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Complex Health Issues & Physical Limitations
Midwest Grateful posted a topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hi everyone. I appreciate learning from your shared experiences. I'm a 62-year-young grandma with a zest for life. I joined here 2+ years ago, but initially ruled out WLS. Over the past two years my health has declined surprisingly, becoming complex with several new diagnoses, including: 1. A rare and progressive neurological disorder (misdiagnosed for years). - I'm told my nerve fibers will not replenish, thus my muscles (legs, especially) will continue to weaken. I'm also told I should be realistic about my physical limitations as my level of exercise isn't expected to improve post surgery. I am realistic, but I'm always hopeful. My exercise level currently consists of short distance walking (1-3 blocks) every other day as tolerated and on opposite days 10 minutes on a recumbent cross-trainer (NuStep). 2. Autoimmune issues have been resistant to stronger meds intended to cut inflammation, which also progresses my neurological disorder. 3. It was the diagnosis of liver disease (fibrosis stage 3) in January that led me to move forward with WLS. I am scheduled for the sleeve in late July. Can any of you relate to having similar health issues with WLS, especially nearing the golden years? Or did less-than-optimal exercise levels hinder weight loss (losing less than expected)? I'm praying the surgery will jolt my nerves to replenish at least somewhat and exceed expectations. We'll see. Thanks for your time! (Feel free to message me privately.) -
May 2023 surgeries
travelgal replied to WVJess2Less's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
You’ll do great @la.nena! Five kids and births, and it sounds like you are prioritizing your health. Like you, I have had autoimmune issues and I didn’t want diabetes to become the fourth. Envision how great you will feel and be after and why you are doing this. Good luck! -
Tomorrow is my big day and I’m not sure how I feel about it. I keep telling myself that it’s for my health. Having an autoimmune disease is already hard. I just want everything to go smoothly. I have a high pain tolerance. I’ve given birth to 5 kids all natural. As I have had surgery before. Just not sure how this going to feel.
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I think what I most worried about is the keeping track and reminders to take stuff and when to take it. I have 5 kids and work for the school district at a high school. I stay busy. I’m getting this surgery because I have an autoimmune disease and they made it a medical necessity. I’m currently 260 and 5’4.
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Frustrated, but still determined...
ClevelandBiker replied to ClevelandBiker's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I just got a call from my surgeon's Nurse. The issue that postponed my surgery with the autoimmune treatment has been cleared up, I have my original 4/12 surgery date back. So I will enjoy some chicken wings tonight & tomorrow starts the liquid pre-op diet! -
First Post - Surgery Scheduled April 12
ClevelandBiker posted a topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hello, I am new to these forums. In March of 2022, while in my rheumatologist's office for treatment for my autoimmune disorder, I was sent to the emergency room with what turned out to be a heart attack. On the day of my heart attack I was 44-years old, 5'11" 351 pounds with a blood pressure of 214/103. A couple days later I had my first visit with a cardiologist, who told me he believes I am a great candidate for bariatric surgey. I looked at him like he was crazy, "thats for people on 'My600-lb Life'" I thought. I didn't need that, besides 'men don't get this kind of surgery." A few months later after some thinking, searching for information on the internet and watching my father, who was not as big as me, pass away at 67. I decided I should look into it, worst case scenario, I get some diet tips. So In October I scheduled my first consult. Five months later, last week I was given my surgery date of 04/12/2023. Due to my auto immune disorder, my Doctor and myself have settled on the Gastric Sleeve. Back in October I was given a pre-op goal to get down to 330 pounds before my surgery. As of today I am at 296. I am excited, nervous and scared all at the same time. On one side I have people telling me "you look so good, you lost 50 pounds, keep going you don't need the surgery. On the other side, I have been able to do it before, but never to the amount where my BMI was in a healthy range and I always gained it back. Their answer is always "don't gain it back." If it was only that easy, I think. What really has me worried is the 2-week pre surgery liquid diet I start on 3/29. While I have been doing good things, mixing in protein shakes, eating a lot of soup... I'm terrified of slipping during that two weeks. How has everyone else dealt with that? -
It's pretty easy, eating the wrong things out of convenience is just as bad as eating things you "have a love affair with" out of desire. Having some health and autoimmune issues didn't help either. Not to be critical, but not everyone fits in the cookie cutter that you are placing on obese people.
