My ob/gyn told me yesterday she believes I have PCOS. I had 2 cysts removed in February but PCOS was not mentioned until yesterday. I Googled PCOS and it said that they are not sure of PCOS causes obesity or if obesity causes PCOS. I am wondering how many of you out there have this same problem and if surgery will help or hinder me.

Hello,

I was diagnosed with PCOS last year. My endocrinologist told me that PCOS is directly correlated with obesity. However, losing the weight does not automatically mean the PCOS will go away. But, she did tell me that with weight loss the adverse symptoms will improve (excessive hair growth, irregular menstruals etc.) Also, weight loss will decrease and often eliminate the cysts in your ovaries. I am praying that my PCOS is reversed or at the very least that my cycle starts to regulate.

A side note:: (for those with irregular cycles) A friend of mine would sometimes go months without having a cycle. She lost 80lbs (naturally- not through surgery) and now her cycle is normal. So that is proof that loosing weight can help your body get back on track. But, from what I was told, there is no guarantee.

Also, you should probably see an endocrinologist who specializes in PCOS. Only because my OB/GYN told me different things in regards to PCOS and my endocrinologist flat out told me that OB/GYN's have different perspectives on PCOS. However, they are not specialists on the subject matter where as endocrinologists are. Just food for thought!

When I was in my early 20's, I gained 100 lbs over 4 years and went to doctors for years to determine the cause, as I did not consume enough food to cause such drastic weight gain. After years of searching for the cause, along with a 48 day cycle, I had an internal sonogram and was diagnosed with PCOS. Side effects being weight gain and difficulty losing weight (insulin resistance), as well as infertility - which never really mattered to me.

Last month I saw the Nutritionist at the Bariatric Center of Excellence, and I asked her why I am not losing weight at 1600 calories a day (myfitnesspal says I should be losing a pound a week), and she said it is because I have PCOS. I asked her if I will lose weight with VSG. She said WLS was the only way to lose weight... but not with the lap band. I felt very validated, after years of trying every program under the sun and feeling like a failure.

Thank you both so much for this info!

@ Shape Shifter --> WOW! That is insane. I cannot believe PCOS caused that much weight gain. That is truly a detriment to your health. Sheesh! I am also insulin resistant which has turned into full fledged diabetes because my diagnosis was so late. I have the ability to loose weight on my own but I find that it is extremely low when I take insulin. However, without the insulin, I am able to loose weight at a moderate pace. It's almost like a catch 22. My surgeon said the insulin resistance will definitely reverse. I am just praying the PCOS will also. Ugh!

I am also insulin resistant and have been for 15 1/2 years. I'm 30 now and it just gets harder. My doctor told me I will always need insulin due to being type one, but I will be taking way less once I'm sleeved and I can't wait!

My ob put me on Metformin... Have any of you been sleeved yet?

Not yet! I've completed most of the pre-req's though. Tomorrow I go for the endoscopy (which I scared sh*tless about... lol) and Friday is my last nutrition visit. After that, my records are going to insurance for approval. I hope to have good news soon!

BTW: I tried metformin and glumetza (which is a slow reactant of metformin). I had terrible side effects so I had to stop. But, I did hear that metformin is a great drug for PCOS because it targets mainly all of PCOS' adverse symptoms and helps with weight loss.

Good Luck!

I too have pcos and I was diagnosed about 3 years ago, since then I have gained about 30kg my doc put me on metaforman too but I found it didn't really do anything for me so I stopped. Also have very irregular cycles maybe 3 times a year. I am booked to be sleeved on 7 July, I really hope this works and I can feel normal again!

I have pcos also and am insulin resistant (steps away from being diabetic). I am hoping that the sleeve will reverse my syptoms and cysts!! I have surgery June 5th and can't wait to starting seeing the benefits! I have lost about 30 lbs on my own, but its been hard.