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My wife developed an autoimmune disease that reared it's head last year. One way to help reduce her symptoms was to lose weight. One month after being diagnosed we met with the surgeon and 2 months after that we both had surgery. She has lost 80 lbs since preop and I have lost 85 since preop and 105 overall since last year. Luckily her symptoms are greatly reduced and we are both doing amazing now.

Idiot, Am I right in thinking, after reading your bandster profile, that you already had a history of pancreatitis before your surgery? In which case I agree that your surgeon should not have allowed you / put pressure on you to have the surgery. However, your initial post only served to scare-monger... as far as I am aware (and I did a lot of research before deciding on the surgery) there is no link between it and pancreatitis. I can see how the surgery could have worsened a pre-existing condition and for that I feel sorry for you, but please think before you act, your individual problems, and I will reiterate, PRE-EXISTING condition, shouldn't have been used to scare others out of doing what is right for THEM. The most common cause of chronic pancreatitis is many years of heavy alcohol use. The chronic form of pancreatitis can be triggered by one acute attack that damages the pancreatic duct. The damaged duct causes the pancreas to become inflamed. Scar tissue develops and the pancreas is slowly destroyed. Other causes of chronic pancreatitis are hereditary disorders of the pancreas cystic fibrosis—the most common inherited disorder leading to chronic pancreatitis hypercalcemia—high levels of calcium in the blood hyperlipidemia or hypertriglyceridemia—high levels of blood fats some medicines certain autoimmune conditions unknown causes I hope you recover and feel better soon. Well done on your weight loss by the way. :thumbup:

Hmm.. lol. Okay.. So what does this mean?? "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 Crohn's disease. You have severe heart or lung disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery. You have some other disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery. You have a problem that could cause bleeding in the esophagus or stomach. That might include esophageal or gastric varices (a dilated vein). It might also be something such as congenital or acquired intestinal telangiectasia (dilation of a small blood vessel). You have portal hypertension. Your esophagus, stomach, or intestine is not normal (congenital or acquired). For instance you might have a narrowed opening. You have/experienced an intra-operative gastric injury, such as a gastric perforation at or near the location of the intended band placement. You have cirrhosis. You have chronic pancreatitis. You are pregnant. (If you become pregnant after the BioEnterics® 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. "

One of the nurses that works with my surgeon just told me that people with auto-immune disease should not have the band placed because their body will reject it. I said, "But I have an autoimmune disease, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, and no one ever told me that meant I shouldn't have the surgery. Do you think that's why I had so much pain and swelling and had to have the band removed?" Nothing but silence so far from her and doc. Anyone else ever heard of auto-immune disease being a counter-indication for band placement? I'm sure feeling pissed if they let me go ahead with the surgery when they shouldn't have. I told them I had a thyroid condition, and I don't believe anyone ever asked what it was. Considering the two most common thyroid conditions are both auto-immune, this sure seems negligent to me. Any thoughts?

I had heard something like this--but I guess I was thinking it was more severe autoimmune disorders that would prevent one from getting the band--not that one is easier than the other. I have hypothyroidism, and my doctor did not say anything about it. I even asked him directly. "I have hypothyroidsim. Can I still get the band?" His answer was YES. I don't have any allergies--that I know of--except I swell really badly after a bee sting. My husband, however, has terrible allergies, eczema, etc. He might react adversly to a foreign object in his body. I think everyone probably has a slight autoimmune thing going on--even if it's a slight allergy of some kind. Anyway--I'm willing to take the risk to be able to lose some of this weight.

