Search the Community
Showing results for 'autoimmune'.
Found 1,088 results
-
Hello I have been on prednisone for a month now. 20mg day thats a pretty small dose I guess. I have gained 4lbs. I'm trying to just maintain my weight I know losing at this time is a battle I don't think I'll win. I must say though this medication has helped my symptoms greatly. I have a rare autoimmune disease of the skin and mucus membranes. I had awful mouth lesions and the drugs have worked. You have to weigh out the pros and cons for you for me the fews lbs have been worth it to feel soooo much better. I thank good I have my band I think that is my saving grace or I think I would have ballooned up by now. Good luck to you.
-
About a year ago, I had one of those really funky dreams that I wasn't able to shake for a couple weeks. It was eerie, almost a nightmare. In the dream, I learned that my desire and addiction to Diet Pepsi was actually making me fat. I dreamed that diet sodas and foods actually chemically cause people to be fat. The dream had all sorts of analytical data incorporated into visions of diet soda and fat. I woke up the next morning completely freaked out, thinking Diet Pepsi had sabotaged my entire life. I haven't had a diet soda since. I started drinking regular soda, but I'd never have more than one a day. Meanwhile, I have an autoimmune disease. So far, there's no known cause of my "Sarcoidosis" but I read a study that implicates Nutrisweet as the culprit. And at the risk of another hijack, my wound is looking much better. I have another whole post devoted to it, and I'll be posting a new picture tonight to show everyone how well it seems to be doing. Thank you for asking about me : )
-
Countdown is on...starting to freak out.
LAJ23 replied to LAJ23's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Good morning everyone! Thank you SO MUCH to all of you who responded. I truly appreciate the kind words and encouragement. To answer a few questions... I just turned 48. I have not had a weight issue all of my life. I was a very slender, athletic size 4 until I got pregnant at age 30. Long story short, due to a previously undiagnosed (pretty severe) chronic illness which came out of dormancy during my pregnancy, I gained 100lbs while pregnant that I was never really able to lose. I lost weight here & there, but part of the illness involves severe, chronic pain and fatigue, so any kind of "beneficial" exercise or activity has been almost impossible as I simply can't do it. The goal with surgery is to get the weight off so that hopefully, I'll be able to become more active again. I used to be a big jogger, played on softball teams, golfed, biked, hiked...you name it. Now, for the last (almost) 20 years, I've hardly been able to get off the couch due to chronic pain. I've had to stop taking Motrin & Advil in preparation for the surgery and the pain this past week has been almost unbearable. Due to the whole "opioid issue", my doctor refuses to prescribe pain meds. I'm not even sure how I'm going to get in all the walking that's required post-op. I'll do what I can. Also, with regards to my PCP being a jerk...LOL... I don't think he meant to sound that way. I think his intention was to say that on paper, I'm completely healthy (aside from my autoimmune issue) and this surgery is more about looking better and being more active, rather than trying to rid myself of diabetes or another problem. He's actually a great guy and I know he had no ill-will. Thanks again for all the support. I'm gonna go thru with it and will keep you all posted! XO -
Lap band and autoimmune?
Sgt Bob replied to pixiestix's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I just found this information at Risk Information Contra-indications The LAP-BAND® System is not right for you if: You have some other disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery. You are on chronic, long-term steroid treatment. 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. Here are some posts on this forum about the subject. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/anyone-diagnosed-auto-immune-disease-after-being-banded-28872/ http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/auto-immune-disease-band-rejection-15372/ It appears that LapBand™ may not be for you.:smile2: I would still look into it though, if I were you. Good luck. -
Lap band and autoimmune?
celticdreamer replied to pixiestix's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have severe psoriasis and am hypothyroid, both autoimmune disorders. My surgeon's office hasn't even commented on either. I wouldn't worry about it. -
GERD/Gastritis with Gastric Sleeve
ChunkCat replied to MasonMoonGirl's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I feel you! Being in this situation is no fun. I don't have a surgery date yet, I didn't like the first surgeon I saw so I go see a new one on August 3rd. Hopefully one that will answer my questions and think a little outside the box. I'd talk it out with the surgeon (or his nurse/PA) a little more to understand his thought process. He sees more patients than you or I do, he should know what the risk of GERD is vs the risk of not absorbing your meds. I think I read about 30% of sleeve patients get new or worsened GERD/gastritis from the surgery?? That means there is a 70% chance you won't have that issue. For those that have it, it seems very frustrating, but I haven't seen any data on how many sleeve revisions are from GERD. I wish my meds (and autoimmune disease) were flexible enough to give me 3-6 months to figure out new dosing strategies, but they aren't. If I go into a med induced depression flare I will lose the benefit of the surgery because I won't be able to function well enough to make good food and get exercise. Not everyone has depression that severe though. I think a lot of patients have some flexibility there and can afford to play around with their meds to find a new combo. I will be fine with handling some tweaking to the dose, but I don't have the option of another med combo. Everyone is different though and it is worth talking it out with the doctor until you feel sure about your choice! -
Sorry, I am a. Retired special. Educator,...oh yes how I remember all the illnesses from our kids LOL.....not sure we can take ( my surgery is Feb17) but I take Liposome Vitamin C from the Dr. Mercola website....I have autoimmune issues already, people were around me all holiday season, sick, really SUCK....I DIDNT CATCH A THING!!! I am not suppose to be near I'll people !!!!
