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I think different insurance companies require different comorbites. Mine requires none if your over 40bmi but if your under you must be above 35bmi and at least 1 of the comorbites. I have high bp, overactive bladder, arthrites and high cholesterol and possibly autoimmune condition. So I hope that one of them will work. You can Google your insurance and bastric sugery and it should show which comorbites they are asking for as a requirement for your surgery. We got this, hang in there. Get as much info you can get then you will know what to expect and maybe even be a voice in the whole process.

Good for you, making the decision that is right for you. From all that you have said, I would agree, you are not ready. I would also venture a guess that the fear that keeps you from having the surgery is identical to the fear that keeps you obese. A real "catch 22". Someone above mentioned that the band cannot help the emotional eater. I beg to differ. I am totally an emotional eater, I rarely feel physically hungry, but the band has changed my life in the best possible way. For the emotional part I see an obesity specialist therapist. The band strongly reminds me when I absentmindedly try to eat my fears/emotions away. During this next year you might consider seeing a therapist about your weight issues. You may find that you don't need the surgery at all and that you can lose the weight on your own. That was not the case for me, the therapy gives me tools to manage my emotional eating but my head still goes crazy sometimes -- so glad I have my band. Also, it appears that I may have Hoshimoto's thyroiditis -- I will find out for sure on Friday. It is an autoimmune disease. It is not curable but it is treatable. Still, I am so glad I have my band, imagine the anxiety I am feeling not knowing for sure whether I have this disease ... having the band helps me not to overeat (try as I might while I await the blood test and biopsy on Friday. Not fitting Hollywood's image of what a woman should look like (i.e., size 2, or even 0) is not a bad thing, in fact it is good because the vast majority of women are a "normal" size. Heck, my bones are bigger than a size 2. LOL But to be obese is neither normal or healthy; and there's a reason why we overeat. For some it helps to find out why and work to change it. I hope you can find the best solution for you. I wish you the best. ~Fran

I know you don't want to hear anything negative at this point because I was there four years ago. I haven't lost any weight probably gained a pound or two. Frustrated and depressed because I still feel like the same failure I was when I had the surgery. Some people have success with this band but believe me if you are an emotional eater or like sweets it doesn't work. You have to get your head right first. The surgery won't do that for you. I also have an autoimmune disease called sjogrens and they still did the surgery. Six months afterwards I started gettting a skin problem. My hands looked like hambuger meat. It was on top of my feet and toes, elbows. I went to a couple of family doctors, two dermatologists, three rheumatologists.. After a year finally was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis. Another autoimmune disease. Now taking Embrel and Methotextrate injections every week. It not only is a terrible skin disease but also disforms your joints like rheumatoid arthritis. I am not sure why and if it was just a coiencidence it came after my surgery but I have been researching the band and have read some people have come down with autoimmune diseases. I am in the planning of having this band removed. I am really afraid to have another major surgery to correct my mistake but I have to find out if the band is causing my problem. I am not telling you to not get the lapband I am just saying do alot of research. They have alot more information about lapbands years down the road. No matter what you do to lose weight it always comes down to two things. Diet and Exercise. You have to do this with or without the lapband. Let me know what you do and whatever you decide I wish you success with your weight problem. Cheryl

my son has scleroderma which is also an autoimmune disease. but you would probably have a skin rash of some sort and thickening skin in that area. my sons is on his left leg from foot to hip. anyway, he has alot if dizziness, lightheaded feelings also, they have not been able to determine cause yet. but I did read that some rheumatoid and auto immune diseases have some ear involvement also. so for now they are just telling us his is either from his disease or stress..

There are specialized blood tests that your PCP can order to either rule out or confirm a autoimmune diagnosis. You should not need to see a rheumatologist for a Dx. The rheumatologist may be better able to manage an autoimmune spectrum disease, however I have had much better treatment outcomes with my board certified internal medicine PCP. I'm sorry you are having to go through all of this...it's scary and when you don't feel well all of that is amplified. Perhaps your PCP can order additional tests for you to rule out specific disorders. What was the name of the test you tested positive for? I hope you feel better and have some answers to your questions very soon...