Hello all. I have an autoimmune disease called autoimmune hepatitis. I also have vitiligo. My overactive immune system attacks my liver. I take 100 mg of mercaptopurine daily. Prednisone if there is a flare up. Thank God that hasn't happened for a while. My doctor was excited when I told him I was considering the surgery. He actually did my medically supervised weight loss. I had to stay off my meds for 1 month before and after surgery. I had RNY 3/8. Things worked out fine for me. 5'8" HW 330 SW 306 SD 292.8 CW 233.4 GW around 180 Sent from my Z981 using BariatricPal mobile app

Gingeryank, thank you for sharing your post. Hope you feel and get better. After reading your post I believe my wls has been impacted with something similar to you but I'm just learning about my new symptoms and kept wondering why I haven't been as successful as others, aside from my injuries but also my pain which your posts rang a bell in my head. Reason why I've come here to search if anyone else with the wls was experiencing and autoimmune disorders since their wls. I need to find a specialist to help me find out if I suffer from any autoimmune disorder. What sort of doctor did you see for your autoimmune?? I had my WLS Nov. 2013 and due to low back and knee injury I was never able to workout nor do weights. I've lost of total 55 lbs combined pre/post surgery. I've gained a few pounds but have go up and down and have been able to maintain so that's a good thing. And even though I'm losing pounds I'm still losing inches slowly but still happening. I'm on the site today to research if any other have experience a sudden autoimmune disorders. I most certainly felt the fatigue after the wls but progressed and here and there when not feeling would go see me my primary doctor with symptoms of feeling achy flu like symptoms and she would order lab work and few times lab shows high wbc and she would tell me it could be S virus I'm fighting and just to rest up. More recently I've suddenly got a fungus on my toes nails, mainly the big toes, I'm very clean/shower etc and was dumbfounded to learn I had this toe fungus and unclear how I got it. Then I started getting these weird scaly red bumps that itch like crazy on different part of my body, they itch more at night. So I then went to see a dermatologist and prescribed Jublia for my toes nail and a fungus lotion for my body rash. Well 5 months out and I still can't get rid of both the toe fungus or rash that conf and go. Now another issue, with last 3 weeks I've been experiencing major pain/aches on my finger/hand joints So I started to research cause of fungus, joint pain and lean be yo possible autoimmune disorder and possibly to also see rheomologist for joint pain. What I've learned to eat for home all natural remedies is to eat fresh garlic and add apple cider vinegar to my diet/food intake which helps with detoxing our digestive system without killing our natural bacteria. I've also recently started to shed lots hair like I did 4 month after my wls. Since I had my surgery I also learned that it may cause autoimmune disorders and I believe my wls may be the culprit as I eat well and healthier more than ever and all these symptoms started after my wls. Today I go see my endrocongist and wil inquiring with her of yo refer to an autoimmune doctor, not sure if she handle these condition as she's treating me for my hypothyroidism which I became after wls and for my type 2 disburse which I had prior to my wls Thought to share my experiences and not sure if 100% related to wls but didn't have any of the issues before. I hope everyone feels and gets better and will share anything I learn as I go. Take care!

Is Fibromyalgia an autoimmune disease?

Hello, I am new to these forums. In March of 2022, while in my rheumatologist's office for treatment for my autoimmune disorder, I was sent to the emergency room with what turned out to be a heart attack. On the day of my heart attack I was 44-years old, 5'11" 351 pounds with a blood pressure of 214/103. A couple days later I had my first visit with a cardiologist, who told me he believes I am a great candidate for bariatric surgey. I looked at him like he was crazy, "thats for people on 'My600-lb Life'" I thought. I didn't need that, besides 'men don't get this kind of surgery." A few months later after some thinking, searching for information on the internet and watching my father, who was not as big as me, pass away at 67. I decided I should look into it, worst case scenario, I get some diet tips. So In October I scheduled my first consult. Five months later, last week I was given my surgery date of 04/12/2023. Due to my auto immune disorder, my Doctor and myself have settled on the Gastric Sleeve. Back in October I was given a pre-op goal to get down to 330 pounds before my surgery. As of today I am at 296. I am excited, nervous and scared all at the same time. On one side I have people telling me "you look so good, you lost 50 pounds, keep going you don't need the surgery. On the other side, I have been able to do it before, but never to the amount where my BMI was in a healthy range and I always gained it back. Their answer is always "don't gain it back." If it was only that easy, I think. What really has me worried is the 2-week pre surgery liquid diet I start on 3/29. While I have been doing good things, mixing in protein shakes, eating a lot of soup... I'm terrified of slipping during that two weeks. How has everyone else dealt with that?

