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I've had 100+ hours of therapy at http://mocsa.org a few years ago. I was of "normal" weight then. My weight gain took off after I fell down some steps and mangled my right ankle. I had one unsuccessful surgery on it. Later, two ankle reconstruction surgeons told me there was nothing more they could do. I was sedentary and very depressed after that. It doesn't help that I have an autoimmune thyroid condition. I'm not suggesting that more therapy might not help me but a sedentary lifestyle really derailed my ability to walk or do much in the way of weight-bearing exercise. It's been 10 years since I injured my ankle. Morphine is the only thing that even gets close to taking the edge off the pain. (And I tried many other non-narcotic meds first, plus holistic treatments. My PharmD daughter finally explained to me that being dependent on a narcotic for actual pain relief is different from being addicted to a drug when no physical malady is present.) Taking 300mg of morphine per day doesn't give me a "high"; it just helps me move around without writhing in pain. I also take oxycodone for breakthrough pain. Believe me, nobody WANTS to rely on powerful meds like these. It's weird to say, but I often welcome competing sources of pain (gallbladder surgery; lipoma removal, or even my knee replacements) to help keep my brain confused about where the pain is. I expect my bariatric surgery to be no different. There's nothing that my surgeon can do to my body that can overtake the pain I live with everyday. Boo-hoo me.

Thanks for the info! I have an autoimmune illness so I might can help you on the steroid gain. Yes steroids can put weight on you, change the shape of your face, eyes etc. I know because I was on them for brace yourself.... SIX YEARS.... it threw me into Cushings Disease. Fortunately I have been mostly off of them for the past 7 years but I'm still carrying that weight. Occasionally I have to take them for about a week or so and one off the things I have learned to do is prep my house before starting them. Get rid of ALL carbs and stick mostly to protein and veggies. Have plenty of green apples around for crunchiness in the middle of the night (they are lower in natural sugar than red apples). Drink plenty of water to push the fluid out of your body. These tips might help it be a 5 pound vs 25 pound gain... good luck!

I'm sorry to hear about the autoimmune disease. That must be rough. And thanks for the reminder that very rapid weight loss has its own set of problems. I don't want to rush into hair loss or loose skin, so maybe I'll just be content at my slow rate.

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!!

How does your Rheumatologist feel about you having this surgery? Most autoimmune diseases is the body attacking itself. It thinks your healthy cells are a virus or infection and attacks them. If your body feels it is under attack (even falsely so) you can have flares. What your Rheumatologist says and feel is above what the other doctors think when it comes to surgeries and such because they understand your cells and what is going better than the other doctors. So before you schedule she /he knows what you are planning.

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

It's been a long while since I posted. I am very discouraged. I started at 311lbs and am sitting at 262. I have been here for 4 months. I have complicating autoimmune issues with high dose drugs that made me expect to be a slower loser but this is ridiculous. I will say over winter exercise was minimal as that is when my inflammation and arthritis are worse. But now I cant seem to kick start anything.y calories are around 1000 per day, although somedays I dont quite hit that. Any other tips? Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Let me start by saying that I was told to have this surgery because of autoimmune medical issues and side effects of steroids NOT that I was an overeater. The whole journey to approval was doctors saying that this is hormonal and less so a result of behavior. I gained 40 pounds on 2 weight loss medications. I'm not really eating meals or solid or pureed foods. My post op plan says to consume 3 protein shakes/day and I usually only get one. I don't usually get 800 because I can't tolerate anything. I'm vegetarian and am making an effort to eat mostly protein with low calorie/fats. Pre-op I lost 15 pounds in 2 weeks on a liquid diet of fewer than 800 calories. AND I WAS NEVER HUNGRY--EVER! Now I dread eating and never feel that full feeling--just sick. I feel more hunger now. I feel better when I don't eat, so I hardly ever do. I was told only walking. No other exercise is allowed. I walk a lot since I live in NYC. I still have severe pain in my umbilical incision with certain movements. So, I actually don't eat 800 calories/day, however, that is extremely calorie restricted and should result in weight loss even without the surgery.

