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According to research, PCOD affects 8-13% of women of reproductive age worldwide while up to 70% of affected women remain undiagnosed. Weight gain is a common symptom of PCOD and it can be hard for those to lose weight. There is a myth that calls PCOD the "lazy-girl syndrome" caused by excess weight. But remember it is JUST A MYTH! Constant fatigue makes it hard for those with this condition to lose weight. This blog aims to explore these questions, providing insights into PCOD symptoms, types of bariatric surgery treatment options for PCOD reversal, and different ways to lose weight.
Synopsis
What Are the Symptoms of PCOD?
Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a hormonal condition that affects the ovary of women and leads to the production of immature eggs or partially mature eggs in multiple quantities. Symptoms of PCOD and PCOS are almost similar in most cases, which may include:
- Missed, irregular, or very light periods
- Large ovaries or many cysts
- Excess body hair (hirsutism) on the chest, stomach, and back
- Weight gain, especially around the belly
- Acne or oily skin
- Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
- Infertility
- Skin tags on the neck or armpits
- Dark or thick skin patches on the back of the neck, armpits, and under the breasts
Will Weight Loss Surgery Help?
PCOD is often associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome, which can exacerbate symptoms. If multiple serious attempts to lose weight have failed, bariatric or weight loss surgery for PCOD might be an option for those who are obese and have PCOD. Bariatric surgery can improve insulin sensitivity by reducing insulin resistance. Improved insulin sensitivity helps regulate blood sugar levels and can lead to more regular menstrual cycles and ovulation.
Weight Loss Surgery for PCOD problem symptoms also aids in reducing other symptoms as well as complications like infertility risks. Many women with PCOD find that their chances of conception increase after achieving a healthy weight post-surgery. However, it is often one part of a comprehensive treatment plan that also includes lifestyle modifications and regular medical follow-up.
Who is Eligible?
Weight loss surgery for PCOD may be considered if:
- BMI is 40 or higher without other medical conditions.
- BMI is 35-39.9 with serious related conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
- BMI is 30-34.9 with uncontrolled diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
Choosing the Best Type of Weight Loss Surgery for You
Deciding on weight loss surgery, finding the right surgeon, and choosing the best procedure for PCOD symptoms require careful consideration. There are several surgeries, and your surgeon can recommend the most effective one for your situation.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)
The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, or "gastric bypass," has been refined since 1993 and remains a common and effective treatment for obesity.
How it Works:
- The gastric bypass procedure works by creating a smaller stomach pouch, which reduces its capacity to hold food, thereby decreasing calorie intake.
- Food bypasses the first portion of the small intestine where it would normally be absorbed, leading to reduced overall calorie absorption.
- This modification of the food pathway through the gastrointestinal tract significantly reduces hunger and increases feelings of fullness, which helps in managing weight.
- The surgery also impacts hormones and metabolic processes.
- Patients often experience improvements in reflux (heartburn) symptoms due to changes in stomach anatomy and function.
- Alongside the surgery, patients are advised to make appropriate food choices and avoid tobacco products and NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen to optimise health outcomes.
Advantages:
- Reliable and sustainable weight loss
- Effective for managing obesity-related conditions
- Standardised and refined surgical technique
Sleeve Gastrectomy
The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, commonly known as the "sleeve," involves removing approximately 80% of the stomach and leaving behind a banana-shaped pouch.
How it Works:
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The smaller stomach pouch limits food and liquid intake, reducing weight and calories.
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The removal of the portion that produces the "hunger hormone" reduces hunger and enhances fullness, promoting a healthy weight and blood sugar control. The simplicity of the procedure minimises intestinal surgery risks.
Advantages:
- Technically straightforward with shorter surgery times.
- Suitable for high-risk medical conditions.
- It can be an initial step in treating severe obesity.
- Option for transition to other procedures like gastric bypass or SADI-S.
Mini Gastric Bypass
Mini Gastric Bypass is a type of bariatric surgery that restricts the amount of food consumed and limits the absorption of calories and nutrients. It is typically performed laparoscopically and involves stapling the stomach and connecting it to a portion of the small intestine.
How it Works:
- The upper portion of your stomach is stapled or sewn to create a long, narrow tube-shaped stomach pouch. This pouch can hold only a small amount of food.
- The small intestine is rearranged to bypass a portion of it. This reduces the amount of calories and nutrients your body absorbs.
Advantages:
- Less invasive than traditional gastric bypass
- Potentially faster recovery time
- Can lead to significant weight loss and improved health
- Decreased hunger and cravings
How to Lose Weight Fast?
You can take the following measures to lose weight fast:
- Healthy Eating: Focus on nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Regular Exercise: Combine aerobic activities (walking, jogging) with strength training to burn calories and build muscle.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to support metabolism and curb appetite.
- Sleep and Stress Management: Aim for adequate sleep (7-9 hours) and manage stress to avoid emotional eating.
Healthy Meal Plan Tips for PCOD Management
- Eat a variety of foods daily from each group.
- Follow sensible portions using the healthy plate model.
- Choose unprocessed, wholegrain options.
- Avoid added sugars and unhealthy fats.
- Don't skip meals; eat three meals and healthy snacks.
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Foods to Include | Foods to Limit |
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Wholemeal, wholegrain or rye bread, wholegrain cereals, brown or wild rice, wholemeal pasta | White bread, refined cereals, white rice, plain crackers |
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Fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables; fresh, frozen, cooked, or canned fruit without added sugar | Fried vegetables, creamy sauces, canned fruit in syrup, dried fruit, fruit juice |
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Low-fat milk, plain unsweetened yoghurt, lower-fat cheese, cottage cheese | Full-fat milk, sweetened yoghurt, cream, ice cream |
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Lean meats, skinless chicken, fish (especially oily fish), eggs, legumes, tofu | Fatty meats, chicken skin, fried or deep-fried meats, fatty nuts and seeds |
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High-sugar desserts, butter, lard, coconut oil, sugary drinks, alcohol |
Schedule an Assessment for Bariatric Surgery as a Treatment for PCOD!
To learn more about bariatric surgery and its effect on your weight and polycystic ovaries syndrome, schedule a consultation with an experienced bariatric & advanced laparoscopic surgeon at Manipal Hospitals Millers Road, Bangalore.
FAQ's
There is no cure for PCOD. However, many treatments can help control symptoms and decrease the chance of problems in the future.
Some common signs that may indicate PCOD include irregular periods, excess hair growth, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, acne or oily skin, and sleep apnea.
To treat PCOD, we try to lower insulin resistance and decrease androgens (male hormones). A healthy lifestyle with medications has an important role here. The doctor may choose one or more treatments. This will depend on the symptoms of PCOD that bother you the most. Be open and honest with your doctor.
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