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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.

Hey Jack, Thanks for your concern. I'm a nurse, so I'm well aware of what they're talking about, and what's involved in bypass versus the band versus DS; I've talked to several nurses at my work who've had the surgery and have been able to ask really detailed questions that the average WLS consumer might not think of. I have a list of 25 things I plan to ask the doctor during my consult. Apparently, the smaller the amount bypassed, and the earlier in the digestive process it takes place, the less malabsorption there is. (This "jibes" with everything I learned in nursing school, and has been verified by my husband who has a BS in Biology and who's counseled people on nutritional counseling). Obviously, ANY malabsorption is a problem, especially for someone with an autoimmune disease as I have. I need all the help I can get to keep my inflammatory condition at bay, which is why I take roughly 25 vitamins, mineral, and other various supplements a day. So that's an enormous concern. OTOH, not having anyone able to follow me after banding is a huge concern as well. Even the one doc up here who does fills is difficult to get in with and is talking about not doing them anymore; and he wont' actually touch the band, just do the odd fill. Yikes. There is literally no one within 2500 miles who would follow me and help me if I had a complication; I'm not sure people who don't live in Alaska quite understand how isolated we are up here, and how limited our health care choices are. It's really quite frustrating how limited we are. The lack of follow up care is scary for me, and why I'm reconsidering banding. The safest operation in the world becomes dangerous without proper follow up care. The money situation with us is enormously difficult. Without going into details that I'm uncomfortable sharing, there is no way I can have my surgery financed. I have to go through my insurance company or it will not happen. We've figuratively cut the fat out of our budget in order to support a family of FIVE on two health care worker's incomes (we're not doctors, just a nurse and dental assistant) in one of the most expensive states in the US. So it's not as though I'm not motivated; there is literally no way to do it (and I'm a persistent one). I can always wait until we move to Washington or Oregon sometime in the next 5 years, but how much weight will I have gained by then? (I don't wanna know). So it's frustrating right now. My insurance would cover me going to Texas for the band, but I'd have no follow up care. My new insurance (as of April 1) won't cover WLS at all. So if I'm going to do something, I have to do it now or else possibly wait several years. In the meantime, my mobility is failing, my comorbidities are getting worse, and my Sarcoidosis is getting worse as well, in part because of my inability to exercise and the stress of my weight on my lungs. (I was in the ER the other night because of a flare up, which led to a panic attack). Sucks to be me, doesn't it?

Good to know. I have an autoimmune disease called Sarkoidosis. I don't know much about it, but I think I'm quite sure I'll suffer from osteoarthritis. I should start taking GC now. I had my dog on it for awhile, so maybe we'll both share.

Hi i had my surgery on 5/5/20 and im a little over a month post op my surgery went well went home the next day bc my surgery was later in the day. Do not be discouraged if u do not see results right away. I was kind of down at first i just stuck to the diet. My pre surgery weight was 234 before my 6 month consult before surgery approval i was 250 when i go approved for surgery i was 234 i had lost all that weight from learning portion sizes and switching foods for healthy ones. So starting at 234 i went on my 2 week liquid diet and my going in weight at surgery was 213.5 pounds for the sleeve on average your suppose to loose 13 pounds a month for the first 6 months and 3 pounds a month for another 6 month until your body plateaus which will be your stopping weight. I am now 200.0 even i had lost the entire 13.5 pounds in a month so it is accurate if you do the right thing. The surgery is a tool u have to do the work also. I haven't weighed in again yet bc i am nervous i haven't been under 200 pounds since middle school this is a blessing for me my blood sugars are better and my joint pain is less from my autoimmune arthritis disease. All of you can do it.. Im here bc i have no support system so we all can be each other support systems anything yawl would like to know or recipes i will be glad to answer. God bless all of you on your journeys and cant weight to hear about everybody's 1 year anniversary and results pics. Im going to start taking some all [emoji2]. Sent from my LM-X410PM using BariatricPal mobile app

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.

