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Everyone is correct...the VSG does NOT get rid of Hypo/Hyperthyroidism or Hoshimoto's. In my case the surgery did absolutely nothing to change my medication dosage...I have Hoshimoto's Autoimmune disease.

Well, I've never used this forum on anything other than my phone- until today. Discovered status bars and VIP membership. Who knew? Most of you know who I am already, but my stats-- 49, female, married for 20 years 3 kids -19, 16,15 boy girl boy. Just got my oldest off to college for the first time. I live in the suburbs of Chicago- and grew up in the city itself. I practiced dentistry for almost 20 years before I became ill with an autoimmune disorder. My weight gain was directly related to this- high doses of prednisone combined with the inability to move around. The catalyst for surgery came from my rheumatologist who was reading anecdotal reports of people with RA who had bypass going either into remission or having a dramatic drop in symptoms. I didn't respond to any traditional or experimental meds on the market, so my thought was- the WORST case scenario for me would be less pressure on my joints. Luckily, I've not had any flares or RA symptoms since surgery. I got my life back. I'm contemplating returning to work now. I won't go back to active dental practice- I'm too scared, quite frankly. Worry of a relapse happening, my hands literally freezing up while working on a patient- so many scenarios of bad. People don't realize that RA can actually be deadly. They equate it with osteo arthritis. I'm an avid- maybe rabid?? Lol- hockey fan, and am thrilled beyond belief that my beloved Blackhawks are so Fricking amazing! Also- a huge college football fan (Go Wildcats!) That's that. I so appreciate the wisdom, wit and camaraderie here. These are my kiddos-- just cause I'm proud of them! Oldest is studying Sports Management at Iowa and plans on law school after. My daughter has an amazing voice and has been studying opera since 12, but wants to be an anesthesiologist-go figure! Youngest guy is the funny one, football player. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Just my 2¢ I have Hashimoto's - don't forget it is an autoimmune disorder and a bit more than just hypothyroidism. Really, really sucks. I have a low metabolism as well, and I went with a sleeve. I'm a slow loser, but I'm still losing eating around 1200-1400 calories a day. I keep my carbs around 80 grams a day, and I exercise about 5 times a week. I've lost over 80 lbs in almost 10 months. I'm very, very happy and also pretty sure I'll continue to lose (slowly) over the next year as well, as I'm really getting the hang of the diet/exercise thing as well. Oh! And the slow loss is just on the scale - I measure each month - hips, waist, chest, arms and thighs - and the months where I saw little to no movement on the scale, I saw fat melting away and muscle developing.

i can empathize with you there. I ended up in the hospital 3 years ago with a clot in my arm that went from my elbow to my shoulder. That was without any surgery or anything, come to find out I have an autoimmune thing that makes me prone to clotting. So for this surgery I had to take extra precautions. I had the usual heparin dose that everyone gets when they go into surgery and then I also had Lovenox injections the whole time I was in the hospital and as soon as I came home I was to start taking my aspirin again. Well I wish you good luck and a speedy recovery. Coumadin for 6 months is no fun. I am hoping that the aspirin works for me or I have to do coumadin for the rest of my life and that would really suck.

Yeah it's nothing to do with RNY. It's my autoimmune disease.

I have autoimmune thyroid issues (hashimotos) and psoriasis. I am 9 months out psoriasis is very mild now. Just a little patch on my scalp... I don't like putting stuff my scalp so that is without medication. It use to cover all 4 limbs and was considered severe. I only use a topical foam 2-3 times a week now and use to take Ortezla orally... It made sick as a dog. My fibromyalgia is almost nonexistent and I am off cymbalta (And many more Rx's as well). I don't think autoimmune can be cured but WLS has made it 95% better. But why? Was it weightloss alone? Low carb/ low sugar diet? No NSAIDs. And old Rx was making it worse? I don't know. I do know I am 99% gluten free. My NUT allows whole grain In appropriate quantities in maintenance but I have chosen not to bring them back. I gut tells me it is the gluten. I really think there is something to diet and autoimmune connection. I don't think I would have realized that without WLS. And maybe giving up dairy or soy would work for someone else. Dairy is my main protein source and I am clear while eating. I lost weight on medifast which high soy and had the worst psoriasis flare of my life so I know it is more than just weight loss.

