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Big Opie-- There is no shame admitting that you have low self-esteem. As such, it may feel easier to focus on the scary, dare I say, superficial aspects of weight-loss. But as someone who had high blood pressure, high cholesterol and difficult-to-control Diabetes, (I have Type I--autoimmune diabetes. Mine can't be cured) I urge you put the physical appearance aspects aside for a minute. Your body is sending you strong signals that it is breaking down and will continue to break down at your current weight. Your very life is in jeopardy. Since my surgery my cholesterol is normal, my blood pressure is normal, my insulin levels have decreased drastically, I have no more sleep apnea, no more A-fib... the list goes on. And in terms of vanity, I love being a size 8-10. I don't care if my belly will always be flabby. You can't see the flab under my clothes, bathing suits, or lingerie. This is the best decision I have ever made and I hope you make it too!
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there must be very "special" dynamics in a person's life that allows them to reach 600 pounds... not just severe food addiction with entrenched denial, but an extensive system of enablers. having worked in addiction counseling, esp working with families for many years... this isnt going to change overnight or at all without really extensive counseling and each enabler having their own recovery program. my husband's stepdad is a food addict. not 600 pounds by any stretch of the imagination... but his addictive nature of eating, omg! despite advanced liver disease, cancer treatment and high blood pressure, i have never seen him change his eating habits. but why should he when my MIL gives him whatever he demands? he wants a pizza or huge fish fry when his liver enzymes are sky high? she runs right out and gets it. doc says low fat food to rest the liver? nope, she runs off to get him ribs and cheese dip at the store... not saying its her fault he's food addicted, but until she learns to not enable him, his incentive to change remains low. the family is a system and while one can change without the rest, its really really hard, nearly impossible. when my FIL dies, my MIL might look at her codependent behavior, but probably not. the worst thing is, she has chronic autoimmune disorder that causes her lots of pain when she eats poorly. so she is in pain every day because of her inability to say no. she is as ill as he is, maybe more so.
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Old-Timers (3+ Years Banded) Recommitting To The Bandster Lifestyle
elcee replied to lellow's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
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. -
Hi December buddies! I had my gastric sleeve on this past Tuesday, December 15. Everything went really well with the surgery, but I wanted to give you a heads up about recovery. If you have Fibro, or any autoimmune disease, please make sure anesthesiologist takes this into account - so that they can offset any potential flares. I have had several surgeries under general in the past, and never had a reaction like this one. Don't want to scare you - but if I can save someone the agony I went through I'd like to. The side effects were an extremely painful recovery in the neck & shoulders waking up from surgery, a longer than normal time in post-op to try to calm my spasms, spasms throughout my calves. The day in the hospital was fine, as long as I was on Tramadol, but once I got home, and the meds wore off, the pain became excruciating - all the large muscle groups, extremities, joints both hurt and were on fire. The surgeon's office said since it was extremities it wasn't related to the surgery, and go to the ER, or my doctor who treats my other conditions. I went to my doctor, since he knows my other conditions. He gave me Gabapentin and a cream form of Voltaren; I am also on Flexeril normally. And I started a course of Methylprednisone for the inflammation. Today I woke up feeling better, and have gotten progressively better throughout the day. The pain was in the back of the thighs, the front of the thighs, the shoulders, forearms and biceps and triceps and shoulder joints and ribs. I couldn't cough the surgery fluid up, and it was actually terrifying to be in so much pain, I have never experienced like this before. Funny enough, my surgery site, and tummy - they were all great! Sitting in the shower under the warm water helped, but only as long as I was there. I needed a stepstool to get into my bed, and had walk excruciatingly slow. When I woke up, the burning would be there and I would have to pull really hard, as I cried, to try to lift a leg, turn over, or push myself up. Again, I don't want to scare anyone, but if you have any underlying condition where you are prone to inflammation (autoimmune) or fibro (mixed signals and flares), talk to your anethesiologist in advance, and make sure you have the proper meds going home. That said, I am great 3 days out, have lost 8 pounds, and am so excited to be on this journey to a healthier me, for me. My surgeon was great, and I am so blessed. Good luck to each of you! #fibromyalgia, #lupus, #autoimmune, #recovery
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Surgery Is Monday And I Almost Backed Out Today
finsmama posted a topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Hi, All, I just joined the forum. I am scheduled to have lap band surgery on Monday, but almost backed out today at my preop visit. I stumbled upon some facebook groups that had members that were very against lapband. I decided in the beginning that I didn't want to have RNY because I don't want to have parts of my stomach/intestines removed/rerouted. I have about 80 lb to lose. The before-mentioned groups strongly tried to convince me not to go through with it. They listed issues such as fibromyalgia, autoimmune problems, arthritis, etc, as complications. I don't want to fix one problem in my life, only to cause a whole slew of other problems, possibly much worse. At my preop visit today, I wanted to bring this up with my MD, but she was in a hurry and I kind of chickened out. So, I decided, screw FB, I am heading to the web to search more positive groups. Does anyone have any comments to my fears? I would really appreciate any/all comments. Thanks in advance! -
April 2019 Surgeries!