-
Some post op questions.
LaLaDee replied to Teri B's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
It's really difficult to predict how anyone's body will respond and heal. My surgeon told me about a patient of his who went back to work the day after his surgery (I took 2 weeks off - I had a terrible reaction to the anaesthesia and my blood pressure went crazy). You should probably be feeling OK a month after surgery. For me, it was longer. I wouldn't say that I felt "weak", the problem I was having was the weird stomach sensation/kinda like heartburn. I used to get dizzy if I stood up too quickly, but it passed very fast. My periods got weird, I did end up triggering a huge autoimmune condition and was very, very ill (I don't know of anyone who went through this, I'm not trying to freak you out). Even with all that, I managed to survive a demanding job. You find that you will just do what you have to. Honestly, you never know what you are capable of. Just keep going! I would be vigilant about hitting your protein targets to keep your energy levels up. Also stick with the water and the vitamins. In terms of clothing, that's also very difficult to predict. If you start at a very, very high weight then it actually takes a little while to get down to the next size but once your weight is lower, then you might be changing sizes every month. It also depends on your body type, where you hold the weight and how you lose the weight. Weight loss is not linear (there will be stalls), so you may be stuck on one dress size for four months and then race through 2 dress sizes in a month. For that reason, I would avoid "stocking up". You may have kept a special pair of skinny jeans or aspirational dress for years, but find out that by the time you try it on, it won't fit. Or it only fits for a week. It doesn't take long to order a few things online every month if you have the budget. Otherwise, check out discount and second hand stores. Clothes are so cheap these days. You will be fine! If I were you, I would focus on the positives. Get excited, you're about to change your life! If you go in with a positive mindset, the journey is a lot easier! It's very normal to feel anxious, but these forums don't always reflect how awesome things will be! -
What are your must haves for the hospital stay and after? How long should I expect to be out of school and gym class?
blondebomb replied to ParamoreloverxD's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I over packed!!!lol!! I always do! for sure chap stick, I took my own heating pad I used it on my chest the minute I got in my room an kept it on all night. I took gas x strips..yes it helped mine to a point. still had discomfort but I also tried an sleep most of the evening I got in my room around 7 or 8 pm I want able to drink or even sip till almost 11 or so that night.I had hernia repair an every sip or swallow I had esophagas spasms..ugh ...I did take my own meds with me my own pjs..take the pain meds. my tummy never hurt. only a few of the small incisions walk as much as you can an soon as you can. I got up 4 hrs after surgery walked to the door turned around an got back in bed. an hr later tried again made it to the hall turned around went to bed. slept till 5 am woke up hubs an I walked fown to nurse station walked back. every hr I walked further an further till I was doing laps. I stayed 2 full days..needed IV fluids couldnt drink much..had no appetite at all. I was crinkling nose up at foods. I had 4 to 6 wks of being released from restrictions. its major surgery even though your not admitted long. but it'll take a good 6 months to heal the tummy. so give yourself at least a month to lift anything over 10 pds..plz ask your dr first. looks like everyones differant. it took me 6 months to get strength back. but I also have autoimmune diseases , 51 yrs old an stay at home. everyone bounces back pysically differant paces. best wishes! keep us posted... -
I mean lung disease is a vague term. For example many bariatric patients have sleep apnea, which is technically a lung disease. And theyre encouraged to get bariatric surgery to improve it. I think the severity of it will play a part too. Its certainly not completely contraindicated. I have had patients who came in for lung surgery with plans to come back for bariatrics later in the year. Just an educated guess, but I would think the major determinant would be if bariatric surgery will impair your ability to successfully treat your autoimmune lung disease in the long term (ie frequent use of steroids). But I think the odds are it wont be much of an issue
-
That is good to know! I was on steroids for about 2 years for an autoimmune disease, so not nearly as long as you but damage was done. I was able to find a psychologist that is licensed in my state but does them via telehealth and is a specialist in eating disorders and bariatrics. I have an appointment a few months out, but it was for when I wanted to schedule, they did have openings much earlier even within a few weeks of when I first inquired.
