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Let's see..........hype.....hypo......here it is.....hypocrite.....

I consider myself an expert when it comes to autoimmune rheumatic diseases. First- let's talk your prednisone: See an endocrinologist. Pronto. I was taking 60 mg of pred a day for years. There was no weaning off, because any time I got down to 20-25mg, I literally could not function. In any capacity. Enter the endocrinologist. Because the prednisone does just as much (if not more!) damage than good, my adrenal function was gone, I had prednisone induced glaucoma as well as prednisone induced diabetes. I needed off the meds ASAP. She prescribed me ORAL hydrocortisone. It mimics- and tricks- your body into believing it is prednisone, and is MUCH easier to wean off of than the prednisone. It took a total of 2.5 months vs over a year or longer if it were the prednisone. Do this. Again, ASAP. Ask for it. Second- methotrexate, either by pill or injection: pills made me sick, puking, typical chemo side effects. The shots did not, and they actually work much more effectively than the pills, so if given a choice, it is a once a week teeny tiny needle. Side effects- don't bother paying attention to them. The benefits far outweigh any possible adverse effects. You will need regular blood work to monitor your liver enzymes. Again, I have been on a very high dosage, so mine were often screwy. Third: I can't imagine any surgeon doing WLS or ANY elective surgery while you are on either of these meds. I had to "wash out" before I could have my surgery, meaning get all traces of the meds out of my blood system and stored reserves. Both drugs make you more susceptible to infection and the prednisone especially makes healing hard. And keeps weight on. Again- seeing an endocrinologist will get you off the pred by using oral hydrocortisone pills. Usually PMR goes away after a year or so. I wonder if you don't have true rheumatoid arthritis? The tests- a sed rate and C-reactive Protein screen are used for PMR as well as other autoimmune arthritis diagnosis. Just a thought. So- don't worry about side effects of the methotrexate and get off the pred!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Hi am just seeing this now. Thank you for responding. I did get off prednisone about 8 months ago. But it started to come back and about 2 months later I couldn't take it and went back on. My rheumatologist says cut down till I feel pain. Then start methotrexate. Shots. So I can continue to get off prednisone. I did have all the testing done. They did suspect fibromyalgia ms. Lupus RA etc Till all tests were done. I will look into seeing an endocrinologist. I did tell the dr about prednisone. He said it was fine and I may lose slower. I am now 9 weeks out and lost 20 pounds. 10 more the week before surgery. I was "only" 201 day of surgery. I would like to lose faster but. I really want to get off the prednisone. Thank you and why doesn't my rheumatologist k ow about this? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi Jen: Are you seeing a Rheumatologist? If not you might want to consult one to help with a diagnosis. I went to doctors or 14 years, most of them told me that my symptoms were all in my head. It wasn't till I sat down one day and wrote down everything I though was a symptom and when I was done I had 2 sides of a piece of paper. I went and saw a new Rhematologist and gave him the paper with the symptoms, he spent an hour and a half with me going over everything and then sent me for a million x-rays and tons of blood work and some other tests. He had told me he thought I had reactive arthritis. I went home and looked it up and thought hum, that doesn't sound too bad. When he got my results he told me I have Ankylosing Spondylitis! I said what the HELL is that I can't even pronounce that. It is also a form of arthritis and is an autoimmune disease with no known cure. I also have a secondary diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis , along with Fibromyalgia. He is constantly testing me though for Lupus, that's what they thought I might have in the beginning, but it is hard to diagnos. Don't give up on a diagnosis, only you know your body and you need to keep pressing the doctors for a diagnosis, not just arthritis of unknown origin. I am pre-op right now, but will be getting sleeved in July. My doctors say it should help with some of the issues I have. Also when you have one autoimmune disease, it is possible to have more than one of them. I hope you get a clear diagnosis in the near future it will help put your mind at ease when you have a name to what is causing you so much troiuble. Sorry for the long post....Jill

I am 33 months post-op from RNY gastric bypass surgery. After surgery, the part of your stomach that process fats and sugars has been cut away and your stomach no longer processes these. They pass into your intestines and if you consume too much of these it will leads to dumping syndrome. But after about a year, your intestines begin to take up the slack and learn how to process fats and sugars. I had Type 2 Diabetes prior to surgery and took 2 types of diabetic medicine to control my high blood sugar levels. When I left the hospital 2 days after surgery, my diabetes went into remission and stayed there. But I became resolved to never let diabetes return. Thus I control my sugar intake like a hawk. One of the conditions that occur to some RNY patients is that they develop low blood sugar. This is despite the fact that they never had diabetes prior to surgery. This condition is called reactive hypoglycemia. This link will help you understand this condition. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/reactive-hypoglycemia/faq-20057778

