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auto immune disorders and the sleeve
QueenCityGal replied to akarigger's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Regarding AI diseases... anyone have autoimmune thyroid (Hashimoto's)? I have a thyroid that just doesn't work, even with meds and normal TSH/T4 levels. I've also got bad Sjogrens. Both AI's are sending super high antibodies throughout my system causing me extreme pain and inflammation all the time. It's been very hard for me to lose weight on my own, hence I'm in the process of getting surgery scheduled. I'm worried that with such an underactive thyroid, I won't be able to lose even with the sleeve. I'm only on 1300-1500 cals a day now as it is. My surgeon has said that this operation tends to "kick-start" a bad metabolism. I've read that this has most often been the case with many people. I realize every body is different, so I guess I'll either bail or take my chances and go through with it... thoughts anyone? Thanks! -
How to choose surgery
Bufflehead replied to brookiemo82's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I was originally considering the gastric bypass, although I was very hesitant. My niece had gastric bypass and she's done very well with her weight loss - but she has so many digestive problems and her diet is so limited, it just didn't seem healthy to me. I started hanging out on various WLS boards and going through all the different procedures. I had never heard of the gastric sleeve but found some message boards and read more about it and it really appealed to me. I never liked the idea of having a foreign object implanted in me and a port leading to the outside just seemed weird. Plus the lapband boards had so many people who seemed to be struggling to get the right amount of fill, and they couldn't eat a lot of different kinds of food. Anyway, I had pretty much decided on VSG when I had my initial intake visit with my surgeon. He went over all the options for me and told me he thought I could consider DS, bypass, VSG, but he would not recommend the lapband. He told me he hardly ever does lapband anymore, there are too many complications and not enough success with it. He only does it if the patient absolutely refuses to consider anything else. He told me that on average people lose a little more with the bypass but he thinks his patients tend to have a better quality of life with the sleeve. Also, because of my personal and family history with autoimmune diseases, the sleeve would be a better choice. I was sleeved 6/19 and so far so good! No complications. Some adjustments to make but it's been mostly easier than I thought. Good luck to you, and sorry for the super long post! -
It's an autoimmune thyroid disease, causing hyperthyroidism. It's controlled with medication, and sometimes radioiodine treatment. There are many other treatments, but I'm not up on all of it. An old client's daughter had it, and that's when I became aware of the disorder. I have Hashimotos, which is also an autoimmune thyroid disease. With that, comes the opposite issues of Graves; hypothyroidism. I always joked that I wish if I have to have a thyroid disorder, that it was Graves......because with being hyperthyroid, comes weight loss But it's just a joke......because the issues of Graves disease can be very serious. I hope your DIL has a good doctor, and gets the proper course of therapy to get it under control. An endocrinologist would be the best option.
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As always, talk to your doctor about your medical needs and history to be safe. The only diseases that are noted as contradictions for the Lap Band are connective tissue autoimmune diseases- not all autoimmune diseases. This is directly from their website: "You or someone in your family has an autoimmune connective tissue disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma. The same is true if you have symptoms of one of these diseases." Rheumatoid Arthritis should be fine with the band but again, double check with your doctor. Btw, I have Multiple Sclerosis which is also an autoimmune disease. The band has actually helped me tremendously.
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I know someone who had psoriatic arthritis(it is autoimmune like rheumatoid arthritis)and they had no problem with being approved. I also have an autoimmune disorder (psoriasis)and had no issues. Good luck ~~~Stephanie
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I'd like to hear the experiences of anyone sleeved that is/was on coumadin or warfarin. My mother is wheelchair bound due to an aortic aneurysm and has watched me reach goal and maintain the past three years. I would love to be able to see her have the surgery, too, but she has autoimmune issues and is currently on coumadin. Please share your experience, as well as your surgeon's info and any special tests/considerations that you encountered. My mother is in Texas and I'd consider Dr. Nick Nicolson for her (I considered him for myself in 2010) but am reluctant to start the process or speak to his office until I hear about other experiences first. ~Cheri
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That's awesome, both of you!! Well done. I love primal, it works for me and it's also been very good for my husband too. He didn't have much to lose (but he has autoimmune issues that have WAY cleared up from being off gluten...yay!), but he's even shed a few. Yay us!!!