KateBruin replied to CajunSam's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Finally lost a little fluid but I am still retaining. It’s a no pants party in my house cause pants make my sensitive skin feel worse and my incisions still hurt. I’m usually healed by now so I’m guessing it’s autoimmune related. Weighed myself...I actually forget what I was at surgery (205ish) but I’m officially out of the 200s and at 199. I got the surgery for GERD so my doctor didn’t expect me to lose much but I do need to get down to about 150-160. Dying for some real food. I’ve snuck a slice of cheese here and there. I take all my meds as small pills or capsules. Lots of googling told me capsules dissolve with just water so they don’t need a ton of stomach acid. I tried opening them into apple sauce and basically wanted to die. So I just take 12 capsules and a pill or two over the course of about an hour. I coughed up some of the capsule today and it was disgusting but otherwise it’s a success. GERD is essentially gone. I hiccup quite a bit and that’s a mild symptom but no real acid except some of one of my pills earlier. -
If there was a Class Action Lawsuit against the band....
Nychkole2 replied to Nursebarbie's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I would participate in a lawsuit because I had many of the same complications as others, and then some. After having the band in for more than 10 years, I began having symptoms similar to lupus, and the doctors could not figure out why this was happening to me. I had a full blown autoimmune response where my body began attacking itself. It pushed me into Grave's disease and almost a thyroid storm. I had pain in my body all day, and it would wake me up out of my sleep at night. I was taking pain medication round the clock...and all of this ON TOP OF THE "USUAL" complications. I had the lap band removed, sleeve gastrectomy, and hiatal hernia repair on 8/5/14, and I haven't had to take my pain medication or sleeping pills since then. The sad part is, after surgery, my surgeon told me that it was a good thing they went in and did this surgery right when they did because everything was much worse than he anticipated. Those complications were NEVER explained to me, and frankly I am pissed that I went through so much with this. That was NOT what I signed up for. And yes I've done my homework, and I'm well versed in the medical field (I'm a nurse), so I knew my stuff before I got on the table the first time. What happened to me wasn't ever a disclaimer. -
What Do You Find Most Freeing About WLS?
ocgirl15 replied to Alex Brecher's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
WLS... Has been epic.... I am free to move, not be in pain, wear shorts and a bathing suit .....not just because I am thinner but because my psoriasis has cleared. That is a big one .... freer from autoimmune disease!! Free from PCOS. I am free from the hungry monster. Free from food controlling my life. Free from being self conscience about being fat. Free from being a wallflower... I could go on and on and there is no way I pick just one!- 18 replies
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I'm so COLD!
Born in Missouri replied to Separ1418's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I forgot that I posted this so I had to read what I found out to re-educate myself. I guess I've lost more than just weight... plenty of brain/memory cells as well. I also have an autoimmune thyroid condition called Hashimoto's thryoiditis. It's hereditary. My point is, having an out-of-whack thyroid tends to interfere with one's tolerance for cold and heat. I tend to have a problem with heat more than cold, but after losing close to 100lbs, I'm having a problem with cold more often now. That said, I'm not interested in regaining those 100lbs so I can be warm again! -
Everyone: What was your turning point in your life that made you decide the wls route?
Alytastical replied to xoxococojay's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I have been overweight for as long as I could remember. Like most of us here, I would go on crazy diets, or severely restricting diets and lose some weight, but I would get sick and then fall back into old habits. Every time I would work out and get into a good pattern, I would end up sick as well. I had an extremely hard time giving birth with my son and had Hellp syndrome. Finally, I lost all the weight from that and was under 200 pounds for the first time in 10 years. I started to get chest pains and was told to stop exercising until they figured it out. The weight crept back on even though I was eating in moderation. Finally, they determined nothing was wrong with my heart. The past time, I joined the Y and I ended up in the hospital with pleurisy. They gave me dilaudid for the pain and it caused a vasovagal reaction and I went into cardiac arrest and died for 3 minutes. I found out through this experience that I have lupus, hashimotos thyroiditis, and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. Pretty much a syndrome of autoimmune diseases. I was told that I would never be able to lose the amount of weight that I needed to naturally. So weight loss surgery was suggested and I got into a great program that takes it very seriously and considers it a lifelong lifestyle change. I read a lot of books and blogs and vlogs and posts on here. Finally, while I know due to my thyroid I may never hit my goal weight, I will be a lot healthier and my joints will feel a lot better. Surgery is tomorrow and I am so excited to start this new journey.- 52 replies
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Whats the longest any of you have heard of someone having the band without complication?
