Has anyone had Gastric Bypass after being diagnosed with PCOS and did losing all the weight help "reverse" it? Before I was even diagnosed I was frustrated with my inability to lose weight despite trying several different programs and began looking into Lap Band and Gastric. I was trying to get the process started when I was diagnosed last week. I've seen some posts where people have lost weight due to the medication they are on and am now wondering do I need Gastric or will just being on medication for PCOS and watching my diet help? Also, will having PCOS help me get my insurance to approve the gastric if I need it since losing weight will help control the other symptoms and conditions that go along with PCOS?
I had RNY in Oct 2006. I was diagnosed with PCOS many years ago. Yes the first year after wls helped my symptoms, but some have returned. Weight loss does help PCOS but from what I have been told, it does not 100% cure it. It is something that needs to be monitored.
I also have/had Insulin Resistance. My gynecologist and endocrinologist have both agreed that the minute I start seeing my midsection circumference increase, and notice any changes in my weight, to get into the office and that we will get the insulin testing done to see if there is signs of insulin resistance. I did recently visit an endocrinologist who done testing and he stated that at this time there were no signs of insulin resistance.
I still have problems with my hormones (the mood swings are awful) and I do have the growth of facial hair. As stated, the first year after my gastric bypass (which is when the studies on others have been performed) the signs and symptoms basically went away. After the first year, years 2 and 3, is when some of them began to come back. I would be interested in seeing a more extensive study on weight loss surgery patients farther out...
I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2001 and had surgery (RNY) in 2004. My PCOS was pretty bad. I was on 2000mg of Metformin for IR and I still became type II diabetic, I did not loose wieght & I did not begin to ovulate (even with Clomid and later injectables). The lapband was not a good fit for me (too high maintenance & my body doesn't like foreign bodies...still have issues with a titanium plate & screws in my leg) so I went with gastric bypass (RNY). I lost 114lbs and all of my PCOS symptoms were reversed quickly with the exception of the facial hair. Unfortunately once that grows in it doesn't go away without medical intervention (like Vaniqua which I've not tried or laser removal). I have had 2 successful pregnancies (both concieved the 1st month not using protection) and although I'm still battling a 15lb gain from my last pregnancy I'm happy with my decision. I'm 5 years post op and still 95lbs lost.
Good luck!
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Kristy (33) & Adam (36) & DDs Alice Kay & Amanda Kay Founding WLS DIVA - RNY 8/3/04
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Very good article! So from what I see from your story is that NO weight loss surgery did not cure PCOS, and that even after being thin for years, the problems with Insulin Resistance can cause a person to become obese once again. That is the same conclusion that I found in my research.
There was an article (I'm not at home right now, so i can find it later to post) which talked about what doctors should be looking for if their gastric patients start to gain weight, and say that they are eating properly. The biggest was these same problems that you are talking of... the insulin causing the midsection to increase/expand (where fat is stored is around the stomach area). That is where the majority of my weight was).
Before and after pictures
In the studies that say WLS cures PCOS, they do not show anything on patients who are further out... 2 yrs, 3 yrs, 8 yrs. The only speak of the 1st year after wls. My symptoms went away drastically the first year, and why not? My body went through such a trauma with the surgery itself, so many adjustments... after all, the stomach was cut away, intestines rerouted, weight flying off like crazy... man was my body ever confused! I would like to see more studies...
In the meantime... I am going to continue to monitor my weight, eating tendencies, body measurements/circumference of midsection, and if at any time there is a change, I'm RUNNING to the specialists as instructed. I have worked so hard to maintain my current weight, and I will not allow it to get out of control as it did before... I feel empowered now because I am educated, and realize that its a medical condition... not just my laziness or lack of good diet, that caused my former obesity. Thanks for your article....
One last thought... weight loss surgery was the only factor of why I lost the weight. I do not regret it! It saved my life, and I am thankful. I would not discourage anyone from having wls. I would encourage them however, to remain on the program, stay with the basic rules of protein first, not drinking with meals, and stay away from the carbs... it is very important to eat properly because as the studies show, beginning to eat "regular" (allowing the carbs back in) will be a huge promotor of the RETURN of PCOS symptoms... we really need to support one another... I am going to start telling folks I know who had wls and PCOS to remain diligent in the nutritional diet. I would surely hate to see someone lose what they worked so hard to obtain. It makes me sad to think of.
__________________ Previously on: Glucophage, Actos, Spironolactone, Wellbutrin, Lexapro, Chryselle & other forms of birth control including NuvaRing, Ortho Evra patch
Currently taking: Multi Vitamins, Calcium Citrate, Dry Vitamin D, Sublingual B-12, B Complex, Iron, Chromium Picolinate, Mirena IUD inserted April 08
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Last edited by melsreturn; 09-18-2009 at 11:56 AM.
In the studies that say WLS cures PCOS, they do not show anything on patients who are further out... 2 yrs, 3 yrs, 8 yrs. The only speak of the 1st year after wls.
Excellent point.
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Hey, SoulCysters! Need to eat more veggies, but can't find recipes??
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YES Melsreturn, you are right and hit on some very good points. It was unknown back in 1999, I don't think we actually even discussed the PCOS with the Doctors, I just know that they said if I didn't lose the weight I would not concieve a child. I NEVER regret having the surgery, it saved my life as well. You are right, and I am watching the weight drop again, not as fast as it did in 1999 of course, but I am also 10 years older now, so I cut out all the carbs....whole wheat and whole grain, and lots of water....veggies I have a hard time with, but I do my best to have a salad every now and then.
Thanks for your nice comments....much appreciated...
__________________ Stopped trying to concieve #2, happy with what god blessed me with. Too much pain and heartache. Love My Life!
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Thanks for all of the info. This is such a frustrating condition to have but know that I know I am glad it wasn't just me. I am hoping to get WLS in Jan.
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WLS doesn't cure it but it did help lessen the symptoms for me. I started to have regular periods once again shortly after surgery, which was a shock! It was also listed as one of my co-morbidies in the letter sent to my insurance company by my doctor.
Gastric Bypass and PCOS 