I am seeing a bariatric surgeon in my town tomorrow. He usually does not take on patients with bipolar disorder and I am hoping he will make an exception as I have met with him previously about my gallbladder. If it is a no, I have set up another appointment with my original surgeon but it isn't until April 18 and I would get a surgery date then. I also tried to get on with another office that does open surgery that is 4 hours away and after the surgeons had a meeting and reviewed my files, they decided that they would decline me bases on my surgeon's report from the day of surgery. I am not sure if it is caused by my autoimmune stuff, but I think it is chronic inflammation that has caused these adhesions. It has made my head and heart hurt too much to be on here or Instagram because everyone is moving and growing and changing. And here I am, stuck in limbo and on pause. I just sent this to biddynz. Also, why are you talking about something that is not related to my OP ? There are multiple forums and boards that could answer your question rather than this post about an aborted surgery and adhesions. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using BariatricPal mobile app

I appreciate your explanation. I am sure a lot of that is true, but.... I am always careful about statements that include absolutes. All problems podiatrists deal with are not related to shoes. Some are related to diabeties (my mother in law)some to genetic issues (my Daughter has elers Danlos syndrome and feet issues) some to rheumatological or autoimmune issues. My son saw a podiatrist when he broke a foot bone while barefoot (“dancers fracture”). I run and my shoes are very carefully selected for my personal biomechanics. Those biomechanics were undoubtedly affected by years of obesity. But I’m glad to hear what works for you! Your gymnast example is quite appropriate! I can see how having the hectic feedback and utilizing all those tiny muscles for micro adjustments would definitely be beneficial in many circumstances and I know full well the problems the wrong shoes can cause! Thanks for sharing!

I am about 6 weeks out. My surgery went well, however my recovery is impeded by CFS/Fibromyalgia. My sleeve is healing and I am introducing new foods each week. It is very difficult right now as I cannot function properly and exercise (other than walking) is out of the question due to severe arthritis. These issues are the veryreasons I had the procedure in the first place coupled with hypertension and pre-diabetic condition. I felt that these conditions would improve if I got the weight off. My weight is slowly but steadily coming down. However, I am exhausted, having difficulty focusing and I am having a hard time with short term recall. I purposely came to this forum to see if anyone else with autoimmune issues was having similar occurrences. My blood work has come back showing my vitamin B,and D are high so it’s not a malabsorption issue. I began to wonder if the anethstesia was impacting me this far out—or, a possible blood clot/TIA. I literally was knocked for a loop when I had to leave my successful career due to health problems and file SSI disability. At Christmas we had a house fire,7 days later my father died from heart failure, my surgery was about a week and a half after his passing. My doctor prescribed an anti depressant but I am not tolerating it well as it makes me more nauseous. I continue to take my thyroid medicine which helps a bit. I supplement my protein with protein bullets which have 42 grams — trying to stay hydrated and taking bariatric vitamins. This has GOT to improve—it’s hell. Having to move to corporate housing this week—will take 6 months to renovate the house. What a way to start 2018.

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

I’m in the same boat plus my Hashimoto’s has flared so I have autoimmune hair loss as well! Some of it should slow once my thyroid normalizes but my dietician said the hair loss can last a long time. She said I’d notice baby hairs around a year. This chick can’t afford extensions for volume! [emoji24]

Sorry to take so long to respond. I haven't been on here in a while. My flare ups subsided after about a month or so. I still get the occasional flare up, the same as I did pre-surgery, but nothing like it was in those first few weeks. I did a bunch of research and I do believe it was just an autoimmune response to the trauma of the surgery.

As for steroids, you Dr. will probably take this into account. I have been on and off them for years due to autoimmune disorders. My surgeon could trend my weight with my steroids. However, you cannot be on them before/after surgery. It will impair your ability to heal. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm so sorry you've been diagnosed with shingles! They are agonizing, but hopefully you will recover from them soon. I had shingles a few years ago, during one of the calmer, less stressful times of my 20s, before becoming obese or having weight loss surgery. I have autoimmune issues that made me more susceptible, but another contributing factor was having a severe vitamin D deficiency. Many people are deficient in vitamin D, and it's even more common in those who are overweight due to how the body stores this vitamin. I definitely recommend that everyone have their levels checked and treat the issue if necessary before undergoing WLS or anything else that could be stressful. A new vaccine with a fantastic rate of efficacy has been developed, but most insurance companies will only cover it if you're older. It's possible they'd be willing to provide the coverage if your doctor could argue that you have an underlying condition that would put you more at risk. The vaccine that is currently available isn't as effective, though it does still help. My dad had shingles last November on his eye, and his doctors said it could have been severely damaging. He'd had the old vaccine, and though it didn't prevent shingles, it greatly diminished the severity of it. I hadn't realized I had shingles until the blisters had erupted, and started the antivirals late. Ice packs helped reduce the pain and itchiness a lot. I also got a cream from Whole Foods that was pricy but worth it for how it helped. I actually still have it in our medicine cabinet and can get the name when I'm home tonight if you think it might be of use.

