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Gastric Bypass Reversal
Ronnysgal replied to Ronnysgal's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Hello Creek imp. Thank you so much. I will try and answer your questions. Never diagnosed with autoimmune disorder. No other medications. I am taking Protonix, Carafate and my multivitmains that I will be on for the rest of my life, calcium, promethazine for the nausea and vomiting. They tried Zofran it did nothing. They also had me on another drug for the ulcers called Cytotec which I had a severe reaction to. I do not do natural supplements. I have limited any caffeine products and as we all know nothing carbonated. After three surgeries I think the reversal could be the only thing to save my life and it comes with risks. I have a great gastroenterologist and he simply thinks my body is rejecting the bypass, whatever that means. I do not hold the issues against my physician he is actually a great " mechanic " lol. Although I do not get to see him much when I return to the practice for check up I see his other staff members unless he is scheduling a surgery. I expect to see him Tuesday due to the seriousness of the issues and the amount of new developing surgeries. At one point I was even throwing up blood. -
Auto-immune Disease and Band Rejection
leatha_g replied to Amanda's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I have systemic lupus. The first doc I consulted said an emphatic 'NO', the one who eventually banded me felt if I had had a more severe history it might have been a problem. Nearly 3 years out, I can only tell you my health is 100% better thanks to the band and the change in lifestyle. Can I wake up tomorrow with a severe flare of my autoimmune disorder? Yes. Could I have without the band? Yes. Would it have been worse with an additional 150lbs ? Most definately. -
Can you- anyone please answer? ... or tell me where I can find the answer? I've searched & looked & SEARCHED. I get different answers. 1) What causes band erosion? Does anyone really know? Is it related to immune tolerance? 2) Why is there a contraindication for : You or someone in your family has an autoimmune connective tissue disease.... The same is true if you have symptoms of one of these diseases. (this taken from the inamed site: http://www.allerganandinamed.com/products/obesity/us/patient/lapband/risk.html Thank you to anyone who replies. Feel free to PM or email at evanesce@rcn.com Amy
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Ok, now I'm concerned. During one of my blood tests many years ago, they found antibodies to Lupus. Does that mean I have Lupus or that I've been exposed to it? I've never pursued it because at the time the reason for all the tests were due to my high risk pregnancy 17 years ago. They were trying to find a reason why my blood pressure shot up immediately after becoming pregnant. In all the medical questions I answered for the Dr and the psych, Lupus or autoimmune diseases were never mentioned. Should I tell my Dr next time I see him? I'm really wondering now if erosions are linked to autoimmune diseases like Lisa mentioned. I hate to say it because I don't like to be a worry wart or incite panic, but I bet it would be interesting to see how many people that had erosion also had an autoimmune disease.
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I have been doing my nightly researching and came across something that woudl really address only long-term band users (probably those that got banded at least 5 years ago) but am sounding if off you guys. Some sites say that because of the silicone in the band, autoimmune problems could THEORETICALLY result. THe full quote is here: Silastic reaction- it is possible that the material of the Band could create some type of body immune reaction that stimulates a separate disease process such as arthritis or Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE). However the Band is made of a silicone elastomer which is completely non-reactive to the body tissues, as far as it has been possible to determine. The same type of material has been in use in a number of implanted medical devices over time, and no problems with tissue reaction have been demonstrated. Here again, the early data is reassuring but no true long-term information exist There was another quote I believe right on Inamed's site, but I can't seem to locate this. Has anyone heard of someone's body actually rejecting the band? And causing autoimmune problems to boot? I am going to post this on an Australian band mailing list, since I believe they have had the band alot logner than the States has. Sonia
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Hi, I would like to know if anyone had the VSG done that have any autoimmune diseases. If so did you have any setbacks, complications or relapses? Thanks? Sent from my SM-T217S using the BariatricPal App
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What meds can I take post op?!
KateBruin replied to jazzyj13's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My doctor made a very strong point to stop for several months while everything heals. I have ankylosing spondylitis and hashis so I need it for my joints (humira too). Humira I’ll have to give up for a month total so I can heal without infection. I’m willing to suffer a little to make sure I don’t get an ulcer. I need a second shoulder repair 8 or so weeks after my sleeve to bypass but I’d rather be in pain that have an ulcer (wine is life 😆). I suffered for years not realizing my pain was autoimmune arthritis so I’m hoping I can manage it with Tylenol, lidocaine patches, topical NSAIDS. They’re much safer and approved by my surgeon (check them out! I get pennsaid that is brand name but there’s generic versions). I’ll end up in more pain after my next shoulder reconstruction without mobic/meloxicam but I survived one of the most demanding degrees at UCLA and law school pre diagnosis (not bragging!) so I hope I can do it again. I can handle shoulder and joint pain via PT but not a damn ulcer! -
Weightloss and autoimmune diseases
LaLaDee replied to mredick49's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I had a ton of flare ups after my surgery for some of my autoimmune issues. I blamed it on the added stress to my body. Ended up on steroids. Definitely some rocky times after surgery, but it ended up OK. As others have said, it all depends on which autoimmune disease. Make sure your doctors talk to each other if needed. My rheumatologist told me he didn't know much about bariatric surgery (and he's head of his department in a major hospital). -
Not big enough for WLS?