-
Anyone from Houston, TX?
Smjnranrk replied to Elyse519's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Awesome! I have ZERO trouble avoiding meats. I was a vegetarian for a really long time, but I was the kind of vegetarian that would load up in starches (Mac n cheese, Pasta, etc.) instead of veggies. Even pre-op, I've only eaten chicken. I don't remember the last burger or steak I had...it could be never! I get so discouraged by my nutritionist's plan for significant amounts of meat first, THEN veggies. I'd so much rather fill up on Beans and vegetables. I actually have an autoimmune disease that responds very well with no gluten, so I've had to eliminate most of that, too. I'm really hoping that the post-op diet I'm on right now will reset me for a cleaner way of eating in the long run. I do loooooove good cheese, though! Sent from my iPad using BariatricPal -
Surgeon didn't complete my Gastric Bypass surgery!
numinousvessel replied to numinousvessel's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I am seeing a bariatric surgeon in my town tomorrow. He usually does not take on patients with bipolar disorder and I am hoping he will make an exception as I have met with him previously about my gallbladder. If it is a no, I have set up another appointment with my original surgeon but it isn't until April 18 and I would get a surgery date then. I also tried to get on with another office that does open surgery that is 4 hours away and after the surgeons had a meeting and reviewed my files, they decided that they would decline me bases on my surgeon's report from the day of surgery. I am not sure if it is caused by my autoimmune stuff, but I think it is chronic inflammation that has caused these adhesions. It has made my head and heart hurt too much to be on here or Instagram because everyone is moving and growing and changing. And here I am, stuck in limbo and on pause. I just sent this to biddynz. Also, why are you talking about something that is not related to my OP ? There are multiple forums and boards that could answer your question rather than this post about an aborted surgery and adhesions. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using BariatricPal mobile app -
Diabetes for more than 5 years
Mastiff_mama replied to jsmith100's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I've been diabetic for about 15 years and take 6 different meds!!!!!!! I take 1000 er metformin, Amaryl, Actos, victoza, Lantus and benicar! I don't have hbp, but take it to protect kidneys. I also have ankylosing spondylitis and sjogrens syndrome. I have to have sleeve because of the latter 2. I am hoping the surgery will help with the pain ans fatigue that accompany them too. I don't expect great miracles with the autoimmune diseases, but less weight can't hurt! I turned 50 this week so I've been diabetic from an early age ans have not done well on controlling the way I should. I lost 60 lbs about 5 years ago and could see a huge difference in sugar control. -
Low White Blood Cell Count
pstarf replied to loveit1222's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have a similar question. My wbc is low as well 3.1. I do have an autoimmune disease so the cause is known. Rest of blood work was normal. I'm at the end of a very long process and I have my final medical clearance next week. Will they still do the surgery? Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App -
Yesterday marked the first Christmas that I cooked dinner all by myself. I was proud, but it was bittersweet. My mom usually makes the dinner and I assist, but this year she was not feeling well. She has a rare autoimmune disease and has been in remission for several years. However, it has reared its ugly head again, leaving her weak and depressed. I only hope that we can get her back into remission quickly and that she bounces right back. I had my first fill last week, and can definitely tell a difference. I really can only eat the 4 ounces at a time now, however, it does not stick with me for more than 1.5-2 hours. After that, I am starving again. Needless to say, yesterday probably was not one of my shining moments in weight loss tendencies. Because I cooked, I tasted. I also had dinner at my fiance's parents' house and then back to my parents' house. So, two dinners (4 ounces each), 2 deserts (really small slices, but still), and who knows how many "tastes". Oh well, today is another day, right? :drool:
-
Tomorrow is my big day. I'm so scared about complications but at the same time I am excited about a new life. One where I can keep up and play with my two year old son, where my autoimmune disease isn't triggered all of the time and where I don't have to where clothes that I feel help me to "hide". I don't where makeup or jewelry or get my hair done because I just want to hide from everyone, to blur in to the background. I don't want to be like that anymore. I don't want my family to have to say "I know you don't want to be in the picture". I hate that person. I'm glad to be getting the chance to show the world that I am a person and I don't have to hide anymore. But that scared feeling still lies there. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
-
It not's just about feeling full, its also to avoid washing food out of your stomach too quickly which then stops you feeling the restriction that WLS is to suppose to bring. I have an autoimmune issue, I don't produce a lot of saliva and have a very dry mouth. For the most part I don't have issues not drinking while eating and not drinking for 30 minutes after a meal. Sometimes I do need a small sip to help something be swallowed but the majority of the times I am fine. You'd be surprised what new habits develop. 99% of the time, when I am at home and work I look at the time when I have finished my last bite of food, add 30 minutes and that's when my next drink is, even 18 months down the track. If I am out having dinner, I will likely have a few sips of wine while eating.
