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Showing results for 'autoimmune'.
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something apropros Oprah said once--re: "the easy way out"
srpiccollo replied to TES's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Being supportive isn't just living with someone and dieting with them every once in a while. My husband ha beyond supportive and here are sine basic things he did for me: 1. what I eat he eats when we are around each other. I am 7 weeks out and he still does this. When he is at work or out on his own then he indulges. I keep saying it is not needed but he said if it helps me only 5% it is worth it. I am on regular foods now so it isn't a big deal since we eat baked fish at least once a day and don't eat junk food. 2. He walks with me after dinner a few times a week. I work out daily in the morning but those are great bonding times and we both get exercise. There are so many other things like not buying any junk food or bring it in the house, planning outings were we get exercise in, etc. The bottom line is maybe thinking of all his past failures is rubbing off in him. Maybe he is lazy and doesn't want to try to try too hard. But being there for a loved one who is dealing with this means NOT judging. On things in the past or even last night. Offer to help and help in any way you can without saying a word to him. If he doesn't take it or do the correct things then it is his fault he is not using the tool he has. That is on him and him alone. The other thing is why are you on this site and not him? I get your trying to understand and all but honestly unless you have struggled with this demon like we have you can not ever totally understand. People can explain it to you till they are blue in the face but it can't make sense to you. I have one more thing to toss out. I have 5 autoimmune disorders. Since they wreck my body from the inside and attacked my metabolism making it not functioning no diet in the world would work for me like this has. We all have different reasons for needing this surgery and implying it is because we "let ourselves go" is just ignorant. I'm glad you couldn't let yourself get beyond 30 pounds over the weight you wanted. Good for you but for some of us it was a medical issue or maybe simply we didn't notice how bad it was until it was 100 pounds over. Everyone is different and my heart goes out to each person for doing this for what ever reason. I think good for them for taking a chance to hopefully save their life. In proud if my fellow sleevers and proud of Rick for doing it. Are you? Does he know if you are? How are you showing it? These are things you might want to look it. That's my 2 cents. Take it or leave it. -
Yes I ate most of the bread Pn the sub. I am making good choices nothing fried or too high in carbs. My doctor did testing and said everything was normal. My only vice would be pizza and I had one piece last week but could have eaten more that. I limit myself on calories and even if I am hungry dont eat most days. I tell myself this is a tool and I can't be crazy about it. So I write out my calories daily with a food journal. If I have enough calories to eat a slice and it is around I have it. I don't have pizza in my house often and cook 95% of the time so this will work for me. If I was around it more I could see it as my down fall and asked my family to not bring it home. I am short 5 foot 2. So I assumed my sleeve would be short. I also am a type 1 diabetic and have a few other auto immune disorders. I am wondering if that matters. My doctor have done thousands of sleeves but has never had a patient who is a type 1 diabetic and had all my autoimmune issues. I just wonder if that us somehow playing a role in my sleeve if steel. It just seems too good to be true so I am trying to be careful.
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Autoimmune Issues and VSG?
GA peach replied to Tjohnson322's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi, I am curious to know too. I currently have the lapband (since 2008) but seeking revision to sleeve. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease last year. Good luck on your journey! -
I have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. This causes me pain each day, and makes exercise for weight loss (I have always had to do major workouts to lose consistently) very difficult. I have begun the process to be sleeved by September. Anyone else done this procedure with an autoimmune disease? How has it improved or worsened the symptoms? My rheumatologist tells me that the weight loss will help the medications work better (at lower doses), and my surgeon says they deal with AI issues regularly. He did say he would not put in the band, because that can exacerbate symptoms. Thanks in advance! Tina San Antonio, Texas
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fatty liver is one of he reasons someone might do this type of surgery, so i'm sure it wont stop you. I have autoimmune liver disease so i'm followed closely by a specialist. He told me that after surgery i will have to be followed closely after surgery because in some patients, fatty liver does develop (of increase) in teh period after surgery. I guess the fat is being metabolised in the liver instead of sugars so it may take a while to adjust to it. a careful watch of LFT on your blood results is the fix.
