Hello everyone.

I'm a newbie on this portal. I've had PCOS for about 16 years with horrible menstrual cycles and every bad side effect. My menstrual cycle took the worst turn last year when I had bleeding for 9 months non-stop. Yes, 9 whole months. I visited and changed several gynecologist but every single one wanted me to go on birth control pills, which I was totally against, the reason being I gained close to 88 lbs in a year after I took birth control pills (for a year).

Finally, after long research, I found my current gynecologist (my guardian angel) who took care of my situation but still insisted that I loose as much weight as possible. I tried, I tried real hard but only lost 1-2 lbs a month and would gain that back again in the next month. My gynecologist suggested about undergoing a VSG about 2 years back, but I kept postponing the idea of a surgery due to financial issues. She has put me on a combination of Metformin tablets (I take 2X500mg tablets on a daily basis) and Meprate 10 tablet which I am suppose to take from the 16th day (after my periods have stopped). This combination worked like a charm and I started having regular periods (5 days flow), but after 6 months when I visited my gynecologist she said that she did not want me anymore on Meprate and I had to make a lifestyle change if I wanted to be healthy. My BP now reads 140 and I am close to becoming a diabetic.

So finally I decided to undergo the VSG. I am scheduled for the surgery on Dec 26 (or 27). I like the bariatric surgeon who will be performing the surgery, he is a reputed doctor from UK and I will be undergoing the surgery in Bangalore, India (as I reside here). I have heard a lot about people supporting each other via support groups, hence when I was searching for one I came across this portal.

I know I'm definitely going to need some support, someone to talk to who can relate to the day to day challenges of the post-op lifestyle.

If there is anyone who wants to be a mentor or buddy please let me know.

I'm currently 251 lbs and I know it's a long road to reach my goal weight, but with the assistance of the sleeve and the support of understanding people, I'm sure I can do it.

Height: 5 ft 4 inches

Current Weight: 251 lbs

Goal Weight: 165 lbs

I also need assistance with finding a good Protein shake. I found many mixed review about ON whey Protein Isolate and Compound and many other brands and was not sure which would be good for me pre and post surgery. Can someone suggest me a good Protein Shake brand that will be good for me and will be easily available in India? I will have to get on the protein shake diet from next week onwards.

@hmm33502: It is really good to hear that your periods are regular after so many years. I know the feeling . Congrats on your weight loss. 27 lbs in 6 weeks is excellent!

I am losing weight way too slowly about 0.5 - 1 pound a week and my doc says it's good this way for me. I was stressed out in the beginning but then the doc said the more I stress, the more I will gain. So I am taking it slow. I am motivated (and there are days when I feel a little low).

Periods have always been heavy for me, so I do not notice much of a change in the flow, except the blood clots are much lower compared to the freak show I used to have. What is 'spiro'? I generally don't like sugar or any sweet items (I take about 1 tsp of sugar a day with tea). I love chocolates but after the surgery I don't like them any more .

Carbs: Out here at our place, rice is one of the most common dishes, which I can take about 1-2 tablespoon per meal. So I eat rice about 2-3 times a week. I mostly rely on fruits (papaya, watermelon, banana and strawberries) for lunch and dinner and consume GNC Protein shake in the morning. I am trying to add eggs, chicken and fish to my diet but I still hate the taste and smell of these.