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Leo, last time I put Neosporin under a bandage, when I removed it there were little red Water blisters under the entire area... I'm thinkin' Neosporin allergy. It's not the actual incision that's infected though. The incision closes over and heals fine, but then the liquid from under the skin forms like a huge blister that needs to be lanced and drained. The liquid is slowing down, and at the moment the scar is mostly flat... I just hope it stays flat and doesn't poof out again. Alex, I've had a few surgeries before. One was horrifying, and they never figured out what went wrong (radial kerototomy to correct my vision.) That was 5 years ago. The doctor that did the surgery was so worried about me because I couldn't open my eyes for over 6 months witout being in sheer agony, that he spent his own money to fly me to San Diego to see other specialists. Nobody ever figured it out, but now that I have the sarcoid diagnosis, that was probably my eye surgery. I had back surgery 20 years ago, but maybe that's before I got the sarcoid? No problem there. Same with tonsils and wisdom teeth, cyst removal, small stuff. I've been suspicious of the sarcoid all along. The scary thing is that I told Dr. Lopez of that I had Sarcoid Disease before my surgery. I know he acknowledged it because when I said it, Carmen looked at me quizically, so Dr. Lopez told her "Sarcoidosis." However, I was never offered any Inamed information. I did not know that there could be a problem due to my autoimmune disease. Dr. Lopez fluffed over my Sarcoidosis like it was nothing. That's the reason I worry so much about my band. People with certain auto immune diseases aren't allowed to have the band. However, there's not enough info about Sarcoid to know if this is one of them. From what I understand, it effects the lungs and eyes but people have told me not to worry about my stomach. I know that I have a hard time getting rid of colds or bronchitis, which I avoid like the plague.

Sorry to hear...that sucks! I agree that I think it's jealousy. Luckily most of my friends/family is VERY excited. Like you I have been heavy all my life, tried EVERYTHING under the sun to lose it and can't. I remember when I was 21 I lost and got down to a size 22, that lasted for about 4-6 months until my thyroid went autoimmune and really screwed me up. Then I found out several years later I had PCOS too. My endocrinologist now told me about lap-band and how it was my "best option". She said w/ my 2 illnesses that I will just keep getting bigger and bigger, pretty much no matter what I do. I made up my mind then and there!! I do have one friend who doesn't agree w/ my decision. She said that said I should just "strictly diet" eating low carb options and work out (like she has). I have been doing that for years, and no change...just holding off massive gains I suppose. Well I was of course VERY UPSET at the lack of support, and haven't talked to her much since then. I heard thru a friend that she was complaining of gaining weight no matter what she tried (she has PCOS too). Well she can do what she wants, I KNOW I'm doing the right decision for me!!! You are too...STAY STRONG no matter what anyone says. You know your body best!!! :biggrin:

My doctor and I discussed it, but that is also because I have an autoimmune thing that makes me prone to clotting. I do have a history of DVT and my rheumatologist wanted me to be on lovenox for a week post op. But in the end I did not get the filter, nor did I have to do a week of lovenox. I just had 3 shots while I was in the hospital. Of course I never quit taking my aspirin either though, even prior to surgery. I have never heard of the requirement of being over a certain age or BMI to get a filter though and 10 days on Lovenox seems awfully long for this procedure, but I guess that is why I am not the doctor. There are so many different opinions on pre and post op dieting that I guess it stands to reason that there will be diff opinions by the surgeons on this matter too...LOL. Good Luck either way you chose.

I know a lot of people from these forums who started at your size and have lost all their excess weight -- if that's what you're worried about. I also know a lot of people from these forums who started at your size and lost down to around 200. And, of course, some people are so uncompliant after WLS that they don't lose much or quickly regain their weight loss. I expect there are many reasons why people don't reach their goal weights, most of which boil down to their not being "compliant enough" post-op. However, there are surely others for whom losing weight after WLS just doesn't work as well as for others, no matter how compliant they are. I know people who are compliant as all get out, but for whom weight loss is just a lot slower than for others -- and I can't tell what the differences between them and me are. Other factors that should go into your decision about which WLS to choose are the specific comorbidities and diseases you suffer from, e.g., diabetes, autoimmune diseases, etc., and the medicines you have to take for those. As you probably know, nutritional and Rx malabsorption problems are greater after bypass surgery than after sleeve surgery.

