Hello everyone,

I'm so glad I found this group and I learned so much from all of you so thank you. I have made a decision to be banded few months ago and did a lot of research. Since I am smaller than most people that get the surgery, my INS wouldn't cover it. I have PCOS, hardly ever ovulate and the only way to relieve me of some of the symtons is loosing weight. Well, it is not that simple if you have PCOS. I excercise every day, bike, treadmill, weights, classes...I rollerblade, ski and swim....but I of course eat as well.

I'm always up and down ten pounds around 205 ponds. Highest ever has been 212 and I believe my girlfriend didn't order her wedding pictures where you could see me on any of them. I don't blame her and am quietly grateful.

I recently lost a baby boy and my boyfriend. Don't really want to talk about it just yet, maybe one day. Found myself on the slipery slope of food addiction. Couldn't sit in fron of the TV or a computer without something to eat. BUT, those days are over now!!!

Anyway, I looked at going to Mexico but decided at the end to have the surgery in NY, since the follow ups/fills are so important. My surgeon is doctor Artuso.

Well, you guys seems like a great group and I'm looking forward to getting to know you. Looks like we'll be in this for a loooong haul.

Renee

to be banded on 2/6/04

Dr. Artuso

Renee,

Nice to meet you and this is a great place to come for support. Where is Dr. Artuso? I am from Long Island. I had my surgery done Sept. 2nd by Dr. Alan Geiss in Syosset Hospital. He is wonderful and has a wonderful staff. Good luck!

Chris

Hello fellow New Yorkers!

I too am from Long Island and also had the surgery by Dr Geiss. I have found this site to be the best source of support.

Renee, best of luck on your journey to "the new you".

~Holly

Hi Chris and Holly,

Thanks so much for your welcome. Dr. Artuso is at the Dobbs Ferry Hospital - New Image Weight Loss Center. I have read great things about him and I'm hoping to become one of his happy patients. I will keep you updated on my progress and look forward to hearing about yours!

Renata

Renata,

Welcome. My best friend too has PCOS and is in the process of trying to get banded. I was diagnosed with Insulin Resistance...the major player in PCOS. Have you tried Glucophage XR? That usually helps a bit with ovulation by evening out your insulin levels.

Since being banded I've lost 32lbs and been off the glucophage...let me tell you...never with IR could I have lost 32 lbs...

Good luck to you!

What is this?

PCOS = Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

It has all kinds of nasty and anoying symptoms, e.g. hair all over, acne, skin tags, weight problem, no ovulation, irregular or no periods, infertility. Many women with PCOS loose their babies during pregnancy. My son Lucas was born at 20 weeks in November.

It took doctors years to diagnose me. I am on Glucophage XR, taking 1,500 mg/day. It helps a little, but weight loss should have major impact on most my problems. I'm one of the lucky PCOS sufferers with no acne, no major facial or body hair issues and I'm looking forward to getting rid of the rest of the issues.

Renata

Renata,

I'm sorry to hear about your son. My girlfriend has been trying to get pregnant as well with no luck. She's one of the lucky ones with all the symptoms...I pretty much diagnosed her this summer and finally when she went to the doctor guess what...PCOS!

You should speak with your PCP or whom ever is prescribing your Glucophage...1500mg is the minimum dose effective for PCOS...2000mg may make a big difference.

I also recommend checking out www.soulcysters.com

This is a great PCOS website if you do not already know about it! I spent alot of time on there before being banded trying to get my IR under control. Also, have you heard of the Insulin Resistance Diet? I bought the book and it is a great one...basically teaches you to eat without spiking your insulin. I know alot of gals have had good luck with Glucophage and this diet in both losing weight and ovulating! I highly recommend checking out the website as it is for PCOS as this is for banding.

Good luck sweetie!