Hello from Sacramento

Kelly72 · June 21, 2008

Hi Guys

My name is Kelly and I am so glad I have found this site. I have struggled with my weight pretty much all my life, I also have a condition called PCO's (polycystic ovary syndrome).. which really relates to having whacked hormones, I also suffer from Hirsutism and male pattern baldness. I was initially referred to Bariatrics last year in April, I went to all the meetings and appts and my last appt which was in August, i was instructed to lose 10% which I did but then got cold feet. I know have an appt in July for my psych consult and then shortly after that I am told I will be scheduled for surgery. I also started off wanting the Bypass but over the course changed my mind and thought I would be a good candidate for the lap-band.

Sometimes I try to feel positive about having the surgery but some days I think I am making a mistake and should "try one last time" to lose it myself. I need to lose 90ilbs to be considered "normal" but I don't know.. :rolleyes2:

I hope to interact with some of you and maybe even make some new friends and hopefully those of you who have had surgery can tell me about all the positives.

Look forward to cyberchatting with you all:smile:

Amisha · June 21, 2008

Hi Kelly,

Hello from Seattle! My sister lives in Sacramento. I was just there at the first of the month. It's hooooottttt there.

I suffer with PCOS as well. "Suffer" being the operative word there. It's a bear, isn't it?

I was just banded on June 11th, so I'm a relative newbie myself. I can tell you I was scared half to death to do this, but more scared NOT to do this. I knew I had to get a handle on my health before it was too late.

The surgery was so quick I couldn't even believe it when I woke up and they said it was done. I won't lie to you, the first couple days were tough. liquid diet. Abdominal pain. Nausea. I was pretty miserable. However, it didn't last long, it was bearable and it was pretty much a cakewalk compared to some of my cycles when my ovaries are staging a mutiny against the rest of my body.

Now that it's done, I feel great. I've already lost ten lbs and I feel so much better. Some of that is just mental - I'm relieved at having hope after having none for so long - but some of it is genuine physical improvement as I've been walking literally every day since being banded and food is no longer the only thing I think about all day, every day.

It's a very personal decision though. Each person is different and what may be right for some, might not be right for others. I'm sure you'll find your own way, what works best for you.

If I can help by answering any questions you might have about the procedure, let me know. You can PM me if you'd rather. I'd be happy to help in any way I can.

Good luck!

Lunabeane · June 21, 2008

I have PCOS as well. I was banded on May 16th and have lost 21 pounds so far. I had some rough days after the surgery but they were taken care of with pain meds. I stayed overnight in the hospital and provided with some wonderful care. As someone with PCOS you should know how difficult 20lbs. has been...so I don't regret it one bit. Good luck in your decision making.

pvbrownsugar04 · June 21, 2008

Hey, i too have PCOS and it can be a bummer sometimes. I was banded on the 9th. Everything has gone well so far. With the pre-op diet, i lost 11 lbs and since the surgery I have lost another 10 lbs. I am very encouraged and look forward to further success. If you have to lose 90lbs, then get ready to lose it, the band as a great tool, and you will lose it in what seems like no time. Be sure to do what YOUR surgeon says. I have to lose about 185 to be at my goal so I have a little more of a journey, but I wish you the best with your weight loss and I hope we all can get rid of this PCOS!

Amisha · June 21, 2008

I'm kind of new here. I wonder if they have a "PCOS Group" yet. It would be interesting to keep in touch with each other with progress and tips and things that work for you, in the interest of providing relief, or perhaps dire warnings, for others. Possible? Maybe someone who has been around longer could tell us...