That's just the thing- it was anecdotal findings. A bunch of surgeons and rheumatologists noticed that individuals with autoimmune diseases were showing fewer and fewer signs and symptoms of their diseases. Believe me, there will be more research into this. As I stated- I don't care what the modality of change was/is- I'll take it!!! I haven't had but a handful of pretzels over the last couple of months. So really, no gluten here either. As for Cymbalta- I was given that for an off-label symptom of the RA- peripheral neuropathy. I'm weaning off now. No need!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You're getting derailed from the topic. You made a thread that stated all autoimmune diseases were a contradiction for getting the Lap Band. That is 100% false information. Only connective tissue autoimmune diseases and a few specifically listed gastrointestinal autoimmune diseases are contradictions to the Lap Band. For all the other thousands of autoimmune diseases out there the band is perfectly safe with no contradictions. And while I mean no offense, I take zero merit in anecdotal evidence gathered off the internet, especially when it comes to WLS. The people who howl the loudest are always those that have problems- and the majority of those are self induced. People have been trying to blame autoimmune diseases on everything from dental work, to medical implants, to sweeteners for years. The bottom line is, none of this is true no matter how much ill informed people desperate for answers to why they are sick want to believe otherwise.

Again, that's not true. It doesn't say ALL autoimmune diseases, it says connective tissue diseases. Directly from your link: "You or someone in your family has an autoimmune connective tissue disease. That might be a disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma" Not all autoimmune diseases are connective tissue diseases, in fact the majority of them are not. Their warning does not cover all autoimmune diseases.

And this.... You have an inflammatory disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, severe esophagitis, or Crohns disease. Many GI inflammatory diseases are autoimmune disorders. There is also this disclaimer: There have been no reports of autoimmune disease with the use of the LAP-BAND® System. Autoimmune diseases and connective tissue disorders, though, have been reported after long-term implantation of other silicone devices. These problems can include systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma. At this time, there is no conclusive clinical evidence that supports a relationship between connective-tissue disorders and silicone implants. Long-term studies to further evaluate this possibility are still being done. You should know, though, that if autoimmune symptoms develop after the band is in place, you may need treatment. The band may also need to be removed. Talk with your surgeon about this possibility. (Also, if you have symptoms of autoimmune disease now, the LAP-BAND® System may not be right for you.) The last sentence, my parenthesis. Why take a chance?

With the wide variety of pre-op and post-op diets and food progressions required, you should still follow your doctor's orders. The most important part of the preop low carb diet is avoiding carbohydrates. The chicken cheat was fine, the potato, not ok. Low carb reduces glycogen on the surface of the liver, making it easier to hold up and out of the way (it's over your stomach) so the surgeon can access the stomach. Glycogen is slippery and as the name implies is derived from carbs (glycemic). If the liver slips out of the instrument, the surgery CANNOT be done laparoscopically. Many of the same people we see posting about cheating on the preop diet, end up posting that they cheated on the postop diet...there is a connection. Many "test" their bands, eat slider foods, graze and wonder why they're not losing. It's very important to understand that WLS requires a permanent lifestyle change. To succeed you must adopt these changes willingly, accept that you should never eat the way you did as an obese person and commit to these changes permanently. There's a saying, "If you want to look like a thin person, you need to eat like a thin person." The band supports that by keeping hunger pangs away between meals. You control how much you eat... As a successful banded person who is most likely losing my band very soon, due to an autoimmune disorder, I can tell you, it works, but only if you use it properly. Like any other tool, if you leave out one component, it will not help you...imagine an electric saw you don't plug in...not much good. You are the power source for your tool.

