Question:
Anyone Insulin Resistant with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

I'm getting ready to meet with a surgeon, but wanted to ask anyone out there if they had any experience with insulin resistance from PCOS. Was this resolved after your surgery? Did you have to continue taking the medicine or were you taken off of it? Thanks! Lauren    — Lauren F. (posted on July 7, 2002)

July 7, 2002
I have diagnoses of being insulin resistant and also having polycystic ovarian syndrome. My main complication of being insulin resistant is dark skin patches on certain areas of my body (i.e. neck, armpits, etc.). I am now about 7 1/2 months postop. My skin has gotten lighter in those areas though still have some discoloration to it. It is quite a bit better though. As far as PCOS, I have a regular menstrual cycle now which I did not have before. I probably spotted once a year or so prior to the surgery. I am not planning on becoming pregnant after WLS as I have two kids and had a tubal ligation done after the 2nd child. I did have difficulty getting pregnant the first time around. I am noticing that I have darker facial hair, as well as on my body which is a pain but I try to keep up with it with dipilatories (sp?). Best of luck to you on your journey. In my opinion and experience, life is better all the way around. Take care and God bless. ;o)
   — Karen L.

July 8, 2002
I have not had surgery yet but have discussed this with my doctor and am anticipating not needing to take medication after surgery as he believes it will resolve. However I was not anticipating the return of my period! I am somewhat saddened by Karen's report of the return of a normal cycle. I have enjoyed the past 3 years without it but this will not stand in the way of me having the surgery! LOL It is a relief to know where these dark patches are coming from however.
   — garnet156

July 8, 2002
I am post op as of March 6th, 2002. I have severe PCOS and my insulin was CURED the day of surgery! When the PCOS set in, I went from being healthy and 125 lbs to half dead and close to 400 lbs in just a FEW YEARS! I used to have 1-2 period a year, now I have had 4 in the 4 months since surgery! The pooled insulin( dark spots) under my arms, in my groin, etc are GONE! I feel GREAT and am so glad I did this!
   — Heather W.

July 12, 2002
Isn't it weird how PCOS is? I actually got better health wise after surgery (got period, lower BP, acne gone, alopecia gone); however, I could tell I wasn't 100%. I still felt like I was fuzzy in the brain. My Endo Rx Metformin just two months ago, and I feel better already. Now, I haven't been officially 'termed' Insulin Resistant, still Metformin is the #1 perscribed drug for PCOS- and your PCOS will NEVER GO AWAY (even with surgery). It will get better (like I did) but you will always deal with certain aspects of the disease (infertility in some, insulin resistance, hirsutism, etc.) and in your case perhaps certain medicines....
   — Karen R.