeks of pre-op diet.
   — kelbeth83

February 7, 2009
I have PCOS and had Lap RNY in Oct. 07. I was on 1500mg of Metformin XR/day before surgery, and went off it just prior to surgery because I ran out of the Rx while on a trip and when I started taking it again, it really upset my tummy and I figured since I was just finishing a mentrual cycle, I'd go without. I went about 6 weeks, then had surgery, and my period was majorly messed up for a long while after surgery. (The metformin definitely kept me on track cycle wise and I believe aided me in me getting pregnant back in 2004, despite being extremely overweight.) So without a normal period and weight loss, I just figured I'd wait it out and see what would happen. When I plateaued badly and was miserable without my period, I decided to consult my surgeon and my regular physician as well. I went on 500 mg of Metformin/day and soon after my cycle regulated again and my weight loss kicked back into gear. I'm not saying that you'll need Metformin, everyone is of course different. The lower dose didn't cause me any issues...I take it just after supper each night. I just know for me...the PCOS didn't go away with the weight loss. I'm down 126 pounds now from where I started. I am on a low dose Metformin and I'm completely content with it. I have a regular 28 day cycle, I ovulate like clockwork and my weight loss is still progressing. I also noticed my moods are more ....stable...with the Metformin. I think blood sugars get so out of whack with WLS, the Metformin helps me keep it in check. All my labs are great and nothing indicates that I'm pre-diabetic anymore. So just keep tabs on how you're feeling and e your own advocate. My surgeon said he appreciated me knowing my body so well that I could tell him what I think I needed to get back on track. He heard me out and agreed that the metformin was neccessary. ***Oh...for the earlier poster that replied to this....Metformin is for diabetes, but it's been used for PCOS for a very long time because PCOSer's have insulin resistance and Metformin helps many to get things under control with their blood sugar as well as aides in regulating cycles for some. It worked for me...but it does not work for all.** Best of luck and congrats on your decision to have surgery. I do not regret it one bit....I'm sure you won't either. Hugs....Cheryl
   — Cheryl K.

February 7, 2009
Hi, I had WLS 12/03/08 and I have lost 70 lbs. I was diagnosed with PCOS about 13 years ago, I was on metformin for the last 4-5 years. I went to my OB in January because after surgery my beeding went crazy, as anyone with PCOS can relate to. He did a blood work up and found that my testosterone levels were now within the normal range, and he took me off my metformin. My Dr. required 2 forms of birth control even for PCOS patients so I started depo shots last month, and so far so good. I was never diabetic or even pre diabetic but did have very high blood pressure they feel was weight and PCOS related, I am now off BP meds.
   — luvjt4

February 7, 2009
I have PCOS & had RNY in March (08). I went off Metformin a day before the surgery and have not taken it since. I was also trying Byetta and have not been on that since. I have done very well and feel like a new person. I don't think WLS "cures" PCOS but it definitely helps "put the giant to sleep" so to speak. I think we will have a lifelong struggle with PCOS, but less weight will make it a much easier pain to deal with. I lost 100 pounds and have plateaued. If I don't lose more and if I notice anything else (like whiskers & other PCOS symptoms arising again) I plan to go back on the metformin to keep it at bay. For those who wonder why PCOS is treated with metformin -- it's off label use & by far the most successful treatment for PCOS, in general. Doesn't work for everyone but for MOST women with PCOS it helps something. I was on the board of directors and before that the online community manager at PCOSA so I dealt with this stuff a lot. Best wishes to you!!
   — Fluffee

February 8, 2009
I've been treated for PCOS for 10 years, metaphormin, spiranolactone (water pill) and BCP. My RNY was 4/15/08, I cam home off all meds. My cycle was crazy for months, heavy periods for 5 -7 days every 15 days. OB put me on chewable BCP for 4 months and back on a smaller dose of the water pill. I wanted off the BCP so I stopped now they come ever 30 days or so, last 5 days and are normal. Still on the water pill, it helps with the facial hair. OB also wants the BCP back, it would also help, but I still don't want to do it. I only ever took them for the PCOS... I tried stopping the water pill but the hair came back. now I'm on 35 mg /day seems to be holding it at bay. Once I'm done with hospital bill I'll go for laser hair removal. WLS doesn't cure PCOS but in time it does settle down.
   — mbrendel

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