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Anyone have autoimmune issues & have the LapBand?
Ysturner posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Thx for allowing me to join. I had surgery 2014 @200lb. Today, 5yrs later, weighing in 50 HEAVIER than surgery date. I have MANY autoimmune diseases-no cure, but steroids are used to get under control. One of the diseases actually attacks my thyroid gland, causing hypothyroidism (Hashimoto Disease). Has anyone else had this crazy roller coaster ride?!? Besides loosing my sanity, I’m about to give up on losing anymore. I eat VERY healthy, but I had to STOP walking bc the bones & joints in my feet are wearing down and breaking down. Autoimmune diseases are just the opposite of a healthy immune system. Healthy-immune system attacks any bacteria, infections and destroys it. Autoimmune-My immune system is wired backwards-immune system sees HEALTHY tissue/organs as “bad stuff” and attacks healthy tissue/organs instead. (Heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, bladder, skin, hair, stomach, etc.) Any pointers from anyone with autoimmune diseases also trying to get back to a healthy weight? I have refused to take anymore steroids period. I’m afraid the damage is done to my cervical & lumbar spine as well as the thyroid. Trying to regulate thyroid w/meds for over 5yrs. I’m desperate and need LOTS OF PRAYER. I’m so tired of being tired & frumpy as well as sick all the time. Plz help😩 -
I just had mine. It was pretty lame. Asked why I wanted surgery, I explained about my psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia and my autoimmune issues. He saw my list of meds... said you take a lot of medications. I said yes that’s why I need this surgery. Asked about family supporting me, asked about depression, if abused or was ever in an abusive relationship. Asked if financial hardships, ever think or attempt suicide. Done in 15 minutes.
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CPAP Compliance- possibly switch Surgeons
Midnightsun posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi, I am set to have sleeve surgery 7/8/19. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea through the pre testing. It is moderate I believe. I am told the surgeon will not do surgery unless you comply with the cpap for a month prior to surgery. I have psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia so when I put the nose pillows on they irritate me as well as the face straps, I also move a lot with the arthritis pains and I am finding it near impossible to wear it. When I do manage to sleep with it on I wake up an hour later feeling like I am drowning or something. I don’t want to miss out on surgery but I cannot do this. I have a message for surgeon to call me but the assistant on the phone was pretty rude about compliance. Do you know of alternatives or if I can switch to a different surgeon and not lose my 2 months into this program? Feeling stuck. I am 5’3 and 201 at 53 years old. I need this for my autoimmune issues and hate to lose it. -
Was thinking. I had the endoscopy and it showed some gastritis. Surgeon suggested to come of my arthritis meds. Now I am in so much pain, stiff and joints locking up. Now if I get the Gastric Sleeve I will have a smaller stomach so it maybe easy to damage by taking any arthrites meds. My arthrites could be real bad in July seeing an rheumatologist, then only solution is going be an inflammatory, which can't take. Should I just forget surgery and feel no pain and irritate stomach because need take arthrites meds. Not sure what is best for my health. I know if lose weight won't be as bad on my joints. Any ideals what to do? Does anyone have arthritis or do you autoimmune disease or both? Did you have surgery how are you doing? Sent from my LM-Q710(FGN) using BariatricPal mobile app
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What was your comorbidity(s)?
debra102364 replied to Goal_Digger's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I think different insurance companies require different comorbites. Mine requires none if your over 40bmi but if your under you must be above 35bmi and at least 1 of the comorbites. I have high bp, overactive bladder, arthrites and high cholesterol and possibly autoimmune condition. So I hope that one of them will work. You can Google your insurance and bastric sugery and it should show which comorbites they are asking for as a requirement for your surgery. We got this, hang in there. Get as much info you can get then you will know what to expect and maybe even be a voice in the whole process. -
Long term ( 20 years ) and developing autoimmune symptoms?
supernurse3469 replied to Eveband's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I had my band placed in 2005. In 2009 i was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis which is an autoimmune disease. I have never been able to get my thyroid regulated completely. Finally a month ago I saw an endocrinologist who told me that the band was probably causing absorption issues. I am having my band removed next month. -
Some post op questions.