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The reason I mentioned second opinion is there are many causes of myopathy, and it is imperative they find out what is causing it early on so it can be treated properly. It can be congenital, even an infection past or present, rheumatoid arthritis, electrolyte imbalance... Etc. One of my siblings has it due to rheumatoid arthritis and gets monthly steroid shots and treatments to help with his autoimmune condition. Another had it due to being in a long term off and on state of dehydration. Both had significant improvement from their treatment.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis - Revision to Bypass
Pouchify replied to Lovesmuffins75's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I had the revision from Lapband to gastric bypass and I have lupus and a few other autoimmune diseases. I can still take my plaquenil. Methotrexate can be switched to injections. It’s better to not swallow anti inflammatory meds because they don’t want it sitting in the digestive system which can cause ulcers. In injection form it’s put into the body and not the stomach. -
I have been lurking for a couple of weeks and finally joined today. I have gotten a tentative approval for VSG. Final approval is dependent on heart health clearance via results of echocardiogram, which is scheduled mid-February. Hopefully, I can set up my surgery in March. I view Gastric Sleeve and all bariatric procedures, as tools to help, not as a sure fix....it is not the easy way out as some would claim! I have been severely hypothyroid since I was 20 years old after having most of my thyroid removed because of Graves' Disease (autoimmune hyperthyroid). Although, I take thyroid replacement, synthetic drugs do not work as well as your own natural hormones. For the past 40 years, my weight issues have been cyclical "hills and valleys". I would normally stay slim about 12 years and then would go into a gaining pattern but never topping more than 163, lasting 6 to 7 years before dropping the excess weight again. In 2012, I suffered a head injury and my weight exploded. I went from 117 to 212 in 8 months! The medical community is now starting to study the relationship of TBI's (traumatic brain injury) and weight gain. I can relate a definitive change in my food cravings and appetite. This time, I couldn't get the weight off even though I had a history of successful dieting. My resolve was as strong as ever but something had changed with the head injury. What this proves is the path to losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight is rockier and steeper for some than others through no fault of their own. The adverse changes to my health was the catalyst that motivated me to look into VSG. I recently had to start on HBP meds and have a been experiencing knee issues. I have always enjoyed an active lifestyle but the extra weight has elevated my fears of a stroke or heart attack due to heart palpitations and shortness of breath with even the slightest exertion. I am certain I will be asking lots of questions and am grateful for such a knowledgeable and supportive group.
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That is good to know! I was on steroids for about 2 years for an autoimmune disease, so not nearly as long as you but damage was done. I was able to find a psychologist that is licensed in my state but does them via telehealth and is a specialist in eating disorders and bariatrics. I have an appointment a few months out, but it was for when I wanted to schedule, they did have openings much earlier even within a few weeks of when I first inquired.
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New Surgeon Consult - SADI DS?
NovaLuna replied to David in Washington's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I had the Loop DS/Sadi-S surgery. I actually take less vitamins then the average person for my surgery... I take 1 multivitamin with iron and 1 (one a day) multivitamin without iron, two calcium citrate, and every other day 1 vitamin A. If you do for some reason decide to have the Loop DS/Sadi-S I recommend a probiotic every day (it helps your stomach so much and I swear by them). Either surgery has malabsorption and what they don't tell you is that ANY surgery with malabsorption (RNY, DS, Loop DS) has a 3% chance of giving you either a wheat allergy or full on Celiac Disease. I have terrible luck and ended up with the wheat allergy, but honestly? It's been a blessing in disguise as I quite literally can't eat fast food and any restaurants I go to are very, very, VERY limited because they have to full on either be a gluten free restaurant, Celiac friendly, or a restaurant that deals very carefully with food allergies. I have two conditions that cause acid reflux issues (not GERD. One is an autoimmune disorder and the other is an immunological condition) and my acid issues were actually improved for a good two years before going basically back to normal (no better or worse). I recommend going with your gut. If you've decided on RNY then go for it. It's YOUR body and YOUR choice in the end. You are the one that has to live your life, not your doctor so go with whatever choice makes you happiest. -
November 2022 Surgery Buddies
