Hi there!

Did anyone have PCOS prior to surgery? After surgery did you notice any alleviation of side effects? (i.e. excessive hair growth, irregular periods). I would be interested to know how things have changed. I had RNY 1/10/14 and since then I have had my period twice! UGH!

Thank you!

Hi! I have PCOS and had the surgery last week. I got my period the day after surgery LOL. It's too early for me to notice any significant changes in the PCOS, but I wouldn't doubt that it would cause positive changes! 

I have PCOS and surgery last week

To soon to know, but I have bet everything on RNY helping with my PCOS

ME!  I had/have PCOS prior to surgery. I had excess hair. Prior to surgery, I got it lazered off (over a 6 month period). Some is growing back. HOwever, the arms and upper thighs (where I would get boils) and legs have stayed hairless and mostly boil free.

I was pretty regular with my periods. The first month after surgery, I got my period 5 times!  5!!!!  Then in the second month I only got it once (when it was supposed to show up).

I still follow a low carb low glycemic index diet. Protein first..then veg.  I rarely make it to veg. Sometimes I use plant proteins wiht complex carbs like navy bean and lentils for my protein).

So...periods are still regular (they were regular and light before) and still hairy. But boils have decreased

Sorry.

I was wondering the same thing because I have pcos too. I have bad hair growth, it's on the face and stomach area and I hate it. I also have irregular cycles so relief from these things would be amazing. I'm hoping surgery and weight loss will help. 

Prior to surgery I had very irregular periods and was insulin resistant, both the dr. said was due to PCOS.  My sugar levels have been great sense surgery.  My period regulated only when I was at my very lowest weight.  I now have to take bc pills to regulate them.  I'm on a third kind to see if this one will work.  I'm only 15 lbs higher than my lowest weight an my dr. says my weight is fine so I'll just keep popping "the pill" to keep it somewhat regulated. 

I have PCOS and am almost 4 months out. A lot of symptoms are improving but a lot haven't changed. My midwife told me to expect a "hormone dump" after surgery caused by the rapid weight loss. She said fat cells hold on to estrogen and once the fat cells shrink, they release the estrogen. This will cause some crazy mood swings, funky periods, and some of the symptoms to just be different. Some of my neck hair hasn't grown back but some is still fighting for a spot. I've been off my Mentformin since the day before surgery per my endo, so I don't know if that is playing into it (can't even imagine getting those things down!!!).  

As for the periods, they have been weird. I did get the Mirena put in a few months before surgery to avoid any surprises. I started mine an hour before surgery (yay me) and that one lasted almost 3 weeks. Midwife thought it might be related to the twice a day lovenox injections but that didn't seem to matter. Next period lasted a short 4 days and was spotty. Just came off a 19 day super light period. 

Each person is different. I feel better and am off my meds. That itself makes me happy. 

As it was explained to me, the blood thinners given post-op often cause multiple 'periods' but there is no full cycle being gone through typically. I would say though, that two in almost 8 weeks is pretty normal. I had several episodes within the first few weeks and it was a DRAG and a half! 

I would think that there would be some change as PCOS has significant impact on hormones (higher androgen levels) related to ovulation and menstruation. Being overweight (probably partially caused by PCOS) exacerbates the symptoms. Since I do have excessive body hair, I am hopeful that there will be a decrease in growth. If there isn't, I suppose I could live with constant hair removal. I suspect the more weight I lose the more regular my periods will be caused by decreased male hormones therefore possibly less hair growth.

I, too, had periods once a year so when I got two in 7 weeks, I thought to myself, hmmm maybe this is the start of something normal. I could be wrong.

Long before my surgery, my PCP told me that I should take calcium and Vit D, as well, as women with PCOS has significant Vit D deficiencies. Vit D is needed for Calcium absorption and Calcium is needed for follicle maturation and egg development. 

I could go on about the effects of PCOS on a women's body but I think we all know what they are. :(

I will follow-up with you with any changes I notice. I hope you will do the same. 

Thank you for all of your responses.