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Supplements Help! Weight loss stopped and so run down
Sharon7370 posted a topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I had my sleeve 7 months ago and have lost 106 lbs to date. I have felt run down of late suffering from a mouth ulcer and irritating cough also a Water infection and a rash that looks like a mild dose of shingles. My hair is also very thin. I suffer from Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (an autoimmune disease of the liver, sleep apnoea and fatty liver disease. I take Ursodeoxycholic Acid 600mg and Provigil 400mg for the PBC. I am on a Multivitamin plus Iron once a day. I only manage to eat about 10grams of protien a day. What additional supplements should I take to feel better and get back on track? -
I have thought about doing exactly what you are taking about. The trainer my hubby got for me had no clue about rny, but he listened to what I wanted to do and helped me in the regards. I then had a friend help me with some other exercises. I have also found that trainers do not understand people with autoimmune diseases. My RA and RNY gives me a very different view of the world of fitness. I think the key is to find a good routine for working out and start the habit early. I was back playing soccer 8 weeks after my surgery. It has really helped during this time. As for new rny people I always suggest find a goal and work towards it. I want to run a 5k and get accepted to the police academy. That is what I work on when I work out. Most trainers can help you achieve goals.
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Whats the longest any of you have heard of someone having the band without complication?
☠carolinagirl☠ replied to LesIsMore's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
from: https://www.lapband.com/ Important LAP-BAND® System Safety Information Indications: The LAP-BAND® System is indicated for weight reduction for patients with obesity, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40 kg/m2 or a BMI of at least 30 kg/m2 with one or more obesity-related comorbid conditions. It is indicated for use only in adult patients who have failed more conservative weight reduction alternatives, such as supervised diet, exercise and behavior modification programs. Patients who elect to have this surgery must make the commitment to accept significant changes in their eating habits for the rest of their lives. Contraindications: The LAP-BAND® System is not recommended for non-adult patients, patients with conditions that may make them poor surgical candidates or increase the risk of poor results (e.g., inflammatory or cardiopulmonary diseases, GI conditions, symptoms or family history of autoimmune disease, cirrhosis), who are unwilling or unable to comply with the required dietary restrictions, who have alcohol or drug addictions, or who currently are or may be pregnant. Warnings: The LAP-BAND® System is a long-term implant. Explant and replacement surgery may be required. Patients who become pregnant or severely ill, or who require more extensive nutrition may require deflation of their bands. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, should be used with caution and may contribute to an increased risk of band erosion. Adverse Events: Placement of the LAP-BAND® System is major surgery and, as with any surgery, death can occur. Possible complications include the risks associated with the medications and methods used during surgery, the risks associated with any surgical procedure, and the patient's ability to tolerate a foreign object implanted in the body. Band slippage, erosion and deflation, reflux, obstruction of the stomach, dilation of the esophagus, infection, or nausea and vomiting may occur. Reoperation may be required. Rapid weight loss may result in complications that may require additional surgery. Deflation of the band may alleviate excessively rapid weight loss or esophageal dilation. Important: For full safety information please visit www.lapband.com, talk with your doctor, or call Allergan Product Support at 1-800-624-4261. -
I've been very naughty.....
Sydney Susan replied to ISleevedIt's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I hear you... I'm going through a process of determining if liver lesions are benign or not - I had cancer 6 years ago so it terrified me for a while. The lesions are proving hard to diagnose though so today I've been told I'm on 3 monthly scans (known as "watchful waiting"), after a bundle of different types of scan and a biopsy showed nothing conclusive. As I'm pretty well I've relaxed a lot of late. But in the process of a gazillion blood tests it also looks like I have a chronic leukemia. Waiting to see a haematologist. . I was able to deal with food pretty well (for me) but I did feel I was entitled to a drinkie or 3 (with some cheese of course, what good is fine wine without exquisite cheese???), so no weight loss for a few weeks there. And my insomnia has gone through the roof again, and I do find that I eat more if I'm up all night... Not binging, just so much more time awake plus tiredness means I sometimes eat for energy. If it helps to know, I've had benign nodules on my thyroid many times - i have Hashimoto's (autoimmune hypothyroiditis) and they've shrunk with medication. My mother had thyroid cancer and if you are well in other ways the prognosis is excellent. One thing I was told when I first got cancer is that now I'd probably end up with other investigations or diagnoses - when you have lots of blood tests and scans drs find things they can't immediately explain. If they weren't looking you'd be blissfully ignorant - like the rest of the population - and almost certainly nothing would come of it. Try not to worry too much (easier said than done, I know, I know). I think we're both doing well to still be here, concerned about our weight loss and getting on with it. Good luck with everything. I'd love to hear how things turn out, but I think you have every reason to feel positive. In fact I think I'll go and toast your good health right now... with a teensy bit of cheese on the side. Cheers, Susan -
Autoimmune Issues and VSG?