LaLaDee replied to Teri B's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
It's really difficult to predict how anyone's body will respond and heal. My surgeon told me about a patient of his who went back to work the day after his surgery (I took 2 weeks off - I had a terrible reaction to the anaesthesia and my blood pressure went crazy). You should probably be feeling OK a month after surgery. For me, it was longer. I wouldn't say that I felt "weak", the problem I was having was the weird stomach sensation/kinda like heartburn. I used to get dizzy if I stood up too quickly, but it passed very fast. My periods got weird, I did end up triggering a huge autoimmune condition and was very, very ill (I don't know of anyone who went through this, I'm not trying to freak you out). Even with all that, I managed to survive a demanding job. You find that you will just do what you have to. Honestly, you never know what you are capable of. Just keep going! I would be vigilant about hitting your protein targets to keep your energy levels up. Also stick with the water and the vitamins. In terms of clothing, that's also very difficult to predict. If you start at a very, very high weight then it actually takes a little while to get down to the next size but once your weight is lower, then you might be changing sizes every month. It also depends on your body type, where you hold the weight and how you lose the weight. Weight loss is not linear (there will be stalls), so you may be stuck on one dress size for four months and then race through 2 dress sizes in a month. For that reason, I would avoid "stocking up". You may have kept a special pair of skinny jeans or aspirational dress for years, but find out that by the time you try it on, it won't fit. Or it only fits for a week. It doesn't take long to order a few things online every month if you have the budget. Otherwise, check out discount and second hand stores. Clothes are so cheap these days. You will be fine! If I were you, I would focus on the positives. Get excited, you're about to change your life! If you go in with a positive mindset, the journey is a lot easier! It's very normal to feel anxious, but these forums don't always reflect how awesome things will be! -
Long term ( 20 years ) and developing autoimmune symptoms?
Healthy_life2 replied to Eveband's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26906303 I’m sorry you are going through these health issues. I may be wrong. I’m not a trusting person. Can you find a surgeon that is not part of your bariatric program to diagnose if the two are related? I am concerned that your surgeon’s office may be worried about liability issues. Side note: Breast implants have the same connection to autoimmune issues. This was posted by the US national Library of medicine J Clin Rheumatol. 2016 Mar;22(2):89-91. doi: 10.1097/RHU.0000000000000363. Is Bariatric Surgery a Trigger Factor for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases? Cañas CA1, Echeverri AF, Ospina FE, Suso JP, Agualimpia A, Echeverri A, Bonilla-Abadía F, Tobón GJ. Author information Abstract Bariatric procedures are an effective option for weight loss and control of comorbidities in obese patients. Obesity is a proinflammatory condition in which some cytokines such as leptin, a proinflammatory protein, is elevated and adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory protein, is decreased. In patients undergoing weight reduction surgeries, these hormone levels behave paradoxically. It is not known whether bariatric surgery protects against development of autoinflammatory or autoimmune conditions; nevertheless, changes occurring in the immune system are incompletely understood. In this case series, we describe 4 patients undergoing bariatric surgery, who subsequently developed systemic autoimmune diseases. Patients in our case series were asymptomatic before surgery and developed an autoimmune disease within 11.2 months. Two women fulfilled criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (one associated with antiphospholipid syndrome), and 2 men developed rheumatoid arthritis. A causal relationship is difficult to establish because factors that could trigger these diseases are multiple, including genetic susceptibility, time elapsed until achievement of ideal weight, and vitamin deficiencies, among others. However, clinicians must be attentive to this possible association. -
Long term ( 20 years ) and developing autoimmune symptoms?
Eveband posted a topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I have had my band for almost 20 years. Aside from a port replacement 6 years ago, I have been very happy. i reached my goal weight , all good. about a year ago I developed odd neurological/ autoimmune symptoms. Vision, dizzy , tired, confusion, rash etc then two weeks ago, my band slipped, I had gained about 15 pounds in the last 6 months. After 7 days of total restriction ( no food or water getting through) my port was removed in by emergency surgery, the band will be removed in a week or two. My question is , are the two issues related ? I have been to many docs about my neuro / immune symptoms and they are baffled . It seems so odd my band would do this at the same time ? -
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. -
What meds can I take post op?!
KateBruin replied to jazzyj13's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My doctor made a very strong point to stop for several months while everything heals. I have ankylosing spondylitis and hashis so I need it for my joints (humira too). Humira I’ll have to give up for a month total so I can heal without infection. I’m willing to suffer a little to make sure I don’t get an ulcer. I need a second shoulder repair 8 or so weeks after my sleeve to bypass but I’d rather be in pain that have an ulcer (wine is life 😆). I suffered for years not realizing my pain was autoimmune arthritis so I’m hoping I can manage it with Tylenol, lidocaine patches, topical NSAIDS. They’re much safer and approved by my surgeon (check them out! I get pennsaid that is brand name but there’s generic versions). I’ll end up in more pain after my next shoulder reconstruction without mobic/meloxicam but I survived one of the most demanding degrees at UCLA and law school pre diagnosis (not bragging!) so I hope I can do it again. I can handle shoulder and joint pain via PT but not a damn ulcer! -
Mine started with the sleeve after several months. My brush fills every couple days and clumps come out in the shower. I’m a year and a half post op but I’ve had complications so I’m a little malnourished plus I have autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. Just adding those facts so you don’t think the hair loss has to last as long as mine. Hair has thinned but luckily no bald spots *crosses fingers*
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Surgery went well. I have very little pain. No nausea. I had a problem coming out of anesthesia but I was told I might have a autoimmune disorder I have to go for testing 3/25 with my dr. But as for the surgery everything went great and I feel great. Went shopping today for a birthday party I have this weekend.