Hi! My name is Maggie. I had my sleeve surgery on 1/2/18. When I had my first appointment with my doctor I weighed 209. Then, in the months leading up to an actual surgery date, I blew it because I thought I would lose too much before I got a surgery date and then would no longer qualify for the surgery. When I was finally given a surgery date on December 14, 2017, I weighed in at 229. My nutritionist told me I had to do a THREE WEEK liquid diet! Over the holidays no less! Well, in that three weeks, I was able to drop back down to 209 on my surgery date! Yay me! I woke up in the recovery room thinking “what the f—- did I just do?” I was in a lot of pain. I only spent overnight in the hospital and despite the pain, I walked as soon as they took me up to my hospital room. The nurses were amazed that I was up and walking so soon. I have had a few days where I throw up, but I am almost certain it’s because I need to slow down when eating - I tend to eat way too fast. By January 21 I was down to 195.2, then I hit the dreaded stall. I have remained at 195.2 since then. I walk about 1 3/4 miles three days a week. I have autoimmune issues including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Today, I kicked it up a notch and walked 2 1/2 miles. My left hip is screaming tonight. I think I will skip the walk tomorrow and resume on Wednesday. Stay strong peeps!!!!! We’ve got this!

Sleeved aug 23 and my hair has started falling out in small clumps. My vitamins are good and I usually eat 800-1300 calories depending on my workout that day. Dietician says it’s “normal” but I don’t understand why if I’m meeting my macros. However, it could also be an autoimmune relapse. That was my first symptom.

I went on January 16 for gastric bypass. I woke up about an hour after being put under to a nurse in the recovery area telling me they did not complete my surgery because of complications. I have multiple adhesions and my intestines are stuck together so much that my anatomy does not look like it should. My surgeon did not want to complete the surgery until I could be told. He has given me the option to have him do a sleeve or for him to refer me out to someone who still does open bypass surgery. I cannot explain the mind f**k this was and the anxiety I am feeling. This is terrible. I knew something was going to happen or be found. I knew that I was right. Something was going to be found that would explain the symptoms I had had for years at this point. These adhesions do not show up on scans of any sort unless you have an obstruction. I have only had one other surgery in my abdomen and it was a laparoscopic appendectomy 10 years ago. He thinks it stems from chronic inflammation and autoimmune **** that I have. Has anybody had an open procedure for bypass? What's your experience? Or has anyone been opened up and not finished? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using BariatricPal mobile app

I stopped narcotic pain relievers a year ago. I have autoimmune disorder but I don’t take any meds that would cause delayed emptying and surgery should actually speed it up. It did start around 3 months. Could have been sooner and I just didn’t realize my issues were abnormal. My surgeon is at a total loss since developing it after surgery is so rare. I can’t even find studies or articles about it, just how a sleeve can cure diabetic gastroparesis. There’s only a handful of foods I can eat. The other day I had half an in n out burger wrapped in lettuce and I could feel it in my stomach and chest for about 6 hours. I see a specialist next week and there’s meds I can take but they come with some nasty side effects per my friend’s experience. We’ll see. I still think surgery was the best decision I’ve ever made. Officially down almost 80 lbs and hit the 180s today.

Hi! I’m 62 and had the sleeve on January 2. I still have pain in my gut, but it’s not too awful. I still take 1 or 2 pain pills per day. I want to make it clear that I have autoimmune issues that have me feeling not so great too. When I first woke up in the recovery room I had regret because the pain was intense for me. The other issue I had was when I got to my room and i asked for pain meds I waited 1 1/2 hours until they were administered, which in my mind was totally unacceptable! (And it was not a case where it wasn’t time for them). This caused me unnecessary anxiety and more pain because it was not under control. I would think that because you walk daily you should have an easier time of it. Good luck on your journey.