Mindful replied to Tjohnson322's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have Psoriatic Arthritis and psoriasis. I am on a horse-sized dose of Remicaid, and voltaren daily. I am on the OR table tomorrow for the sleeve. I will certainly know more about this soon. I have high hopes because the autoimmune disorder is killing me. Constant discomfort and very often pain. I know that weight and diet won't fix this alone, but I am hoping that a major reduction in weight will be helpful. The only thing I am nervous about is how, if at all, the medicine will impact my healing and how my body will react to it once I re-start it after surgery. -
I do have Lupus, and was sleeved just a week ago. So far, I'm pretty good! I had a bit of a flare for two days immediately after the surgery. Everyone kept saying how great my colour was, but it was just my malar rash! There are other threads on the forum about people with Lupus and other autoimmune disease. There doesn't seem to be any pattern to how people react to the surgery. But that makes total sense to me, because Lupus patients usually have such wildly different sets of symptoms, anyway.
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Well, you need more water. You may be slightly dehydrated which could explain the headaches. Also, your protein is incredibly low. My protein drink alone has 32 gm's in it, and that is just one. By 15 weeks post op you really need to get that protein in now that you can! You are under the recommendations at just 45g a day. Also, have you considered a certain type of food you may be eating causing your headaches? I know that nightshades or eating more carbs or starches than protein can do it for some people, it's almost autoimmune. Good luck, and stay well!
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Nerve issues under left arm
******** replied to Fiddleman's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have it in both my legs and all the way up to lower back and belly. Blood tests were all normal, x ray was normal and they did a brain and spinal mri yesterday that im waiting to hear results from...I'm hoping its a pinched nerve other than an autoimmune disorder. Mine is just tingling no burning -
Autoimmune Issues and VSG?
Tjohnson322 replied to Tjohnson322's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
What, if any, additional supplements do you take for your autoimmune issues? As for an update, I'm still awaiting a surgery date. I finished all preop requirements last Thursday, and I'm waiting for the OK from Aetna. :/. I'm ready!! -
Autoimmune Issues and VSG?
Heyher replied to Tjohnson322's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have been doing great. Was sleeved on 2/26 and down almost 70lbs. It is amazing how much better my joints hurt. Still have morning aches and stiffness from the fibro, but I don't think that will ever go away. I had a minor ms flare up in late may to eat June. But I think that's partially due to me not being 100% diligent with my Vitamins. An absolute must for autoimmune diseases. It is amazing how much weight loss can help improve symptoms. Not sure if there is any medical studies to back up drastic weight loss and improvement in autoimmune symptoms, or if this is sort of a placebo effect, but this surgery has helped me so much!!! -
Autoimmune Issues and VSG?
Brenda0928 replied to Tjohnson322's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I was sleeved 6/26 and have mod-severe RA, hypothyroid, planters faciitis, metabolic syndrome and sleep apnea. I am "pre-diabetic" and my cholesterals jump around.....I gained 11 pounds Water weight in hospital, surgery weight was 322, when released on Friday it was 333, as of tonight (Tuesday) I weigh 314!! Lost the water weight plus 8 more pounds in 4 days! That is crazy! So far I have not taken my RA or thyroid medicine, and have no related pains yet. I have a call into my PCP to ask if I can crush my synthroid, since pharmacist said to check with her on that one...so far no answer....I was told to wait a few weeks before I continue my Enbrel injector Pen, until my incisions heal, and I may have to switch to injectable methotrexate at that time since I take 8 tablets at once. I am hoping and praying my RA might actually go into remission like others have....I have had daily pain from it for 4.5 years since it hit, a break would be nice, lol.......I only take my surgical pain med at bedtime now and feel pretty "normal" all day, whatever that really means, lol...I get to drive tomorrow!! Going to see a movie -No popcorn or soda though!! Prior to surgery, I took all of meds up to the day before except the Enbrel and methotrexate.....I stopped them one week prior per my surgeons directions. So I have not had my RA meds for 2 weeks, with no problems so far, knock on wood.... I only had to do the pre-op diet for 2 weeks, but I did it for 3 weeks to get used to it. I had 2 Protein shakes during the day and one nutritious meal in the evening. I gave up sofas and caffeine then too. Had to wean myself off caffeine over a 2 week period prior to starting my pre op diet though, a little at a time to avoid withdrawal and headaches. I did not have a weight loss (amount of pounds) requirement luckily. How is everyone else doing with your autoimmune diseases post surgery? Any issues pre-surgery? Things you have to change? Questions? :-) -
Autoimmune Issues and VSG?