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I have Hashimoto's (autoimmune thyroiditis). I'm terrified to move forward with getting a sleeve for fear that I might have a severe inflammatory reaction to the titanium staples.
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I love IF. I use it for weight loss (4 years post/currently 15 lbs over my lowest) and to calm my autoimmune woes...also improves sleep quality. I do 16/8...about 1200 calories daily.
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Pouch Rules for Dummies - Found this to be interesting
Starry*Night replied to shoregirl75's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Same! I wanted to be able to exercise more - I have an autoimmune condition that is helped by exercise, so being able to exercise is really important for me! I love my indoor cycle - sometimes it feels tedious but it always feels amazing when I'm done. I've actually started entering virtual races so I can complete mileage goals from my home and get a medal lol. For me it's really motivating. This month's goal is to get over 200 miles! Funny cause I never thought I'd enjoy fitness as a hobby and something I look forward to every day, but I do! -
You are very welcome! I've been there, so I'm happy to help. Even WITH insurance coverage, I am on a med for an autoimmune disorder that would cost $2300 a WEEK if it wasn't for patient assistance. Now it's $5/month. ~SW: 278 CW: 165~ RNY 1/5/2005 "What got you here won't get you there."
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3mo post op labs showing high vitamin levels and above normal liver enzymes
Born in Missouri replied to annaisbananas's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My Vit B12 was so high that it was out of the highest range possible. I'm talking in the thousands plus. My doctor, to my surprise, laughed. I took that to mean it wasn't the end of the world. She suggested that I take my B12 once or twice a week instead of every day. I showed my sons my results, too (they are both medical doctors) and they told me not to be alarmed either. At 6mos I am slightly anemic as well, but even then, I was told not to be overly concerned. Eat meat. Don't forget to down my iron. Take your vitamins as directed and it will be okay. I wouldn't say this if I hadn't experienced the same feelings as you did. While it is possible to overdo the fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), your water soluble vitamins (B and C vitamins) just pass in your urine. It actually takes a long time to get to genuine danger levels. I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis (an autoimmune disorder). Perhaps you have an undiagnosed thyroid condition. Hypothyroidism is extremely common and is easily treated with medication. Write to me privately if you want to talk more or if you'd like me to ask one of my sons about any specific lab results. (Not a substitute for your own doctor... just an offer to perhaps ease your mind until you can see someone.) -
Smoking marijuana after rny, can we do it?
CharlotteWebb replied to LovelyLessy808's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Gummies are great. I have tea infused with CBD EVERY MORNING! I have multiple autoimmune diseases that cause insane inflammation. The Tea seems to keep it at bay but also makes me come alive in the morning. Sent from my LM-V405 using BariatricPal mobile app -
Oklahomans having Gastric sleeve this December?
Schnauzer3 replied to Schnauzer3's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hello! thank you so much for contacting me! It went well. I am walking a lot, trying valiantly o keep up with the water & protein protocols, sip by sip! I am learning to follow the hour-by-hour meal and H2O planning I did wit the Dietician, so I get everything, otherwise , a lot of the day goes by and I am H2o behind, is that common at tis stage? I am a fast learner, and am in this to improve my health, so I learn more each day. Again, thank you so much for contacting me - any words of wisdom or advice? eliz I have Sjogren's and Psoriatic Arthritis, two autoimmune disease, which, along with their treatment, leave me immunocompromised. I am on ENBREL for te situation, which helps. But due to surgery, they held the med for two weeks prior, to my surgery -which got bumped a week, and now I am two weeks out, hence I am a month without Enbrel. Long story sort, I am always in pretty bad pain, unrelated to my surgery. On Monday I see my Ruematologist, she will evaluate me and probably restart the meds. Yippee! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Eliz -
November 2018 Sleevers!?!?
