Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common health issue these days. It affects 6-10% of women of childbearing age. Women with PCOS have issues with irregular periods, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic problems. And what’s one of the major factors that’s linked to PCOS?

Obesity.

According to studies, over 80% of women with PCOS are overweight or obesity. So this directly indicates that excess weight affects the body in ways and is not just linked to type 2 diabetes, heart problems, sleep apnea and more.

Let’s understand how obesity leads to PCOS.

However, the relationship between obesity and PCOS is not simple. But the fact is, both conditions can make each other worse.

How Obesity and PCOS Make Each Other Worse

Obesity alone doesn’t cause PCOS. But it can make it worse in women who are more likely to get it because of genetic tendencies or other reasons.

Insulin Resistance

Extra weight, especially around the belly, makes their body less sensitive to insulin. 

Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. When the body doesn’t respond well to insulin, the pancreas makes even more insulin to keep blood sugar normal. 

When there is too much insulin in the body, it stimulates the ovaries to make more male hormones, which can cause or worsen PCOS.

High Androgen Levels

Excess weight or obesity leads to the release of male hormones androgens. While these high male hormone levels alone don’t cause PCOS, they can make it worse. 

This can mess up the ovaries, causing problems like irregular periods and not ovulating, which are common in PCOS.

Genetic Link

Some women are susceptible to PCOS because of their genetic tendencies. In such cases, gaining weight, especially during their teen years, can make PCOS show up. Extra weight can make the signs of PCOS more noticeable.

Metabolic Problems

When obesity and PCOS happen together, they can lead to other health problems, like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. These problems can make PCOS symptoms worse.

The Impact of Obesity on Fertility

Obesity is one of the major risk factors for infertility. Women with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) are more likely to have problems with ovulation. 

With obesity, a woman’s body makes more fat tissue. Fat tissue produces extra estrogen. It’s a hormone that helps control the menstrual cycle. Too much estrogen can confuse the body and cause it to stop ovulating. That means the ovaries don’t release eggs regularly. 

This is called anovulatory infertility. 

In women with PCOS, being overweight lowers the chances of getting pregnant naturally and also reduces the success rates of fertility treatments like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

Higher body fat can affect the quality of eggs and the lining of the uterus, making it harder for a fertilized egg to implant and grow.

How Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery Can Help with PCOS

Metabolic and weight loss surgery is a highly effective procedure in managing PCOS, especially for women who have been struggling with obesity. 

In many cases, women are stuck in a vicious cycle and cannot exercise and diet because of their health conditions.

And this further worsens their weight problem. And if you are already suffering, or at a high risk of other serious conditions like type 2 diabetes, or heart problems, then metabolic and weight loss surgery is an effective solution.

Dr. Shashank Shah is one of the best  metabolic and weight loss surgeons and has helped many women improve their health and fertility. 

Here’s how metabolic surgery can make a difference:

Improving Insulin Sensitivity: One of the key benefits of metabolic surgery is that it helps the body use insulin more effectively. 

After surgery, insulin levels drop, which in turn reduces the production of male hormones. This is crucial for restoring ovulation and helping women with PCOS regain regular menstrual cycles.

Normalizing Hormone Levels: Metabolic surgery helps reduce excess weight, which leads to a more balanced hormone profile. When hormone levels are balanced, women with PCOS are more likely to experience regular periods and ovulation, making it easier to conceive.

Improving Egg and Embryo Quality: Excess weight can negatively affect the quality of eggs and embryos, making it harder for a woman to get pregnant. Research indicates that even losing about 5 kg (11 lbs) can lead to better outcomes in terms of implantation rates, clinical pregnancies, and live births among women with PCOS.

Boosting Fertility Treatment Success: Obesity can reduce the effectiveness of fertility treatments like ovulation induction and IVF. Studies have shown that losing around 10% of body weight can improve pregnancy and live birth rates in overweight women seeking fertility help. Even small reductions in weight can help restore normal ovulation and menstrual cycles.

Real-Life Success Stories with Dr. Shashank Shah

Many women with PCOS have successfully managed their symptoms and improved their fertility outcomes through weight loss surgery under the care of Dr. Shashank Shah. 

His expertise in metabolic surgery has helped numerous patients achieve significant weight loss, restore regular periods, and increase their chances of having a baby.  For example, women who have undergone weight loss surgery have reported more regular menstrual cycles, improved insulin levels, and higher success rates with fertility treatments.

Why Consult Dr. Shashank Shah for Weight Loss Surgery?

Dr. Shashank Shah is a highly respected surgeon specializing in metabolic and weight loss surgery. 

