ktscott

Hi. My name is Kimberly. I am over weight and I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have recently decided on weight loss surgery. I am just in the beginning stages of it. I am signed up for a seminar given by the physicians to learn about the Lapband and the Gastric Sleeve. I have done tons of research on them both and I'm still undecided. I think it will come down to which is best for my RA. I realize I need to get answers from my doctor but I wanted to know if anyone with RA, an auto immune disease, or takes daily steroids has had one of these surgeries and if so which surgery did you choose and how is your journey so far? Thanks. Any advices on these surgeries would be helpful!

I haven't decided on with surgery to have yet and I'm sure all WLS can cause it due to speedy weigh loss but I was wondering if 100% of patients has this problem? Would you mind sharing your starting weight height and age? I realize this is personal but I know these must have alot to do with how much loose skin you will have. Thanks:)

Thanks!

. Great article! Thanks

Hi I am new to this. I have recently decided to have weight loss surgery. I have the option of gastric sleeve or lapband. I have alot to consider. I am I person that yo yo diets and even though I am fully dedicated to getting my health to its best. I'm afraid I'm going g to try to reward myself in the future. Which surgery is best for long term results? Also I have some concerns because I have Rheumatoid Arthritis for which I take immune suppressors and a daily steroid. Do any of you have an auto immune disease or take steroids? And if so which surgery did you try and how are your results?

. I have had alot of people on here share their experiences with the lap band and about 98% of experiences have been not so great. I think I'm pro Sleeve. I just hope my doctor agree. Thanks for sharing

lol thanks for sharing. I have worried about telling people that I had WLS too when I do get it. Unless you actually look into surgery you don't really know what all is involved. People don't realize how hard it is. Basically we are doing all the work. All the surgery does is limit the amount you can eat at one time. But anyway. I'm excited to start this new journey.

Thank you everyone for sharing all of your experiences with me. I'm so excited to start this new journey in my life.

I yoyo dieted for years and after attending the presurgical meeting to determine which type would be best, I chose sleeve. Lapband had too many chances to gain that weight back. And if I was going to spend that kind of money out of my own pocket, I wanted one that I knew I had a fighting chance to lose and keep it off. Thanks! My Seminar is next week. So ready to get started

Thanks. Good luck to you for the rest of your journey

I totally agree! Thanks for sharing

. Thankyou so much for sharing this!

. Thanks!

. That's what I was thinking also. I have been over weight since I was 8. I'm 30 now but I've only been morbidly obese for I'd say 3 years so I'm hoping maybe that will make a difference. Good luck with the rest of your journey!

. That's what I was thinking too! I'm looking forward to exercise when I'm 100 pds less. It's got to be easier. I'm just saying lol

. I agree healthy and being smaller trumps loss skin. I'm just concerned that I'll be just as self conscious about it as I am about being over weight. Just trying to work out all the negatives in my head now so I'll be mentally prepared when the time comes

. Thanks Alex. I never considered that the sleeve would affect absorption. I'm going to my RA doctor in a few weeks and I want to ask her if she's had any patients do WLS and if so what path they chose. I do have to take immune suppressors to keep my pain and joint degeneration at bay. Great point! Thanks so much. If I can have great results with the band I like how non invasive it is and the fact that it is reversible in case I have an reaction or complication due to my RA.

While I'm no longer pro-band, I would like it to be noted that this is untrue. With an optimally-tuned lapband (correct fill level, eating band-friendly food) hunger will not increase nor will metabolism slow down as bandsters lose weight. As long as the band is functioning properly and the patient remains compliant (and this is true of ALL WLS), hunger will remain dimmed and metabolism rolls along just fine.. Well thank you! Good to know. What surgeries have you had?If you look at my info, you will see I had a lapband in March 2013. A year later, I developed complications in the form of heart arrythmia (related to the lapband and its position on the vagus nerve). I will not revise to another WLS. oh I didn't realize we could look a profiles. Sorry new to the site. Wow. That it quite a complication. Thanks so much for sharing your experience with me.

I wish they offered the bypass here but they don't. So I'm thinking Sleeve at this point. Losing my stomach is very scary but I think it's the better than the band.

While I'm no longer pro-band, I would like it to be noted that this is untrue. With an optimally-tuned lapband (correct fill level, eating band-friendly food) hunger will not increase nor will metabolism slow down as bandsters lose weight. As long as the band is functioning properly and the patient remains compliant (and this is true of ALL WLS), hunger will remain dimmed and metabolism rolls along just fine.. Well thank you! Good to know. What surgeries have you had?

I am on maintenance meds. I take low dose predisone and Methotraxate due the those meds I can't not drink alcohol. I am happily married with a 1 year old boy. The food issues are my biggest concern. But I know I can do this. I have to do this is get where I need to be. I'd never considered having problems with swallowing the pills though.

I haven't heard that about the hormones. Great info. Thanks!

. Thanks Kim. Everyone has really been helpful in making this decision. I still have to talk to the Dr and see what he thinks but I am beginning to be Pro Sleeve.

. Thanks so much for the info. When did you have your sleeve? What's your stats now?

I so wish I would have made this decision when I was 18. I missed out on so many adventures because of low self esteem or physically not being able to do it. I am 30 just starting the process. My family is also 100% about food. Almost all of my family has a food problem. I'm really worried about Thanksgiving too. We also have family night every Tuesday where we get together and eat together. Every get together is planned around a meal. Good luck on your journey!!