Question:
PCOS, does it go away after surgery?

I have 100 pounds to lose and considering lap-RNY... I can't take it anymore! Any success with this pcos plague after surgery? Any info is appreciated ;)    — jones0629 (posted on April 21, 2007)

April 21, 2007
What is PCOS? Never heard the term and I've had the surgery.
   — the7thdean

April 21, 2007
I was diagnosed w/ PCOS prior to my RNY surgery which was done in 4/06. I have surpassed goal in 1 yr, losing 154 lbs. I no longer need Metformin - in fact, all my labs are great. I never had a problem with facial hair before so I can't advise on if that gets better or not. But I don't need to see my endocrinologist anymore and according to my gyno and surgeon, getting pregnant should be a lot easier now (I'm 26 so I'm hoping that will happen in a couple years!) Losing weight has made everything in my life easier. Best of luck to you! ~Sarah in VA
   — platypus

April 21, 2007
I am 2 1/2 years out from lap-RNY and have lost 97 lbs total. I have had PCOS for so many years that I just couldn't really tell you how long it has actually been. I am 43 and I was diagnosed in my early teens! I have what they call the "full-blown syndrome" and all the horrible side effects too. I haven't had to take one Metformin tablet since I have had surgery. I have had PERFECT periods since the day of my surgery. I am now ovulating again after all these years. I can pin point when my period is actually going to start within about 5 hours max! It's awesome to feel "NORMAL" in that sense. :) I still have all the facial hair but I have to say that the growth has slowed down enormously. I used to have to pluck my face every morning for approx. 1 complete hour and some days even longer. I now spend about 20 minutes tops every morning to do the same areas. I am hoping to spend some money on the laser hair removal now that the growth has begun to slow down so much. My PCOS symptoms have improved majorly since my surgery. Hope this helps ya! Good luck and please feel free to email me any time! [email protected]
   — DestrieLea

April 21, 2007
Hi! I have PCOS, and had gastric bypass in December, 06. I used to never get a period. It had to be brought on by medication 3-4 times a year. About a month after surgery I got one on my own and they have been regular ever since. It is only almost 5 months since my surgery, so other "symptoms" have not changed as much. I experienced facial hair since teen years and still am dealing with that problem. I have done laser hair removal in the past, but even after 5 treatments, the hair grew back. I may try again after I reach a healthy weight in hopes that the regrowth will be less. Good luck to you! Oh! Also, Eating a diet low in carbs is supposed to be better for people with pcos. There is some connectio on between insulin resistance and pcos. This was just one of the reasons that WLS was for me. I feel much healthier now! I was 270 @ my highest weight, 246 day of surgery and about 190 right now... still losing! Best wishes to you!
   — robinmarra

April 22, 2007
Mine didn't go away completely- I still sturggle with the excess hair, irregular cycles, etc BUT I am no longer taking over 1500mg of Glucophage a day- in fact, other than my vitamins and B shots, I don't take anything. I've noticed that after 18 mos I get a little sleepy after eating sometimes- doesn't seem to matter what foods or what time of day- so I guess it's possible I am still sugar crashing after I eat. What I can say is, it was worth it!
   — Ravenwulf

April 22, 2007
i have always had problems with my periods and was put on the bc pill shortly after starting my period, b/c of irregular cycles. i also have all of the other symptoms of PCOS and have been suffering for about 10 years. i started planning on having wls then was diagnosed with PCOS. i have not had a period now for about 10 months, but the 2 gynocologists i have consulted with say there really isn't any treatment other than the bc pill untill you decide to have a child, then they use the metformin, etc. to help you conceive. wt loss significantly improves menstruation problems in almost all cases. i am newly married (6mo ago), am 26 yrs old, weigh 265, plan to have surgery in aug or sept , then once everything settles down and my body is healthier, prob about 2 years, plan to try and have a baby. i know what you are going through and i know it's a pain in the a**, but just hang in there and you'll get through it. my personal email is [email protected] if you would like to talk more. hope this helps, holly
   — RNlvnCARSON

April 22, 2007
I don't think PCOS ever goes away, but losing 100 pounds weight definitely helps. My insulin levels are normal and the excess facial hair has decreased significantly.
   — MSS

April 23, 2007
It is my understanding that pcos (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is helped considerably with the weight loss and the stabilization of the hormones. Women who have be infertile, have lost weight and then able to get pregnant, have their periods even out,,, etc.... I had very heavy periods for 10-12 days (heavy flow).... This has stopped since weight loss. Currently on my longest one to date of 5 days... so there is hope.. good luck to you.....
   — Kari_K