Did you go thru a lot more corsets because of it? And I finally got my heart rate somewhat under control so I started working out and plan on getting my gym membership reactivated also ❤️

You'd think she'd get hypoglycemia from candy too though.. (not saying it ISN'T a blood sugar problem, just that it's weird ). Personally I can taste the baking soda in cakes and the like, so then I start thinking maybe there is another ingredient in the second list that you have developed a sensitivity to (my daughter is sensitive to vanilla! Can you imagine?) I was kinda assuming you are dumping.. but maybe taking a blood sugar reading when you feel that way could answer whether it's the reactive hypoglycemia. (The other way to tell, if you don't have a monitor, is to see if you feel better after you eat something).

yeah, that is super low. what did they recommend for you about the low blood sugar? did they suggest you get a glucometer to track your BGL? some people just cant do carbs that low. i did the slow carb diet (as recommended by my doctor) several years ago... it's no processed carbs, lots of lean Protein and non-starchy veggies and a small amount of fruit. i felt really crappy. recognizing my symptoms from when i was pregnant, i asked my doc for a script for test strips and got a coupon for a free glucometer. sure enough, i was low! (fasting BGL: 86) even after my morning coffee with 2 sugars. guess what? my birthmom has reactive hypoglycemia too! i need at least 100 grams a day too feel "normal" and not feel like i am in outer space. (i hated the feeling of ketosis after my surgery too... though some people claim they feel great when in it) so you should go with what is healthiest for you. i would ask for a script so you can track your BGL... fasting, before you eat, 15 minutes after (some people shoot up really high after they eat.. also bad for the body, so good to know), 1 hour and 3 hours. if you write down all this info, along with what you eat, you will have a better idea how to manage it. not everyone reacts the same to the same food, which is why everyone needs to listen to their own body when it comes to eating. (ie, some people can't tolerate dairy, despite the doc saying eat two dairy servings a day) tracking your BGL will take out the guess work and give you concrete info to go on when making decisions about what and when to eat.

hypoglycemia means LOW blood sugar. it means you arent eating enough carbs to keep your blood sugar up. some people make too much insulin and have surges when they eat. its called reactive hypoglycemia. i had it when i was pregnant. you need to eat more carbs. eat carbs from whole unprocessed foods. 20-30 grams isnt enough to even feed your brain. increase to 50-70 grams and see if it changes how you feel. make sure you do it first thing in the AM, since you are probably waking up with low blood sugar. as the PP said, always eat a carb and a protein together.

Thanks Orion and Alcn! Brief update: Surgical nurse suggested it was possibly low BP or reactive hypoglycemia. I already had an appointment with my NUT the same day, and she said the hypoglycemia was unlikely based on symptoms and timeline, but she mentioned the sodium issue. I was cleared to start trying veggies, and I started with pickles yesterday bc I missed them so much. Should also cover any missing sodium, although I'll also pick up some electrolytic water to drink every day. I reached out to my primary care, and I'm waiting on a call back so they can look into the bp issue. Unfortunately we got about 10+ inches of snow yesterday so no one is open. Teri, I have asthma and am only 40 pounds into my weight loss journey, I am frequently out of breath. [emoji23] Sent from my SM-G900V using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanx to all that replied. Everything I've researched about Hypothyroid states weight gain even my GP says it related & have no other explaination for the weight gain since I've never been an overweight child plus I was still at a healthy weight before this happened. I've heard good things about Armour. I forgot to ask my GP about it today so I'll ask about it next time. Usually HYPERthyroidism patients are thin so I dunno if the HYPOS just got good drs & good drugs for it as for being not fat or perhaps they got lucky & caught it in time before gaining a lot of weight. TexasTerry, I/we live just west of Houston.

Hi, I found the perfect thread here! You speak my language girl. I was banded last September, lost about 20 lbs, and have been at a dead standstill. I have been trying to check back in here to lapbandtalk for some reactivation of motivation. Life just gets crazy, and I always put my eating stuff last. But I have been so much less happy by not paying attention to it. I put up a few signs around the house a couple days ago "Think about more than just this moment", so that when I am reaching for dumb foods, I think about how it is not getting me where I want to go. I have a serious problem with food allergies, and, I have been "clean" for three days now of dairy! Thats huge for me, cause I love cheese and dairyqueen. Two BIG no-nos. Next week I will be going off wheat. Thats huge too. When I first came back to lapbandtalk about a month ago, I wasn't ready for the change, but I wanted it. And today, I have 3 clean days under my belt, so hang in there! Your motivation will come, just keep reading peoples comments and give your brain time to process!