I will what I want replied to I will what I want's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Wow! I have Autoimmune issues as well, Didn't even cross my mind WLS might help! Thanks for that piece of info. -
I've seen rheumatologists before for other chronic pain issues but not for this. It would take forever to get into one, the last time took over six months, and I know for a fact that the ones here in town wouldn't entertain an EDS diagnosis. They'd want to send me to a geneticist and the wait list is two years long. My concern with the celiac thing is if I haven't been exposed to it for a few months, why would I be showing symptoms now? I've read many studies now where it does happen that celiac "activates" after major surgery and mimics gallbladder symptoms but the gluten component is missing. He also didn't say whether the villi were flattened. I tried cheese this weekend and confirmed that milk is an absolute no-go but it didn't cause as much of the gallbladder-y pain, just stomach and gas pain. I wonder if the GI doc will do some allergy and gluten testing anyway. Gluten seems to be in everything, so it's possible I was exposed without knowing it. I've had a chronically elevated SED rate for a few years now, slightly so, that the last rheumy blamed on being overweight after testing for inflammatory processes came back negative (his words.) Looking at autoimmune possibilities, lupus and spondylosis seem to fit the bill looking at the big picture, with Sjogren's a distant third. I've been tested for ankylosing spondylitis in the past based on chronic pain symptoms and was negative but now I see only 30-some% of people actually carry the marker for it. All of that really doesn't matter because the first-line treatments all seem to be the same: prednisone, which I can't have because of the gastric bypass. I asked my surgeon about it when I was in the hospital since he thought it was IBS and he said no because it's a steroidal anti-inflammatory. So yeah, now it's just seeing what the GI doc has to say.
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Hey everyone! I’m coming to ask out of desperation. I’m almost 3 years post op gastric sleeve (in July). I had my second child (the only post op child I have— my first was preop) in November 2020. Previous to pregnancy I had been maintaining a comfortable weight for myself and was so happy with where I was. I did great throughout the pregnancy and had only gained 25 pounds and then on week 37 my weight shot up SO fast.. to 44 pounds gained! Turns out I had to deliver immediately due to blood pressure (which I had never had an issue with in my entire life). fast forward to two weeks postpartum I had lost 22 pounds. Great.. so 22 pounds to get back to my comfort weight. Easy peasy! NOT. I’m now 6 months postpartum and STILL have 22 pounds to lose. I have been tracking my intake meticulously. I even bought a new food scale thinking maybe my old one was wrong. I measure in grams mostly. I am eating 1200-1400 calories a day (I’m not breast feeding). I’m making sure to get at least 10k steps a day. And I am losing the same 5 pounds over and over again! I’ve tried basically eliminating carbs and intermittent fasting. I’ve tried adding more calories. I’ve tried eating less than 1200. And this dang weight is NOT budging. I don’t even know what else to do. It’s laughable at this point. If being meticulous and tracking every gram of food isn’t working— wtf is wrong with me?! I do have a 3 year follow up with my bariatric team in July.. but I’d like to be closer to my maintenance weight by then so they don’t freak out on me 🙄. has anyone experienced anything like this? I should note: I DO have an autoimmune thyroid disease— but according to bloodwork, it’s in my normal range. HALP!
