Questions about weight loss surgery

[ktscott 23]

Hi I am new to this. I have recently decided to have weight loss surgery. I have the option of gastric sleeve or lapband. I have alot to consider. I am I person that yo yo diets and even though I am fully dedicated to getting my health to its best. I'm afraid I'm going g to try to reward myself in the future. Which surgery is best for long term results? Also I have some concerns because I have Rheumatoid Arthritis for which I take immune suppressors and a daily steroid. Do any of you have an auto immune disease or take steroids? And if so which surgery did you try and how are your results?

[Proud2BMe 1,016]

Please consult your doctor as to which surgery is best for you. I can tell you that doctors are moving away from the lap band due to the higher rate of complications.

In the beginning you will not be able to "treat" yourself. If you try you will throw up and it won't feel good. However, if you don't get your eating habits under control you are at risk for regaining any weight loss back. The surgery is just a tool. It's up to you whether or not you want to use it correctly or incorrectly.

[ktscott 23]

I am just getting started so I wanted to know real experiences from the ones who know. The patients. I'm going to a seminar in a few weeks so I wanted to know if anyone related to the bad "treating yourself" habits before surgery. Thanks so much for your help

[Djmohr 6,965]

@@ktscott

Hi and welcome! I actually had gastric bypass instead of the sleeve because I suffered from severe reflux.

I have an automatic immune disease as well called psoriatic arthritis. Every 8 weeks I get an injection of Stelara which helps with both the psoriasis as well as the joint damage. I try to avoid steroids because it makes the skin condition much worse however I recently had spine surgery and was literally forced to take both IV steroids and oral steroids for a number of weeks. I had no problems with it in terms of my new tummy but of course the steroids kicked up my psoriasis very bad,y and now I am taking a daily dose of Cyclosporine.

Hopefully it won't be for too long but it is liquid and if I don't eat something or drink a Protein shake it tends to burn my tummy.

I have not had that sensation in the last 11 months since my bypass. It cured my reflux. I suspect there is something like alcohol in that drug which causes the burning sensation.

Anyway, there are plenty of people with RA on this site but I would not be overly concerned. If you are taking NSAIDs that won't be allowed. They can cause severe ulcers in your new tummy so they try to have you take Tylenol instead. I found after this surgery that Tylenol based pain relievers actually work. Before surgery that was not the case so I was worried about stopping Aleive.

I have not missed it at all.

Good luck and let me know if you have further questions!

[ktscott 23]

Thank you so much! Did you have any problems healing after your surgery?

[DianeSav 10]

NO LAP BAND! Had one for 10 years. Nothing but dehydration, vomiting every day all day, reflux, aspiration while sleeping. Had the sleeve done July 9. Its great. Im a slow loser but I dont care. I can eat anything with no nausa or throwing up. The lapband came out and they didnt know the long terms affects. Read the revision boards on here

[ktscott 23]

Great info Diane! Thanks so much

[ktscott 23]

NO LAP BAND! Had one for 10 years. Nothing but dehydration, vomiting every day all day, reflux, aspiration while sleeping. Had the sleeve done July 9. Its great. Im a slow loser but I dont care. I can eat anything with no nausa or throwing up. The lapband came out and they didnt know the long terms affects. Read the revision boards on here

Are you suppose to respond to messages like this? New to this sorry lol

[frogftsh 37]

I'm an RN, I will tell you that the majority of surgeons are moving away from LAP Bands because there are so many complications from them. You should not have a problem with RA and having a gastric sleeve or bypass. The surgeon will work with you and make suggestions based on your health, PMH, etc. good luck with whatever you decide. This site has been fantastic and full of knowledge and I have no doubts you will find what you're looking for here.

[ktscott 23]

I'm an RN, I will tell you that the majority of surgeons are moving away from LAP Bands because there are so many complications from them. You should not have a problem with RA and having a gastric sleeve or bypass. The surgeon will work with you and make suggestions based on your health, PMH, etc. good luck with whatever you decide. This site has been fantastic and full of knowledge and I have no doubts you will find what you're looking for here.

. Thanks so much. Finally finding a site that people are quickly responding to messages has made me feel at ease.

[kimby1029 119]

Hey there - I have SLE. I had the sleeve done. I have not had to do oral steroids, but do take Enbrel, Methotrexate and Plaquenil for my disease. I have done well am down 75 pounds.

As to the rewarding yourself thing.. frankly I have switched to jewelry instead of food. I worked for a jeweler as a part time job for years, and I set goals and get a new piece when I reach the goal. It works for me. Also like to get new lipsticks - don't have hunger at this point with the sleeve, but made the decision to not reward with food....

Good luck to you!

[ktscott 23]

Hey there - I have SLE. I had the sleeve done. I have not had to do oral steroids, but do take Enbrel, Methotrexate and Plaquenil for my disease. I have done well am down 75 pounds.

As to the rewarding yourself thing.. frankly I have switched to jewelry instead of food. I worked for a jeweler as a part time job for years, and I set goals and get a new piece when I reach the goal. It works for me. Also like to get new lipsticks - don't have hunger at this point with the sleeve, but made the decision to not reward with food....

Good luck to you!

. Jewelry is a great idea!! I'm on Methotraxate too. So that makes me feel alot better. What made you decide on the sleeve over the others?

[betrthnever 107]

As a veteran bander (banded in 2008) I would personally not get the band again. I feel that the band is not a permanent solution and now that it is not a popular surgery it will be harder to find a Dr. to service the band if you move. Please remember that the band is like owning an expensive sports car. There's a lot of tune up and maintenance involved. The band has worked for some tho. Also, if you have a reflux issue then sleeve isn't a good option, either.

I will be having a revision to a bypass in early October.

[ktscott 23]

As a veteran bander (banded in 2008) I would personally not get the band again. I feel that the band is not a permanent solution and now that it is not a popular surgery it will be harder to find a Dr. to service the band if you move. Please remember that the band is like owning an expensive sports car. There's a lot of tune up and maintenance involved. The band has worked for some tho. Also, if you have a reflux issue then sleeve isn't a good option, either.

I will be having a revision to a bypass in early October.

Oh OK Thanks for the info and good luck on your next journey!

[Djmohr 6,965]

@@ktscott

I think you were asking me if I had trouble healing. The answer is no, it went very well for me and honestly taking off the weight made me more mobile than I had been in 20 years.

Getting the proper Protein post surgery will ensure you heal well.

Good luck to you!