Thank You everyone for your thoughts and prayers!!!!! I have some very good news, I have been approved by Medicaid here in Kentucky for the SLEEVE and I have a surgery date, December 2. I will be having my surgery done right here in Somerset. I am so excited, I was in tears today, but it was tears of joy.----- I have had so many setbacks along the way------ I was told in the beginning that Medicaid would approve the band or duodenal, but not the sleeve and Dr. Husted wanted to do the sleeve. I was only for the Band in the beginning. Also I was told that I had Lupus, which later I found out it was not Lupus. I found out I do have an autoimmune disorder called Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder, and I was so afraid that I would not get to have surgery. But then I found out that I could still have surgery, but the Band is not usually done when people have an autoimmune disorder, so I could still have another procedure. Then when I had the testing done, I found out that I tested positive for H-pyloria, and then I had to go on the antibiotic Prev-pak to try to clear up my stomach infection, which I did not know that I had. Thank God that I was trying to have bariatric surgery or I could have ended up having ulcers or cancer as a result of untreated H-pyloria. But this delayed everything for awhile, because I had to be retested to see if the tests came back negative and they took the wrong blood test, so I had to be retested with the right one. It did come back negative, so then I was on my way again. After finally getting all the information turned in, I was told two times that I needed more information. But all things do work for the good, because now after waiting all this time, now the Sleeve is an approved procedure. Now I have so many thing to do to get ready for the big day. I am going to be starting my two week Pre-op diet of Protein milkshakes on November 18. Next Wednesday. Also I have to be weaned off of all my medication, which I take 14 pills each day. I know this will all pass, but right now it seems so overwhelming. I have been going through so many emotions since I found out I am approved. It is so real now, not just a hope. My family is so supportive of me having surgery, but everyone still worries about me having any complications from all the risks of having this type of surgery. But I keep in mind what my daughter told me, If I don't have the surgery, I could possible die from being so overweight ( MORBIDLY OBESE). In July my weight went up to 266 pounds, and anything over 100 pounds over the ideal weight is considered being morbidly obese. Even though some people do not seem to think I am, I know the facts and the scales tell all the truth, also my ongoing health issues let me know that my being overweight is a big problem in my life. My mom passed away June 20 last year, and she had many health problems related to her being obese. I wish she could have had the opportunity to have this surgery. She has also been alot of my inspiration to hang in there and not give up, so that I can possibly live a healthier, happier longer life. I hope to spend many more years with my family and friends, I am just beginning to enjoy life more and more now that I am losing weight and have the possibility of the sleeve being a tool to help me keep the weight off this time for good. Thanks again for being here for me just when I needed you!! I need all the support I can get at this time!!

Thank you very much! I was having trouble all day yesterday and today getting my doctor's office to fax my monthly weigh-in office visits and my thyroid test results to the bariactric center. They told me it would be sometime next week when they would fax them and I decided to finally go their office and sign a release form for the information to be given directly to me. She was not happy about it and made some strange comments, then told me that she would try to get them done but I would have to wait. I told her that I would wait. She realized that I was not going to leave, so then she got them done and it did not take her very long. I left and hand delivered them to the Bariatric Center, which they faxed it right then to the woman who takes care of submiting it to the insurance to try to get the approval. She called me immediately to let me know that she received them and that she had submitted them and she should hear back from them by Friday or the beginning of next week. I had been trying to get those records for over 2-3 months. I am hoping that they do not need anything else so that there is no more delays. I started weigh-ins in Feb. of this year and at that time I was told that I had to have 6 months weigh-in supervised by my family physician, which would have put surgery date sometime in August, then I was told that insurance increased it to 7 months weigh-ins. After all that I went through finding out I had H-Pylorial positive test and had to take antibiotics and be retested and finally it came back negative. Also I found out during all this time that I also had an Autoimmune disorder and thought that it might prevent me from having the surgery because they told me that it was Lupus, which after several test they found out that it was "Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder" instead. I got confirmation that it should not prevent me from having surgery. So after all of that, when my family Doctors office was not cooperating with us to get those papers faxed, I really was losing my patience. I am glad that I was able to get it taken care of today. It could have delayed surgery until possibly the beginning of next year, also it would have been that much longer that I would have to wait to see if I would get approved and then I would have had to wait for a surgery date. Now there is a chance that if approved, I may be able to have the surgery in Nov. I have really tried hard to hang in there and not give up. It has really been stressful this year, But I am hoping that it will all be worth the wait, if I get to have the surgery. As they say it is easy to put on, but hard to take off.--- SO TRUE!!.-- I am so happy that people on this forum do really care and understand what we are going through. Thank you. I will let you know as soon as they let me know if I am approved.

