Is metabolic surgery safe for someone with PCOS?

Question

Hello doctor,

My elder sister is 44 and overweight, with PCOS and prediabetes. Her doctor has suggested metabolic surgery instead of trying more diets. How is this different from bariatric surgery? Can it help with her hormone issues, too, or is it only for weight loss? Also, is it safe for women who may want to have children in the future? We are just confused about what to do because she has tried many things before, and nothing has worked long-term.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern about your sister's health. It is clear that she is highly motivated to address her obesity, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), and prediabetes, and that she has already tried medication without significant benefit. Metabolic surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is something she should consider. Like any procedure, it carries some risks, but serious complications are rare. I strongly recommend consulting a qualified surgeon to discuss her options in detail. When I counsel my patients before bariatric surgery, I emphasize that the short-term results are often excellent. However, achieving lasting success requires ongoing motivation, a disciplined exercise routine, and a healthy diet even after surgery. Overall, bariatric surgery can be a life-changing opportunity for people like your sister who have struggled with obesity and its related conditions for a long time.

Most women who undergo bariatric surgery have no major issues with conception or pregnancy later on, and many go on to have healthy, uneventful pregnancies. I would be happy to help further by discussing the different types of bariatric surgery and which might suit her best. Feel free to share more details, and I will do my best to guide you.

Take care.

Regards.