nursenads

My PCOS was my reason for surgery. I had been logging my food intake in MFP for 7 years - and at 1300 or fewer calories a day and exercising, I did not lose. Plus the other symptoms that come with PCOS like the facial hair, thinning hair on scalp, cycle irregularity, cystic acne, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin resistance/diabetes.
I have been losing since surgery - but VERY slowly - and I was told that this is due to the PCOS. I'm about 3.5 months out, and have lost 30 lbs. I don;t regret it at all - I wouldn't have lost anything if I hadn't done it. And the silver lining is that I will not have a problem when it comes to maintenance, as I have been eating those smaller amounts for years.
I was able to get off the metformin that I have been on since 2004 pretty much immediately. That alone would have been worth the surgery, as I hated it and never built a tolerance to it. I felt like it cut my stomach to ribbons and I always had to be near a bathroom.
Just be prepared to lose slow and don;t compare yourself to non-PCOSers losing quickly.

Just thought I'd do an update!!
My Surgiversary was May 18th - I'm officially 1 year post-op and LOVING IT!!
PROs: I can eat literally anything and I love it. Tiny portions were easy to get used to. I wouldn't change a thing. The Portion Control I used to struggle with is now effortless. It's nuts. Also, I ALWAYS have leftovers and it's pretty awesome. Weight fell off faster than I could keep up. My obsession with tracking calories is optional now. That's been nice. I can RUN up a flight of stairs - or two! It feels great being active. Now I understand why it was so hard to do things when my weight was higher. I can finally function.
CONs: The HORRIBLE constipation/gas pains the weeks following my surgery cannot go unmentioned. The pain meds that constipate are a special kind of hell. It was worse than my c-section BY FAR. At week #4, I was getting back to normal. Now that I'm a year post-op, The reflux is still plaguing me. It's MUCH better than the 4 post-op months. I can definitely live like this if this is as good as it gets. I go between taking 20 and 40 mg omeprazole depending on what the food plans are that day. Pretty easy to manage now.
Walking by a mirror is still odd. I've changed so much that I'm still surprised. When I buy clothes, I'm still confused by the sizes I'm fitting into. Never in a million years thought I'd lose so much in the 1 year post-op. Buying/fitting bras has been a nightmare, but that's for another post.
Glad I did it! I would do it again! I can run and jump like a kid again! It's GREAT!

Yes, much if what you are experiencing, the tiredness, doughy head, is from the surgery & the reduced diet. Your body has been through a lot & it’s probably telling you you need to rest & take it easy. Just healing is mentally, emotionally & physically exhausting. It will get better. Try sipping an electrolyte drink for a boost of energy.
Not getting all your Vitamins in the first week or so is okay but you need to make a concerted effort to take them every day. Our reduced food choices & small portions make it difficult to get in the vitamins & minerals our bodies need to function. The tiredness could be from low Iron which is not usual after surgery. Have you had a blood test lately to check your levels?
You may find once you’re in maintenance you won’t need to take them anymore. I stopped at about month 8, 2 months into maintenance with my surgeon’s approval because my blood work showed my levels were all great. I hate having to take meds so I was super happy.
Some vitamins can make you nauseous. Try a different brand. Split the dosage across the day. Make sure you take them with food.

Also worst ever award goes again to BariMelts for their disgusting Calcium chewable tablets. Yuck! Into the bin with them! Part of me said but they cost $30, and the rest of me said not today Satan!

To be honest with you having the sleeve was the best and worst thing I have ever done. I am about 7 weeks post op. Let me explain. I have lost about 60lbs and been able to get off some meds. I really needed the surgery in fear I was headed for a heart attack, diabetes or name any other bad condition. The surgery it's self was not painfull at all. The hard part begins after surgery with the stages of liquid diets, then soft foods, then more regular type food. Some foods are 6 months out advised. It's not easy inconjuction with the Vitamin supplements needed throughout the day. I can probably eat about 4 ozs of food right now and it is difficult to get in all your fluids for the day. You have to be vigilant and dedicated. Would I do it again? Yes because it's for my health and I don't need to eat the amount of foods and choice of foods I was eating. Ultimately it's up to you and how much you need it from a health standpoint. It is great to get on ghe scale and see hard work pay off. Hope this helps you in some way making your choice.

Sent from my SM-S901U using BariatricPal mobile app

Yes, was told it's due to the anesthesia, lack of Vitamins. I'm 3 weeks post op and I still see blurry, hopefully after I start my pureed diet and start vitamins, etc later this week, things will change. If you're way out of surgery I would contact doctor.

Sent from my SM-N986U using BariatricPal mobile app

Tried a new Vitamin today and omg these made me throw up like crazy within probably of 4 minutes of taking it. Straight into the garbage they go. They were also disgusting.