There is a condition called shojgren syndrome your symptoms sound like, its in the arthritis family, like an autoimmune disorder. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi Dave- I'm so happy for you that you've come so far! Not just in your weight loss- which is fabulous!- but even just having the fortitude to get to Tier 3, qualify for tier 4 AND come here to look for more information, education and others' advice is so, so brave! Please pat yourself on the back for us all and know that when we say encouraging things like this- we mean every word- we have all been where you are- in the "researching" the phase. We came through it with as much info as we could stand at the time- and eventually a feeling- or change in perspective hit us. We just knew it was the right thing for us. This will happen for you too- just be open to this whole experience- it's a journey- not a destination even though that's what brings us all to the table. Just keep researching, asking tons of questions, reading, asking more questions- even when you think you're asking too many- you're not- we're here to help each other- were all at different stages of the game so we can help wherever you are in yours. You're on the right path- and as we all know- dipping our toes into a brand new pool that we don't know is intimidating! But you just keep going- keep doing what you're doing I've amassed a bunch of quotes and tips along the way because I'm always researching still [emoji849]- but my favorite has been "Courage is taking those first steps to your dream even if you can't see the path ahead" As for my story - I was always chubby- "thick" as some people told me- and just plain bigger than I needed to be- after the birth of my second child I never lost ANY weight- I was at 240 lbs and I never came back down- it was horrible! I didn't even look like myself- I didn't know who I was- this was 10 years ago. During that pregnancy I was told I had to have surgery at 20 weeks pregnant to remove what they thought was ovarian cancer- they took out my uterus with our daughter in it, removed what was left of my right ovary, tube, and a bunch of other tissue- the surgery was a success- out daughter was fine and after 4 horrible days we got the pathology back that it was "only" endometriosis- what a relief! What the surgery put me into preterm labor and I ended up on meds and bedrest for 17 1/2 weeks! Not that we counted- lol- I ended up with other major complications and toward the end my kidneys and liver kind of shut down and my body stopped making platelet- not a good scene- so we delivered at 37 1/2 weeks- she was perfect! And still is [emoji5] The problem though is that all this "trauma" left me with autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, insulin resistance, PCOS, metabolic syndrome and migraines every month-even though I was on 13 meds (!) I could not get it together- I just kept gaining and losing multiple times- I couldn't walk well and definitely couple exercise because of my fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis- it was a never ending cycle or so it seemed- I asked my PCP and he said to start looking at it more seriously- so I started the phase that you're in right now- I was desperate for answers on how to get back to a healthy weight which I hadn't been since high school (I'm 43 now)- I found the best doctor and a Center of Excellence- in the US this is like a special designation for programs of different specialties that are vey highly rated and most importantly that have passed rigorous qualifications set forth by accrediting bodies that look over medical centers, hospitals, clinics, etc- So basically, a Bariatric Center of Excellence is one that has a multidisciplinary team of at least 3 board certified bariatric surgeons, a psychologist, an exercise physiologist, nurse practitioners or physician's assistants, registered dietitians and therapists that work with patients' food issues (God knows we all have those!)- I would think in your health system they have the same types of practices though I don't know- if your practice doesn't include all of those specialties please find these specialists individually- each one of them plays a huge role in patients' successes- Hang on a sec- I have to start a new page- I've written too much at once- I'm sooooo sorry! I'll finish in a sec-