8 Diet Myths Debunked! Our number one priority is to lose weight. In search of a new healthy lifestyle, we often self sabotage our well-intended efforts by investing in diet myths and misinformation about weight loss. Don’t fall into the trap! Check out these 8 Diet Myths. 1 Negative-calorie foods Some high fiber foods like celery and citrus fruits are claimed to be negative calorie foods. The presumption is that it takes more energy for the body to digest these foods, and thus burns more calories than the calories in the food itself. The truth is that the amount of calories it takes the body to digest food are minuscule compared to the calories in the food. Read a counter-viewpoint and decide what is true for you, “Eating Foods that Burn More Calories.” 2. Muscle weighs more than fat Don’t fool yourself. A pound of muscle and a pound of fat weight the same — 1-pound! However, because muscle is more dense than fat, having more muscle on your frame will make you look leaner. Also, 1-pound of muscle burns 50 calories a day whereas 1-pound of fat burns only 2 calories — so muscle increases your metabolic rate. Learn about “Metabolic Syndrome and Weight Loss.” 3. A diet is the best way to lose weight In the short-term “dieting,” that is following a prescriptive plan of eating fewer calories for a period of time, results in weight loss. But the weight loss is only temporary and weight is regained when former eating habits are resumed. Instead, find a way to eat healthy forever. That’s the way to lose weight and keep it off. More articles on Eating Healthy after weight loss surgery! 4. An entree salad is the low-cal choice on the menu Salads can be a very healthy choice — or a very unhealthy choice! A general rule of thumb might be the yummier that you make a salad the less healthy it becomes. Watch those toppings: cheeses, candied walnuts, dressing — yikes! Panera Bread’s Fuji Apple Chicken Salad has 580 calories, and 30 grams fat, 7 grams saturated fat. Compare that to a McDonald’s double cheeseburger with 440 calories, and 23 grams fat, 11 grams saturated fat. More Unhealthy Foods we think are healthy! 5. Skipping meals speeds up weight loss Not eating actually slows down metabolism. So to keep your metabolism going eat a healthy breakfast, followed by healthy lunch and dinner, several hours apart. Not eating also can cause ravenous hunger later in the day, which may drive you to overindulge. Check out this Healthy Lunch Solution after Bariatrics! 6. “Light” foods are better Light foods may contain fewer calories or fat, but not without increasing sodium, sugar, chemical additives, or artificial sweeteners. A serving of fat-free cream cheese is only 15-calories less than the real, full-fate version. But the sodium content is 11 milligrams more. Sodium is a major cause of bloating. Add to that, when people perceive a food as light they tend to eat more of it, sometimes consuming more calories than if they had eaten the real version. Read “The Bitter Truth about Aspartame” 7. A gluten-free diet will help you lose weight A gluten-free diet is assumed to be a no-carb diet. That is not true. A gluten-free product replaces gluten-containing grains like wheat flour with non-gluten-containing grains like rice flour. Both wheat flour and rice flour are high in carbohydrates — and gluten-free pastries are high in calories. A gluten-free diet was designed for people with Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disorder in which the small intestine cannot digest gluten. Read “Gluten-Free is Unhealthy and Expensive” 8. Over-the-counter diet pills help weight loss The Federal Trade Commission charged four weight loss companies with fraud. The companies charged with deceptive marketing practices include diet products we’ve all seen nationally-advertised: HCG Diet Direct, Sensa Products, LeanSpa, and L’Occitane. Talk to your doctor about your options for safe and effective medications for weight loss, combined with dietary and physical activity improvements. Learn about Getting Active after weight loss. This information was sourced from authoritative sources and is shared for informational purposes only. Use your best judgement and consult with your trusted healthcare provider before changing your diet and exercise habits. Living larger than ever, My Bariatric Life

Has your WLS helped with autoimmune disease or endocrine issues? I am asking specifically about Hashimotos, adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroid?

