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Showing results for 'autoimmune'.
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Introduction - First Consult With Surgeon Day After Tomorrow...
elcee replied to cavwife67's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Good luck, it will be interesting to see what he says. Having an autoimmune disease is listed as a contraindication to being banded on the lapband site. If he says he can't band you because of it then ask what your other options are. You may be able to get the sleeve or a bypass. -
Hypothyroidism: Is It Still Close To Impossible To Lose Weight W/vsg?
frumpynomore posted a topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I have Hypothyroidism that is caused by Hoshimoto's Autoimmune disease. Since diagnosed about a year ago I found that I couldn't lose weight no matter what I did! I am 3 weeks post-op and have lost 25lbs but am wondering if I'm going to be able to lose much more weight due to the Hypothyroidism. Any body else have experience with this or know information that can give me hope? -
Dr Oz Bad Mouthed Weight Loss Surgery ?
Shelley64 posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Someone posted over the weekend that her mother saw a Dr Oz show and he bad mouthed weight loss surgery so she told her daughter not to do it. I can't find the post now...don't remember which forum it was under by I commented that I had read an article in prevention magazine where Dr Oz says just the opposite. In the Oct 2011 issue, Dr Oz's article is about demanding better care from your doctor. He covers a number of topics but one of the questions they pose to him is: What health issue do you think can be solved in our lifetime? His answer....Obesity. I really do think we can get ahead of it. It's easier to cure obesity than cancer and it drives most of the heart disease and a good amount of the autoimmune issue we have. I also think gastric bypass surgery will play a big role. We probably do only 1% of the gastric bypass surgeries we should do. The next question was: So you're a proponent? His answer: Yes. Listen, if you're one hundred pounds overweight at age 50, you have the same mortality rate as if you have a solid cancer. Would you operate for cancer? Yeah. So if you cannon lost that weight, get one of these procedures. You have to do it with counseling and full awareness of what you're doing, of course. But if you get people to start losing 5% of their excess body weight, you're really taking a big whack of of the two-thirds of Americans who are overweight or obese right now. I hope the gal who posted about her mom not supporting lap band because of what Dr Oz says will keep researching, talking to people on this site and make the life saving decision for herself. Shelley -
I Am Starting To Regret My Vsg......
Pookeyism replied to MsLadyKanKan's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
(((hugs))) I have lived with so much pain. I wish you relief, and soon! Get a full panel of bloodwork through your surgeon. Do not rely on the ER! Compare all levels of EVERYTHING against at least two panels prior to surgery. Get a white blood count reading. CT scans are not enough, in my opinion. CT scans have missed fibrous inclusions the size of softballs...medical istruments - swallowed toys - even a stick that was jammed into a liver during a hiking accident - pardon my language but WTF! lol Now - take those panels and get online and understand any serious differences you see. Especially white blood counts. Do you experience shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, pain in your arm, neck, or jaw? You are not out of the wood for a heart attack...I don't want to worry you but generally consistent pain is a sign of something wrong - even inflammation is nothing to ignore, it is a serious complication that can be a sign of an autoimmune condition. Not a doctor - do not play one on TV.... -
Lap Band Removal On December 7th.
cheryl1970 replied to cheryl1970's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
why did you have your band removed? I sure hope that with the band out that maybe my autoimmune diseases will at least be controlable. Did you have to diet before or did they give your blood thinner injections to take? How long did it take for them to remove your band? Thanks, Cheryl -
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?
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Lap Band December 2010 and now possible auto-immune disease?
Lele775 replied to wrose230's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Firstly congrats because your weightloss is fantastic. I was only banded in July and an still in the 'fill' process but recent had blood tests that showed strange things. If you have an autoimmune disease they would find this through blood work (ena and dsdna test I believe) but your symptoms seem to point to lupus (I am not a dr though). I hope you find and answer to everything and that your weightloss continues and helps. -
The allergist/immunologist wants about forty seven hundred vials of blood take... must be a week with NO antihistamines and fasting (my eyes and nose are freaking out). If he doesn't find what autoimmune issue is going on it wont be for lack of trying...I'm impressed and grateful
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Hello, I need a lapband mentor...I have so many questions even before I go to the seminar, but want to actually talk to someone...is there anyone who wants to be my lapband mentor? I just have so many questions and want to talk to someone who's “been there done that”. I also have MS so if you (unfortunately) have an autoimmune disease I think we could relate more. Either way...I just want to talk. I promise I'm not a creep, I’m a happily married women etc. . Thanks everyone!!! Send me a message and I can give you my number.