Hi Friends, I haven't been on here in a while, but I've run into a little problem. OK, it's a pretty big problem. I have an autoimmune form of arthritis called AS. I had the LAP band done two years ago in order to reduce the strain on my joints. Though I was at the lower end of the weight continuum, I needed to lose weight permanently in order to slow down the crippling effects of my AS. The pain from the AS causes me to lose sleep at night, so my rheumie prescribed me Cyclobenzaprine. It has been a God send, and it has changed the quality of my life. I now do not need 10-12 hours of sleep at night to be safe while driving to work the next day. The only side effect is a big one, though. I am waking up from this reflux/vomitting in my lungs sort of thing that happens. I don't know if it's from the medicine or if my band is too tight (5.5 cc in a 10cc band) or if the reflux comes from one of the other meds. I suspect it's the Cyclo, though, because I've tried to isolate it so that it's the only variable. I'm wondering if it's possibly getting caught in my pouch and dissolving close enough to the esophagus to cause the reflux. Cyclo's not supposed to work on the muscles like that, but taking a half a pill one time, the cut side rested against my tongue long enough to make it numb in that little spot. I know this is odd, but does anyone out there have any experience with this or a similar situation?

I was also diagnosed with an autoimmune disease after being banded Mine is called pemphigus it is a blistering disease of the skin and mucus membranes. Was told the trauma of the band surgery caused this to come out. Was put of steriods. Well needless to say that was the end of my weightloss. Have maintained but have not loss anything in the last year. I'm going for a fill tomorrow hopefully it will jumpstart some weightloss. As for my disease it is under control but I always think what if I removed my band would things be different my doctor doesnt think the removing the band would change things but who knows......

Sorry to hear that it has not worked for you. I am surprised that your Dr banded you as all the info lists autoimmune diseases as a contra-indication to being banded. makes senses reall, if your body works in a way that it attacks itself then it is not going to like something foreign. Have you been advised that the symptoms will resolve after removal or is it a case of now that you have them you are stuck with them?

Yes it does. I had un-diagnosed PCOS for 30+ years. When it was finally spotted and treated the Metformin and hormone troche together meant that I dropped 20+kg without changing my diet. Then the thyroid went and my TSH was off the scale almost at 57, I thought I was dying. The result after 18 months with no thyroid was that my weight had gone up and over my previous untreated PCOS maximum and was at 138kg. I am now down to 105kg since my op in Aug 09. The band, with some restriction, stops me feeling hungry early in the day then lunch-time onwards I just eat the normal low GI food that is best for PCOS folks anyway. The weight loss helps with the insulin resistance which in my case has turned into type 2 diabetes due to the thyroid collapse, I think I am now back down to just plain old fashioned IR again now. :-) I thought like you that it wouldn't be any benefit but once I hit 138kg, after fighting the insulin resistance weight gain all my life and then having the thyroid do so much to add to that side of it, my GP recommended it and I said...but I am overweight because of medical conditions that will still be there working against me even with a band and I felt very mis-understood by them. I talked to a top diabetes expert and my trusted endocrinologist (who had diagnosed the very obvious PCOS missed by my Gp's for so many years) between us we decided that at 45 years of age I did not want to spend the next 3 years trying to get my weight back to where it had been before my thyroid packed up. My life was wasting away and I decided after much research and heartache that I did not want to die of a heartattack while I undid the damage from the PCOS and Hashimotos. I felt cheated, like it wasn't my fault and why did I have to have the operation. I also struggle with the pre and post op care as no one reads my records and assumes I am a junk food addict that sits on my butt watching TV and stuffing my face all day and that's why I am overweight! If your excess weight is due to the IR then so long as you are having Metformin for it, hormone treatment for the excess androgens and Oroxine or whatever (none generic, go for the full price brand,,,there is a difference!) for the Hashimotos it should benefit you. Make sure your T3 & T4 are at the high end of the range and your TSH at the lowest end to get the best benefit from your thyroid meds. PCOS is hard to deal with as it is a collection of symptoms that are too often attributed to other things. The PCOS symptoms are related to an excess of androgens and Insulin Resistance. These need to be treated by a doctor with specialist knowledge. Menstruation needs hormones to regulate it. The body hair is the wrong sort, male hair not the softer velus female hair, hair growth can slow down and lighten if hormone and hair treatments are used at the same time. Excess body weight, probably carried centrally - small bum, skinny legs and big round belly, is caused by Insulin Resistance which prevents you from using and causes you to store too much of the energy you consume, Metformin deals with this and then the band will give you the best help to get rid of the excess weight you have probably amassed throughout the years. Both Hashimotos and PCOS are autoimmune type conditions. Auto Immunes tend to run in packs!! Most people that are diagnosed with one have or end up with more than one. Good luck with your decision and journey. I would say that the band in conjunction with Thyroid treatment and PCOS management will take you where you want to be. I'll see you when you get there :-)

