PCOS after Gastric Bypass

by Kristie
(US)

My heart goes out to all the stories I have read thus far. I have a similar yet different story than some.

I didn't see anyone mention Gastric Bypass Surgery as a resort and now again fighting PCOS.

I most likely had PCOS since I hit puberty and have many family members who do too but it was not diagnosed.

I always knew there was something wrong with my body but no one would really listen.

Fast forward to age 19 was put on BC for first time (Norplant) and gained 30 lbs before I even knew what hit me.

Didn't change my symptoms of PCOS at all and once I tried to get it removed a couple of capsules broke.

I feel with that and the new weight that set more of the weight gain component into motion and I started gaining (literally) 10 lbs a week. Despite my eating "Atkins and Zone" and starting my new-found love affair with protein drinks (LOL) AND exercising with my husband for 60 minutes a day I continued to gain quickly.

I lost only self-esteem and dignity and the patience of my new husband.

I gained 140 lbs in a year. I was tossed around to many doctors for a year before finding one who said, "You have PCOS, eat more protein and drink less water and take this spironolactone."

I didn't understand what I had; I was exhausted physically and mentally with the whole process and just beat down from all the issues.

I didn't know he was trying to tell me I had PCOS and how to manage it...he didn't really say that, he just brushed me off like saying I have high blood pressure.

I lost 90 lbs and became pregnant with my first child. I still didn't understand PCOS so I gained the 90 lbs. back during pregnancy and continued to gain after giving birth.

My hormones were whacked out and my self esteem was gone. I hadn't really changed my lifestyle and just yo-yo dieted out of frustration.

I continued my journey to what was wrong with me by focusing even more on diet and exercise.

I knew that protein worked for me but didn't know why and I knew that I couldn't eat a lot of carbs.

I continued to gain weight regardless and after finding nothing else that worked I had gastric bypass surgery (open RNY) 7 years ago.

I looked at it as my 12 step program like an alcoholic...only was always my drug of choice. I was almost 400 lbs and the only thing I was losing was my husband and son.

I almost lost my life in surgery and spent 5 months recovering before returning back to work. I continued my "12 step program" and lost 175 lbs before getting pregnant again.

I gained about 40 lbs and too much water but no one knew why I had so much water on board...because PCOS.

I then tried to lose the baby weight with my gastric bypass tool and couldn't lose anything...I gained another 20 lbs!! I was told twice by my obgyn (not my favorite person) that I needed to lose weight. DUH!!

I couldn't even eat very many carbs or food to begin with and was already exercising and eating 1,500 calories a day.

I decided to prove to them once and for all that there was something wrong with me so I joined a gym and went "Biggest Loser" style and worked out 5 days a week sometimes twice a day and kept track of everything I ate and all my calories burned.

I averaged a negative 1000 calories a day and yet after being consistent for one year I had gained 6 lbs and lost 3 inches!! How was that even possible??

I finally took myself to an endocrinologist armed with all my finding and symptoms and he took one look before I even got done pleading my case and said I have PCOS with hyperinsulinemia.

I was in such shock I didn't know whether to cry out of happiness for a diagnosis or sadness for me and my young daughter who is built just like me...after all it can be hereditary.

I was told to eat half of what I was and exercise more and take Metformin.

I have dropped to 500-1000 calories daily with 3 days of exercise (suffered exhaustion) and with my Metformin managed to lose 30 lbs in 5 months.

I do feel better but I can say it is still a slippery slope...if I eat even 100 calories too much or have too many carbs or even too much water I will put a few pounds on over night.

If I workout too much I will hold water too because of inflammation.

I have been trying to get to a reasonable size before adding more exercise to my joints. I still get very tired from working out too much also.

I was also diagnosed with Hashimoto's syndrome and struggle with what I think is Estrogen Dominance and all those symptoms which interchange with PCOS.

I am hopeful that with additional weight loss I will see many symptoms disappear.

Does anyone else suffer with PCOS, hyperinsulinemia and had Gastric Bypass BEFORE all this or some variation? I understand they are treating PCOS with gastric bypass. I wish everyone best wishes and lots of patience.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Editor's comments: Wow, Kristie, what a story! I can offer a few thoughts (see the comments section of your post) but I don't know if they will be helpful.

E-Books to Help You Manage PCOS