Hi Amy~ I have Crohns disease ( an autoimmune disorder). My doc said she would never ever ever do GB on me, but that the band would be perfectly safe. No issues in one year !

I had the Loop DS/Sadi-S surgery. I actually take less vitamins then the average person for my surgery... I take 1 multivitamin with iron and 1 (one a day) multivitamin without iron, two calcium citrate, and every other day 1 vitamin A. If you do for some reason decide to have the Loop DS/Sadi-S I recommend a probiotic every day (it helps your stomach so much and I swear by them). Either surgery has malabsorption and what they don't tell you is that ANY surgery with malabsorption (RNY, DS, Loop DS) has a 3% chance of giving you either a wheat allergy or full on Celiac Disease. I have terrible luck and ended up with the wheat allergy, but honestly? It's been a blessing in disguise as I quite literally can't eat fast food and any restaurants I go to are very, very, VERY limited because they have to full on either be a gluten free restaurant, Celiac friendly, or a restaurant that deals very carefully with food allergies. I have two conditions that cause acid reflux issues (not GERD. One is an autoimmune disorder and the other is an immunological condition) and my acid issues were actually improved for a good two years before going basically back to normal (no better or worse). I recommend going with your gut. If you've decided on RNY then go for it. It's YOUR body and YOUR choice in the end. You are the one that has to live your life, not your doctor so go with whatever choice makes you happiest.

I am looking for others might question health problems that have occured since the lapband surgery. I am not trying to frighten anyone. I know this is a miracle for many of you out there. However, I have questions as to whether my body did not like the band. I developed puffy hands, raynoads syndrome and arthritis. As it turns out, one year after my banding, I am diagnosed with Scleroderma. This is an autoimmune disease and is in some ways related to silicone. (I am not saying it is related to the lapband). I am wondering if anyone else has had any of these symtoms. I will probably die from the Scleroderma in the future. I am undergoing 12 months of trial chemotherapy for it.... Anyone ?

I found out 7 months ago I had APS. It is an autoimmune disorder. I DO NOT HAVE LUPUS. Does anyone know if I can be "banded"? Thanks.:thumbup:

Wondering if any of you have autoimmune hepatitis and have been banded? Was on the phone with Bariatric nurse and when I mentioned I have autoimmune hepatitis she indicated I may not be a candidate for the band. That my body may reject it or I'd have a greater risk of infections. I've had HBP and high cholesterol for years but the autoimmune disease for only about 3 years. It has been under control for over 2 years and I take a very mild dose of immune suppressent. My liver doctor indicated I need to be very careful not to develop diabetes and a large weight loss would help to prevent that. I mentioned the band and he was for it, said he'd not seen many complications from bands at all. Told him I'd been trying to figure out how to pay for one since I'm self pay, But I didn't specifically ask him if I'd be a candidate for it with my autoimmune disease. I feel like I've had the rug pulled out from under me.:smile2: I had made up my mind that I had to have this tool to get control of my weight problem to be healthier and be here for my young children. I had even figured out a way to pay for the surgery and now I'm scared it might not even be an option...:tt2::sad::crying:

I’ve got an autoimmune disease too. Taking prednisone and methotrexate. It’s really, really difficult. We have to persevere though. I’m going to try focus on some of the tips from @allwet