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Best option right now is to marry a Canadian. I agree they should have never done the surgery on you... not because of your financial situation, but because autoimmune diseases are clearly contra-indicated with the band. I find it rather unethical to strand somebody who is clearly in medical distress, and maybe your local government official or news establishment may be in agreement. There's nothing like negative publicity for your clinic to make them take notice of you.
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I have fibromyalgia and I know it's an autoimmune disorder. Not disease, but disorder. I was wondering if I can still get a lapband? I have not been to my first appointment yet but if there is no chance, I will cancel the appointment. I'm hoping it won't matter. If there's anyone that has had the proceedure done and they have fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome please share with me. thanks Ms.Jules
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does anyone know if I can still have lapband surgery even though I have fibromyalgia (autoimmune disorder) not disease.
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Well, assuming you were born in 1970 (from your handle) you are at the prime age for autoimmune diseases to present themselves. A whole host of them such as lupus, scleroderma and fibromyalgia are well known for showing up in the late 20s and early 30s, and they tend to do so quite rapidly too. It sucks but welcome to the club. While I won't declare it's impossible the two are connected, I'd tend to side with the doctors. In the months after I got my band, my pre-existing autoimmune disease went into a tailspin. It's possible that you already had the disease, but the stress of the band just brought the symptoms more to your attention.
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My Plastics Journey - My first one (of several)
A New Day replied to LilMissDiva Irene's topic in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
I don't think it's that common to have a reaction, my mom has an autoimmune disease so I think it was a genetic thing that I reacted to them. With me, it started with a rash on my left hand that eventually spread all the way up my arm and got really nasty. It took a lot of googling to figure out what was causing it. Once I had them removed the rash went away completely. Autoimmune reactions can vary though, depending on the person. -
My Plastics Journey - My first one (of several)
A New Day replied to LilMissDiva Irene's topic in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
You look great! I had a BA done 5 yrs. ago after I had lost some weight. I was super happy with them for over 2 yrs until my body had an autoimmune reaction to them. I had to have them removed and I do really miss them. -
I haven't had surgery yet so I'm not currently having the problem I keep reading about,,losing your hair. I have a thyroid disease and have had to be on chemo treatments before due to an autoimmune disease..I really don't want to lose more hair. Is there anything that can prevent it from happening or something I can do now to prepare my body for the change?
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Good for you, making the decision that is right for you. From all that you have said, I would agree, you are not ready. I would also venture a guess that the fear that keeps you from having the surgery is identical to the fear that keeps you obese. A real "catch 22". Someone above mentioned that the band cannot help the emotional eater. I beg to differ. I am totally an emotional eater, I rarely feel physically hungry, but the band has changed my life in the best possible way. For the emotional part I see an obesity specialist therapist. The band strongly reminds me when I absentmindedly try to eat my fears/emotions away. During this next year you might consider seeing a therapist about your weight issues. You may find that you don't need the surgery at all and that you can lose the weight on your own. That was not the case for me, the therapy gives me tools to manage my emotional eating but my head still goes crazy sometimes -- so glad I have my band. Also, it appears that I may have Hoshimoto's thyroiditis -- I will find out for sure on Friday. It is an autoimmune disease. It is not curable but it is treatable. Still, I am so glad I have my band, imagine the anxiety I am feeling not knowing for sure whether I have this disease ... having the band helps me not to overeat (try as I might while I await the blood test and biopsy on Friday. Not fitting Hollywood's image of what a woman should look like (i.e., size 2, or even 0) is not a bad thing, in fact it is good because the vast majority of women are a "normal" size. Heck, my bones are bigger than a size 2. LOL But to be obese is neither normal or healthy; and there's a reason why we overeat. For some it helps to find out why and work to change it. I hope you can find the best solution for you. I wish you the best. ~Fran