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WLS with Fibromyalgia and Arthritis of Unknown Origin
LisaMergs replied to JenniferVSG2011's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
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 -
Antiphospholipid syndrome-lapband
Tina123 replied to hope@50plus's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease. It is a sister to Lupus. "APS is associated with recurrent clotting events (thrombosis) including premature stroke, repeated miscarriages, phlebitis, venous thrombosis (clot in the vein) and pulmonary thromboembolism (blockage of an artery found in the lung due to a clot that has traveled from a vein). It is also associated with low platelet or blood elements that prevent bleeding. Recently, however, even more disease states have been linked with APL including premature heart attack, migraine headaches, various cardiac valvular abnormalities, skin lesions, abnormal movement/chorea, diseases that mimic multiple sclerosis, vascular diseases of the eye that can lead to visual loss and blindness. APS is an autoimmune disorder in which the body recognizes certain normal components of blood and/or cell membranes as foreign substances and produces antibodies against them. There are two known forms of APS. APS may occur in people with systemic lupus erythematosus, other autoimmune disease, or in otherwise healthy individuals." (From the APS Foundation of America, Inc. Welcome ~ APS Foundation of America, Inc) My local hospital does this surgery & Gastric Bypass both via lap and they will NOT do it on me because of my APS and my lupus like symptoms. They are afraid of surgical complications - ei. stroke, PE, DVT, bleeding, etc. They are worried about healing issues. They are worried that I will reject the band as well. (Knowing my body rejected the IUD after 24 hours and I got a nice flare and infection and it is made out similar materials. They are right.) They are concerned how I will be able to maintain my INR due to restricted diet, etc. I have gotten a strong no from every one of my doctors. Logically, I know they are right. Disappointed as heck, yep. So, no, I do not think you would be a candidate. Of course, I am sure you could find someone who would do it anyway. Me, I am not going to risk it. Come close to death too many times from APS to know better. -
Autoimmune disease from gastric banding
Daemon replied to Daemon's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Well, it's just that dysphagia is a hallmark symptom of scleroderma. But then again, what do I know...I hadn't even heard of such a thing as an "autoimmune disease" prior to having the procedure done. Compared to other areas of study, I've never been particularly interested in biology/anatomy and didn't start educating myself about our inner workings to speak of until earlier this year. Thanks for your response. -David -
Autoimmune disease from gastric banding
Daemon posted a topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi, I'm a 28 year old male with a Realize Band. I was banded in Nov. 2009 (weighed 274) and now weigh approx. 222. I lost about 12 pounds from the initial liquid diet, and the rest of the weight loss has been from dysphagia that has been occurring with no fill in the band. I've lost about 35 pounds over the last couple months. I had a bit of fill toward the beginning (a few CCs), but that wasn't enough to cause much restriction. In the early summer, when my left sternocleidomastoid (neck muscle) became inflamed, I had my fill emptied. Most of my weight loss has occurred since that time. Here are my symptoms: -Neck muscle (sternocleidomastoid) inflamed and hurting -Pain in knees and elbows...sometimes in various other bones/muscles/joints -Pain in various places in my abdomen -Dysphagia (hard to swallow even a couple bites of soft-serve ice cream...have to gag myself to get it out) -ears hurt (have already been checked for ear infection; there is none) -often have back pain -Unusually dark urine -heart stometimes feels like it starts beating too fast -Blood pressure has been all over the map lately -Massive headaches I've recently had an upper GI. Also CT scans of my neck, pelvis and abdomen. I've also had an x-ray of my chest. Everything has came back normal. I'm in so much pain that I typically don't want to get out of bed. I'm a college senior, but am not taking classes right now because of this. I almost blew my near 4.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) due to taking classes this summer. I'm concerned that I have scleroderma and will die in my 20's or 30's due to complications related to that. They say not to assume the worst, etc., etc., but my symptoms do seem to match up with scleroderma (AKA systemic sclerosis). I've also read that even though much more women have it than men, more men die from it. I hope that I haven't ended my life before it even starts, but we shall see. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Has anyone here been diagnosed with autoimmune disease(s) as a result of the procedure? I have an appt. w/ a rheumatologist on the 1st. Regards, David -
What, specifically, caused you to become obese?
jeaniebobeanie replied to careya123's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Four years of undiagnosed SIBO raging out of control. Created a waterfall of sugar cravings, micronutrient deficiencies, sleep deficit, autoimmune flares, GI disfunction, food sensitivities, endocrine dysregulation, cravings, binging, dieting, lather, rinse, repeat. -
Anyone having RNY to help gastroparesis?
smooshycheeks posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Having gastric bypass is my Gastroenterologist's last ditch effort to help treat my gastroparesis. I also have Crohn's disease, in remission right now. Also Hashimoto's, fibromyalgia, migraines, and a host of bizarre autoimmune problems. I'm barely eating and should weigh 90 lbs, but I continue to gain weight, even after having my thyroid out. Dr hopes the RNY will ease my stomach pain, nausea, and poor motility. -
Did I read correctly? You were having caffeine-free, then switched back to regular, of which you consume 5 cups per day? Is that accurate? Regular tea has 55 milligrams of caffeine per cup. Five cups equals 275 milligrams of caffeine daily. You also said you keep the tea-bag in the cup, so you're getting even more caffeine. coffee has 125-185 milligrams (depending on strength.) So you're consuming the equivalent of 2 pretty strong cups of coffee daily. Addiction is weird. I used to be a coffee & Diet Pepsi addict. It got so out of control that I challenged myself to quit. I quit cold-turkey for about six months. But then I started again. However, once I started up again, my body wasn't able to tolerate the caffeine. Two cups of strong black coffee in one day is enough to raise my blood pressure from all the anxiety the caffeine gives me. I'm not familiar with the sweetener that you're hooked on, but I know that I was hooked on artificial sweeteners as well. During my Diet Pepsi days, I would rather go without than drink a regular sugar Pepsi, because I needed the chemical fix. However, a few months ago I was diagnosed with Sarcoid Disease (Sarkoidosis) which is an autoimmune disease. They found granuolas (or granola or some weird mass) on my lungs. It's one of those diseases that lay dormant, so maybe I'll never get sick again, but maybe it will come back with a vengeance. Nobody knows the exact cause of Sarcoidosis, but I recently read a study that said I could have gotten it from Aspartame (Equal.) As of that day, I decided to use plain old Sugar - tried and true since the beginning of time, and at 41 years old, I finally have an excuse to use the damn stuff guilt-free. However, Donali, I agree. The world is full of ridiculous hypocrisies. Is anyone familiar Alcoholics Anonymous or "AA"? Since AA began, they've given birth to the same meetings for other addictions: Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, etc. I've gone to many AA & OA meetings. During AA meetings, the "sober" alcoholics suck down packs of cigarettes while drinking pots of coffee and eating piles of candy and sugar goodies (replacing the sugar they crave from the alcohol.) Could you imagine if I sat in an Overeaters Anonymous meeting while drinking a bottle of tequila and snorting a plate of cocaine? Did I just babble all that without making a point?
