Hi everyone! My name is Pamela and I am 27 years old. Oddly enough, I was very thin through most of my teenage years, and very athletic. I played a lot of sports in high school. As I got closer to my senior year, I noticed that I was putting on a little weight. I didn't think much about it at the time.

About a year after I graduated, I got married to my high school sweetheart. By that time I had gained over 50 lbs and was at about 200 lbs. I was very concerned about how fast the weight came on. I was also having some female problems too. I went to my doctor and he did several test on me to find out if anything was wrong and the results shocked me! He diagnosed me with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). I had never heard of this before. He told me it was a hormonal disorder and one of the side effects was weight gain. He also told me that I would probably have trouble getting pregnant. My heart dropped when i heard this. I always thought when i was ready i would just be able to have a baby. It took 6 years before we were able to get pregnant and by the grace of God we now have a beautiful, healthy boy.

I've tried every diet there is, I think, and nothing ever worked for me. I was 330lbs at my heaviest. I have been blessed with the opportunity to get the band. I've been banded for about 10 days and i am doing great. I am sooo excited about the journey ahead. I lost 13 lbs on the pre-op diet and have lost 16 lbs since my surgery. I know i rambled but i just wanted to introduce myself and see if anyone else has PCOS that has been banded and can tell me about your experience. Thanks for listening!

Pamela

Banded 9-20-07

330/299/150

:rose:

Welcome riotgrrl! I think you should go for it. I won't lie, it hard work, but think of the end results. It will help you be a much healthier person. Good luck to you on your lap band journey!

My doctor told me that women struggling with obesiy either have PCOS or at least have the same symptoms.

All that extra weight makes your hormones crazy. She told me that the depression I have been dealing with for years is likely related to those imbalances, and is most likely organic. I have have been growing small amounts of facial hair and dealing with depression since I was 25 (even when thin) although initial PCOS tests came back negative. Metformin had too many side effects for me, so I don't take it anymore.

My doctor told me that women struggling with obesiy either have PCOS or at least have the same symptoms.

All that extra weight makes your hormones crazy. She told me that the depression I have been dealing with for years is likely related to those imbalances, and is most likely organic. I have have been growing small amounts of facial hair and dealing with depression since I was 25 (even when thin) although initial PCOS tests came back negative. Metformin had too many side effects for me, so I don't take it anymore.

Hey glowdawn! Were you ever diagnosed with PCOS? If not, I think if I were you, I would have another test taken, just because you were having some symptoms when you were thin. Better to know for sure.

Good luck to you.

before they started me on metformin they told me to drop all sugars protein and green veggies only ....its does help with the symptoms

go for it sounds like u know what you want me and my husband need the surgery but its not covered by either of our ins co. so i will be self pay first then he will do it if he wants .i know i want it done im half way there with my saving for it

thank you for your post

Hey smsmithart! I hope you are able to have the surgery soon. Waiting isn't fun........but hopefully time will go by fast. Good luck to you!

before they started me on metformin they told me to drop all sugars protein and green veggies only ....its does help with the symptoms

It is amazing how much a low-carb diet can help with weight loss. The one time (before being banded) I lost weight was on the Atkins diet. I lost about 50lbs on it, but once I came off the diet, I gained it all back plus some. I think the band is going to help me keep off the weight permanently.

Yes completed all my preop testing today...

feeling...:sick now....

but off to my pcp I go to get my medically cleared letter..

wish me luck

Good Luck 4jin!!!

:hail:ok I am back from seeing my pcp.

It went A-OK....!!!

He agreed lapband is excellent for me.

And will be making my letter and will fax to Dr. Johnson within next 2 days. I am so psyched!!!

I can't believe I was able to get all my preop requirements done in less than 1 month. Now waiting for doctor office to gather all paperwork and submit to insurance....

on my way:car:

Good Luck 4jin!!!

thanks buttercup,

how are you doing?

good going 4Jin. Hope the insurance approval process goes by quickly.

4jin i am doing fine. Still a little sore in the port area but other than that i am doing well. I am having a hard time getting the required protien in but i am trying. I ordered a weight loss cookbook today because my meals are becoming very redundant and boring. Glad everything is going smoothly for you. You will be banded in no time. Congrats!!!

4jin- Congrats and hope it happens for you soon!

Buttercup- Glad you are still doing well. I also find it hard to keep a variety of food going.

sghatl- How are you doing?

Good Morning everyone!

My friend goes in today for the lapband. Please keep her in prayers for a safe surgery.

sghatl, thanks I am praying for myself as well that I receive a fast insurance approval.

buttercup, I don't know if you have heard of this medical quality protein powder it is Unjury. Another member on the board recommended. I ordered all the sample packets. Lots of protein I think 20g per serving. And price is not bad at all.

thanks for the tip thought, I will start looking around for a cookbook and trying out some recipes.

klpdbl, thanks!

Maybe we should all start sharing some recipes!

The unflavored Unjury protein can be added easily to any food.

Seven days post-op and I feel great. I even went mall shopping for 3 1/2 hours yesterday by myself. I called all the malls near me and found one that had valet parking. They got my scooter out of the trunk for me. I have arthritic knees and use a scooter for mall shopping and traveling through airports. Of course, it was like having my own pack mule - it carried my packages. I am not supposed to lift anything but that hasn't been defined. I have my post-op appointment tomorrow and hope to find out. I had a sizeable hiatal hernia repaired at the same time.

I have had the easiest time. I do follow orders and drink, drink, drink that water and other acceptable juices and tea. I have had no problem with getting my protein. Using the Unjury products, I am getting 66 plus grams of protein daily. I usually mix it with milk or bouillon. Other than that I am only allowed SF jello and SF popsicles and clear juices. And I am NOT hungry. I have been pain free since 4 hours after surgery. The energy came back 4 days after surgery and I haven't napped the past two days. This has been a fantastic experience for me so far. I will be on liquids for 2 more weeks and then 3 weeks of mushies. The only thing that will get me is boredom with having the same things daily.

I've tried mixing a SF liquid chai tea mixture with my milk and protein and I love it. I can drink it hot or cold. SF apple cider has been a nice treat too. Yesterday, I tried a very flat Sprite Free. My husband didn't finish his can and left it open on the counter overnight. I made sure the bubbles were completely gone and drank it. Loved it and I never was that fond of Sprite before. Just looking for new tastes right now.

Thanks for asking but I guess I got carried away with the answer. I LOVE MY BAND.