Along with my surgery a year ago, I decided to remove the word "can't" from my exercise vocabulary and replace it with "why not". I am 48 yrs old and have a bad knee and several autoimmune disorders. My doc has diagnosed me with fibromyalgia. I had every excuse to say I can't. Instead, I decided to persevere and to always try. I started the couch to 5K training program one year ago this week. When I started I could barely run for 45 sec walk 90 sec repeat 5 times. I finally finished the program in August. This weekend I am part of a team that is running from Miami to Key West (200 miles). Three weeks ago I ran my first half marathon. None of this happened overnight and none of it would have happened if I continued to say I can't. I never planned or dreamed that I could do these things a year ago. For veterans, what are some things that you're doing that you never planned on or thought you could accomplish? For those of you just starting out, what are your fitness dreams?

Very sorry to hear about all your troubles! Pregnancy is a big trigger for autoimmune diseases. My understanding of celiac is that we are born with the gene for it, but it might not activate until it is triggered by something - pregnancy, a virus, stress. For me - I'm pretty sure it was stress. Fear of the increased risk of developing other autoimmunes and cancers is what has made going gluten free so easy for me. Also - the sleeve is a big big assist. I recommend you do the capsule endoscopy if you can. I like hard data and I'm really looking forward to seeing the difference in my intestines in 6 months. I'm hoping it's a dramatic change !

Thanks for everyones response. Bamaxpress78, yes I have comorbs. I have an autoimmune disease called Myasthenia Gravis, it's in the muscular distrophy family..complicated. Anyway, I do have sleep apnea and use a bipap for my MG but it also helps for apnea. I am prediabetic (would be diabetic if i was still on steroids), anemic, osteoarthritis and malacia, hashimotos thyroiditis..so on and so on... I also have a level of anxiety and depression due to my list of health issues. I currently carry a bmi well over 40 but if UHC has that requirement to be morbid obese for 5 full years, I fail that, I was just severe obese before that...how dare me! ldydrgnkpr, I did call them and they told me I had to be over 21, have a bmi of 40 or above, a list of 5 years 40+ bmi. No diet to follow though. I guess what I'm wanting to know is how strict that 5 year bmi rule is,,has anyone been approved without meeting it?

It wouldn't be bald per say because women never lose the hairline like me. But yes it could get very thin. That being said, everything I have read regarding it is the hair comes back after while. My wife suffers from 2 different autoimmune diseases and her hair is getting to the point she needs a wig, so I hear ya. Keep up a positive attitude!

I am too far away to consider going back to Mexico for fills or even a post surgical check up.. I live in SW VA and am 5 hrs from any major airport.My complication thoughts, in truth, were ones years down the road, not soon after surgery. Seems as if when there is a rare complication I always seem to get it. I also have a lot of autoimmune issues so I am a little leery. I read, I think on his site that Dr Aceves only does people 56 or younger. Anyone know about that and if it is so?

Many (but certainly not all) bariatric patients experience improvement of autoimmune diseases after surgery. What a wonderful side effect!

I'm three years out and prior to surgery, I had a BMI of 50. My surgeon recommended the sleeve because I was still young-ish then, e.g. early 30s and nutrient absorption is pretty important. My surgeon felt that the calcium/vitamin D malabsorption may lead to bone density issues later on in life (and after obesity, people generally don't have great bone density and are prone to fractures). Most of bariatric surgery is relatively new, so there aren't a ton of long term studies, so my surgeon is just guessing. And most people on the bypass seem to be pretty good about taking their vitamins (which is something you should do with the sleeve anyway). A couple of months after my sleeve I was diagnosed with a range of painful, chronic autoimmune diseases and I'm very thankful that I went with the sleeve because of the issues with drug absorption with the bypass (I have to take a ton of oral medications). Of course, I did not deal with GERD, which means that the bypass is right for many people. With the sleeve, I was able to take my BMI from 50 to 25. Due to aforementioned illnesses and medications, I did deal with some regain, which I am slowly working on. At the moment, my BMI is about 29. I have never felt like the sleeve wouldn't be enough to help me achieve success. All that to say, you can definitely have success with the sleeve or the bypass. As commented by others, a lot of it is going to come down to what your level of commitment, and your ability to change your lifestyle and deal with psychological issues. And you have to educate yourself. You can't drink a diet of only protein shakes forever. At some point, you have to learn how to eat real food in the real world, go to work, socialise and interact with food, people and life. If you haven't dealt with your "issues", you will have regain with either surgery. It can be a tough decision, but I honestly feel that you can find success with either surgery.