You know I have just started really thinking about this the last couple of days. I'm already 10 1/2 weeks out RNY so no going back now!! I am 47 and have been overweight my entire life (well since about age 11). I was started on cholesterol meds about 20 years ago and tried to get my weight under control then but never managed. Eventually I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and turned out a few year later I have a thyroid disease called Graves which is actually an autoimmune disease which attacks thyroid and makes it overactive (not the traditional underactive you usually here about). I had finally started losing weight and wasn't doing anything special and was thrilled - until my heart started beating out of my chest and I didn't have muscle strength to walk from my car to the office. Anyway, I digress. My point is, yesterday I was thinking about how will someone in the nursing home when I am in my 80's know that I need protein and vitamins? And you know what I realized? It is no different than if I was diabetic and they had to know not to feed me a lot of sugar! It I'd a different lifetime diagnosis to live with but it is a healthier one. See all those Co-morbidities just get worse. Diabetes is a progressive disease. My blood sugars would have gotten worse and meds would have increased, so one way or the other I am destined to a lifetime of taking something - whether meds or vitamins. (I will take Synthroid the rest of my life as they ablated my thyroid with radiation so there is no thyroid function.). This is a very personal decision and no one can make it for you. I had thought about this surgery off and on for years. I tried WW which worked but not long term because I never dealt with the head issues. Perhaps there's part of my surgery experience has been being referred for psych evaluation. The therapist is someone I am still seeing and is the best tool I have. The smaller stomach keeps me from eating too much but the things the therapist is teaching me is what I hope will mean my final lifetime change.

Biotin melt tabs from sams club are amazing and I have patch as well I had bad hair loss since I started regrouping my eating lifestyle change 8 months before surgery and using 1 melt tab daily of 5000 mcg I barely have a hair shed at all I'm 5 days post op today. My primary care made me start them due to an autoimmune disease and I'm so glad he did. Melt tabs have a fruity taste and dissolve fast one a day.

I have both of those as well plus a few more autoimmune diseases just for fun. [emoji854] My Menieres has been a lot worse since my surgery 6 weeks ago. I'm hoping when I lose weight my balance will be better! [emoji1] How are you doing? I'm hoping I'll have hair someday, but at this point more is falling out. Best wishes! [emoji255]

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

@@t1da Thanks for sharing your story. I can't imagine the insulin/steroid combo and how that must have felt. I only had steroids to contend with. I'm down just under 40 lbs, so we have that in common. Maybe someone with type 1 diabetes will reply. If not, consider starting a new thread. The "autoimmune disease" title might not catch their attention. Keep feeling better, and good luck to you! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My surgery is this coming Monday, November 19. I am not nervous yet. Right now I am just mourning food. I know I will miss it so much. I went for my final preop appointment yesterday and my surgery was nearly cancelled because I had gained weight. I have an autoimmune disease (AS) and am in an active flare for which I have been taking high dose prednisone (50 mg taper) since August. Prednisone always packs the pounds on me. Anyway, I had lost the 5 pounds I needed to get the surgery scheduled but since scheduling, I had gained 10 lbs. The surgeon understood my circumstance and agreed to do the surgery still but the NP at his office made me feel totally horrible! I am eating as clean as possible until my surgery to hopefully lose a few pounds. I am now off prednisone so hopefully that will kick start some loss before Monday.

I never met a fat fruitarian! I think it depends on what else you eat along with fruit in a day. Too much Protein turns to carbs as well. We need the Fiber and the liquid in our gut. Many autoimmune patients with Hypothyroidism especially need to keep things moving. Sent from my QTAQZ3 using the BariatricPal App

Missy, have you had blood testing? I was like you, and I found out I had Lupus. I'm much better with it controlled...... Lots of autoimmune diseases cause the same symptoms....and so do hormone imbalances.