Can I ask what autoimmune disease you have? I have Systemic Lupus. My surgeon recommended the sleeve as well. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920AZ using the BariatricPal App I was first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, recently my Rheumy stayed suspecting psoriatic arthritis. Not sure if that's a change of diagnosis our a secondary one. sent from mobile device

Because Crohn's is an autoimmune disease, it is contraindicated with the band. This being said, I have systemic Lupus, which is also an autoimmune disease and I have been banded twice with no major issues due to the autoimmune disease. I think you'll find a difference in each doctor's opinions about this, so one may say no, the other may say yes. Depending on the severity of the Crohn's, it may be worth the risk to you.. or not.. Leatha

Wishing you all the best Donna. I understand chronic pain...was on all of that stuff as well...Tramadol, Percocet, Oxycodone... I had to have both hips replaced because of osteo-necrosis and the rheumatologist feels it also is autoimmune based though he cannot diagnose the exact type of disease. I will need both knees replaced at some point and now I have to get xrays and MRIs for all my major joints to monitor them in the hopes that I don't get as bad as I was. As others have said, please keep in touch with us so we can help you with your journey no matter where it takes you.

thank you everyone for all your kind words of wisdom and suggestions. This decision was made by me and talking it over with my mom. My problems all started when I had my band put in. I'm not sure if my body doesn't like that its a foreign object in there or if I'm Vitamin deficient which I've had loads of blood work done recently. My surgeon is against NSAIDs and besides I would have to live on them all of the time, seriously. He is also concerned about if I truly have lupus and the connective tissue that the band is is around and affiliated with. I have toenails falling off weekly and toenail infections and having to deal with that and podiatrist said that is related to autoimmune compromised ppl so I feel that by me having the band surgery either flared up an autoimmune disease for me and like I said I live in daily and nightly pain, constant pain. As I type this I cannot sleep cause I hurt so bad, I've had 2 Tramadol's, 2 Tylenol's and some liquid motrin and nothing is knocking the pain. It is too late in the night for me to take anything stronger or I will be asleep till tomorrow afternoon. I just think this is the best decision for me right now is to get my health back.

Thank you all for responding. More info as I left it out by mistake; about a month after I balanced out on my weight loss of 96lbs (7 months after surgery) the symptoms first began with joint swelling and pain. I was being looked at for Autoimmune issues then. That was the first time RA was suggested by Dr.'s. Lymes was ruled out then. As I was supposed to be tested for RA and or other disorders, I found out I was pregnant. I stopped that avenue of testing and put all focus on the baby. Through my pregnancy all symptoms went away and I felt great. For two months before the pregnancy I had my right knee joint drained twice and my hands and fingers were so swollen and painful that I could barely use them. During the pregnancy it was as if I never had an issue. Two weeks after he was born when my hormones were rushing back in place (and all over, lol) the symptoms returned and ten times worse. Could it be hormone driven? These disorders do not run in my family. Could I have had it my whole life but never knew it because it was dormant until the drastic weigh loss? It just seems so coincidental after the surgery, then gallbladder, then it "started", stopped and turned up again after I gave birth.

For what it's worth, autoimmune disease is nothing like having a shot immune system. Sorry you are having such trouble @@abenamati!

I'm 50 an have multiple autoimmune diseases. ..the benefits outweighs the risk! Best decision or should I say one of the best I have made for myself. I had 2 specialist refer me to surgeon. My weight was not going anywhere but up up up! I am 9 wks it An 60 down...its hard first month I'm not going to lie. My surgeon told me if u can make it thru first 4 wks you'll be good..he was right. I struggled a lot..mentally emotionally. .but I worked thru it..I did this for me my health. I didn't tell my family. I have thought about this for 15 yrs..it was time for me to get my life back. So I took control. .maybe u have tried to help them understand this is for your health I'm sure..it's a complete lifestyle change an I would just have to say they can be on board an help an support or well...I'll let you fill that in..lol... hang in there! I wish u the best!! Keep us posted!!

