PCOS

[fashionstylist 458]

I was first diagnosed with PCOS when I was about 18 years old' date=' this was around 1992. At that time, little was known about PCOS. I was basically prescribed birth control pills to regulate my periods. I think I was probably around 200 lbs then. I actually participated in a clinical trial at a research hospital where they were researching the use of metformin to treat PCOS (yes, it's been a while:/).

Gradually, the weight gain, painful acne, facial hair, diabetes, high cholesterol, high triglycerides snowballed. All that became complicated by clinical depression.

By the time I was 30, I weighed more than 300 lbs. I could not understand why I continually failed at weight loss attempts. I had graduated colleges with honors, earned a Masters Degree, and excelled in my career....I knew I was not lazy nor ignorant, but I could not succeed with weight loss no matter how hard I tried.

The depression spiraled out of control and I generally stopped caring about my health, defeated.

At 32 years old, I topped the scales at 333lbs. Then I began having long, heavy periods which was my body screaming that something was wrong...endometrial cancer.

In 2006 I had a complete hysterectomy at age 32. Single, no children, devastated. Then came medical menopause.

I eventually began to feel better and was able to lose down to about 265 on my own with diet and exercise, but it was a hard, hard struggle.

From 2008 until 2012 I bounced around on the scale from 265 to 280 or so. My diabetes was out of control, cholesterol very high.

I had lap band surgery in March, 2013 weighing 258. Today I weigh 222. My recent lab work revealed excellent control of the diabetes, cholesterol that is only slightly elevated. My skin/complexion has never looked better. I sleep so good at night and wake up rested. I want to lose down to about 180.

I don't have periods any more due to the surgery, but I do feel that the WLS has helped to alleviate the PCOS symptoms.

PCOS is more than just a disease of infertility. It affects your whole body and your whole life. It is nothing to deny or to play around with. Oh how I wish I had the information years ago that I have now. I would have had lap band surgery years ago.

The lifestyle for wls still requires work and conscious decisions to make your health a priority, but the difference for me is that the work I put in actually yields results!

Yesterday I bought a size 18 pants when it wasn't too long ago I barely squeezed into a 28. The NSVs are great too!

I know that was a long post, but I hope it helps someone.

[/quote']

That is so great! Thanks for sharing your story . I look forward to being back to normal.

[justfoundthisboard 25]

What are NSVs?

[Cloud_dance 5]

I just wanted to note that I still need to take my metformin to loose weight even with the lapband w/ PCOS. I also have to avoid carbs on (which is easy on the lap band diet) or I don't loose weight.

However, right after the surgery I started having periods again regularly and they haven't stopped being regular since. I don't know what the surgery did, but it was like it reset my body.

I am pretty sure that if I was in a position to get pregnant, i'd be able to easily.

[ZinniaMT 182]

I just wanted to note that I still need to take my metformin to loose weight even with the lapband w/ PCOS. I also have to avoid carbs on (which is easy on the lap band diet) or I don't loose weight.

However' date=' right after the surgery I started having periods again regularly and they haven't stopped being regular since. I don't know what the surgery did, but it was like it reset my body.

I am pretty sure that if I was in a position to get pregnant, i'd be able to easily.[/quote']

Great point! I definitely steer clear of carbs and take my Meds as ordered!

[ZinniaMT 182]

What are NSVs?

Non-scale victories;)

[cntrygrl13 0]

Thanks so much for sharing your stories. I was banded in March and am down 33lbs. My pcos symptoms are slowly fading. Good to know there are others out there as frustrated as I was with the catch 22 of having a diagnosis that causes weight gain while the only "cure" for it is weight loss. Best decision I ever made!

[BringingSexyBackToTX 51]

Thanks so much for sharing your stories. I was banded in March and am down 33lbs. My pcos symptoms are slowly fading. Good to know there are others out there as frustrated as I was with the catch 22 of having a diagnosis that causes weight gain while the only "cure" for it is weight loss. Best decision I ever made!

Cntrygrl13: Yes. Very frustrating! Glad to hear you have had such great success. -33 pounds since March is great! Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing!