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HELLO EVERYONE, WELL AS IV'E SAID BEFORE I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH LUPUS AND MANY OTHER AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES SO I NEED CLEARANCE FROM CERTAIN SPECIALIST TO HAVE SURGERY. I'VE GOTTEN CLEARANCE FROM MY PRIMARY, HEMATOLOGY, AND RHEUMATOLOGIST. NOW I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT MY GASTROENTEROLOGY SPECIALIST WAS ON BOARD AFTER MY CONSULT APPT LAST WEEK AND NOW I CALL THE SURGEON'S OFFICE TO CONFIRM PAPER WORK AND SHE TELLS ME THAT HE SENT A LONG LETTER STATING THAT HE WILL NOT SIGN OFF UNLESS I GO THROUGH TWO MONTHS OF TAKING MIRALAX AND METAMUCIL FOR CONSTIPATION. THIS IS SOMETHING I'VE DELT WITH ALL MY LIFE.. SO MY QUESTION IS.. HAS ANYONE HAD TO DO THIS? CAUSE I FEEL THAT HE'S DELAYING PROGRESS FOR TWO MONTHS FOR NOTHING!! JUST A LIL FUSTRATED.. THANKS FOR LISTENING TO MY RANT! LOL

Lisa,I had plasmapheresis because I have an autoimmune disease called Myasthenia Gravis. It's where they replace my plasma with synthetic plasma so it cleans all the bad antibodies out. I had this done last July, the scars are purplish red all around as well as my gallbladder, vsg incisions and csection/hysterectomy incision..it's weird and scary.

Below is a chart that shows how the Lap-Band should be as well as how it shouldn't. Have a look, you are without a doubt in the Red Zone, which is a problem. The reason so many surgeons are hesitate to put a Lap-Band in a Lupus patient is because it's not just an autoimmune disease, it's a disease of the connective tissue. That makes you a much higher risk of your body having an autoimmune response to the foreign object inside of you. The fact you now have a fungus in your esophagus may very well be the start of your body rejecting the band. Losing 29 pounds in one week is also a major problem. Having to repeatedly go onto IV fluids just to live is also a big problem. Your band isn't just "a little tight", it's dangerously tight. If I were in your shoes, I'd be going to another surgeon and getting a second opinion. I seriously question your surgeon's judgement in the way this is being handled. Best wishes to you- I'll definitely be keeping you in my prayers.

*Disclaimer-1. My Doctor is the best in his field,very personable and caring, my band removal had nothing to do with his "work". 2. My intention for this post is to somewhat educate(if possible) and not discourage anyone from taking the leap to doing whats best for yourself* Today, is my first day without my band, I am extremely happy that its gone,I had it removed yesterday at approximately 10AM. My decision to remove my band, had everything to do with an autoimmune disease that showed its face 2 years after my band placement, and nothing to do with my Dr or the band itself. My band was placed in June 07, and I cannot tell you how excited I was, I never " charted" my weight loss progress like I shouldve BUT I was very aware of my shrinking body. Now almost 5 years later I tipped the scales at 156.6. BUT Anyways, enough about me...My sole purpose was to inform those that are looking to get their band removed and there is not enough information on the web to educate. This is my account of having my band removed. I will try to update everyday if possible but please dont hold my feet to the fire! Im still in recovery-mode. Today is my first official day being bandfree...I woke up this morning craving anything that could go in my belly. The last time I ate any food was Tuesday at 1pm and this was THURSDAY 9AM and needless to say, I WAS STARVING. After I was discharged I was given my scripts and headed home to battle it out.The removal itself only took and hour max and I was in recovery for another hour, I dont remember much going in, all I do remember is cracking jokes and a sense of gratefulness that I was able to remove it. Anyways, so you may have problems speaking because of the general anesthesia but that will go away. I was given all liquid meds. no pills I am horrible with liquids, my reflex will just kick it right back up&I am trying to keep all of it down so that I can get rid of some of this pain. So I have been going at this without any pain meds*I have a high pain threshold* Today I was finally aboe to take down a small bowl of Soup and crackers I was so excited just to have something in my belly.I am still laying down on my back with the ice pack securely placed under my ribcage, it really helps. Laying down on my back has been my security...I have to get of out the bed in segments..lol. I have a step stool on the side so that I wont over-extend any of my limbs and cause more pain/damage to the healing tissue inside.I will not have any more weight loss surgeries because I have been very diligent in working out and keeping my weight off. The last time I had a fill was about a year and a half ago. I work out every other day, whether its cardio/weights. Im just that committed to staying alive. I was on all kinds of meds before the band but now they are all a thing of the past, the band really helped me get the weight off but I had to come to the conclusion that it was the catalyst for me getting off of that plateau and moving forward. I will answer any questions that anyone has, I will even share some of my exercise tips, Im not selfish,I know this is a tough journey but with the help of others it can be so easy. Ill try to update,on my progress tomorrow. RIGHT NOW..its bed time! LOL. be encouraged-never give up!

Inflammation can also be the cause of a low grade fever. Obviously after a surgical procedure there will be the body's natural response to tissue damage. This also promotes the healing process and the rebuilding of new tissue. Without going into all the complex boring details, it causes some systemic manifestations as well as localized (at incision sites and internally) via blood stream. Hence, your body temp will raise in response to the increase in white blood cells to the area. If an infection follows than the white blood counts will continue to rise and so does the temp, which is why you don't want it to get too high because it is no longer a healthy healing process. Fluid in lungs can be a campground for bacteria, so same idea, your body's autoimmune response will be the same. The better and stronger your immune system is going into surgery and adequate consumption of protien you will be less likely to have an infection and heal quickly with no complications.

When I was choosing a WLS procedure, I was uncomfortable with the permanence and higher risks with the sleeve. I chose the band mainly because of its adjustability. I love my band, but now I'm revising to the sleeve because of esophageal motility issues from my band. All other things being equal, I think the sleeve might be a good choice for people who can't afford the time and expense of getting band adjustments (fills and unfills). The common belief that the band is better because it's reversible is ill-founded. Yes, the band can be removed, but not easily, and it may leave scar tissue behind. And if you don't revise to another bariatric surgery procedure, it's all too easy to regain the weight you lost. Edited to add: Also, the "foreign object" argument against the band seems blown out of proportion to me. Why is one silicone & titanium medical implant a lifesaver while another is an evil foreign object? The band is made of the same bio-compatible materials as artifical joints and other medical implants that have been used safely for decades. Unless the patient has a history of autoimmune disease, it's highly unlike that the body will "reject" the band the way it would reject an organ. Rejection of transplants that consist of protein (like a liver or heart) is a serious concern but it doesn't stop patients from getting desperately-needed transplants. The band contains no protein, so it's not subject to the same "foreign body" reaction as a transplanted organ.

Hi All, Just curious if there are any other sleevers, future or sleeved, that have RA or similar health issues. I have Rheumatoid arthritis and 2011 was a horrible year for me. Lots of pain and lots of health issues. Anyhow, just looking to share the experiences. Odee

I have autoimmune problems so I've heard alot of terms,,have you ever heard of leukoplakia? It can be caused by low Vit A, B-12, C & folic acid among alot of other conditions or bad habits such as smoking or drinking (not that you do..just saying). I've had this condition before due to prednisone. It's also called,,don't laugh.."hairy tongue"...yours may be something different but just sounds similar the way you describe it.

I have an autoimmune disease, Multiple Sclerosis, but I don't have issue rejecting foreign bodies.

hi all, i am pre-surgery, just starting out in this process... i originally wanted to have a lapband done, but i have an auto-immune problem where my body rejects foreign objects inside it... any ideas?? i am thinking gastric bypass might be where i end up, but i was wondering if anyone on here has had the lapband done and also had any autoimmune issues.. i am on humira and methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.. anyone have any ideas?? thanks!!

PdxMan - thank you for your response. We provide our nutritional information on each product (on the individual labels). Also, if you click on any 12 pack flavor (on our website) the ingredients will be listed as well. Actually, only two of the four flavors have caffeine - The French vanilla Latte and the berry Boost. The Berry Frost and the Milk chocolate shake do not have caffeine (my favorites) - I don't want the caffeine either... The propriety blend of Protein in our drinks contains collagenic, whey, and casein. Clinical studies regarding the collagenic protein have shown the improvement in moisture content of the skin, decreased joint pain, and increased bone mass density. Additionally, through studies, it has been claimed that hydrolyzed collagen may promote lean muscle mass through and the burning of fat rather than carbohydrates and Proteins, lessening the symptoms of arthritis, toning and thickening skin, joint rebuilding, arterial strengthening, increased energy, organ rebuilding, alleviate osteoporosis, high blood pressure, bladder weakness, chronic fatigue, shallow breathing, autoimmune, skin problems, and splitting nails. I appreciate your input - we are always looking to improve our products and welcome any and all opinions. Feel free to provide any other questions that you may have. Thanks again. Derek

Congratulations! I also have autoimmune issues as in mild lupus and RA. I however didn't disclose this at the time of surgery (I do not recommend keeping deadly secrets from your doctor) and I'm doing fine. I was banded on 12/23/11 and have not had any problem, on he contrar. I feel alive again. Good luck to you and God bless!

Oh I am so happy. The surgeon's office called on Friday and said Medicare said no problem. The issue was that I have autoimmune disease and there was question regarding that. Anyway they checked to make sure they would pay and they said yes! I had already met with the surgeon. Today I met with the dietition and now I have to get an appointment with a psychologist. There aren't many around where I live and I have to get one that takes Medicare, so hopefully the two I put calls into will call me back soon. One that said they take medicare didn't have any available appts unti the end of April. I'm penciled in just in case I can't find one sooner. The surgeon's office said we set my surgery date as soon as I get the appt with the shrink. I'm excited and nervous.....

Hat is what I felt like yesterday. It was my 2nd visit with the surgeon. First visit he stopped part way through and bounced me back to gastro due to a liver autoimmune (PBC) issue I have. Cleared by gastro to proceed.... The surgeon is willing to work with me. So had the rest of the visit. Got my checklist for insurance... Luckily most done as I had updated my stress test, sleep apnea, and upper endoscopy all withing he last 8 months.... So just need to get the clearances and test result sent to the surgeon... Easy right.... Well sort of... Gastro, cardiac, and pulmonary faxed things over with a phone call. My internist is a different matter... He won't just send a clearance I have to have a clearance visit with him... Okay I'll play let's set up an appt.... Oh not so fast we need a surgical order. Well I don't have one as a date isn't set as that depends on insurance saying okay but surgeons want this as part of the insurance packet to send... So I called the surgeon and asked them for a surgical request sans date to go to my primary otherwise he wouldn't do a clearance appointment. Their response was that this was the first time that was requested. Y them but they would write up something and talk to my doc to get this done.... So hopefully I can get this schedule at some point. Yes I still have to do a 3 month multidisciplinary weight loss program so have time but I hate homework and just want to get everything done ASAP. Just being frustrated as to having a run around. Okay back to the morning surgeon visit.... A new wrinkle in things.... Due to my past dvts. The surgeon wants me to have a filter put in??? Don't have my folder as I type this so don't remember the acronym.... But the vascular guy (yeah a new doc) will put this in 3 days before the sleeve procedure.... And then remove it 3 weeks after the procedure.... Don't know enough to be scared about is part yet... But thinking it is a good idea due to my past history. Oh I ha e a choice.... Lose 20-25 pounds before surgery... Or do the Optifast diet two weeks before. So trying to really watch things. So far I have given up sodas... On week three of that.... Have minimized my coffee by switching to decaf... Day 4 and I'm tired.... Then there has been small victories.... I passed up the sweet potato fries yesterday and had a salad. Today I didn't eat the bread from The sandwich the hubby and I shared.... On the flip side I just can't resist the Ozzie rolls at the Great American chain of resteraunts here in northern virginia.... But victory was in the past I would have eaten both the bread and the rolls.... Oh and I didn't steal any French fries from the hubby.... I munched on my spinach salad minus the bacon with dressing on the side.... So I'm trying..... (egads I hear my mother now saying.... Yes dear you are very trying!) Well just wanted to relay my hoop jumping.... Oh great now I hear the chipmunks...... I just want a hula hoop.... Guess I better go buy one in purple! Hugs from Reston VA

I decided to use Bluepoint group and Fair Oaks Hospital. Main reasons are the hospital is a bariatric center of exelence. Realizing surgeon is important but pre during and after support very important to success. I have an autoimmune problem and appreciated that Dr Moazzez knew about my issues and is addressing some special issues I have. No date yet but hoping for end of June or early July. Happy so far with my initial consults and their info seminar.