So sorry to hear this. I had possible gastroparesis prior to my sleeve gastrectomy. My surgeon told me than often times the gastroparesis would resolve post surgery. I never went for the scan to get a definitive diagnosis, however when I had an EGD months prior to surgery for continued GI issues, the GI doc told me I most likely had gastroparesis because they found food in my stomach when they did the EGD. In any case, are you on any meds that might slow digestion? I have a number of autoimmune issues including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia and because I sometimes have to take pain meds to deal with these conditions, I feel that the narcotic pain relievers may be the culprit. I try very hard to avoid them if possible. I hope you find relief from your gastroparesis. Good luck!

I went through something similar. Had my surgery in August. My body freaked out from the surgery and I had this autoimmune problem in September. I spent time in hospital and was put on intravenous steroids for 3 days followed by 50mg of prednisone. I did taper off and stopped altogether after about a month. Still, it was the worst! It felt like the universe was mocking me. Here i am trying to lose weight and then bam, I'm forced to take steroids! The main point is that you have to take care of your health first. I hope that you're okay now. I know you posted this a little while ago, but I just wanted to say that i know what you're going through.

Untrue that OP will never need Synthroid again if she loses the weight. That is not a legitimate claim you can make about WLS, that it will resolve autoimmune hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies directed against the thyroid gland lead to chronic inflammation. This means she’ll almost certainly need to be on medication the rest of her life. What changes with weight loss is the dosage she’ll require. I have this disorder and as I’ve been losing weight post gastric bypass I’ve had to have labs drawn every few months and my medication adjusted a couple of times. I’m currently below goal weight and am at the low end of normal BMI. My endocrinologist is very happy with my weight and T3 & T4 levels.

So just an update on my consultation for the ESG procedure. My day started by ordering a Starbucks latte for my hour commute, after paying the cashier, I drove away WITHOUT my latte. What a dope. My appointment was scheduled for 11am in NYC which takes me a little over an hour without traffic. I checked in at 10:45, and waited patiently for two bleepin hours. At this point my caffeine withdrawal is setting in and my tummy is A rumbling. The doctor was pleasant and I didn't feel rushed. She informed me that they had me scheduled for a 5 minute follow up appointment today. Fortunately, the doctor honored my consultation, and spent plenty of time with me. After my consultation, she gave me a Pre-Op Evaluation form. I will attach a picture of it below. I was able to complete my bloodwork at the office today, I figured what's another hour. They weighed me, which I have been dreading. I have gained 20 pounds over the last 8 weeks. So my official start weight is ..... 194lbs. Dr. Sharaiha asked that besides the bloodwork and H-Pylori test, that I meet with a nutritionist. While I was waiting to get my blood drawn, I scheduled an appointment with the Nutritionist (December 15th) . I attempted to schedule a surgery date but was denied. She said I could not schedule an appointment for surgery until the meeting with nutritionist was complete. I wonder if it's because when she asked me what I had for breakfast, I frankly replied, "a cupcake" and when she laughed, I said, "well since I'm being honest, I had two". Maybe it was a red flag that I have an eating disorder...yikes. I just assumed the majority of overweight people eat disorderly.... Dr. Sharaiha reported that they have 4 years worth of data in the US to measure results. She stated that the US has been doing the procedure the longest. I assume she does not equate the ESG to the similar procedure performed in other countries. She reported that most people do not need revisions. She compared the ESG revision to that of the lap-band. She said that some individuals needed a little tightening to increase their restriction. She warned against relying on possibility of future tightening as a crutch to possible slack.. She reported that in over 200 ESG procedures she has performed, she has revised(tightened) very few. She reported that the average amount of ESG's lost 19% of their total body weight compared to 30% of VSG's She stated that the part of the stomach that is "stitched off" from the rest is not susceptible to disease or ulcers. Comparison of complications to a VSG is, that leaks and ruptures can, and do occur with ESG, however it is rare. She was not concerned about my history of scar tissue and inflammatory disease associated with an autoimmune disorder. For me the food I eat negatively impacts my health to the degree in which surgery is worth the risk. My goal is to cut out sugar/flour/wheat/grains and eat 3 meals a day until my surgery. I want to get my weight down as much as possible to maximize the surgery assisted total weight loss. I'm sure I have missed some stuff but my brain is starting to putter out. I"ll be back.... I welcome any and all questions. If you are out there browsing this site and afraid to speak up in the forum...private message me. You are not alone, it takes a village.