c_wade replied to Crystal Leifheit's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hi everyone! First post here...was too loopy before surgery on the liver-shrinking diet to post, but I'm drinking protein now, and have my wits about me (somewhat)...today has been rough, not sure if I'm withdrawing from Percocet but I've been tired and headachey. I also have to remember I have autoimmune arthritis, so this all can't be any picnic in terms of mixing that with the last six days... Had RNY gastric bypass done last Monday here in NYC at Mount Sinai St. Luke's. Everything went great. I got home Tuesday afternoon. Not a ton of pain but a lot of soreness around the midsection that made it tough to sleep, so took Percocet at night to help with that. Ran out last night, so also must keep that in mind, re: cranky- and out-of-sorts-ness. *Trigger Warning* Eating disorders... I went through the food dream "phase" (hoping it is just a phase, LOL), and also had weird thoughts today -- straight up addict thoughts -- like, what if I eat my favorite ice cream bar, bite by bite, chew by chew, and just spit it out down the garbage disposal? That way I'm not causing any trouble... Having been in alcohol recovery some time, I know that thinking to be downright insane. I have purged / restricted in my life, but that would be pretty blatant bulimia! Glad I could share that, and hope I haven't triggered anyone too badly. Anyway, I did this from a place of seeking health, taking stress off my back (which was fused after a slipped disc last year), reducing the autoimmune pain, reducing anxiety about being seen in public, as my weight spiraled out of control due to poor stress management through emotional eating. Cosmetics were last on the list, really just a bonus. Anyway, this forum is amazing, and hope to read more of you soon. -
did he test your a1c? with weight loss you often have to readjust down many meds including psych meds. If your meds are inducing diabetes you may want to taper or change meds if possible. type 2 diabetes (nearly all adults who get it are that) usually gain weight due to insulin resistance due to stress on pancreas and other biochemical issues due to excess weight. there is a small contingent of adults who develop a latent autoimmune diabetes which is really a different disorder with same result of pancreas not working (my dad has it) and there isn’t as much you can do) it will settle out and you will learn no matter what! we got your back
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19 years post DS surgery
jvktt64@gmail.com posted a topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I am 19 yrs post DS surgery with Dr Rabkin . I have recently been diagnosed with secondary hyperparathyroidism and wanted to know if I should see a endocrinologist? I have recently contacted PacificLap to do a consult about this. I have joined the DS forum also I do have dental issues of osteoporiasis, , autoimmune issues (some may not be related to DS surgery) I am a retired RNMS and enjoy gardening, dogs, birding , book clubs, anything science, and nature -
Candy Cane Revision
Rysgrammy45 replied to Sallyfromdasuburbs's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I have been diagnosed with Candy Cane Syndrome. This is so miserable and the past 5 years of constant nausea, throwing up and not being able to lose weight has been so unbelievably difficult and hard to understand how i couldn’t be a bean pole since i can barely eat. Well, in doing research that is one of the factors that is a bad side affect of the syndrome, “no weight loss.” I had the Roux-n-y five (5) years ago. In this time the pandemic hit, my Bariatric surgeon was killed, i was hit with covid 2 times and long-haul covid. Plus, broken wrist, and other medical emergencies. I wrote this because some may wonder why or how i went 5 years so nauseated all the time and throwing up. Well, i have Lupus plus other severe autoimmune diseases. I did go to my bariatric office and was brushed off. My Mom found me a second opinion Bariatric doctor and guess what?? Yep, Candy Cane Syndrome. So, my EKG and blood work will be Wednesday then all the paperwork will be sent to Insurance for approval. I had my husband go with me to my new bariatric doctor because my husband is my advocate. He knows i do not over-eat. Everything i try to eat makes me sick. Sometimes we have to be our biggest advocates for our health. I knew something was wrong. I just couldn’t get the former Bariatric office to take the extra step to care. And unfortunately my caring surgeon had died. I’m praying the Candy Cane surgery will fix my constant nausea, and my weightloss will start again -
Severe slime choking me constantly and acid in lungs at night
tx2az replied to Kate207's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have Sjogren's Syndrome. Mine is moderate, mainly causing a lack of moisture in my mouth, sinuses, throat, and eyes. I take OTC guaifenesin (generic Mucinex) to help thin down the mucus in my throat. I had the sleeve on 9-1 and have had "the foamies" more than I have ever had. Often after I drink a protein shake. "Foamies" is such an accurate description! If I miss even one day of not taking the guaifenesin I get this awful "plug" of slimy mucus in my throat that basically chokes me until I can get it up and get rid of it. I have had this problem for years, finally I went to an ear, nose, and throat dr that correctly diagnosed my problem and put me on guaifenesin. This is not medical advice, just my experience. Maybe finding a different kind of doctor would help, as it did with me. Best wishes to you. Sjögren's is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects the entire body. Along with symptoms of extensive dryness, other serious complications include profound fatigue, chronic pain, major organ involvement, neuropathies and lymphomas. -
Family Dynamics - How do you deal with meals???