He understands the unique challenges faced by women with PCOS and offers personalized treatment plans to help them achieve their health and fertility goals. 

His approach is not just about surgery but also about providing comprehensive care, including dietary guidance, exercise plans, and ongoing support. Long-Term Health Benefits

Metabolic surgery does more than just help with weight loss. It also provides long-term health benefits by reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other metabolic disorders. 

For women with PCOS, these benefits are particularly important because they help manage the condition more effectively and reduce the risk of long-term health complications.

If you are struggling with PCOS and obesity, consulting with Dr. Shashank Shah could be the first step towards better health and a successful pregnancy.

Sadly, India is known as the “Diabetes Capital of the World.” Right now, around 101 million people in India have diabetes. Experts think this number could grow to 135 million by 2045. 

This means that about 17% of all people with diabetes in the world live in India, showing that diabetes is a big health problem for the country.

The main reasons are high calorie, high-fat, and high-sugar diets, physical inactivity, genetic factor, obesity and lack of awareness. For patients who struggle to manage their diabetes with diet, exercise, or medication and are at high risks for other serious health conditions, metabolic surgery is a great solution.

What is Metabolic Surgery for Type 2 Diabetes?

Metabolic surgery, a type of bariatric surgery, is a powerful approach to treating type 2 diabetes, especially in people who are overweight. 

This procedure goes beyond weight loss; it alters how the body handles sugar and insulin by changing the stomach and intestines. As a result, it can significantly reduce or even reverse type 2 diabetes, making it a proven solution.

How Metabolic Surgery Works

Metabolic surgery aids in weight loss and changes the hormones in the gut that control blood sugar levels. 

This leads to better insulin sensitivity and more stable blood sugar control. 

While researchers are still exploring exactly how this surgery improves type 2 diabetes, some key mechanisms include:

Weight Loss: Reduces fat that affects metabolism.

Increased Hormones: GLP-1 hormone levels increase, improving insulin sensitivity.

Faster Gastric Emptying: Nutrients reach the intestines quicker, aiding metabolism.

Changes in Bile Acids and Gut Bacteria: These changes enhance metabolic function.

How Effective is Metabolic Surgery?

Metabolic surgery has been shown to be highly effective in treating type 2 diabetes. 

Here are some statistics from studies:

• 77% of Patients: Experience diabetes remission within 14.6 months after surgery.
• 72% at 2 Years: Achieve remission, compared to 21% who rely only on medication.
• 49% of RYGB Patients: Reach key health goals (HbA1c under 7%, LDL under 100 mg/dL, and blood pressure under    130/80 mmHg) within a year, compared to 19% with medical therapy alone.
• Even with a BMI under 35: Patients can see improvements in glucose and lipid levels after surgery.

Differences Between Metabolic Surgery and Bariatric Surgery

Though often used interchangeably, metabolic surgery and bariatric surgery have distinct purposes:

• Definition: Bariatric surgery is designed to help people with obesity lose weight, while metabolic surgery, a type of bariatric surgery, focuses specifically on treating metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes, regardless of a patient’s weight.
• Patient Criteria: Bariatric surgery is typically recommended for those with a BMI over 35 or a BMI over 30 with other health issues. Metabolic surgery can be suitable for individuals with a BMI as low as 30, especially if they have type 2 diabetes.
• Goals: The primary goal of bariatric surgery is weight loss. For metabolic surgery, the focus is on improving or curing metabolic conditions like diabetes, even if weight loss is not the main objective.
• How They Work: Bariatric surgery mainly reduces food intake or absorption, while metabolic surgery also changes gut hormones and how the body manages blood sugar.

Typical Candidates for Metabolic Surgery

Ideal candidates for metabolic surgery usually have type 2 diabetes and are overweight or obese. Here’s when it’s recommended:

• BMI of 30 or Higher: For Asian patients, a BMI of 27 or more might be sufficient due to different body types and health risks.
• Uncontrolled Diabetes: Patients who struggle to manage their diabetes with diet, exercise, or medication and face high risks.
• Other Health Issues: Those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea, which complicate diabetes management, may benefit from metabolic surgery.
• Lifestyle Commitment: Patients must be willing to make lifelong changes in their diet and exercise to maintain weight loss and prevent diabetes from returning.
• Health Status: While there’s no strict age limit, candidates are usually adults in good health, aside from their metabolic issues. A thorough health check is done to ensure surgery is safe.

In short, people with a BMI of 30 or higher, who have poorly controlled type 2 diabetes and are ready to change their lifestyle, are good candidates for metabolic surgery. 

This surgery is a recognized treatment option for diabetes, especially when other methods haven’t worked.