Hi yáll! I'm 61 years too young and am pre-op. They haven't selected a date yet BUT I am near the end of my long list of "to do's." I have MCTD (Mixed Connective Tissue Disease), w/Lupus, RA. Also, MS, asthma, Diabetes (type 2), FM, Hypothyroidism, Hypertension, and am in a wheelchair with spine problems (7 herniations, at last count). This is to name a few. Last time I was hospitalized was Nov. 2012 with pneumonia. The year prior had been hospitalized 6 times with pneumonia!! So right now I'm doing GREAT! Thing is, I have gained a lot of weight just since the last time I was hospitalized. Around 60 lbs. Most of the reason for this is lack of activity due to pain issues and of course, over-eating. Most of my life, up until 14 years ago when I became ill, was spent as a person with no weight issues. I was extremely active and strong. Had 5 kids, a job and 3 horses and blah, blah, blah. Now I am totally disabled. Was wondering if there are any of you out there with health issues who have or plan to have the VSG? How are you doing and what to expect? Am so happy to have found this group! God Bless ALL!! Always, cloud

On the Inamed website, the information about the band it clearly states that ANYONE with an autoimmune disorder, as well as other issues listed, should not have the band placed. This was veryinteresting to me because being on this site I am more of a reader then a poster, and I was getting very discouraged about some members that had had so much trouble with their band and did nothing but slam the Mexico docs for their troubles and retroubles. Recently I found out from another memeber that this member infact has an autoimmune disorder. This bothers me since the thought of band erosion just scared me to death. I think the band is a wonderful thing, but yet maybe those of us that have it didn't realize that maybe preexisting conditions existed and that is the sad part. Luckily mine is working great and steady as she goes. Hope everyone has a great day. Paula

There are many kinds of auto-immune diseases. some are indeed contra-indications for banding. I think the nurse did not mean EVERY one is - but caution still must be used becuase lots is still not known about the band. Some of the people here have rejected their bands becuase of autoimmune disorders they did not reveal before surgery. Hashimoto's is sometimes ok, if it is very well-controlled and you are stable. I think It is up to your surgeon and family doctor to decide if you are a good risk for banding. Renee

Hello, I am finding conflicting info regarding as to whether or not one can have a lap band with rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disorder. I am curious if anyone on here has RA and currently has or had a lap band? I am not talking about osteoarthritis, which is a totally different disorder. In 2003 when lap band was fairly new to the US I went to a seminar and they told us if you had an autoimmune disorder you could not have a lap band. I decided that left me out. I have a positive RA titer on my blood test. I have not had any luck since then losing a great amount of weight. The other day when I went to my rheumatologist I decided to ask him if I still could not have the lap band just to see if anything had changed. I was not seeing a rheumatologist back in 2003. My doctor told me he saw no reason why I couldn't have a lap band and did not understand why they would of told me that in 2003. His reasoning is that doctors put foreign objects in arthritis patients all the time in knee and hip replacements. He was all for me getting the lap band. I am obese and have diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, depression, sleep apnea and RA. He feels it would really help me. I had pretty much convinced myself to go for it, but now I am uneasy about it. I can't seem to find much data on success of lap band patients and RA. I would like to find some people that have RA and have had success with the lap band. I am taking a lot of medication and could most likely eliminate half of it if I lost a good portion of weight. I am 5 foot 2 inches and weigh 210. I have not always been overweight. I am 49 years old and would like to have a long life, but realize the odds are against me if I can't get some weight off. I have tried many things since 2003 with no success. I am not interested in gastric bypass as my sister has had it done. She has had nothing but problems such as vomiting and diarrhea on a daily basis. I am not sure if it is due to her not following the protocol or just complications, but i have seen enough of her problems that I don't want to go that route. Her immune system is also a real problem. Can anyone help me with any information? Do any of you think that it may be just something that I have to try and if it doesn't work out have it removed. That is what I am beginning to think as there are no guarentees with any surgery. Thank you for your time in advance. Sincerely, MichelleDenise

RA isn't considered a contradiction for the Lap Band. In fact, the majority of autoimmune diseases are fine with the band. The problem is specifically with connective tissue autoimmune diseases, like Lupus, but even some Lupus patients do fine with the band. (this is per the Allergan/Lap Band band website) Btw, I too have an autoimmune disease and I've had the band for 16 months. I have Multiple Sclerosis. The band has done nothing but help me tremendously and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I have not had the band yet but I just wanted to mention that you sound like me a year ago. I was so sickly feeling I spent alot of time in bed and I had a low grade temp all the time that made me feel like I was always coming down with something. I was tested for lupus but it was neg and but it can take years for the blood work to catch up with what your body is telling you. Anyways after 2 1/2 yrs of having all kinds of blood work and my ANA (anti nuclear antibodies) tested several times and always negative, last Aug my ANA was positive and that was the clue we were waiting for. The ANA shows autoimmune issues. Turns out I have sjogren's synrome. A sister sickness to lupus. Good luck and I hope you get answers soon.....