Starry*Night replied to Sealeafi's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Since surgery on 11/26 (23 days) I've lost 11 lbs. I went through a 2 week stall though, so I try not to think of it post surgery. I started trying to lose weight on 10/17 and since then I've lost 32 lbs - that's 16 lbs a month, which I'm ecstatic about! Biggest change I've noticed is that hygiene is easier (I have an autoimmune condition that gives me a lot of back inflammation, but changing my diet has helped that tremendously) - I can twist easier. Majorly life changing. Also, even drained from surgery, I notice more energy when I'm running errands AND - I have more energy to clean my house! It actually feels fun/rewarding now instead of feeling painful and like a chore 😊 -
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! -
Post Op depression/Struggle with meds
Born in Missouri replied to Athira's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Does your Mother, by chance, have to take methimazole (three times per day)? If so, it's probably the frequency that makes it difficult for her. Have you tried adding her meds to her food? I'm sure you've tried everything, so I apologize if I'm asking dumb questions. Sometimes when a person has a problem taking meds, there is some anxiety associated with the feeling that they will throw up or worse, whatever worse is. What if you try adding it to her food without her knowing? Maybe, psychologically, she's making matters worse by thinking that she'll be unable to keep her meds down. It's an old trick but it might work. I was never able to get down my recommended fluid or protein. Not even close to optimal. I know some people advise others to force down their fluids and protein no matter what. Be tough on yourself, big-girl panties, and all that. I disagree. Listen to your body; it's talking to you. It's trying. You can only do what you can do. It takes months before malnutrition kicks in. Your Mother will be fine. I'd concentrate on trying to get her meds down and worry less about the fluid and protein. I had an abysmal time with my fluid/protein intake, yet when my 3-month labs came back post-bypass, I aced them. My visit to my endocrinologist last week (I have the autoimmune thyroid condition known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis), also revealed stellar lab results. Excellent A1C, excellent blood pressure... and no meds for either anymore. I also take anti-depressants. I was lucky, I guess, since I could down any size pill immediately after my surgery. Horse pill size, no problem. Even several at once. I think I'm rambling here, moving from one topic question to the next without making any sense. Your Mother's experience with suddenly thinking everything tastes too sweet, etc is extremely common. Post-surgery most everything smells and tastes differently. I'm still noticing this at 5 months out. My main point is: continue to support your Mother by NOT contributing to the chorus of other people telling her that she needs to do this or that and if she doesn't do it "right" then she's a failure. Posting this comment on behalf of your Mother says a lot about you. She's lucky to have you in her corner. Keep helping her by reminding her that her body will sort things out (eventually). She's healing. Keep being positive even when she's struggling. And keep us posted! We care about you and your Mother. -
Elevated Liver Enzymes - 1 year 4 months post op
lynmar posted a topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Hi everyone! I am doing some of my own research on this and will also go back to my doctors with the same questions, but wanted to throw it out here as well. I have always had slightly elevated liver enzymes, but the last 4-6 months, they keep elevating every time they do labs. I am now seeing a hepatologist and she is testing liver enzymes every 2 weeks to keep a close eye on them and may end up doing a liver biopsy if this continues. Has anyone else here experienced this over a year after surgery? I don't even know if it has anything to do with surgery as I also have some autoimmune issues going on. Could it have something to do with increased protein intake after surgery? I use a lot of protein shakes and mixes as I do not eat meat and try to make sure I am supplementing my diet with enough protein, but don't use more than has been recommended by my doctor, so I'm not overdosing on proteins. Does using soy or whey protein make a difference? Any input from any of your experience would sure be appreciated. -
I'm doing the Bariatric Fusion Multivitamin and Mineral Supplements (4/day), a sublingual B12 a couple of times a week (also Bariatric Fusion brand right now, but I have one of the more standard vitamin brands, Nature Made, for when those are finished), and now that winter's coming uphere I will add in a vitamin D3 a few times a week (D3 is a bit more absorbable than D2; conveniently, I have a bottle of Nature Made vitamin D pills in my cabinet! and they are small!) and some fish oil, when I have permission to add that. (I'm off blood thinners, so I could add them now, but they come in really large caplet form, meaning I'd probably have to break them open. So. I'll wait and not taste the fish oil, if it's all the same.) Since I'm supposed to go back on methotrexate any day now (read: two weeks ago, but I am afraid of what it'll do to my poor stomach), I'll add folic acid tablets when I do that, as well. But it seems like nobody besides autoimmune patients and pregnant people need to supplement that, so ... probably don't? How long after surgery were you able to take the one-a-day vitamins, @Kay07? I don't mind the chewables I'm taking now, but 1) I have an unfinished bottle of one-a-days, and 2) one theory as to why so many bariatric patients end up having tooth problems is our reliance on chewable vitamins. I figure I'd like to switch over once it's safe. The one-a-day vitamins are kind of huge, though. (I'll ask my surgeon's team, too, but anecdotes are welcome!)