@@tapslp It's been quite awhile since I've had prednisone but maybe if you have healthy alternatives to eat when the starving feeling comes - you'll not gain or gain less weight. Eat some cucumbers & hummus instead of chips, have a SF popsicle instead of ice cream. I wish you luck! Autoimmune disease sucks!

I read your story with tears in my eyes. It is so familiar... the lost sleep and fearful nights, worrying my daughter would find me dead, turning to food for comfort. First, let me say that you look so beautiful! You really do! You are just glowing with happiness in your tiara picture! Second, let me say that I cannot count the times that I've been in a positive, happy, successful place with a fitness regimen only to be taken down by my extremely rare and debilitating autoimmune disease. This is what I know from that: It's frustrating. It's sad. It's demoralizing. It's painful. And it's temporary. Whatever this is, whether it lasts for a week or 6 months, you WILL get past it, and when you do, you'll feel just as good when you get back out there again. Maybe your weight loss will slow a bit, but it is not dependent on your walking. I need to have both my knees replaced, and all I can do is swim. There are also chair aerobics and boxing DVDs. Feel a little sorry for yourself for a day or two. You deserve to. But know that you will get past this. In a matter of time, all will be well.

I've been a silent stalker in this site on and off for about a year. I started seriously considering WLS for about a couple of years but just recently made the decision that it's the right thing for me. I went into this process thinking that I would only consider the lap band but after the info session and consult with my surgeon I've decided that the sleeve is the best option for me. I have my psych eval and first appointment with the nutritionist on March 5. I'm a single mom to a beautiful 3 year old daughter and also have multiple sclerosis, on addition to being morbidly obese. I'm starting this journey for myself, but also my daughter. I need to be the positive influence in her life that she deserves. I find these forums so helpful and insightful. I have learned that I'm not alone in my fears that ending my relationship with food and that it's possible but takes hard work. I'm ready for this and know I will do it. Just wondering - anyone else going thru this with MS or other autoimmune diseases? Did it affect you? Looking forward to making new friends and finding support on my journey, those with or without autoimmune issues.

I'm still new here & still reading some of the stories and still pretty new to the surgery part (I had surgery on August 3rd). I had a really hard time early on with food, and even still some days I find it very hard to eat anything without feeling disgusted. My weight loss has been steady (it has slowed but my dr said that that is normal). That being said I have worked at eating better, and being 4 months post-op now it is much easier on me as far as eating goes. Has anyone experienced a gain of just a few pounds despite not changing anything eating habit-wise? I had a small gain (3 pounds, give or take), and I figured at this stage is abnormal. I have recently begun exercising daily (walking on my treadmill, using weights). I have an autoimmune disorder that causes pain/stiffness in my lower spine/hips/knee that makes it so I cannot do strenuous workouts, so I have to stick to walking. Could the adding of exercise cause such a small gain? I'm sorry if it seems trivial, and I suppose to a lot it might be a petty thing to worry about, but in my mind 2 or 3 pounds can (and has) turned into 5 and 10 pounds if you get the idea. My next appointment isn't until February so of course, I will talk to my doctor about it, but what are some of your experiences at this stage? Thanks for any info/advice!