Hi! I am new to this forum and hoping to get some opinions from all of you. I am 44 years old and have an autoimmune thyroid disease called Hashimotos thyroiditis. I have a very hard time losing weight I can't seem to get under 200 lbs no matter what. I usually follow an autoimmune protocol diet which is very strict due to my disease. No diary, Beans, nuts, seeds, nightshades, grains, gluten processed foods of any kind. The list goes on! This is because my immune system is eating my thyroid and I have a host of other issues stemming from this disease including inflammation. I am seriously considering banding because I have grown tired of the weight loss failure. I currently weigh 217 lbs and would like to get to a healthy weight which would be about 155 or 160. My Bmi is 33.8 and everyone tries to say I am not heavy enough. But I hold my weight well under clothes lol. I am too heavy! And my joints are screaming and I am plain uncomfortable. I just want to feel healthy again. I have not been under 200 lbs since before my kids were born my oldest is 22 almost 23 and I have 2 grand babies! I just want to know what you all think. Thanks! Heather Sent from my SM-N920T using the BariatricPal App

i would recommend a paleo autoimmune diet, and a trainer who has experience working with bariatric patients. you may want to read a book called "ultrametabolism." it explains how hard it is to lose weight when your body is having an inflammation crisis. (which it sounds like it is based on your symptoms) feel free to PM me for more info.

I have Hashi's. It's an autoimmune thyroid disorder that can affect the whole body. I agree with the other poster. You need to get a full thyroid panel + antibodies to get an accurate idea of what's going on inside. Current studies suggest an elimination of gluten can significantly improve Hashi's. Google Hashimoto's Thyroiditis for more information.

I have an autoimmune issue that causes dry mouth and in the past have used a sugar free chewing gum to help produce some saliva, but haven't for a while. Thing that comes to mind for me is I have always felt a little hungry after chewing gum. Not sure why, but maybe the chewing stimulates the stomach and it starts with the stomach acid to help digest the food it is expecting but doesn't receive. i certainly wouldn't be chewing gum within a few months of having WLS. I am guessing you are going to get a lot of differing opinions, but initially the most important one will be your surgeon's and then a number of months after surgery will possibly be your experience of it. There is this but no idea who wrote it, could be just your average punter. https://www.gastricsleevedietguide.com/top-6-gastric-sleeve-surgery-myths-fail/ There is this, at least a doctor https://www.drshillingford.com/blog/why-bariatric-patients-should-stop-chewing-gum-18203.html And another blogger, not a docter, there is a section on chewing gum https://thegastricguru.com/chewing-and-digestion

Well...if it makes you feel better I am not using any of the fancy stuff now. I have to take synthroid for my thyroid. That is a problem that will never go away regardless of weight loss. I have an autoimmune problem called Hashimoto's. Any way grinding up pills and putting them in other things just tastes nasty. I am really surprised that you had to ask for prescription pain meds when they released you from the hospital, though.

Meee too! I have spent the last couple years taking care of everyone else, and lost track of ME. My husband, who is 7 years younger than I am, developed brain cancer a few years ago with a million life-threatening complications. We have two teenage daughters, adopted from Russia, and the older one freaked out and started huge behavioral problems when my husband got sick. The younger one has had six major surgeries, and five body casts, because of having polio as a baby. My dad developed a rare autoimmune disease and died while he was taking care of my mother, who had Alzheimer's disease. I ended up having to go back to work full time a year ago (my husband will never work again), and it was a shock how much younger and fitter everyone else was. Everything is more or less on an even keel right now (no hospitals or police), so it is finally my time to take care of myself again. Yesterday I got a manicure and a pedicure, and today I took a nice long nap.... and ate that last cupcake. No more cupcakes in this house, they are like heroin to me!!!!!