Types of Metabolic Surgery

Here are some common types of metabolic surgery:

• Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB): This procedure involves creating a small stomach pouch and connecting it directly to the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach. It leads to reliable weight loss with fewer risks.
• Sleeve Gastrectomy: In this surgery, about two-thirds of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow, sleeve-shaped stomach. This change in gut hormones and metabolism promotes weight loss and can lead to diabetes remission.
• Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SADI-S): A newer version of the duodenal switch surgery, it combines a sleeve gastrectomy with rerouting of the small intestine, reducing calorie absorption. It has excellent results for weight loss and diabetes remission with fewer side effects.

By choosing metabolic surgery at the Laparo-Obeso Centre with experts like Dr. Shashank Shah, patients can explore a life-changing option for managing and potentially reversing type 2 diabetes.

To know more about metabolic surgery to improve or reverse your type 2 diabetes, click here to schedule your consultation.

We understand that bariatric surgery is a positive, life-changing decision for anyone struggling with severe obesity. In the last 20 years, Dr Shashank Shah and his team have successfully done over 6000+ bariatric surgeries. The one thing almost every patient wants to know with absolute clarity is what their life will look like after bariatric surgery. In this post, we’ll explore the various aspects of life post-surgery, from physical changes to emotional adjustments and lifestyle modifications.

Let’s first start with the Initial Recovery Period

The first few weeks after surgery are crucial for your recovery.

Here’s what you can expect:

Depending on the type of surgery and your health status, you’ll typically spend 1-3 days in the hospital.

Kavita was discharged within 24 hours and happily travelled back to her hometown.

You’ll start with a liquid diet, gradually progressing to pureed foods, soft foods, and eventually solid foods over several weeks.

You’ll be encouraged to walk frequently but avoid strenuous activities for 3-6 weeks.

You may need regular check-ups with your surgical team in the initial week to monitor your recovery.

So this is the initial recovery period.

Now let’s talk about Physical Changes

As you recover and adapt to your new digestive system, you’ll experience several physical changes:

Most patients lose weight quickly in the first 3-6 months, with weight loss continuing at a slower rate for 12-18 months.

Subhash lost 21 kg in 3 months and became diabetes free.

Dipali lost 21 kg’s in one and a half months.

As you lose weight, you’ll likely feel more energetic and mobile.

Many patients see improvements in conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.

Rapid weight loss may lead to loose, sagging skin. Some patients choose to have body contouring surgery later.

What are the dietary changes you will experience?

Your relationship with food will change significantly after bariatric surgery:

Your new stomach pouch will only hold small amounts of food, typically 1/4 to 1 cup.

You’ll likely eat 4-6 small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals.

Getting enough nutrition will be important.

You may need to avoid foods that are hard to digest or that cause discomfort, such as very fibrous vegetables or sugary foods.

You’ll need to eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and pay attention to your body’s fullness cues.

Lifestyle Modifications

Bariatric surgery requires long-term lifestyle changes for success:

As you recover, you’ll need to incorporate regular physical activity into your routine, starting with walking and progressing to more intense exercises.

Drinking enough water becomes crucial, but you’ll need to avoid drinking with meals to prevent overfilling your stomach pouch.

Many patients find they become more sensitive to alcohol after surgery.

You’ll need to be a little more aware of your health and nutritional status.

Emotional and Social Changes

The physical changes after bariatric surgery often come with emotional and social adjustments:

Many patients report increased confidence and improved body image as they lose weight.

Your weight loss may positively affect your relationships, sometimes in unexpected ways.

As you become more active and confident, you may find yourself in new social situations that can be both exciting and challenging.

Adapting to your new body and lifestyle can lead to a shift in how you see yourself and how others perceive you.

Long-Term Success

Long-term success after bariatric surgery depends on your commitment to lifestyle changes. Here are some keys to success:

Try to have more nutritional food

Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining weight loss and overall health.

Find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as meditation, yoga, or counseling.

Conclusion

Life after bariatric surgery is a journey of significant physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes.

While you have to be more aware of how you conduct your life, many patients report substantial improvements in their health, mobility, and overall quality of life. The key to success lies in preparing for these changes, following medical advice, and committing to your new lifestyle long-term.

Remember, bariatric surgery is not just about losing weight—it’s about gaining a healthier, more active life. With the right mindset, support, and dedication, you can navigate the changes and challenges to achieve lasting success in your weight loss journey. If you’re considering bariatric surgery or are in the post-surgery phase, don’t hesitate to reach out to your medical team or support group with questions or concerns.

Your success is our priority, and we are there to support you every step of the way.