I have hashimoto's disease but my thyroid levels are still showing normal. Although, I have most if not all the symptoms of hypothyroidism. I go yearly to my endo for blood work but he has not put me on any medication since it always comes back in the normal range. I figure it's a matter of time though. Is this the same thing you have and are your levels normal or hypo?

Hi I am new and would like to say hello to everyone the the site. I was reading about someone just starting there journey. I went to Dr Woodhead in Delta. I did not need a referral, but my Dr wrote me one anyway. It works out well, because Dr Woodhead sent him all my paperwork from the surgery and with my visits, so he is also up to speed. My consult was on Feb 6th 2007 and surgery was set for Mar 7th. It took 6 weeks to get a consult from after filling out the paper work. The surgery is done right next door to his clinic which is the Delta hospital. I lost 15 lbs before the surgery and another 15 in the next 2 weeks. The scales have now stopped at 240 lbs. I am following the diet to a tee. I have a thyroid problem, hypo, and I hope that does not have a bearing on anything. I also had my knees operated on 4 times and it was that reason and the sleep apnea that sent me on my journey. I no longer have any pain in my knees and I am not taking any ibprophen anymore. Life is great. Hope this answers your questions about the Dr. Brenda:)

Hi Coops, Well, here is what I would try if you are interested, and remember, it's never too late and I believe you can do it. Let us know how you do. Good luck! Kickstart yourself with 2 or 3 days of just liquid Protein shakes. I found this sort of "reactivates" my sleeve and gets my head back on. It's hard to do after eating somewhat normally, but it does get the restriction fired up again (at least for me). Start writing everything down again - MFP or other Measure your food. I have started eyeballing things, not a great habit to get into... Get that Water in! 64 oz minimum, you know the drill. The same old routine: firm protein first, then vegs, then carbs. Plan out your exercise regime. Maybe split your time between cardio and strength training. Cardio will burn fat, strength training will build muscle, which will raise your metabolic rate over time.

Hi, I am new here too. I have been banded for 2 weeks and have so far lost 12 pounds. I too have Hypothyroidism which has always made weightloss difficult, even when I do what I am suppose to do. I know several years ago people with Hypothyroidism were not approved for the band surgery. (Wonder if it is becasue we dropped the success stats???) Still I am glad that Hypo is on the approval list now as this is really my last hope of a tool that may help. I just can't do it myself. So I am hopeful for success with the band, even if little by little. I hope you get approval soon!

My big question is.."what is normal"? I take Synthroid, I think a little higher dosage is what I really need, but because I fall into the "normal" range with the dosage I'm taking now, my dr won't up the dosage. I still have all the symptoms of hypo, but I'm in the "normal" range. Errrr! To me it's nothing more than stereo typing people. Why couldn't we just do a test run on the higher dosage for a few months then if there's no diff, then drop back. JMO

I had my first fill on 7/3/13. I went to Jamaica for a week, 7/21/13 thru 7/28/13. I did not gain or lose weight. I ate almost within the guidelines. After my fill, I am starving most of the time, 4 ozunces just does not seem to do it. Thanks to support groups like this, is how I obtain information. How do you get in the required daily protein requirement? Should you still drink a protein shake? I was banded on 5/24/13 and have lost 45 pounds. I practice eating slowly and notice I do not get heartburn as much. I found out if i drink at least 64 ozunces of water it sometimes help with the hunger. Prior to surgery, I was taking insulin 4 times a day and oral medication. Now I take one dose of long acting medication and oral medication. sometimes i experience hypo-glycemic episodes. I planning to call my surgeon's office today. I do not have any idea how much is in my band. I have started to impiement an exercise program. I do have more energy. I appreciaate any thoughts or advice. I am so thankful/grateful for this site. My grand-children are happy,their grandmother can do things with them.

@@Inner Surfer Girl Great article. Many factors on diabetics and surgery that are still in the research phase. The surgery does amazing things with diabetics. People off medication. Getting their health back. This is what I have experienced as a type 1 Diabetic...In perspective of complications with surgery, This is not a big thing to manage. (only two concerns driving and sleeping) I had no pancreas function before surgery. After surgery at 6 months out. My pancreas started working by releasing large amounts of insulin. The Insulin release drops your blood sugar. (reactive hypoglycemia) Normal range of blood sugar is 120 - 70. The low blood sugar can happen at any time..No pattern to them. I'm not sure how to explain this so bare with me...Here is how I manage what is going on. 6:35pm Test..BS 70..I don't want it to go lower. I eat a meal. 6:40pm test BS 66 - Drink orange juice 6:50pm test BS 105..I'm Normal 7:41pm I'm shaky dizzy..test BS 62 orange juice and a Protein & vegetable snack 8:12pm test BS 168..I feel safe enough to sleep. My lowest was 24 in the middle of the night. So with that..If I have sugar in large amounts..I will still have high blood sugar and use Insulin. I hardly use my insulin because I eat healthy and exercise. I am a well controlled type 1.

