goddess819

I think it seems kinda slow here because this forum is brand new. Although I have had the RNY I'll answer your questions just so that you can also gain perspective on this surgery as well.

1. What were your PCOS symptoms before surgery? I had them all, no ovulation, no periods, IR/Diabetes, skin tags, Acanthosis Nigricans, acne, hirsutism, elevated testosterone & my FSH/LH ratio I'm sure was out of whack very badly as I'd gone through 8 years of infertility treatments with no success with getting me to ovulate let alone get pregnant.


2. What are your PCOS symptoms now, after the surgery? All that is left is the facial hair growth. All other symptoms are gone. I have no IR/Diabetes, no acne (rare now), no skin tags, and I have regular cycles averaging 28-30 days. My fertility is definitely restored as I've gotten pregnant 2x since surgery both on the 1st month ttc.

3. How long before you noticed PCOS symptoms (besides weight loss) disappear if you did? All in all it was gradual for the acne & AN. The diabetes & IR was nearly instant and I was released by my endo at 6 months post op. I was on bc until 1 year post op so I didn't realize I was having regular cycles & ovulation until then.

4. About how many pounds a month did/do you lose after the surgery? It was faster in the beginning and then dramatically slowed at 7 months post op. I lost 100 of 114lb needed to be lost by 6 months. I was at goal at 114lb lost and at a weight of 140 at 1 year post op.

5. Would you do it again if you had to? I sure would...but I know how to use my tool correctly and at 4+ years out am still at goal.

6. What was/is the hardest part about the surgery and/or life after surgery? It's all hard. In the beginning it's hard because of what you're restricted in eating. Further out it's still hard because you can eat more foods and you not only have to work hard to keep the weight off and keep from regaining but you also have to work on not reverting back to old eating habits or grazing.

7. Was there anything you had to do before the surgery? Every insurance company is different and I suggest calling them directly to see what they require to approve you for surgery. I was required to have a psych eval, abdominal ultrasound and cardiac/pulmonary clearance for surgery. Of course I had to meet the requirements of a BMI of >40 which I did with a BMI of 45 plus 3 major comorbid conditions (sleep apnea, diabetes & hypertension).

8. After the surgery, were there a lot of doctor visits? If so, what for? I saw my surgeon at 1 week, 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 & 12 months for labs (at the month visits) and to see how I was doing eating/drinking wise and for weigh ins. Now I see my surgeon yearly for labs and weigh in as well as any questions I may have for them.

9. Were there any complications? I do have dumping syndrome so I have to watch my sugar intake but that's it for me.

10. Any other information, advice or suggestions? Do your research on it. The better educated you are on the various WLS procedures the better post op patient & the more successful you'll be. Also get involved with a support group because you can have all the support from family & friends in the world but no one really knows what you're going through than another post op who's had the same surgery you did. Oh...one last thing is to take measurements & pictures pre op & then monthly after that.

I'd be happy to answer more questions if you like and of course I'm sure that some bandsters will be here soon to give you their perspective.

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