☠carolinagirl☠ replied to LesIsMore's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
from: https://www.lapband.com/ Important LAP-BAND® System Safety Information Indications: The LAP-BAND® System is indicated for weight reduction for patients with obesity, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40 kg/m2 or a BMI of at least 30 kg/m2 with one or more obesity-related comorbid conditions. It is indicated for use only in adult patients who have failed more conservative weight reduction alternatives, such as supervised diet, exercise and behavior modification programs. Patients who elect to have this surgery must make the commitment to accept significant changes in their eating habits for the rest of their lives. Contraindications: The LAP-BAND® System is not recommended for non-adult patients, patients with conditions that may make them poor surgical candidates or increase the risk of poor results (e.g., inflammatory or cardiopulmonary diseases, GI conditions, symptoms or family history of autoimmune disease, cirrhosis), who are unwilling or unable to comply with the required dietary restrictions, who have alcohol or drug addictions, or who currently are or may be pregnant. Warnings: The LAP-BAND® System is a long-term implant. Explant and replacement surgery may be required. Patients who become pregnant or severely ill, or who require more extensive nutrition may require deflation of their bands. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, should be used with caution and may contribute to an increased risk of band erosion. Adverse Events: Placement of the LAP-BAND® System is major surgery and, as with any surgery, death can occur. Possible complications include the risks associated with the medications and methods used during surgery, the risks associated with any surgical procedure, and the patient's ability to tolerate a foreign object implanted in the body. Band slippage, erosion and deflation, reflux, obstruction of the stomach, dilation of the esophagus, infection, or nausea and vomiting may occur. Reoperation may be required. Rapid weight loss may result in complications that may require additional surgery. Deflation of the band may alleviate excessively rapid weight loss or esophageal dilation. Important: For full safety information please visit www.lapband.com, talk with your doctor, or call Allergan Product Support at 1-800-624-4261. -
Anne, last night I stayed on line chatting with Penni till I went to bed. I was actually able to eat a yummy salad for dinner, and I chewed really well, then I didn't eat for the rest of the night. So once again, I have one really good band-day under my belt. Yesterday was kind of hard at night. Once we get into the binge cycle, it's hard to stop. Last week I made a committment to call someone every night. My phone bill is gonna be huge, but it kept me from eating. I have a confession that I've talked about before, but I drink too much on the weekends, either on Friday or Saturday night. I've been contemplating going to AA to quit altogether, but something's been holding me back. I really enjoy going out to party, and we only live once, and I'm not getting any younger. It's not like I'll be hitting the dance floor at my local bar in another decade, so I suddenly came up with a plan. Geeze, it's so simple that I can't believe I thought of it before. I'm allowing myself a 3 drink minimum per weekend.. Why quit when I only drink a couple times a month? It's just one more thing I really don't want to give up. I drink responsibly - I never drive, I don't go to dangerous places, and I'm careful with my money. The goofiest thing is that this is something I can live with, but it just never occured to me that I can place a limit on myself instead of quitting. Getting the band was enough for me. I'm not allowed to smoke because I have an autoimmune disease that affects my lungs, I'm not allowed to binge, I don't do drugs. Hell, I even gave up getting my nails and lawn done so I can pay for the band. So there, I said it. I'm a lush! But wooo hoo for me, no more feeling bad about it because I'm a party girl and I know it! And as far as the extra calories, I always drink double my daily water before going out, I walk extra, and I dance a lot. Plus I skip dinner and just pick at some of Chris's food. I think this is gonna be a good end of 2004 for all of us... I kinda feel it in the air. Anne, hang in there. A fill does us no good if we can't control our binges (I'm a living example.) I'm doing whatever it takes to quit binging... one little day at a time. I DID IT, I have one good day again! And I decided that only posting my weight once a month isn't enough. Weekly is too much. I'm gonna post today - maybe posting my weight twice a month will be my sweet spot! Rock on, everyone!
