Rutiglius

Hi, I was diagnosed with PCOS 28 years ago (back then it was called Stein-Leventhal disease). Anyway, for years there was no real treatment for PCOS, other than birth control pills which helped regulate my menstral cycle and clear up the acne. About 8 years ago my insulin resistance became full-fledged type-2 diabetes. I saw a new, young doctor and he decided he would like to try me on Metformin. I resisted for awhile, not wanting to take more meds. Finally, a nurse-practitioner convinced me to take Metformin after she explained the connection between PCOS and IR/diabetes. It was truly like a miracle drug for me. I began having very normal and regular monthly cycles and my lower-abdominal area decreased in size due to the reduction of cysts. I still had fertility problems and never became pregnant, but ended up adopting. I continued to struggle with my weight and hair growth. I had IPL treatments for the hair growth and have now been banded to help with the weight issue. I feel, for the first time in my life, that I have a chance at being a "normal" woman!! A great support site, if you don't already vist there, is soul cysters. Lots of good info and tons of women with great stories!

I think Restless Monkey is right -- do what your Dr. says. Each of us is different. I only had a five day pre-op diet because my BMI was lower than some patients. My good friend, who had the surgery 1 year before me (with the same doc), had a two-week pre-op diet, and was told that she almost didn't get her band because her liver was a little thick and the surgical team did not think they would be able to maneuver it. Just get back on track and "this too shall pass"!

I think it is a GREAT idea! Anything to kickstart the motivation!!! Good luck!

Most likely you are swollen. I have been banded 6 1/2 weeks. Around my 4th week my appetite started returning and now I am back to "normal". I go for my first fill on Monday, and I need it!

Yo mama' so hairy... ...they filmed "Gorillas in the Mist" in her shower! ...you got rug-burn when you werer born!

Yo mama's so fat in order to "do the nasty" you have to roll her in flour and look for the wet spot.

It does sound like your port.

For several years I took Metformin XR (extended release). I took it at night to avoid nausea. I now take regular metformin and have had no problems!

I crush my metformin and mix with applesauce.

I was diagnosed with PCOS 28 years ago. I never had any children, but adopted two great girls!! I also had problems with facial hair. I had IPL (intense pulsed light) treaments about 6 years ago. I have had almost no regrowth. I did have some fine black hairs return on my upper lip and just had one additional treatment and now those are gone.

I had the same issue -- I wanted to add some coffee flavor to my Protein Drinks. So, I bought a little jar of Folger's instant decaf. I add about a 1/4 teaspoon of the granules. No calories, fat or sugar! Tastes great! I am a Starbucks fanatic (caramel creme frappicino). I have duplicated it somewhat (of course not as rich and creamy, but the flavor is there). I use the French Vanilla Protein Powder, add milk, ice, coffee granules and sugar free caramel syrup. Blend it all and YUMMY!!

Pickles are my only problem food -- so far. I chew and chew and those things just don't like me. I would call your doc, though. The sore throat thing doesn't sound right.

Jimmy Dean has these great LITE Breakfast bowls. They are chock full of Protein, take about 3 mins in the microwave and taste great! I like the turkey sausage bowl with eggs, potatoes and cheese. It is a pretty healthy serving and has 230 cals, 7g fat, 23g protein and 2g of Fiber. One bowl keeps me full all morning until lunch.

I agree with elcee! Too often all we hear about are the complications and it has made me a little apprehensive about my band. Your story has inspired me! BTW...your before and after pics are great. You are beautiful!

Hi, I was self-pay in Kansas. The total cost was 16,500. It included my pre-op visit, surgery, anesthesia, recovery, fills for a year and my one-year follow-up.

I am a side sleeper. I found that hugging a pillow to my side kept the pressure off my tummy. After a few nights, I didn't need it anymore.

I talked to my doc about soda. His reply was that he doesn't like it because of the empty calories. You need to get your nutrition from "real" food. When I explained that I drink diet cola. Again, he said he preferred that I drink water for the health benefit, BUT I could have diet soda in moderation. Some rules though: I had to be past my transitional diet and on regular foods, no drinking with eating, if I felt any discomfort -- STOP! Some people have gas issues with soda. I don't, but I don't gulp, drink much at one time, or drink it everyday. It is more like a treat for me. By the way, I asked about the carbonation causing the pouch to stretch, and he told me that it is more of a concern early on while the stomach is healing or if I were to drink a lot and fast. The soda will pass through the band into the "lower" tummy. He also told me that I should avoid soda for several days after a fill. I would talk to your doctor -- he may have a different take on soda.

I am almost six weeks out (no fill yet). I can eat rice. I think it is just up to the individual. I might not be able to after my first fill on the 10th -- we'll see!

Hi Justbanded, I have had PCOS for 28 years. I have struggled with my weight and all the other "wonderful" things that go along with PCOS -- insulin resistance (and then, type 2 diabetes), hair growth, weight gain, infertility... I was banded to help with my insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes, because my understanding, after talking to my PCP and bariatric surgeon, that weightloss will help correct that issue. Once my weight is down and my diabetes improves (which it already has!) or resolves completely, the hormone, ghrelin should not be a problem. I am always hungry -- but it is as always -- head hunger or food-seeking behavior. It is my hope that once I am filled and find my "sweet" spot, that my body will get into the groove and my head hunger will lessen. Also, there is a forum for PCOS on here that is pretty good. Good luck my "soul cyster"!

I am almost 6 weeks post-op and STILL burp like a sailor. And it feels good (relief-wise)!

Congrats, Keith! It feels good to try on AND FIT into a smaller size!!!

I can feel my port -- just off to the side of my large incision.

There are websites (such as about.com) that let you log in your activities. Some of the sites calculate the number of calories burned by taking your weight (the more you weigh, the more you burn) and the speed or the intensity at which you worked along with the number of minutes you worked out. My elliptical does not take my weight into consideration and I found I was actually burning a few more calories than what it listed!

Good luck! I hope you are approved!!!

I used to, but haven't for years because of all the negative side effects associated with it.