lapinND

I worked out with a trainer when I felt like I was at my highest weight (little did I know, i still had about 40 lbs to go to get to my highest--yikes!) She was awesome! And I felt good about myself for working so hard with her. I figured that I had tried doing it on my own for a long time with no results, so maybe it was time to get help. I would do it again in a heartbeat. In fact, I intend to, as soon as my incisions heal completely. You can do it!

I was banded 1/29, and the gas pains were horrible! That was the worst part of the whole surgery! I used gas-X, but that didn't help much. Heat didn't help much for me, either. Walking around and switching positions helped some. But, I'm happy to report that as of about 2/4, it was MUCH better! It will get better! Hang in there.

I'd also be very hesitant to get a hysterectomy. I was lucky enough to see an endocrinologist from the Mayo Clinic who was fabulous. Here's what he told me: metformin generally helps people lose about 10% of their weight before you hit a plateau. However, it does help stop weight gain. And, with the band, you've got another weapon in your arsenol. PCOS is a condition thata should be treated by an endocrinologist, not a general paractitioner. I've had my share of experiences with bad doctors (hey, there are good and bad people in all professions.) The only doctors I've experienced who really understand PCOS are endocrinologists. Find one and get an appointment. I had to go out of network and pay a lot of money, but it was worth it to experience a doctor who is both intelligent and understands your condition. At 25, you have a long life of fertility ahead of you, if you choose to have more children. The metformin might help you conceive, if that's what you want to do right now---it worked for 3 of my friends with PCOS within a few months of using it. Also, the more you can lose, the better it will get. I've been banded one week only, but already, I've lost a few pounds 14 since the pre-op diet (1 month total), and I'm not even on metformin right now. Stay away from juices, sugary drinks, too many carbs at once, and it will start to work for you, too. And please please please don't let one rather uninformed doctor sway you. (Sorry if I sound like I'm preaching....) :biggrin:

A lot of the Protein supplements are expensive. I found one, however, that's decent and relatively inexpensive. I bought it at Target. It's EAS 100% whey protein. It comes in chocolate and vanilla. I like the chocolate. 23 g per scoop--30 scoops in a canister, selling for around $13. So for about $26, you've got enough protein for the month. I just found it at Sam's (our version of Cost-Co), also, for around $30 for 90 scoops (45 days). That's not too bad, either. Walmart had a similar product, for just a few more dollars. I can't use it for the 3 days prior to surgery or the week after, when I will be on Clear liquids. The dietician said I could either a) go without protein during that period, or :rolleyes2: use a clear Liquid Protein. For that, I used a fruit punch flavored liquid protein (I forget the name--black bottle, red lable, 3 TBSP per serving/18 gr protein) that I mix with a little flat diet sprite. The bottle sold for $30, but at GNC they had a buy one get one half off, so I bought 2 for $45, and that should get me through those 10 days, plus another 20-30, I"m guessing. I tried the Isopure and another sports drink type protein mix from GNC--roughly $4/day. HATED THEM! I did like a product called ProSlam 45 (45 grams protein), lemon lime flavor, that sold for $4, as well, but for the money, this will be a "treat". I'm pretty content with the less expensive options.

Hey guys! I'm back. I get banded one week froom today! In Bismarck. I don't know about doctors in Grand Forks, but I do know there's a great doc in Fargo at MeritCare. Can't remember his name. Also, I am hearing raves about a doctor in Park Rapids, MN--not too far from the great state of ND. I'll see if I can't do a little more digging and get details. Also, I'm not sure about fill docs in Minot. I know of a bandster in Minot who comes to Bismarck for everything. Getting nervous and excited! Just realized last night that I've lost 4 lbs in two weeks on a pre-op diet. Might seem small to you all, but to me, it's HUGE! Enjoy this cold morning--I hear we have a warm spell coming our way by the weekend!

Thanks kissmygrits and georgiagirl for the feedback. I had a great appointment with the DR. yesterday, and I feel a lot better. I should have my approval letter (hopefully!) in a couple of weeks, and then we'll see. I started protein shakes this morning, and I'm trying to cut the carbs. I don't get to meet with the dietician until after the approval comes, and then I'll do whatever I'm told! We're looking at a late January/early February surgery date, and I can't wait!

I'm not sure which diet I'll be on. I think I find that out tomorrow. He just said it would involve protien drinks at 1500 calories/day. I've always had a problem losing, even following a strict diet and working out with a trainer for 90 mins a day, 5 days a week. That's why I'm so nervous.

Hi ladies! My doctor will not perform surgery if there is a weight gain, no matter how slight, during the pre-surgery diet. I am vey scared--I meet with him tomorrow to go over details, but with PCOS, weight gain just seems constant no matter what I do. How has the pre-surgery diet worked for you with PCOS? Was weight loss possible? Any gainers out there? Thanks!

I was on spiro for a year or so with no real relief. It also made me swell up from many fluids.

I'm really glad to hear that this will help PCOS symptoms. My endo said it would, but if you've been struggling with PCOS for awhile, I'm guessing you know how hard weight loss is with it. I dont' have a surgery date yet, but I'm getting excited--just worried about how effective it will be considering the PCOS and insulin resistance.