Inside comments/jaunty banter is simply a form of familiarity. Not to worry- we have all been new here That said- what kind of surgery you have also has a TON to do with whether you can tolerate carbs or not- the "bad" kind, that is. Five and a half months out, I still can not tolerate a piece of banana. Others can. It is always trial and error. And maybe one day I'll be able to- who knows? Sleeve patients don't always experience "dumping" - when the sugars hit your intestines and are not able to be processed like before surgery. That is part of the "accountability factor" associated with bypass. Now some sleevers DO dump- and there are a handful of bypass pts that DO NOT. Typically that is not the norm. Same could be said for fatty foods/greasy fried foods. The point is- GOOD SOLID nutrition is ubër important for ALL of us to not only be successful with the WL tool we now have, but ultimately, to be successful at maintaining our loss. There are ways to "eat around" your surgery- namely by not following the no drinking while eating or for 30 min after you finish eating. I, personally, try and follow a ketogenic diet. Not all NUT will agree with this diet. However, because inflammation is a huge issue for my body- cellularly speaking- and the autoimmune issues I have, my docs and NUT are fine with this- and I have been symptom free since surgery. How cool is that??? One thing I will say- not ALL WLS patients have ready access to a NUT. Some see theirs only before and maybe once or twice after surgery, so if they were unclear about nutrition, and can't find what they need to know here or elsewhere on the internet ( lots of conflicting information out there), then the likelihood is they may be confused or unaware. And because we here all see different doctors- again- conflicting information- and debates ensue. What you need to do is work with your NUT and bariatric team, take what you need from here, and make an educated decision. Hope that helps! Lisa Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My weight goes up and down do to autoimmune and they will not do it with low BMI without other health conditions I have really bad High blood pressure I did even when I weighed 170 FYI I way 200 now

Sorry to read this; a diagnosis of an autoimmune disease is always a shock. I work with a young woman with Lupus and she says what the poster above has suggested--as long as she manages her sleep/diet, she stays in remission and has a normal life. You'd never know she has an autoimmune disease, in fact, except for that she no longer can go out every night of the week! She young (in her late 20s) so this was the biggest adjustment for her...just making sure she got enough sleep. Sending supportive thoughts to you.

I actually know rather a lot about Lupus, which is why I laughed when I read someone was told the band caused Lupus. What I am guessing is, she likely already had undiagnosed Lupus before getting the band and the band sent the disease into over-drive. As far as autoimmune diseases, the only one that is listed as a direct contradiction to the band is Lupus. But, even with Lupus, there are people who have it and still do just fine with the band. The reason I know so much on this topic is because I have Multiple Sclerosis (another autoimmune disease). But, I also tested positive for Lupus in my spinal Fluid and 1 of the possible blood markers. However, I have not been officially diagnosed with Lupus because I didn't have all the blood markers nor do I have the symptoms. I'm told it's "almost inevitable" I will be at some point in my future because of the presence in my spinal fluid, but I am hopeful to dodge that bullet. MS is enough But... I did research it and talk to my surgeon at length about it. The band was worth the risk in my case. Even if I did develop full blown Lupus I'd still be glad for my band (and it sure as heck wouldn't be caused by my band!).

I am 50 yrs old...had weight prblm all my life. By my 30s I started with insulin problems, hypothyroidism. No matter what I ate either 300 cal or 1700 cal weight didn't budge. I did active aerobics till mid 30s...health kept goin down hill. Fibromyalgia, autoimmune diseases etc...Iv thought about surgery for 20 yrs..the only regret is I didn't do this sooner. Its a major desicion. When 2 specialist sent me with neither one knowing about the other..I knew it was my time. Yea my surgeon told me if you can get thru first month youv got it whipped. .easy? Hell no! Its a major commitment an lifestyle change. I needed this tool to force me to make the needed changes bc let's face it were here bc of being fat we were unsuccessful on our own. It takes brutal honesty to oneself to face it when we accept we need help. I was in 2 yrs therapy getting to bottom of issues I did that. There is a lonnnng process to go thru to even be approved as a good candidate for this major surgery but I'm soo happy I did..I'm sorry some aren't. Its challenging changes an mental an emotional changes have to be done before this happens. For those who feel it was a mistake I'm sorry u feel that way but give it time. Its a new learned behavior. We have to baby our tummy. I lost 40 pds in 5 wks...it works! Ur body stalls it has to catch up it's also hormonal changes. Cover all basis...there is more success storys then not. I'm feeling like I have a new life! An I'm so excited I'm finally feeling free...best wishes:)