HealthierBefore45 posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hello! I’m new here in the investigation stage of doing sleeve surgery. I met with a weight loss Dr in May and started naltrexone (I was already on high dose bupropion) and a high protein/low carb diet. We discussed sleeve surgery for later this year. I lost 10lbs that month despite going on a cruise , but found out just before the cruise that we would be moving over the summer. I pretty much put my weight on hold and went into survival mode dealing with the move and kids who didn’t want to move, etc. But now we’ve moved and settled in and I’m miserable - I can’t be active at all with my kids, clothes are uncomfortable, autoimmune disorders and pain are out of control, and life in general is hard! My new PCP let me go back on naltrexone (I already take bupropion) and I’m looking for the best surgeon near Manhattan, KS (seems like there’s a great option in Topeka and I watched their video yesterday ). Best news is that our insurance here actually will actually cover surgery after the first of the year! I’m concerned about feeding the rest of my family after surgery though. My 10 year old has behavior issues and food or not getting foods she wants is a big trigger. She wants carbs, carb, carbs! She eats me out of house and home. We’re working portion control and body positivity with her. My 8 year old has sensory and feeding issues, barely eating, very underweight, and we’re trying to get his caloric intake UP! And my husband…well… We do convenience foods/fast food often. I have so many questions about how this will all look if I have surgery! Are you making 2 completely different meals for yourself and your family? (I already often make something different for the one who doesn’t eat anything!) How do you manage family food needs while meeting your own as well? I’m afraid of turning to even more convenience foods for family. This seems selfish though. It feels like such a hard balance as a family after surgery! Can anyone relate and tell me how you’ve managed? Sorry so long - thanks for reading! -
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.
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How long did it take for your blood sugar to go below 100 at morning fasting? I had my blood work done today. My regular dr is also testing me for the antibodies to see if I could be type 1 diabetic because autoimmune runs in my family. (My mom got type 1 at 75 years old just last year) my sugar is still running around 150 in the mornings. I'm keeping positive thoughts that it is just type 2 and will eventually go down to a normal level.
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WLS and MS (getting the sleeve)
I♡BypassedMyPhatAss♡ replied to SleeveToBypass2023's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hi! I don't have MS but I have RA. I know it's like comparing apples and oranges, but they're still fruit. They're both still autoimmune diseases. I've had umm about six surgeries since my diagnosis and I've never experienced a flare from surgery. I do experience flares still occasionally, so it's not that I do not flare, but surgery never brings them on. My rheumy attributes my lack of flares to be that my RA is pretty much in remission. My rheumy is my biggest cheerleader for getting revision to RNY. She says getting to a more normal bmi will decrease inflammation and make my disease even milder. She says if I do flare after surgery, no problem, she'll just administer a steroid injection. So your neuro cleared you for surgery, they must feel that the benefits of the surgery will outweigh the risks. If you have any doubt, schedule another appointment with your neuro and discuss it with them. Has your wls surgeon okay'ed you for continuing the celebrex after sleeve surgery? I stopped mine after committing to revision to RNY. I had to know I could survive without it forever. I wish you all the best! -
VSG to RNY - Not excited
I♡BypassedMyPhatAss♡ replied to stpatty's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
Reversal is important to me but for a different reason. If I get very sick with my autoimmune disease again (which is what caused me to need wls ~ 7 years of daily steroid use) I may need it reversed because I will have to go back on daily steroids again. We don't think that's going to happen, but it's there if it's necessary. -
Wanted to see what your program says about raw vegetables, bread and alcohol
I♡BypassedMyPhatAss♡ replied to fourmonthspreop's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Yeah it's nothing to do with RNY. It's my autoimmune disease. -
VSG to RNY - Not excited
I♡BypassedMyPhatAss♡ replied to stpatty's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
Yeah same here, it was still newish. And I wasn't crazy about having part of my stomach sent to the incinerator. And I was against RNY for years because I didn't think I would be a candidate for it due to autoimmune disease, but now my Rheumy says oh no go for it. So I'm diving in head first soon. -
Medical Marijuana Edibles After Gastric Bypass (RnY)
I♡BypassedMyPhatAss♡ replied to Avign0n10's topic in Post-op Diets and Questions
I think it depends on which strain you use, if you choose a strain with less thc, you'll probably experience less munchies. The first time I used cbd tincture it gave me the munchies, but I've never experienced it since then and I take it daily. It's not supposed to do that since it has very low thc levels (I use full spectrum tincture) so who knows why it happened. But thankfully it only happened the first time for me. I've never tried MM or any M at all. Probably the only person on earth not to try it, haha. Not sure what you're taking it for (I take it for inflammation due to autoimmune disease) you might want to try full spectrum tincture, you might get the desired benefits without the munchies. Use it sublingually and hold it there for 90 seconds and it absorbs quickly that way.
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