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Any Banders with MS (multiple sclerosis)?
tym4me replied to SeaSounders♥'s topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Hi there I just sent a message to Missy. Im sure she will respond as soon as she is able. I dont have MS however I have Fibro, Raynauds and Lupus. Which is another autoimmune disease. However i was diagnosed after my band placement. My surgeon says if I had been diagnosed before banding he would not have performed it. Because of inflammation an organ involvement. Like I said I dont have MS. So maybe its different. -
With the wide variety of pre-op and post-op diets and food progressions required, you should still follow your doctor's orders. The most important part of the preop low carb diet is avoiding carbohydrates. The chicken cheat was fine, the potato, not ok. Low carb reduces glycogen on the surface of the liver, making it easier to hold up and out of the way (it's over your stomach) so the surgeon can access the stomach. Glycogen is slippery and as the name implies is derived from carbs (glycemic). If the liver slips out of the instrument, the surgery CANNOT be done laparoscopically. Many of the same people we see posting about cheating on the preop diet, end up posting that they cheated on the postop diet...there is a connection. Many "test" their bands, eat slider foods, graze and wonder why they're not losing. It's very important to understand that WLS requires a permanent lifestyle change. To succeed you must adopt these changes willingly, accept that you should never eat the way you did as an obese person and commit to these changes permanently. There's a saying, "If you want to look like a thin person, you need to eat like a thin person." The band supports that by keeping hunger pangs away between meals. You control how much you eat... As a successful banded person who is most likely losing my band very soon, due to an autoimmune disorder, I can tell you, it works, but only if you use it properly. Like any other tool, if you leave out one component, it will not help you...imagine an electric saw you don't plug in...not much good. You are the power source for your tool.
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This is a touchy subject... In was sleeved because it have an autoimmune disease and have to take nsaids... Now my surgeon says I can never take them. I didn't meet with my surgeon before preop and that was for another 45 seconds. The 6 month preop diet I saw apns... When she told me no nsaids ever I told her I wouldn't be able to have the surgery... She then told me about the sleeve and Medicare just started paying for it... They sent me to my rheumatologist and he approved sleeve only, because you CAN take nsaids after surgery... Funny if you Google it, it shows taking nsaids as a pro of this surgery! Frustrating!
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Still on the Fence Should I take the jump?
SoccerMomma73 replied to cjd3161's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Some surgeons will not band a patients with an autoimmune disorder such ad RA or lupus. The concern is that since your body's immune system is hyperactive then inserting a foreign body in to it may also cause an immune response...almost like when a transplant recipient rejects an organ....I do not know if there are studies proving it or if it's just theoretical.... Just something else for you to ponder! Good luck with your decision. (Oh, and your doctor is an ass,I'm a family practice PA and would never tell a patient something like this is a cop out,....even if I thought it was it's VERY unprofessional of him to have voiced it) -
Still on the Fence Should I take the jump?
Baba Wawa replied to cjd3161's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Copied from Allergan: Your surgeon may consider whether the LAP-BAND ® is right for you if your BMI is at least 35 and you have a health problem that is related to obesity. Your surgeon may also have other criteria he or she uses. Ask him or her to discuss the criteria with you. Contra-indications The LAP-BAND ® System is not right for you if: You have an inflammatory disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, severe esophagitis, or Crohns disease. You have severe heart or lung disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery. *You have some other disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery. You have a problem that could cause bleeding in the esophagus or stomach. That might include esophageal or gastric varices (a dilated vein). It might also be something such as congenital or acquired intestinal telangiectasia (dilation of a small blood vessel). You have portal hypertension. Your esophagus, stomach, or intestine is not normal (congenital or acquired). For instance you might have a narrowed opening. You have/experienced an intra-operative gastric injury, such as a gastric perforation at or near the location of the intended band placement. You have cirrhosis. You have chronic pancreatitis. You are pregnant. (If you become pregnant after the LAP-BAND ® System has been placed, the band may need to be deflated. The same is true if you need more nutrition for any other reason, such as becoming seriously ill. In rare cases, removal may be needed.) You are addicted to alcohol or drugs. You are under 18 years of age. You have an infection anywhere in your body or one that could contaminate the surgical area. *You are on chronic, long-term steroid treatment. You cannot or do not want to follow the dietary rules that come with this procedure. You might be allergic to materials in the device. You cannot tolerate pain from an implanted device. *You or someone in your family has an autoimmune connective tissue disease. That might be a disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma. The same is true if you have symptoms of one of these diseases. I put * on the potentially applicable contraindications. Talk to your rheumatologist about this, please. Best of luck! -
Everybody is different. Personally I am 4 mos out and maybe I would go now. At 6 weeks I was dead to the world. I do have two autoimmune diseases that probably made a impact on my healing. But, I agree with Laura-Ven and don't let anything get in your way of that surgery! Good luck!