Me, too. Getting a potential breast cancer diagnosis and considering preventative double-mastectomy has made me say "eff it" and make bad food choices. I've been eating like a hog, with little discretion. This is a set-back, I know, and temporary. That said, I've gained 5 pounds. Sucks, but I know EXACTLY where I went wrong, and it's all reactive to the cancer scare. Will be getting biopsies tomorrow and will be eating according to the results.....! LOL! xxoo

@@sbdooly73 When I was Hyper thyroid last year, my surgeon told me that it was too dangerous for me to be operated on, due to the thyroid storm possibility. I worked with his team Endo ever since then (July 2015) He told me to come back once my thyroid stabilised. When I saw him in January 2016, I was severe Hypo then, and he wanted to wait longer, as hypo thyroid that is not stabilised can make the recovery from WLS lot harder. After 2 months of Thyroxine meds (Levo thyroxine), My labs were finally good, stable, Hallelujah !!! So, was finally operated on March 8th 2016 I can't see a reason why you may be denied surgery, unless your blood tests show big differences in your levels. Are you on thyroid medication? OK, just saw your reply re thyroid med. I wonder if your med needs to be adjusted. I still have my now 6 weekly blood tests to monitor my levels Good luck!

I have Graves disease. I had my thyroid destroyed via Radioactive tx, been Hypo thyroid since Dec 2015. On Thyroxine since January 2016. My surgery had to be postponed when I was hyper thyroid. Since March 2016 (WLS) I lost total of 9 kg ( approx. 20 pounds), Seems slow loss, however I did hit the stall couple of weeks ago. It is normal though,to have stalls, even though they can be frustrating ..... I am interested in thyroid disease weight loss, also. I had couple of mini binges recently, emotional/head cravings, chocolate made me ill, so had some ice-cream and extra Proteins late at night. I only started gentle exercises 2 weeks ago.

All the bariatric surgeries have risks of complications, but to me the "rearranging" ones have the worst ones. Not just things like leakage of staple lines (which I think is pretty rare now) but things like reactive hypoglycemia, where after you've lost weight your blood sugar dips really low after you eat, like into the 30s. People lose consciousness, crash their cars, even have seizures. That isn't a very common complication but it is becoming more common as more people have the surgery. It seems like it happens mostly to people who were not diabetic preop, and their pancreas sort of overreacts. And it's just one example of many things that happen when you can't take in adequate nutrition. Good for you for sticking to your gut (lol) instinct on this! Just make sure that this doc is going to give you the support you need after you are banded--willing to give fills when needed, able to tell when you shouldn't have any more fill, and is open and available on a reasonable schedule. Some docs who push the RnY don't like how involved they have to be post op with the band. With RnY, once they do the surgery they are for the most part done having to deal with you. Best of luck and keep us updated on your progress!

I didn't get surgery July 7th because my insurance was terminated days before my surgery.. Soooooo sad. But all I have to do is reactivate it and call my surgeon back with an effective date of my insurance and get a new date.. Anyone familiar with this happening

Hello all! I am new to this site, but so far i love it! Everyone has such great advice and are so supportive! I am 27 years old, 2 kids and am a nurse at a local hospital. I have been overweight my whole life and been looking into wls for about 5 years. My insurance just changed at work and by the grace of God, WLS is covered!!!!! I am 5'3 and currently 247....Yikes! I am not only having wls to lose weight, but i am doing it because I am way to yound to have the health issues that I do! Just in the past year I have been put on BP meds, and an anti-depressant. My labs showed high LDL and high C-reactive protein. I am too young for this!!! Can't wait until the fall so I can get my surgery date scheduled and get my life back!!

I thought about having that also, not sure if it would work with both rings together now.. but my husband told me (the jeweler said it was 10 bucks), the metal they use is 'fake metal'.. which I'm highly allergic to, I break out in rashes unless it's real gold. Do you know the content of them? If they are hypo-allergenic I wanted to try those. Otherwise, I think I'm going to end up tying a string in there.