Hello All, I'm scheduled for banding on July 27th at MIBC in Chicago by Dr. Horgan. I have PCOS and I am wondering if any of you existing banders with PCOS could share the benefits you've experienced since your procedure?

I hope there are some, no I'm sure there has to be! I know that the weight loss is a positive benefit of course, but have your symptoms linked to PCOS diminished, i.e. acne, irregular cycle, etc.? Also has your insulin spiking decreased? I'm just curious.

Thanks.

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I have it- I have done really well with the weight loss. PCOS doctor didn't think I would do as well as I have. I have been able to cut my metformin in half- I tried cutting it all out- but I lost my cycle again. I will say or warn you- I had a period ever 13-16 days for the first 9 months of my banding. Doctor felt it was due to the losing weight then "dumping" the estrogen stored in that fat therefore causing the hormone spike that starts your cycle. But after 10 months I am finally back to normal (well as normal as I could be)

I occasionally still have spikes- my acne is slightly better- but I think the met did more of that and I still have hair in weird places- but it isn't falling out (however could be do to Protein intake)

I also had a baby before banding- 13 years of trying then two adoptions baby out of blue then another adoption. SO I am up to four. If we get pregnant again I will be happy- because I really want to look pregnant- I never looked pregnant just fatter! (I actually lost 50 lbs when pregnant- but 330 to 279 didn't make that much difference)

Good luck!

Wow, thanks for sharing that info Jane it really helps me plan ahead. I've had those session where I had no cycle for 2-6 months, then all of a sudden it comes and lasts for a full 28-36 days straight. The Metformin has helped somewhat (I've been changing up daily dosage over the past year currently at 500mg 3 x's per day) What dosage were you taking presurgery vs. where you are now?

Please don't compare the dosages. but before surgery 850 mg X 2. I had to chage to 3 1/2 500 mg pills 4 x day to get it through the band (it sucked crushing it and really tasted so bad and gave me really bad lows when crused (and I don't take the XR). I know takke 2 1/2 500 mg pills over course of day still 3 times I also take 2 calcium pills (chewable and one childrens vitamin and I am takinging a folic cupplement.

Burnsun -

330 (highest)/278 (surgery)/182(5/16/05)/ 159 (goal)

stuck for a while but a new commitment to healthy & exercise after shopping!!!!

How many fills have you had over that time period. I am just curious. I am considering banding.

I have just had one. I have 2.6 ml (again don't compare fill amounts) but I went back to Dr. Martinez for it and they don't do the US- add a little bit at a time. I think he hit it right the first time!

Thanks for answering Burnsun.

Do you have a website for Dr. Martinez or any other information?

I would like to check it out.

Thank you - again!

Thanks Jane. I bet it did taste awful crushing the pills - it evens says on the prescription bottle not to break/crush them. How are you taking them now, if you're not crushing them - whole or halfs?

I hope there are some, no I'm sure there has to be! I know that the weight loss is a positive benefit of course, but have your symptoms linked to PCOS diminished, i.e. acne, irregular cycle, etc.? Also has your insulin spiking decreased? I'm just curious.

Thanks.

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I've been diagnosed with PCOS since I was 14; I am almost 26 now. I have only had 1 period that wasn't started with medication in my life. Since I had surgery 5 months ago, I still have to take my medicine, but now instead of taking all 10 days worth, I only take 5 days worth -- I am getting there!

Never had the acne issue. My H1AC was always on the higher end, but normal. Those are now squarely in the middle.

I am only 5 months out, but 50% of my excess weight is gone -- I am hoping for even better results!

jayme

My pharmasist said mine were fine to crush (doc freaked out) but they are not the extened release- so it shouldn't matter to much. I have a tendency to trust the pharmisist when it comes to drug interaction and stuff. To the original question- I crushed at first and then I moved to the 500 mg pils and then I cut in half and have no problems (bit I was at about 7 months post banding) Show the pills to your band doc and see what he thinks.

I do not think the xr will make it through the stoma (I got some as a sample to stop the lows & highs I still have (but not like before) I was afraid to take them when I saw how large the 500 mg pills were.