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feb 2013 sleevers weigh in
mactrio replied to kathyhalls's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Sounds like it. I can walk a bit, being off my med's (several autoimmune diseases) has made it really hard to exercise. I can grind some med's but not all. I'm getting there slowly but steady. -
Autoimmune Disorders and the Lapband NOT Compatable
Aza359 replied to Baba Wawa's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have psoriasis for years and got psoriatic arthritis at the young age of 22 i am now 24 psoriasis is considered a chronic autoimmune disease i chose the band because it was less drastric then the sleeve or bypass i consulted with all my doctors and my surgeon absolutely insisted on the band 1. Because i was a smaller patient and 2. Due to my condition and the healing process and meds. According to my dermatologist there is no link to WLS as being a bad idea and worsening my conditions, studies are only going by what may have happened to 1 person. In fact my dr encouraged WLS if i am successful i can ease off my meds! I do not doubt my decision nor would i have gone forward if my dr's didnt think it was a good idea. So with that being said anyone wanting the band should always consult with their DR before not some random joe smoe or an article! -
Autoimmune Disorders and the Lapband NOT Compatable
dani_nyc replied to Baba Wawa's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
This is a very BOLD statement and thread to make when you are not a trained doctor. It is very easy for us to misinterpet information to fit our ideas of what it means. Fact: Doctors do suggest lapband on patients with autoimmune disoorder -
Autoimmune Disorders and the Lapband NOT Compatable
Baba Wawa replied to Baba Wawa's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
The other 25% revised to RNY or DS. 25% of bands need to be removed per Allergan, those aren't great odds. My point again, is that we shouldn't endorse the band 100% to a person who clearly states they have an autoimmune disease or disorder. My thread should have been less absolute in the title, but the basic message is valid. -
Autoimmune Disorders and the Lapband NOT Compatable
DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! replied to Baba Wawa's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
You're getting derailed from the topic. You made a thread that stated all autoimmune diseases were a contradiction for getting the Lap Band. That is 100% false information. Only connective tissue autoimmune diseases and a few specifically listed gastrointestinal autoimmune diseases are contradictions to the Lap Band. For all the other thousands of autoimmune diseases out there the band is perfectly safe with no contradictions. And while I mean no offense, I take zero merit in anecdotal evidence gathered off the internet, especially when it comes to WLS. The people who howl the loudest are always those that have problems- and the majority of those are self induced. People have been trying to blame autoimmune diseases on everything from dental work, to medical implants, to sweeteners for years. The bottom line is, none of this is true no matter how much ill informed people desperate for answers to why they are sick want to believe otherwise. -
Autoimmune Disorders and the Lapband NOT Compatable
Baba Wawa replied to Baba Wawa's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My concern in posting this is that we shouldn't encourage someone to get a device implanted just because we've had a good experience. Many people with ONE Autoimmune disorder often have other undiagnosed autoimmune issues that are found after a device such as the band, is implanted. My post isn't meant to be an alarm, but a word of caution when replying to a thread about which surgery to choose. On the other site I frequent there are multiple boards for each surgery, including revision. Literally hundreds of posts are made by people monthly who are having band troubles and needing to revise. About 75% revise to sleeve and are very pleased with the outcome. Shouldn't these 75% have just had the sleeve to start with and avoided the risk, pain, scar tissue, aftercare and expense of a second surgery? -
Autoimmune Disorders and the Lapband NOT Compatable
☠carolinagirl☠ replied to Baba Wawa's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
i tried to read the link and i saw alot of big words so i stopped reading. i am not a doctor. so i thought to myself...if i had a disease (autoimmune or whatever) i would refer to my doctor for their opinion as i figured they would advise me on if a wls is for me. i think all people and all doctors opinions will vary per case...just because one study says something, does not mean it is always true. -