-
Best Hot Cocoa Protein Drink
Globetrotter replied to CowgirlJane's topic in Protein, Vitamins, and Supplements
I am on a hyper controlled diet due to autoimmune issues so can only have some very specific items, definitely NO white sugar, NO corn syrup, etc. But my Mom found this hot cocoa mix called NibMor that is about as clean as it gets without harvesting the cacao myself And I've discovered that when I am jonesing for hot cocoa (which is a LOT lately, I blame the thread!! ) I make it with hot Water, just a fraction of the "serving" of cocoa, and juuuuust enough milk to give it a milky mouthfeel. That way I get satisfied, get my treat, and only spend maybe 20 cals max. -
<p>I have completely fallen off the wagon and am only down a total of 20 pounds since I was banded 1-25-06!</p> <p> </p> <p>I have no fill at all. And sometimes even have difficulty eating with just an empty band. I have fibromyalgia along with other autoimmune problems. Once in a while I will have a whole body system swell; once it was joints, then respiratory, and even digestive. I got discouraged and would only eat what went down without a problem.</p> <p> </p> <p>I am unmotivated and fat. I need help and encouragement. Most of all, I need a starting point. I don't know what to do first.</p> <p> </p> <p>Thanks for all of your input in advance. All comments are welcome.</p> <p> </p> <p>Darl<img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/cry.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Think" smilieid="15" class="inlineimg" /></p>
-
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. -
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 -
Hello there! I'm new with a Feb 12th band date
SkinnyCubanChick replied to Cindy2013's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
You can do this! I have had 8 surgeries, comorbidies and an autoimmune problem but banding has saved my life! I should have done this much sooner! 19 days post op and down 26 pounds! -
Following this topic bc it's of interest to me. I'm wanting to know about beyond Aleve and other NSAIDS. I'm curious about the "big guns" biologic medications for like Rheumatoid Arthritis which I have. Remicade IV is my drip - but haven't been able to get my infusion for months due to surgeries (2 including the GB RNY) which has left me reeling in inflammatory pain off and on.... I'm hopeful though, bc although RA is autoimmune, I know the extra fat doesn't help!
-
Celiac disease diagnosis years after RNY
KyHiker replied to Brandy36's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I feel like I found my peep in you, Brandy. So it sounds like you and I have some similarity in our journey. I have a few recommendations for you that have helped me immensely. #1 read Hashimoto's, The Root Cause by Isabella Wentz. I felt like she explained my entire medical history. You may also consider The Paleo Approach, Reverse Your Autoimmune Disease and Heal Your Body. There's more out there too. The blog SCDlifestyles is worthy and I keep getting recommendations for The Body Ecology Diet, which I haven't read. I went off gluten because my doc told me to and I felt bad enough to do it. And she recommended Wentz's book. Going off gluten I found out why I had choking spells since college. That said, going off gluten was hell, so I did the radical jump start with the amino acids that Wentz describes in the book, and my gut hasn't been this calm since I was a child, and I am not exaggerating. I'm now on a healing diet and admittedly a bit lost. I'm going to do some Alletess testing (food intolerance testing) and more research. Haven't been able to add many foods, so going to test vs elimination diet. I'm still working through things, but I feel empowered and hugely improved. A year ago I had chronic fatigue so bad I didn't do squat and every joint hurt, and for awhile my hand hung as if dead. I'm 51 and I get where you're coming from about feeling 80+. But 4 months into a radical diet and I'm getting closer to my age, but about 15 years to go, wink. The the resources I provided are riddled with references to current research, but much of it is not known or embraced widely by allopathic medicine. Me, I'm just going for results, and radically changing my eating is giving me results. As Schoolass mentioned, when you eliminate foods that cause you problems, eating them again will amplify the problems, which is motivation to give them up! Keep your chin up and do your own research. I asked docs for 10 years and got nothing. Then I got sick enough to go to the internet and take responsibility for my own healing, and now I have hope. I didn't find that doc who told me about the gluten and Wentz book until I started my own research. I trust you will feel better if you work it.