Heyher replied to Tjohnson322's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have ms and fibro. So fatigue and pain are my norm.... But 4 months post op and I can say my energy is getting better and my joints are near as painful as they were pre op. Also I have noticed my migraines have occurred less frequently. Which is a true blessing. I am wondering if there is a way to get a forum dedicated to autoimmune sleevers. That way we can have a place to discuss the sleeve and how it has interacted with our autoimmune disease. I see a lot with RA, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, fibro, and a few with MS, and I think it would be a great place for us to share stories, tips, successes, ect. Does anyone know how we would request that? -
I have Psoriasis it is also a skin disorder and is genetic. Also it is an autoimmune disorder. I don't take a pill I take a shot and thankfully was able to keep it up during this process. The only way that weight contributes to the disorder is in the fat folds of the skin, it gets worse so I am looking forward to that being eliminated some or all for that matter. It is also effected by food and stress so if the new way I eat and if I'm not as stressed that would help too. Good luck with yours. ~~~Stephanie
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pseudo tumor cerebri and being overweight
Kimh0602 posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am a 48 year old feamle with pseudo tumor cerebri which is a swollen optic nerve (behind eye). This is usually seen in overweight people. Nine years ago I was diagnosed with this and also found out I was celiac. So, I went on a gluten free diet and lost 100 lbs. My optic nerve was not swollen anymore. Now in the past 7 years I put 60 pounds back on. Weight is a life long strudggle and in my case genetic ( both parents overweight). In 10/12 I am told optic nerve is fine. Then earlier this week 6/25/13 I am told it is swollen again. Drs. told me not to stop asthma meds abruptly or nerve could rupture and I could go blind. Long story short. Apparently, weight loss is the only thing that will decrease the swelling. I ahve been trying to lose weight since 13. Yo-yo syndrome. My question is has anybody else had pseudo tumor cerebri and had lapband surgery to lose weight to shrink the optic nerve? Also, do you think United healthcare would consider me having pseudo tumor cerebri a reason to pay for the surgey or deny it? One more question, has anyone with celiac disease been told that the lapband was not for them because you could get another autoimmune disorder like Lupus from the lapband? Any information would be greatly appreciated as I start to explore this option. -
I'm having surgery July 2013 would like to hear from those of you who have already had a vSG and have an autoimmune disease or who are about to embark on my same journey. how does the symptoms of joint pain and fatigue help? I talk about this on my you tube journey.
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I have a personal and family history of autoimmune disease that would make it difficult to get the right meds after bypass (prednisone etc.). I also hate the idea of cutting out and rearranging my intestines. I know that removing most of your stomach is also drastic and unnatural but the intestinal chop-job and reroute is more than I want to inflict on my body. Lesser considerations: struggling to get adequate vitamins for the rest of your life with the bypass, strong possibility that you will have to completely give up several types of food and not even taste them again (asparagus, steak, bread, sweets -- I have read that all of these can cause major distress to people with bypass), greater risk of surgical complications with the bypass, stronger possibility of lingering unpleasant digestive problems with the bypass (gas, diarrhea, vomiting), the idea of a blind, inaccessible portion of your stomach floating around and possibly getting cancerous with no way to scope it and see what's going on, and the fact that the few people I know who have had the bypass did well with their weight loss but struggled with energy and health after. This is a sleeve board so likely you will get lots of people singing the praises of the sleeve and explaining the downsides (as we see them) to the bypass -- make sure you get lots of good info from all different kinds of sources before you make your decision. Good luck to you!
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Anyone been sleeved with rheumatoid arthritis
Blessedfun replied to LadyKatie's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Lupus, fibromyalgia, RA, Celiac's and other autoimmune diseases. Sleeved May 15. Feeling so much better. Down 30 and no flairs since surgery. Stopped several meds 10 days before surgery and have not restarted them. It has been a Good thing... -
Autoimmune Issues and VSG?
Phoenix79 replied to Tjohnson322's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have AS and use Remicade to help with symptoms, given by IV every six weeks. I'm just starting on my pre- surgery diet for surgery in late June (no date yet- just submitted to insurance). My rheumatologist told me they wanted my last infusion to be at least four weeks before surgery and I can restart Remicade two weeks after surgery. I have been very stable and almost no symptoms since starting Remicade and I'm so excited to be able to exercise after surgery- crew team here I come! I have also been told that the band is contraindicated for folks with autoimmune issues so it's good that you folks are switching to sleeve! Small silver lining about having AS, Lupus, RA etc is that we're already used to lots of pain- chronic, which can be worse than acute and we'll probably have a better pain tolerance right after surgery and that IV will be a piece of cake!