Hello all. So I have Lupis as well as Fibromyalgia! I have been trying not to think of it in regards to my surgery. However, in the back of my mind, there is the fear that having surgery will cause a flare up! I had to go off of my Plaquinil for a month, until after my surgery, which is July 10th. Its been about two weeks and I've been good until last night!!! I could feel the rain coming, my joints have been aching. And my hips are absolutely killing me! Like to the point of tears, and it takes a LOT to make me cry. My hands and arms/elbows are hurting not from typing, I have to keep stopping. I stopped taking the Plaquinil once before for a week, and it felt like I hit a wall going 90mph! That time it affected my hands and elbows and shoulders first, then I was curled up in the fetal position in so much pain I could barely think! And now its started again! Calling the doctor in the morning. And I guess they will increase pain meds, but I have done that for the last two nights and it hasn't helped! And I can't even take motrin! I want to pull my hair out! I am afraid if the increase my meds now, will they be able to control my pain after surgery? I have two little boys to take care of!! I will be staying at my parents after surgery for the first two weeks, but I can't let them do everything! My guys can wear the most entergetic people out! Getting a little upset about this tonight! I told my surgeon that nothing about the surgery scared me at all, the only thing that scared me was coming off my Plaquinil! And he said "for good reason"! AAAHHHHHHHH anyone else dealing with these issues? I could really use some support! Can't wait to get it over with and go back on my meds!!!!! And scared they will try to put me back on steroids, which have contributed to my weight gain over the last two years! Hurting, nervous, upset!

Newlifeb, I had the same unbearable pain. Kind of lower left, between the indented "dimple" and the lowest incision? It was awful. Nothing helped it, then just one day, it was gone! It's almost like a nerve pain. I slept on the couch propped up with pillows so I wouldn't move during the night and aggravate the pain. You are NOT a wuss! I have a very high pain threshold, and it brought me to tears. I've had seven surgeries and have Fibro, 3 autoimmune diseases, and small Fiber neuropathy and this was BY FAR the worst pain I've ever felt. Hang in there! It gets better, I promise! I'm only 4 weeks out (12/8).

Puberty and PCOS started things, drinking and partying and stuffing feelings during my teens-20s added onto it and then pregnancy followed by an autoimmune disease and 2 years of steroids to treat it put the nail in the coffin.

Hi - I haven't posted in a long, long time. For now I just want to quickly ask about "autoimmune disease" and Lap Band. I just heard, for the first time that having an Autoimmune connective tissue disease (like Lupus) is a 'contra-indication" for the surgery. I have had a Lap Band for 1 year and now it appears I may have Lupus. Does anybody know what the problem is ???? I cannot find any information on why there is an issue with Lupus and the Lap Band. Thanks in advance...

Thanks for the comments. I actually heard this on a Lap Band commercial earlier today. I have been hearing Lap Band commercials for a couple of years now and today was the very first time I ever heard mention of the autoimmune disorders as a contra-indication. Also - I did some queries and found that autoimmune disorders are listed all over the place as being a contra-indication - I never noticed that before either. However, none of the sites that I looked at, made any comment whatsoever as to "why" an auto-immune illness could be a problem with the Lap Band. I am wondering if this is something new that is just now being published...

So as the title says, I love the taste of whey isolate. But it makes me feel nauseated and extremely bloated. I also need to avoid dairy as it causes inflammation and I’ve got an autoimmune disease. I’ve tried egg protein and it congealed together. I tried pea protein and the texture was like sand. I want good flavor, good texture, and I want it to mix well. Is it impossible?

everyones differant thats for sure..I have hashis..Im on armour for thyroid. 1 side of thyroid is dead and shriveled up the other is enlarged..I was going back on forth from hypo to hyper...now stable on ty med..increasing my calories with non ff items and mainly proteins have worked for me. my plan is more ketogenic with high protein...so far so good. I feel for us with sluggish metabolisms . the ff/low fat/sf diet is what got myself where I was but this isn't the case for everyone though. have you had a complete thyroid panel done lately? I get mine done throughout the yr...just throwing this out there not for sure it'll help or not. I understand the physical limitations I struggle with several autoimmune diseases including fibro it can be brutal some days. I noticed you said a sf/ff greek yogurt? I have been settling for the chobani greek it was the lowest on sugar per serving organic and I eat the kroger carbmaster brands their really good. the chobani is what I make the hubs protein shakes/smoothies out of. I'll have one here and there but barely theres to much sugar for me. the only fruit I keep on hand handy is the green grapes their easy to have. Do you use MFP? maybe start using it again to add up everything and kinda see where your at? maybe? IDK...Im sure you are...just throwing that out there..do you think maybe cutting out the rice cakes even though you dont eat often might make a differance in not such a struggle? I can't have grains or white processed items they were my worst enemy for me. another suggestion thats all...congrats on maintaining I hope I'm as successful as you are! thats wonderful! keep us posted