Question:
PCOS and Slow Weight Loss

I am feeling frustrated by my slow weight loss. I had open RNY on 9-26-02 and started at 268 lbs. I have lost 80 lbs total since then but have been stuck for the last several months and have really not lost anything. I have PCOS as well as hypothyroidism but haven't been to the endo since the surgery. I've also noticed that some of the old, bad carb/sugar habits are back. On the positive side, I always get in my water and protein and faithfully take all my suplements daily (calc.citrate, 2 multi, 3 iron & 3 chewable Cs(anemic), A&D, E (both dry), and sub-ling.B12. I also joined a health club recently and have been working out on the treadmill. Given the PCOS problem with insulin resistance and how it treats carbs, do any fellow PCOS sufferers have any advice? Should I go back on metformin? Did it make a difference in weight loss? I was only on it for a brief time pre-surg. so I don't enough experience to know. I also feel like I can eat alot now compared to the 1st six months. I can eat an entire Lean Cuisine with no problem. I did have an ulcer which the doc. diagnosed after Upper GI and endoscopy for which I am on my second round of Carafate as well as Nexium. Finally, I do sip water occasionally at meals and eat for a minimum of a half hour because I am such a slow eater (pre-op.as well.) I'm probably going to do 3 days of protein shakes and lean protein starting tomorrow to jump start the wt. loss. I would appreciate hearing from you as to how I can maximize this wonderful opportunity I was given with the surgery. I don't want to blow this but I'm starting to feel like I have. Thanks    — kelleykeith (posted on August 3, 2003)

August 3, 2003
Isn't great to be 80 pounds lighter! I hope to reach that within the next couple of months! I don't know about all of your conditions. I only know that when my weight loss slows, then I up my protein, up my exercise and up my water intake. It really does work! Take care, Barbara Brewer, WLS 5/20/03 278.50 pounds 8/1/03 237.00 pounds
   — babrewer

August 3, 2003
I too have PCOS and I have been a slow looser... RNY on Dec 12 2003 - Down 90lbs so far. But I started over 350 so I figured I should have hit the 100lbs lost at about 6 months out. But here I am closing in at 8 months and not there yet. I went back on Metformin, Actos, and Yasmin 3 months ago and my weight loss rate has picked up a lot. You might want to give it a try. I was on it before WLS and it didn't do a whole lot for me weight loss wise. I went off of them for surgery and gave my system a break for a few months. I'm happy with the weight coming off faster - maybe now they are helping. Not sure but my Reproductive Endo thought it would be a good idea. I'm due back next week for blood work.
   — Liz C.

August 3, 2003
I also have PCOs and I think my wt. loss has been okay. I had surgery on 11/21/02 and have lost 122 (started at 281). I think the key for me was working out. If I miss a workout - I'll gain 2 lbs. It's very frustrating at times. I workout very hard. I run 1 mile fast 3 x's/week and run at least 3 miles twice/week. I also do a water aerobics class 3x's/week and lift 3x's/week. I also really have to watch what I eat - too many carbs (not just sugar, but carbs too) and I start gaining some wt. back. I'm down to a size 8 now, but I really have to work at it. I wish you luck and keep us updated on your progress!
   — kandi S.

August 3, 2003
You should have your insulin tested now that you have lost 80 pounds. Insulin resistance is very much based on the amount overweight you are. As you get closer to your ideal weight the insulin resistance should clear up. It is very common with the PCOS but is a result of your weight. Kind of like one of those "which came first?" situations. I think you have the right idea with the protein boost. Lean Cuisines generally have a ton of carbs and even more sodium. AND by the way, 80 pounds ain't too shabby! You might be slower than some but you are doing great! Good luck!
   — Carol S.

August 4, 2003
I too have PCOS. I never thought of it as being the reason for my slow weight loss but it does make sense! I am 7 months out and am down 80 pounds. I had expected at least 100 by 6 months! I found at 4 months that carbs is the key for me. I eat like less than 10 a day and my weight loss is around 4 pounds a week, before I started counting the carbs, I was lucky to lose 4-5 pounds every FEW weeks. I take avandia but when I hit about 50 pounds down the doctor lowered the dose and says I will probably stay on this dose forever. Watch the carbs and don't forget to exercise! That really makes a difference too. Good luck on your journey! God Bless! <><
   — garnet156

August 4, 2003
Hi!!! I too suffer from pcos. my weight loss has been fabulous. my surgery was 3/18/02. i began at 409 and as of friday i have lost 200 lbs. I find that I must exercise like crazy and not any "bad" carbs(bread, pasta etc.)
   — tameaka S.

August 4, 2003
KELLEY, YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR THYROID CHECKED SOON. I TOO AM HYPOTHYROID AND MY PCP HAS HAD TO UP MY MEDICATION TWICE AND SHE HAS ME TAKING ANOTHER MED TO GO ALONG WITH THE SYNTHROID. FOR SOME REASON HAVING BOTH PCOS AND THYROID PROBLEMS MY WEIGHT LOSS HAS BEEN SLOW TOO. I AM 9 MONTHS OUT AND DOWN 105 1BS. MY PCP ALSO PUT ME BACK ON METAFORMIN AND MY WEIGHT LOSS PICKED UP A BIT. PLEASE HAVE YOUR THYROID CHECKED AND YOUR INSULIN. GOOD LUCK
   — Sandra P.

August 4, 2003
I think it is; as I think it is for me at least that is the excuse I am sticking to. I had a fabulous loss, and then ZIP- nothing. Started exercising (what I could) and started Metformin and the scale dropped like 5lbs (which was great, and the Met also made me feel SO good- like a normal person!). But then I got pregnant yada, yada, had to quit, had a baby and have not "re-started" the attempt to lose the rest of what I still carry around (extra 40lbs.). I WISH I were one of the people who have to *eat* to maintain a certain weight, or are *wondering when that size 6 is gonna fit*... it is almost like PCOS has a cut-off weight, WLS dangles a bone and we get only a certain amount, nothing extra, and like everything associated to PCOS is- it comes with extra exercise, extra carb watching, extra fatigue, extra this and extra that. I just want to be a successful WLS person, and I will never know if it is ME BEING A FAILURE or MY DISEASE SABOTAGING ME. So I say DO IT, go back on the Met. It can only help!? It is my next step, actually it is my only chance.
   — Karen R.