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Complex Health Issues & Physical Limitations
Midwest Grateful posted a topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hi everyone. I appreciate learning from your shared experiences. I'm a 62-year-young grandma with a zest for life. I joined here 2+ years ago, but initially ruled out WLS. Over the past two years my health has declined surprisingly, becoming complex with several new diagnoses, including: 1. A rare and progressive neurological disorder (misdiagnosed for years). - I'm told my nerve fibers will not replenish, thus my muscles (legs, especially) will continue to weaken. I'm also told I should be realistic about my physical limitations as my level of exercise isn't expected to improve post surgery. I am realistic, but I'm always hopeful. My exercise level currently consists of short distance walking (1-3 blocks) every other day as tolerated and on opposite days 10 minutes on a recumbent cross-trainer (NuStep). 2. Autoimmune issues have been resistant to stronger meds intended to cut inflammation, which also progresses my neurological disorder. 3. It was the diagnosis of liver disease (fibrosis stage 3) in January that led me to move forward with WLS. I am scheduled for the sleeve in late July. Can any of you relate to having similar health issues with WLS, especially nearing the golden years? Or did less-than-optimal exercise levels hinder weight loss (losing less than expected)? I'm praying the surgery will jolt my nerves to replenish at least somewhat and exceed expectations. We'll see. Thanks for your time! (Feel free to message me privately.) -
Sleeve or Lap Band? Scared of making wrong choice!
blondebomb replied to KS123's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
for me and the surgeon it was a no brainer ...with meds I take for autoimmune diseases and 2 of my specialist both suggested best for me would be the sleeve. and neither of these dr's had spoken to each other about me they dont even know each other but I seen them both in 1 wk an ironically they both referred me to surgeon for sleeve. theres no organ switching an less absortion problems. so I went with the sleeve surgeon backed me up he had been doing these ever since this procedure come about . eat slow, small bites, no drinking during eating first 4 months I did good to get in 3 or 4 bites a setting. now I am 8 months PO over 100 pds down an this has been the best thing I ever done for myself! the sleeve is less evasive . I do have a good friend who had bypass 8 yrs ago shes alot older then me an she did great as well. her health was a little differant then mine. do your research. it was easy on my part I trust my specialist they have always steered me in the right direction (my internist an endo that is)..best wishes! keep us posted.. -
After 2-mos hiatus from the gym my endurance is zero and my legs hurt. Advice, please!
My Bariatric Life replied to My Bariatric Life's topic in Fitness & Exercise
at least your's was for a legitimate reason. i was just stupid! although now i am being told that it may be an autoimmune response and i am swollen with Water. that i should restrict what i eat even more by removing almonds, eggs, and nightshade veggies. ugh. -
Low grade fevers start after eating, not sure why?
Brandy36 replied to Brandy36's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Hi Miss M, Actually in the first few years after my RNY I had a couple bouts of hypoglycemea so am familiar with how it feels and it is not the same but had considered that prior too. I think I need to look into autoimmune disorders and the relationship to the gut and RNY etc...thanks, Brandy. -
As A Bander, What Is Your Opinion Of The Sleeve? Would You Get It?
Jean McMillan replied to txdee's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
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. -
Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery "cure" diabetes?
luvinitcuzican replied to MINI-Me's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I am new and would like to comment on this thread as maybe my first. I have been a diabetic for 31 years. I attended in 31 years over 150 classes and seminars on diabetes. I have done thousands of hours of research on my disease. I have been involved with the ADA for 20 plus years. I am involved to the highest level with my disease. I keep up on R and D on my disease and the lastest and greatest research, including stem cell, pancrease transplant, pumps, and outside pancreae variations. This just a bit of my knowledge on my disease. I am a type 1 insulin dependent juveniile diabetic. The reason it is primarally called juvenille is because this is the time that this autoimmune disease is triggered...during the baby, child or young child age. I became diabetic at age 10. The type of diabetes I have is an autoimmune disease. I will never ever again produce insulin...period. I became a diabetic through that process and my pancrease does not nor will it ever again produce insulin. My body's cells attacked it. Now that being said, type 2 diabetes is different. Some people develop this form by various ways and to different levels. Example, excees weight, age, other diseases or illnesses not allowing pancrease to work well. The key here is that it does still produce insulin, although to different variations. Now that being said....these forms of diabetes are completely different and should not both be called diabetes, in my opinion. There are way to many variations, and circumstances for type 2er's. Type 1's do not have ANY variations they do not nor will they ever produce insulin. Now that being said..can both develop insulin resistance...yes. Reason because eithier natural or synthetic we all need insulin or we will die..this is a different issue. Can every type 2 have a possibility that they will be cured...yes most definately. Can every type 1 juvenille have a possibility that they will be cured...NO. It will not ever happen. That is a scientific fact not my opinion or a guess. Hope this helps and by all means if you have questions I am happy to answer. -