Hi Dave- I'm so happy for you that you've come so far! Not just in your weight loss- which is fabulous!- but even just having the fortitude to get to Tier 3, qualify for tier 4 AND come here to look for more information, education and others' advice is so, so brave! Please pat yourself on the back for us all and know that when we say encouraging things like this- we mean every word- we have all been where you are- in the "researching" the phase. We came through it with as much info as we could stand at the time- and eventually a feeling- or change in perspective hit us. We just knew it was the right thing for us. This will happen for you too- just be open to this whole experience- it's a journey- not a destination even though that's what brings us all to the table. Just keep researching, asking tons of questions, reading, asking more questions- even when you think you're asking too many- you're not- we're here to help each other- were all at different stages of the game so we can help wherever you are in yours. You're on the right path- and as we all know- dipping our toes into a brand new pool that we don't know is intimidating! But you just keep going- keep doing what you're doing I've amassed a bunch of quotes and tips along the way because I'm always researching still [emoji849]- but my favorite has been "Courage is taking those first steps to your dream even if you can't see the path ahead" As for my story - I was always chubby- "thick" as some people told me- and just plain bigger than I needed to be- after the birth of my second child I never lost ANY weight- I was at 240 lbs and I never came back down- it was horrible! I didn't even look like myself- I didn't know who I was- this was 10 years ago. During that pregnancy I was told I had to have surgery at 20 weeks pregnant to remove what they thought was ovarian cancer- they took out my uterus with our daughter in it, removed what was left of my right ovary, tube, and a bunch of other tissue- the surgery was a success- out daughter was fine and after 4 horrible days we got the pathology back that it was "only" endometriosis- what a relief! What the surgery put me into preterm labor and I ended up on meds and bedrest for 17 1/2 weeks! Not that we counted- lol- I ended up with other major complications and toward the end my kidneys and liver kind of shut down and my body stopped making platelet- not a good scene- so we delivered at 37 1/2 weeks- she was perfect! And still is [emoji5] The problem though is that all this "trauma" left me with autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, insulin resistance, PCOS, metabolic syndrome and migraines every month-even though I was on 13 meds (!) I could not get it together- I just kept gaining and losing multiple times- I couldn't walk well and definitely couple exercise because of my fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis- it was a never ending cycle or so it seemed- I asked my PCP and he said to start looking at it more seriously- so I started the phase that you're in right now- I was desperate for answers on how to get back to a healthy weight which I hadn't been since high school (I'm 43 now)- I found the best doctor and a Center of Excellence- in the US this is like a special designation for programs of different specialties that are vey highly rated and most importantly that have passed rigorous qualifications set forth by accrediting bodies that look over medical centers, hospitals, clinics, etc- So basically, a Bariatric Center of Excellence is one that has a multidisciplinary team of at least 3 board certified bariatric surgeons, a psychologist, an exercise physiologist, nurse practitioners or physician's assistants, registered dietitians and therapists that work with patients' food issues (God knows we all have those!)- I would think in your health system they have the same types of practices though I don't know- if your practice doesn't include all of those specialties please find these specialists individually- each one of them plays a huge role in patients' successes- Hang on a sec- I have to start a new page- I've written too much at once- I'm sooooo sorry! I'll finish in a sec-

Reversal is important to me but for a different reason. If I get very sick with my autoimmune disease again (which is what caused me to need wls ~ 7 years of daily steroid use) I may need it reversed because I will have to go back on daily steroids again. We don't think that's going to happen, but it's there if it's necessary.

in the last five years i have done a lot of research on how to reduce inflammation in the body without drugs. i have issues, but managed to reduce my reactive C protein markers down into the normal range. my MIL has lupus and my good friend has both scleroderma and fibromyalgia.. all autoimmune disorders related to abnormal inflammation in the body. PM me your email or FB info and i will send you a few things. you can also like my FB page "whole health wellness" where i post a lot of things on reducing inflammation thru natural means.