I'm starting to work out why I had trouble losing weight in the past. I'm wondering if - like me - others have been shocked at how low they need to keep their calorie intake over the long term. After being sleeved at the end of April I pretty quickly lost 20kg, being a tad less than 20% of my starting weight. I "only" had a BMI of 36 to start with, but loads of co-morbidities and ongoing sleep problems. It's now 29. I'm 52 and have been gaining weight steadily since I had major surgery for cancer at 46 that also put me into menopause - around 5kg per year. With nearly every older relative I ever had dying at 59 from cancer or heart disease, and my health deteriorating every year, my doctor and I agreed it was time for drastic action. Like most people I started out able to eat very little, worked up to 500 cal/day and then 800. All good for 2 months, with only dog walking as exercise, although as joint pain eased up that's been getting more and more vigorous. Around 6 weeks ago I stopped losing and after a couple of weeks of diligent food and exercise recording I realise I'm eating around 1000 calories per day - still less than half of the "average daily intake", so as an Amazonian-built lass I thought low enough to ensure a regular weight loss.... Yet it just wasn't happening. After discussions with dietician and doctor over the past couple of days it now seems likely that my maintenance intake is a mere 1000 cal per day, with weight loss intake needing to be in the 500-800 range. This is so far below what I'd considered a "normal" intake that I'd assumed I shouldn't stay on such a low calorie diet long term - but both the dr and dietician said "get used to it". This is apparently my reality. I've had thyroid and other autoimmune system problems my entire adult life, but these are monitored and medicated, so probably not having a huge impact. Thank heavens for the sleeve, because there's no way I could be satisfied eating so little without it - I was always ravenous before. The next time someone tells me fat people just need to "exercise a bit of self control" I'm going to do my nut. I'd like to see the majority of people survive on 800 calories - happily - long term. On the up side, come the next famine I will be laughing!!!!

hello I also had this problem after surgery and doctor and I both thought it was thrush. I was given the diflocan and the mouth rinse but things seems to get alittle better but then for no reason then it would be back and sometimes worse. Finally after 4mos. of on and off different meds and several different doctors and dentists I went to an oral surgeon and he did a biopsy on my gums low and behold it wasn't thrush at all it was an autoimmune disease call pemphigus. This is brought on by trauma my trauma was my band surgery. Its very rare and more than likely not what you have. I just thought I would throw that out to you just in case you don't respond to the thrush meds and they can test you for it if it doesnt clear up.

I understand. .I have dealt with chronic fatigue for 25 yrs..I am 8 wks out..most calories I get in so far 700...I have hashis autoimmune, lupus, polymyalgia, fibromyalgia an the list goes on..it doesn't matter wat I eat by early afternoon I'm so tired an fatigue I stay close to home,or home or let others drive. I take armour thyroid. .u mentioned u just had ur testing done..I hope she is running more then a tsh test...that's incomplete. I'm getting ready to go back Tuesday I've got the proper thyroid test I'm telling her I want ran. Its out of protocol. .tsh, T3, T4 an reversed T3..although u may realize all this already. .but she's going to have to raise my dosage as well. Sythroid never wrkd for me. Have u also had ur adrenals chkd? I am 8 wks out..I just added plums an melon this wk..for me even with complex carbs they do opposite on me..they played havic on my insulin so I am very choosey about carbs. I did try a teaspoon or so of quinoa this week..I hope u get feeling better..

If your dr thinks you may have an autoimmune disease, you should start with a Rheumatologist. Your internist should be able to refer you to one. I am not sure about waiting or not waiting until after the surgery to do this. If you are started on some type of biologic you will have to stop it prior to the surgery and then after the surgery at your surgeons discretion. I will definitely do that but I think it's best to do it after surgery and after everything is calmed down a little bit with me. I couldn't get my surgery scheduled in time to take classes as a full-time nursing student this semester so I have to take a whole semester off as a break. I'm halfway through and it's not the end of the world but also not ideal. The good part is, I'll have this whole semester to get my health back in shape and will be completely free for doctor's appointments galore! I am also glad I get to have some down time while I adjust to another surgery and let me esophagus heal from the erosion caused by the first surgery. Maybe they will find something, that would be awesome..until then I'm crossing my fingers for a successful bypass!

How does your Rheumatologist feel about you having this surgery? Most autoimmune diseases is the body attacking itself. It thinks your healthy cells are a virus or infection and attacks them. If your body feels it is under attack (even falsely so) you can have flares. What your Rheumatologist says and feel is above what the other doctors think when it comes to surgeries and such because they understand your cells and what is going better than the other doctors. So before you schedule she /he knows what you are planning.

I've read about a number of people bruising more easily (even with solid labs). Some people have dental problems, too. I'm still in my first month post-op, so I don't know. I got the surgery to combat autoimmune arthritis--WLS clears it up for up to 50% of people who get it--but it's too soon to know if it'll do that for me. Apparently arthritis isn't like diabetes, which sometimes clears up immediately post-op; studies seem to run for six months to a couple of years, on my particular type of arthritis. So I am trying to wait patiently, to see if I'm one of the lucky ones.