I have Hoshimoto's which is the thyroid autoimmune disease. I have flares where I swing back and forth between Hyper and Hypo but for the majority I am hypo and so are all of my symptoms. I was on Levo and Synthroid for 6-10 years until last fall when I had enough. I switched to Armour 120mg a day and it has changed my life. Unfortunately, the weight didn't change at all but that is fairly typical at least for women. However, my symptoms, tired, achy, brain fog, lethargic feeling all decreased dramatically…some of them completely. I found a doc who treats by the symptoms not just blood work. Just because you are in the 'appropriate" blood work range doesn't mean that you feel any better. I know for me I am at my best when my blood work comes back at around a 1.5-2.0. Some people do better lower. My doc is not an endo either. She is internal med. I had 4 prominent endos in KC and they all refused to listen and went solely on blood work results not how I felt. Their answer to everything was losing 50 lbs. Well autoimmune disease and thyroid issues typically aren't affected by weight high or low. One key to the success I have with Armour is I chew it up and i take it the same time every night with water… nothing else because it can affect absorption. The nice thing about Armour too is that if you are having a flare you can break a pill in half during the day and supplement so it will counter the flare. Your doc could explain more about that. The best thing I did for myself was research, research, research. http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/ is by far one of the best thyroid sites out there. Please check it out. It helped me tremendously. Good luck!

Thats a relief, I reread it all and started to worry. I'm not on medication for it, but topic was discussed a while back with my doc. I have an autoimmune disease which is currently in remission, and a host of other issues, but nothing major. Every diet under the sun I've tried. But I don't have documented with the doc's office at my highest BMI for a year.

I agree with your husband, that is one on the reasons I decided that I didn't like the band as much as I did in the beginning. Also I found out that I had an autoimmune disorder, so the band is not a good procedure to have. Some doctors will not do surgery at all, so when I found out that I could still have the sleeve I was so happy. I really have learned alot about the sleeve and so many people say good things about the results. I wish you all the best!! I have been approved for the sleeve, and surgery in Dec.2.

Hmm, I didn't know that, interesting. There needs to be a forum at VST for people with autoimmune disorders. Today I had a salad consisting of romaine, cabbage, baked salmon, and self-made dressing; plain yogurt, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper. I got 3 bites in and stopped, I was full. About 10 minutes later I got all sneezy and bleary eyed as though I had just eaten white flour, why?? I know there are cross-reactive foods out there, but all things considered this was a pretty clean meal.

HELLO EVERYONE, WELL AS IV'E SAID BEFORE I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH LUPUS AND MANY OTHER AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES SO I NEED CLEARANCE FROM CERTAIN SPECIALIST TO HAVE SURGERY. I'VE GOTTEN CLEARANCE FROM MY PRIMARY, HEMATOLOGY, AND RHEUMATOLOGIST. NOW I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT MY GASTROENTEROLOGY SPECIALIST WAS ON BOARD AFTER MY CONSULT APPT LAST WEEK AND NOW I CALL THE SURGEON'S OFFICE TO CONFIRM PAPER WORK AND SHE TELLS ME THAT HE SENT A LONG LETTER STATING THAT HE WILL NOT SIGN OFF UNLESS I GO THROUGH TWO MONTHS OF TAKING MIRALAX AND METAMUCIL FOR CONSTIPATION. THIS IS SOMETHING I'VE DELT WITH ALL MY LIFE.. SO MY QUESTION IS.. HAS ANYONE HAD TO DO THIS? CAUSE I FEEL THAT HE'S DELAYING PROGRESS FOR TWO MONTHS FOR NOTHING!! JUST A LIL FUSTRATED.. THANKS FOR LISTENING TO MY RANT! LOL