What is your favorite - Insanity, p90x or an alternative
Globetrotter replied to Fiddleman's topic in Fitness & Exercise
I did Insanity 5x a week because I am in a deployed environment and that is all I could do as my schedule allowed. Also, as Fiddle will attest, my eating plan was flawless, as I am battling an autoimmune disease and must eat clean for reasons beyond weight loss. I did not gain on Insanity, but I did not lose, not one ounce. Liifting however, within the first week of heavy lifting I lost 6 pounds. -
Broth recommendations? Not a fan of it
tahoegirl96118 replied to Imanewme's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Oh my gosh.....Costco has the best bone broth ever! It's got some "volume" to it. Almost like sipping a thin gravy. So yummy and full of protein and very satisfying. I bring it to work and my boss, who weighs 140 soaking wet, can't keep her hands off of it. I had to postpone my surgery in December 2017 because I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease a month before my surgery and needed to get that under control first. I'm back on schedule for surgery in October and working pre and post op meal into my daily routine. Bone broth has been a lifesaver. Try a few different brands to find the one that works best for you. Good luck -
We hadn't given the issue much thought when our son was born until a friend of ours, who we respect and who is an MD, told us that his children weren't vaccinated. We decided to hold off on getting our baby done until we had researched the whole thing. I have to admit that at first I was scared to even consider not vaccinating. There was a whole fear mentality out there and it was really difficult at first, to overcome that and look at things without the big emotional charge. After much research, we decided that we weren't convinced that vaccines were safe or effective. We also felt that they may interfere with the development of our baby's immune system and indeed may possibly an assault on it. I have to say that after what we learned, the decision was an easy one. I am in health care and was asked to give vaccine awareness workshops for several years in the early and mid '90's. I'm sure there is new information out there that I'm not aware of as I haven't been actively involved in the issue for some time. I do know three families who have brain damaged children after they developed central nervous system irritation and massive seizures after vaccination. I know three families who associate the onset of their child's autism with vaccination. I also have one friend whose autistic child was never vaccinated. When I dug into the statistics for the outbreaks of whooping cough that occasionally broke out in our area, I discovered that of those that had it, 40 to 60% had been vaccinated. Also, I suspect that the apparent increase in autoimmune disorders may be linked to early childhood vaccinations. I hope I'm wrong about this. Our son is almost 16 now, and he may decide to get vaccinated some day. I would feel a lot better about him doing it now than as a baby. What I hope for is that parents make an informed choice, whichever way they choose. We all want to do what we believe is best for our children.
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Welcome to the forums, Is it possible you have some sort of bug? Your symptoms sound like my version of the flu. Dry heaves are my version of throwing up. The other symptoms fit. Could also be symptoms of some autoimmune things, but I'd go with bug initially. It may just run it's course over 7-10 days. I'm not a doctor, just a voice on the interwebs, so follow your Doc's advice. If you not happy, keep pushing, be your own advocate. Good luck, Tek
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auto immune disorders and the sleeve
QueenCityGal replied to akarigger's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Regarding AI diseases... anyone have autoimmune thyroid (Hashimoto's)? I have a thyroid that just doesn't work, even with meds and normal TSH/T4 levels. I've also got bad Sjogrens. Both AI's are sending super high antibodies throughout my system causing me extreme pain and inflammation all the time. It's been very hard for me to lose weight on my own, hence I'm in the process of getting surgery scheduled. I'm worried that with such an underactive thyroid, I won't be able to lose even with the sleeve. I'm only on 1300-1500 cals a day now as it is. My surgeon has said that this operation tends to "kick-start" a bad metabolism. I've read that this has most often been the case with many people. I realize every body is different, so I guess I'll either bail or take my chances and go through with it... thoughts anyone? Thanks! -
I Definitely Regret Surgery.... So Far!
peacequeen replied to jasleeve's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
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) -
Newbie looking for Oct sleevers!
Kathy812 replied to Marielbx's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
@@stephh, I I have an under active thyroid which unfortunately does not go away. It is an autoimmune disease & difficulty Losing weight is one of the unfortunate symptoms. Prior to surgery, my surgeon tested my metabolism. Thankfully, he confirmed that even though the weight loss may be slow, It is definately doable. By the way, thanks for the kind words & words of encouragement.