Autoimmune Disorders and the Lapband NOT Compatable
DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! replied to Baba Wawa's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Nowhere does it say all inflammatory autoimmune diseases. It lists Crohns's disease and other digestive diseases, not all inflammatory autoimmune diseases. In fact, it doesn't list any that aren't directly gastrointestinal. The bottom line is, saying that the band isn't recommended for all autoimmune diseases simply is not true. There are thousands of autoimmune diseases out there and only a very small handful of them fall under Allergan's contradiction. -
Autoimmune Disorders and the Lapband NOT Compatable
Baba Wawa replied to Baba Wawa's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
And this.... You have an inflammatory disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, severe esophagitis, or Crohns disease. Many GI inflammatory diseases are autoimmune disorders. There is also this disclaimer: There have been no reports of autoimmune disease with the use of the LAP-BAND® System. Autoimmune diseases and connective tissue disorders, though, have been reported after long-term implantation of other silicone devices. These problems can include systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma. At this time, there is no conclusive clinical evidence that supports a relationship between connective-tissue disorders and silicone implants. Long-term studies to further evaluate this possibility are still being done. You should know, though, that if autoimmune symptoms develop after the band is in place, you may need treatment. The band may also need to be removed. Talk with your surgeon about this possibility. (Also, if you have symptoms of autoimmune disease now, the LAP-BAND® System may not be right for you.) The last sentence, my parenthesis. Why take a chance? -
Lap Band vs. the Sleeve
DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! replied to tamarlarae's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Ok I am copy/pasting exactly what I put on your other thread. It is NOT all autoimmune diseases so please stop incorrectly telling people that; --------------------------------------------------------------------- Again, that's not true. It doesn't say ALL autoimmune diseases, it says connective tissue diseases. Directly from your link: "You or someone in your family has an autoimmune connective tissue disease. That might be a disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma" Not all autoimmune diseases are connective tissue diseases, in fact the majority of them are not. Their warning does not cover all autoimmune diseases. -
Lap Band vs. the Sleeve
Baba Wawa replied to tamarlarae's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Actually, I've been told by my band doctor and GI doctor that they will not recommend banding for those with autoimmune disorders. There are so many Lapband patients whose conditions flare up or who are developing them post band that they just don't see that the risk outweighs the benefits. The support groups for those with failed bands are full of people with long term problems due to their body rejecting the band. -
Autoimmune Disorders and the Lapband NOT Compatable
DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! replied to Baba Wawa's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Again, that's not true. It doesn't say ALL autoimmune diseases, it says connective tissue diseases. Directly from your link: "You or someone in your family has an autoimmune connective tissue disease. That might be a disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma" Not all autoimmune diseases are connective tissue diseases, in fact the majority of them are not. Their warning does not cover all autoimmune diseases. -
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. -
Autoimmune Disorders and the Lapband NOT Compatable
Baba Wawa posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Per Allergan's website for medical professionals. http://www.lapband.com/hcp/en/risk_information/ Before encouraging someone with an autoimmune disorder to get Lapband, please read the contraindications at the link above. There are many unscrupulous band mills out there that will ignore the contraindications, take the money and leave the pt with a lifetime of issues to deal with. Here's a link to a list of autoimmune diseases: http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/autoimmune-diseases.cfm