Glad you are Ok. Cocoa I also thought that the band was contraindicated for autoimmune problems. I have just got back from a w/e away for hubby's Birthday and have a million emails etc to catch up on. Will pop back into LBT once the backlog has been cleared.

No, actually the issue is what meds you take if you have an autoimmune disorder. If you take Methatrexate or similar you cannot do it.

I was told that if you have an autoimmune problem then you are not a good candidate for the Lapband. That your insurance will disquality you.

Hi, I'm Cathy and I'm 57 years old. I've battled obesity for my entire life. I could get focused and lose and then gradually I'd gain it all back. My oldest son had weight problems as well. Three years ago he got the lapband and lost 200 pounds in about 16 months. He looks fabulous and has kept it off. I wanted to get it done when he did, but could not afford it nad my insurance wouldn't cover it. So, life always has twists and turns. I ended up on disability due to an autoimmune problem and recently got Medicare. I was so happy to find out that they will cover it. I had to get a referral from my primary care to the surgeon....done. March 10 I meet with the surgeon and I am so anxious to get the show on the road. I can only imagine what it may feel like to be a normal size and go into a store that isn't a plus size! I was glad to find this forum. Thanks

Twice, I was out walking this past summer,,I made it about 1/4 mile and it took me about 10 minutes to do that. I ended up in ICU both times due to respiratory distress because of a rare autoimmune disease I have..it sent me into a Myasthenia Gravis crisis. My muscles in my chest wall just couldn't do the work..not to mention the extra weight those muscles had to try and lift. Today,,I walked at 2 mph on my treadmill for a mile!!!!!..no distress, no pain,,just energy and enthusiasm. I just thank God that this is finally happening for me. Steroids put most of the weight on and by golly I'm going to fight to get this weight off and get well!!!

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 never experienced this problem myself, but I did a rotation in dermatology and what I learned is that basically there's no effective treatment. It's still not quite clear what triggers the autoimmune attack on hair follicles and why it stops in some people and continues for a long time in others. You can get steroid injections in the bald spots, but they have only limited effectiveness. If it's distressing to you, it'd be worthwhile to consider those; otherwise, I'd just shave if I were you (or, on the contrary, grow out a longer beard so you can cover up the bald spots).

When I get that feeling (not having a stent but I know that stuck feeling). I have myasthenia gravis, a rare autoimmune disease..a form of muscular distrophy that effects my muscles. It really helps me if I sit straight up and rock a little,,but I have to for at least an hour. This was even before I had surgery. You may need to stick with liquids if food is getting hung in your stent..ouch! I feel so bad for you,,I just want to help ( I come from a family of fixers..lol)

Jewel, Every story here is anecdotal, too, though. I've also found that the people who DO have complications shy away from message boards like this one because, as I previously mentioned, the people who have great success get evangelical about it. I talked to a bunch of people who did not feel welcomed on boards like this one because they did NOT have positive stories. Based on what I've seen here, I find that extremely believable. Dissenting opinions aren't welcomed... look at what happened in this thread alone to poor Tamz... she was attacked because she wasn't happy, and dared to say so. I didn't feel judged by you... just to clarify. In this particular post, it wasn't that bad. I had another post, explaining my struggles to battle a 28 year eating disorder and my success with IE where I was heavily (no pun intended) judged and even told I was "in denial." I'm fat, not stupid. I'm not in denial. I have done extensive research, and a surgery with a lot of question marks and unknowns as to how my life might be afterwards is simply not worth the risks to me. I'm not rationalizing it away anymore than any of you rationalized the decision to have the surgery. Or at least I hope you didn't just rationalize having it. I'd hope you all did extensive research and came to the conclusion that for you, personally, it WAS worth the unknowns and risks. One final point, as to why I decided against the surgery. I have Hashimoto's Disease. This is NOT A FAT PERSON DISEASE. It is an autoimmune disease. It's taken me years to regulate my thyroid. This surgery could wreck absolute havoc with my thyroid if the medication isn't properly absorbed. I've had a thyroid crash. It is not fun, and it can be deadly. I do not want to risk that ever again.

They placed an IVC filter because I have Lupus with an autoimmune clotting disorder called antiphosolipid syndrome. My only clots were during pregancy but they just want to be safe I will also have lovenox and antithrombic stockings. Still feel sore from the filter not where it went in but up in my abdomen on the right side cant take a deep breath with out it hurting probally going to call in the am if it doesnt get better..