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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! -
I'm doing the Bariatric Fusion Multivitamin and Mineral Supplements (4/day), a sublingual B12 a couple of times a week (also Bariatric Fusion brand right now, but I have one of the more standard vitamin brands, Nature Made, for when those are finished), and now that winter's coming uphere I will add in a vitamin D3 a few times a week (D3 is a bit more absorbable than D2; conveniently, I have a bottle of Nature Made vitamin D pills in my cabinet! and they are small!) and some fish oil, when I have permission to add that. (I'm off blood thinners, so I could add them now, but they come in really large caplet form, meaning I'd probably have to break them open. So. I'll wait and not taste the fish oil, if it's all the same.) Since I'm supposed to go back on methotrexate any day now (read: two weeks ago, but I am afraid of what it'll do to my poor stomach), I'll add folic acid tablets when I do that, as well. But it seems like nobody besides autoimmune patients and pregnant people need to supplement that, so ... probably don't? How long after surgery were you able to take the one-a-day vitamins, @Kay07? I don't mind the chewables I'm taking now, but 1) I have an unfinished bottle of one-a-days, and 2) one theory as to why so many bariatric patients end up having tooth problems is our reliance on chewable vitamins. I figure I'd like to switch over once it's safe. The one-a-day vitamins are kind of huge, though. (I'll ask my surgeon's team, too, but anecdotes are welcome!)
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Surgery went well. I have very little pain. No nausea. I had a problem coming out of anesthesia but I was told I might have a autoimmune disorder I have to go for testing 3/25 with my dr. But as for the surgery everything went great and I feel great. Went shopping today for a birthday party I have this weekend.
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August Sleevers Check In
I will what I want replied to Sweet Pea STL Sleever's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Urbanlamb - I am so sorry you are dealing with so much! I'm in the same camp of not quite believing I can be healthy again. I've for some autoimmune stuff going on and at the moment recovering from Shingles...so I think that's got me a little down. I also have young kids - who are Amazing and perfect - so all my energy right now goes to taking care of them. My house and career are on a bit of hold. I'm sending you lots of healing thoughts and energy. Thanks for your response! Shellie -
Hey There! Any December 2021 Surgery Friends?
Frazzled replied to armartin98's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
My sleeve was 12/22. I think I am likely overeating. I am finding it really hard to get in five small meals per day, even while working from home. I am hitting my fluid intake without issue. I am likely going to be going back to the Paleo Autoimmune Protocol diet where it makes sense - it is very high protein, healthy fats, low carbs. I felt so great right out of the gate after surgery. Now, not so much. I just need to figure out how to follow the program better. -
Lap Band vs. the Sleeve
DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! replied to tamarlarae's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
There are many people with autoimmune diseases and the band with zero problems- including myself. The contradictions that Allergan list are no different than any other drug or device on the market. They have to list all the possible issues to save themselves from lawsuits. It's no different than the birth control not be recommended for women over age 35. Hundreds of thousands of women over 35 take the pill without a problem but they have to list it in the warning for their own protection. -
Lap Band vs. the Sleeve
tamarlarae replied to tamarlarae's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Thanks for the study!! I guess I am just so nervous about gaining the weight back. I found out I have Hoshimotos (autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid) gained 93lbs in a year and have been trying to loose it ever since. I was able to loose 30, but I ended up gaining it all back after my grandmother died last year because of helping my mom with all of the stress/stuff that comes with that... What would you say is key after getting banded to keep the weight off? I'm not a huge fan of support groups (no reason, just not). Obviously the exercise and diet is a huge factor, but anything else? Maybe some good questions I should ask the surgeon when I see him? I am a teacher so I'd like to have the surgery over the summer when I'll know I'll have plenty of time off.