Thanks, Penni. I had my current doc on the phone last night but had so many questions that I decided to leave this one till next time. I heard that people with autoimmune diseases have problems fighting infection. I wonder if Sarcoid is the same. They found masses on my lungs. My lung specialists said they don't treat it since it's laying dormant, but I heard that getting banded could actually wake up the disease. That would be the end of the line for me since the only treatment is Prednisone, which would bloat me up bigger than the Incredible Hulk. Thanks again.

I was told people with autoimmune diseases should not be banded. But I just read what the literature actually says, which is Contraindication #18: "people with autoimmune connective tissue disease such as lupus" should not be banded. Who is our autoimmune expert around here? Penni, Nightengale, Sandy... are you there? I have Sarcoid Disease aka Sarcoidosis. Dr. Lopez knew I had this before implanting the band. How can I find out if my autoimmune disease falls in this category? Why would Lopez give me a band if he knew I had an autoimmune disease? Did I max my quota of posts for the day? Love you!

I have an autoimmune disease (psoriatic arthritis, little psoriasis but severe arthritis) and was sleeved five weeks ago. I don't want to give you or anyone else false hope, but the surgery has put my condition into remission. No-one can understand why, not even my rheumy. I was on two immune suppressant treatments just to keep everything at bay - methotrexate (chemo drug) for last 7 years (max dose for last two years) and had been in discussion about cutting back - I stopped it 7 weeks ago and currently don't need it. Also inject a biological therapy once a week. Rheumy restarted it 3 weeks post surgery to stay ahead of my immune system starting to attack my joints again and, touch wood, all is going well. So down to one jab a week and my life has been transformed. I know it may return with a vengeance so am taking things week by week. Bariatric centre and rheumy watching with interest. Good luck with your surgery, I wish you the very best and a good outcome for you!

Hi y'all, I'm Debbie and I just saw my doc for the first time today. Kinda looking forward to this but kinda scared too. Why am I doing this? Well, in 2002 I broke my tailbone and crushed my lower back. By the time I was fused 13 months later, the surgery failed. Called "Failure to Thrive". Basically means I'm in chronic pain. Because of the way I landed I was told I started a domino effect which is causing my discs to disintegrate known as Disintegrating Disc Disease. All my discs have failed. To help with this I have had 2 Neurostimulators implanted. Yes, I am a Borg. Lol. A few years ago I was seeing a doctor 3x's a week for spinal shots and he unintentionally overdosed me with Vitamin D, which I am apparently allergic to in high doses. Go figure. Well, I ended up with Hashimoto's Hypothyroid Autoimmune Disease. Yay me! Like the back wasn't enough I guess. Yeah. Hashimoto's see's the thyroid as a foreign object to be attacked by the immune system. Unfortunately, I gained a bunch of weight. (55 pounds!!!). On top of already being chubby. and it won't stay controlled or stabilize!! I either sleep all the time or I'm awake for days. I had lost 65 pounds just before all that happened. It's just about broke my heart. Anyway, I went to my pain management doc for more pain shots. But because I told her I was having chest pains she told me I had to see a Cardio doc first. I told her my a Endocrinologist said that was normal with Hashimoto's, she's like nope. Heart doc. So I went. The first thing the Cardio doc said was a Gastric Sleeve to control the thyroid. Boy. What a moment. What a thought. Who knew?? So where I am, 10 days later starting my 6 month journey to surgery. So glad y'all are here!!!