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I know you don't want to hear anything negative at this point because I was there four years ago. I haven't lost any weight probably gained a pound or two. Frustrated and depressed because I still feel like the same failure I was when I had the surgery. Some people have success with this band but believe me if you are an emotional eater or like sweets it doesn't work. You have to get your head right first. The surgery won't do that for you. I also have an autoimmune disease called sjogrens and they still did the surgery. Six months afterwards I started gettting a skin problem. My hands looked like hambuger meat. It was on top of my feet and toes, elbows. I went to a couple of family doctors, two dermatologists, three rheumatologists.. After a year finally was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis. Another autoimmune disease. Now taking Embrel and Methotextrate injections every week. It not only is a terrible skin disease but also disforms your joints like rheumatoid arthritis. I am not sure why and if it was just a coiencidence it came after my surgery but I have been researching the band and have read some people have come down with autoimmune diseases. I am in the planning of having this band removed. I am really afraid to have another major surgery to correct my mistake but I have to find out if the band is causing my problem. I am not telling you to not get the lapband I am just saying do alot of research. They have alot more information about lapbands years down the road. No matter what you do to lose weight it always comes down to two things. Diet and Exercise. You have to do this with or without the lapband. Let me know what you do and whatever you decide I wish you success with your weight problem. Cheryl
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getting used to the gastric band
elcee replied to springtime2992's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Here is the info from Allergan's site. Contraindications 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 any surgery. You have some other disease that makes you a poor candidate for any 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. -
getting used to the gastric band
elcee replied to springtime2992's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
As far as I am aware having an autoimmune disease is one of the reasons given on the lapband site for a band not being recommended. When I have a chance I will try and find the info and post it. -
getting used to the gastric band
elcee replied to springtime2992's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am quite surprised that they decided to band you. Having an autoimmune disease is supposed to be a contraindication for being banded. -
United Healthcare requirement
peacequeen replied to peacequeen's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
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? -
I am one of those people who has not had any success with the lapband. I know it is my fault because too many people lose. My question is how many lapbanders have come down with an autoimmune disease after the lapband implant? It wasn't six months after that I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. I am now on Embrel and Methotextrate injections every week. Doctors keep telling me NO NO NO this cannot cause thiese kinds of problems but it seems so wierd how right afterwards I started getting sick with this disease. Waiitng for replies. Cheryl
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Comparison between Bypass and VSG
Sotiredofit posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hello! Glad I found this website! As a newbie, I'm pretty convinced that VSG is the best choice for me, since I have an autoimmune disease and am prone to infections due to using Methotrexate to fight the disease (oh, what a conundrum that is). I looked at lap band and read about too many side effects to make that appealing at all. The bypass looks devastating in that there is no absorption and I can't figure out how "eating healthy" would benefit a person who cannot digest his/her food. So, I'm focused on the VSG and will be attending the orientation and consult tomorrow. After looking at the pictures, it appears that there is part of the stomach left and that absorbing healthy foods would benefit the body. I already take a zillion supplements, so that's not a problem for me, BUT I can't imagine how to take them when the stomach is so very small..............are liquid Vitamins more beneficial? I have removed so many things from my diet over the past few years, that I'm already there mentally, but now I'm wondering if a VSG patient can indulge in ice cream, Jell-O and such things that have sugar in them, but turn to liquids? Nuts are supposed to be very important in one's diet.............can a little bitty stomach take them or do they need to be ground into a powder? I'm sure I'll learn much more tomorrow, but I'm excited at the thought of leaving all the fad diets behind me and having a permanent solution: I just pray that it won't be something that makes me feel sick all the time. When does post-op end and "normal" begin? Looking like I'm pregnant after all my effort is so frustrating; especially since I work out 6 days a week, eat healthy and maintain portion control...........Sotiredofit! -
Rheumatoid Arthritis & Lap Band Surgery
kewlshort1 replied to hudson52's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I've got RA, Lupus and Fibromyalgia. My surgeon has said that it shouldn't be a problem, but that he'd want me to stop taking the NSAIDS. I'm okay with that, because of all the pills I take, I think those work the least. He also said that because of the autoimmune disorders, there is the potential for my body to react to the band itself, in which case they would have to remove it. Being that I have had 2 cesarean sections and never had a reaction to those surgeries, I'm not concerned. Losing the extra weight will immensely help my health conditions, so I was very happy to hear him say that it wasn't going to prevent me from surgery.
