Question:
I have polycystic ovarian syndrom which has alot to do with my weight.

Would i be denied for the surgery because of this??    — Melanie W. (posted on June 18, 2005)

June 18, 2005
NO IT WON'T STOP YOU FROM HAVING WLS DONE BECAUSE I HAVE IT TO
   — ritamytweety

June 18, 2005
I have PCOS, too. I had WLS on 11/12/2003. I have lost over 100 lbs. The weight loss stopped at about 8 months (I'm sure that the PCOS had something to do with this). So, I am looking into a revision to get some more weight off as I am just under 200 lbs. which is still too much for my small frame. Keep informed about PCOS, and keep your doctors informed about your progress with the PCOS/weight loss. Lots of luck -- Barbara
   — StarWish624

June 18, 2005
I, too, have PCOS. I had my surgery last year and have lost 150 pounds. Unfortunately, I am still overweight. I need to lose another 20 pounds or so, but it is so much more difficult now. I also still have many of the problems associated with PCOS, like irregular/abnormal periods and the issues with hair. I thought losing weight would resolve these issues, but it hasn't. So, while weight loss may, or may not, correct PCOS, it won't prevent you from having WLS. In fact, it may even help to make your case for it. Best wishes for health and happiness. Donna 05/17/04 302/152/130
   — Donna F.

June 18, 2005
I had my surgery in November 2002. I have lost over 150 lbs, and had PCOS at the time. I had irregular periods, fertility issues, etc. Although I still have weight to lose, the PCOS symptoms disappeared after I had lost my first 100lbs. My periods returned to a clock-work 28 day cycle, the acne issue disappeared, as did the fertility problems. In fact, I am due with my second child in 2 weeks. I'm hoping that after I deliver, I can resume the rest of my weight loss. Remember, each person is different, and the PCOS may not completely resolve with weight loss, but I was told it would dramatically improve. There is a 'flood' of hormones to your system as your body is in it's most dramatic weight loss stage, as many of these hormones are present in the fat cells and are released at the fat is consumed. This may cause other side effects or delay the PCOS resolution until these hormones are released from your system. It seems to subside at about the 6mos-1yr mark. Good luck with your decision for WLS surgery. I still feel very strongly that it was one of the most important and best decisions I have ever made in my life. Although I am far from 'thin' and would ideally like to lose another 40lbs, I am thrilled with the changes since the surgery and my life and outlook are so much more positive now. Best wishes!
   — angelav

June 19, 2005
Hi, I have PCOS too and my insurance actually said that's the BIGGEST reason I will be approved!
   — Ravenwulf

June 20, 2005
I had POS and it was one of the main reasons I got approved. This syndrome causes all the problems that the surgery fixes. Insulin rejection that causes Diabeties, weight gain, and all the problems that weight gain causes. I was told that this syndrome basicly works against you when it comes to losing weight. I even had a procedure called Ovarian Drilling, where they go in laproscopicly and drill holes into the overies to stimulate the hormones. This is suppose to get rid of POS, but after a year it was worse than before. I'm 1 1/2 yrs post and I'm doing great now. No problems at all with POS.
   — kumputrgek

June 23, 2005
Make sure you have the test that checks for insulin resistance. I had PCOS but was rejected by the insurance company until they found out I was insulin resistant, then approval came within about ten days! So it certainly will not keep you from being approved and it should actually help you with the process. I just had my surgery on 06/15/05 and I'm already so glad I did. Good luck to you.
   — jdurant