PCOS and lap band

SElaine · April 6, 2007

Hello, everyone! I apologize if there is already a PCOS thread, but I couldn't find one. I am wondering if any PCOS women out there have had the band and if it's helped them loose weight. I am getting conflicting information on whether or not it will work in PCOS women. Any feedback would be great. Thanks!

vonnie150 · April 6, 2007

Have no idea what pcos means.

Afrykanvyolet · April 6, 2007

I have PCOS and was banded on March 15th. I haven't stepped on a scale lately but exactly two weeks after surgery I lost 12 lbs. I can honeslty say that I am happy about my decision.

With PCOS, we have problems with our insulin...that's why its so hard for us to lose weight. I do hope that I am successful but I know that I have to work hard for it. The band is not going to do it by itself.

Well good luck to you with what you decide!!!!!!

waterlily1072 · April 6, 2007

I am quickly approaching 1 yr with my band and have lost 79lbs! I have PCOS and my surgeon said that I may lose a little slower than some because of it but that I would still lose. My PCOS is bad enough that I have major insulin issues and was borderline diabetic. Just stay away from simple carbs and excersize and you will do great!

nbjen · April 6, 2007

Thanks for posting this - I've been curious too! I have PCOS and have never been successful loosing weight. I'm hoping the band is the tool that will help me

Chickie · April 6, 2007

Yup it works in women with PCOS & IR/Diabeties.

I am proof. I had almost 180lbs to lose, and I lost Every. Single. Pound. And in under 18 months.

I found that the weight loss was much quicker after the IR / Diabeties issues were resolved (resolved through weight loss) But honestly, I don't think my loss was any slower (overall), nor does my surgeon. He holds the opinion that I lost rather quickly, despite my PCOS.

BeckyNTn · April 6, 2007

Wow Chickie! That's incredible! And it's so encouraging. I have PCOS and will be banded on April 26th. I was so afraid that PCOS would prevent me from losing even with the band.

Did you just follow the normal bandster rules or do you have any additional insight? Did you exercise?

Chickie · April 6, 2007

Normal bandster rules, and I exercised my ass off. And I still do. I ate well, and kept to around 1500 cal a day, but was not stressed if I went over, or under.

Nothing too different. But I guess, I was, and still am constistant with my eating and exercise. Apparently that is key, PCOS or not.

Good luck!

SElaine · April 8, 2007

This is, indeed, very encouraging news! Thanks for the quick responses. I certainly hope the band helps me; nothing else has.

losingjusme · April 8, 2007

hi, i have PCOS and have lost 87ish pounds so far. Monday will be my 6 month bandiversary.

Koala · April 8, 2007

I've lost 100 pounds in 8 months, so it is definitely working for me.

Ladies, just remember if you've had PCOS related infertility, that could change with weight loss. On one hand, that could be a blessing. On the other hand, that could bring on quite a surprise.

PCOS, for the poster who asked, stands for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It's name is a bit of a misnomer since it has much more to do with insulin problems than with cysts in the ovaries.

Some of the symptoms are:

Irregular periods - Nine or fewer menstrual cycles per year may be a sign of PCOS. Bleeding may be heavier than normal. These conditions are caused by a hormone problem, because the ovaries are not working properly and producing hormones that keep the menstrual cycle regular.

Infertility - Because women with PCOS don't have regular menstrual cycles, many are unable to get pregnant. With help, women with PCOS can get pregnant, however. A number of infertility treatments are available. (See section on Treatments.)

Hirsutism - Hirsutism means excess hair, which can be a difficult symptom for many women. For most women with PCOS, hair in the mustache and beard areas becomes heavier and darker. Masculine hair on the arms and legs and more hair growing in the pubic region, abdomen, chest or back are also possible. This symptom is caused by high levels of male hormones (androgens), as are thinning hair and acne.

Thinning hair - Just as heavier Hair growth is possible, scalp hair thinning may be present. This is caused by higher levels of androgens.

Acne - Acne (pimples and oily skin) can also bother women with PCOS. The acne is usually found around the face (especially along the jaw line), chest, and back.

Weight gain - Many women with PCOS gain weight around their middles taking on an apple shape rather than a pear shape. Such weight gain is linked with problems with the proper use of glucose and insulin in the body.

Other skin problems - Skin tags, thick lumps of skin that can be as large as raisins, can form and usually are found in the armpits or neck. These can easily be removed. Darkening and thickening of the skin also can occur around the neck, groin, underarms, or skin folds. This condition, called acanthosis nigricans, is a sign of an insulin abnormality.

Depression and anxiety - Because of the nature of many of these symptoms, woman may find themselves more anxious or depressed by their appearance, or by their inability to become pregnant.

lianna · April 8, 2007

I have PCOS and Insulin Resistance and have been taking 1000mg of Metformin for it for the past 3 years. I have lost weight a little slowly (averaging just over a lb a week), but I have no idea if the PCOS/IR was the cause. The main thing is that I HAVE lost!!! And not only lost, but even after a year I am continuing to lose slowly! So, yes for me I have finally been able to lose this weight.....and it is definitely credited to the lapband!

faithmd · April 8, 2007

I have PCOS and Insulin Resistance and have been taking 1000mg of Metformin for it for the past 3 years. I have lost weight a little slowly (averaging just over a lb a week), but I have no idea if the PCOS/IR was the cause. The main thing is that I HAVE lost!!! And not only lost, but even after a year I am continuing to lose slowly! So, yes for me I have finally been able to lose this weight.....and it is definitely credited to the lapband!

lianna, how do you take your Metformin? I take 1000mg BID as well. The pills are so huge and my surgeon says he wants to try to wean me off before surgery, but my PCP would like to keep me on them. Do you take a liquid? They're sooooo bitter even broken in half that I can't imagine crushing them!

Yoda · April 8, 2007

I have PCOS (was diagnosed about 9 yrs ago but likely had it for much longer). I once had a doctor tell me that no matter what I did or how I ate, I would not lose weight (very disillusioning, to say the least!). It was frustrating as hell because I always have eaten sensibly and was very active and exercised all the time....yet I merely got bigger and bigger.

I was banded almost a year ago and I am close to 80 lbs lost. I was told (& it has been my experience) that most PCOS women will lose slower but they still WILL lose. That is all I wanted/needed....this extra help.

I can say though that for PCOS women especially....exercise IS the key. I can keep on slowwwwly losing the weight but only through vigorous exercise (ie. 5-6 times a week). If I skip a few sessions I really notice a difference and I don't lose that week or....I gain 1 or 2 lbs. But, overall...over the long haul, I am losing and so I'm happy.

Also....better than the weight loss: I am now off the metformin ...that I had been taking for the PCOS.

ennigmah · April 10, 2007

I too have PCOS, take Metformin 1000 mg twice a day, and was banded on 11/06. As much as I crave hearing success stories I know I need to pay attention to MY BODY and how I am handling the band and not compare myself to other women with the band.....I personally believe for myself that my own weight loss is slower even with the band but because of the insulin resistance. It doesn't matter to me because I am 100% committed to working my behind off for this. My PCP suggested I stop the Metformin because weight loss itself should help the PCOS. My gyn suggested I stay on it because of the issue of anovulatory cycles. My surgeon could care less. I decided to stay on it because I know that "every little bit helps!!" It is a HUGE pill but as long as I drink a lot of fluids, I don't seem to have trouble with it.

Good luck!