The band is so new here in the U.S. that the "failure" rate is still not yet known. Some people do gain weight back with bypass, but it looks like more and more people are having problems getting the weight off at all with the band. I have had health problems since getting my band and for the first 8 months, I wasn't even thinking that it could be the band. Now, it looks like my body is going through some autoimmune type of condition, but I don't have any of the diseases (such as lupus, etc.). My doctor thinks it might actually be the band. I am getting the band taken out and am seriously considering getting the "mini gastric bypass". This has shown to have the same weight loss as RNY and the normal bypass, but the people with the MGB seem to be keeping the weight off beyond 7 years--unlike the others. It is completely reversible and if you aren't losing enough weight, they can bypass more intestines or if you're losing too much weight, then the doctor can bypass less intestines to slow it down. I've already been to seminars on the MGB and have researched it--including speaking to about 30 people who have had the surgery (one being my neighbor). I was self pay for the band and will be for the removal and MGB, so I want to make sure that I get my money's worth this time. I did well with the band until I started getting sick. I'm curious to see if taking it out takes care of my health problems. Tricia H

Actually, I've been told by my band doctor and GI doctor that they will not recommend banding for those with autoimmune disorders. There are so many Lapband patients whose conditions flare up or who are developing them post band that they just don't see that the risk outweighs the benefits. The support groups for those with failed bands are full of people with long term problems due to their body rejecting the band.

Autoimmune disorders are not compatible with the gastric band, per Allergan's own disclaimer. The sleeve will work similarly to the band (portion control) but won't fire up your hashimoto disease. Someone said they didn't want to give up ice cream for life? I assume it was due to dumping? It's pretty unusual for a sleeve to cause dumping. It's not nearly as severe as with RNY and for most, diminishes with time.

Hiya GT!! Glad you're back and in the pink (mostly?)!! Yes, I have been intensively studying up on GI and autoimmune issues for a couple of years now. It is one of the reasons our household went gluten-free (Celiacs on both sides of our family) and, for me, entirely grain-free almost a year ago now. My husband's autoimmune symptoms have cleared up remarkably in that time, and his migraines have all but disappeared, which is great. I'm still lobbying my mother to try it, too, for her RA -- especially as her mother is Celiac. Gluten is a major cause/exacerbates leaky gut and other GI problems. It's not just a fad... I also take probiotics every day, but I tend to limit fibre intake somewhat due to it causing digestive issues (for me).

I had a high starting weight and I'm tall. Also, unlike Americans, I didn't have to do any pre-surgery program to get my insurance to pay. So I was eating whatever I wanted (till the 2 week shrink the liver diet). Anyway, I think all of these factors contributed to me losing very fast immediately after the surgery. I think it was too fast, my body went into shock, and my autoimmune disease kept flaring up. I lost a lot of hair. So much hair. My loose skin isn't great to look at either, but I do think as months pass by, it's getting a little better. The thing about rapid weight loss is that it keeps you motivated. When I was losing so fast, it was easy to stay super strict with my diet because I was seeing insane results on the scale every morning. However, my weight loss has slowed the hell down now. I have less weight to lose. The honeymoon is over. My weight loss has been particularly slow in recent months because I've had to deal with arthritis and being on prednisone (which is the devil, a steroid medication that makes you eat, eat, eat). Losing weight slowly is frustrating. I would LOVE to lose 20 more pounds (10 kg), which doesn't sound like much (at one point, I was losing that in about a fortnight). I miss rapid weight loss. I find it hard to stay motivated now too. I don't know if it's because the rate of loss is slower, or if I'm just sick of #bariatriclife. So there, that's my perspective on both!!

Hi everyone... I have fibromyalgia as well as an unidentified autoimmune disorder. I was curious if any of you who have had surgery already (who also have these issues) had any issues with flares because of the stress of the surgery?

I have always taken pretty good care of my teeth. I have an autoimmune disorder in my mouth (lichen planus) that makes it challenging at times. One thing I started doing a few years ago is getting professional cleanings 3 times a year instead of two. I think it has really made a difference in my teeth and my flareups from the LP. It costs a little bit to have it done, but because my husband has changed insurance coverage due to job changes, I've rarely had to pay for that extra cleaning. I would recommend it to anyone that has neglected tooth care for a while.