Scorpion11

Hi Everyone,
i had my sleeve done approx 3 years ago. I lost soooo much weight very quickly & went from 94kg down to 59kg within about 5 months. My weight stabilised at 62kg & I lived quite happily for the next few years. The only issues I had were significant (I'd say 70%) Hair loss which has still not returned and reflux/nausea.
If I drink alcohol I get so sick. I start sweating and feel like I'm going to vomit. So I have had to give that up too but it's not a problem.
Over the last 6 months I have gained about 12kg. I constantly feel like my stomach is in my throat & keep eating food to push the stomach back down. I even get up at night and eat. I get a bit of reprieve from the symptoms then it happens again so I eat more. I also feel like eating settles my stomach. Water is so hard for me to drink that on days when I force myself to drink nothing but water, I'll be lucky to get a 750ml bottle down. I find diluted juice is okay & for some reason I can drink more of this.
I feel like such a failure. The weight gain has made me severely depressed. I don't want to leave the house because no clothes fit me and I feel like a massive failure. Even though I am still 20kglighter than when I had the sleeve, my body image is worse now than it was before.
I feel like there is no hope & no use trying anything else.
Has anyone experienced similar symptoms?

I haven't regained much weight since having the VSG in August of 2015, but I can relate to feeling severely depressed and like a major failure. I squandered much of the earlier years of my youth being miserable about my weight, and so self-conscious I became a bit of a hermit. I declined social invitations because I had nothing to wear. I now waste time feeling angry at myself and regretful for having wasting time earlier on, even though I realize how counterproductive that cycle of thinking is. I try to remember that quote about how success is not final, failure is not fatal, it's the courage to continue that counts.
Have you discussed this with your surgeon, or even just with your general physician? It might be wise to get some blood work done, including having your hormone levels checked, if you haven't done so recently. It's possible there's an underlying medical condition that is contributing to your cravings and could be treated. I have PCOS and hypothyroidism, but was not on the proper medication for it for a long time. I was taking far too high of a dose of one medication (Spiro) that was causing weight gain. PCOS itself was making me crave carbs. Since starting Metformin I broke a long stall and lost the final amount of weight to reach my goal. It caused unpleasant side effects (nausea, insomnia) at first, but then once I was acclimated to it I no longer had any problems. I also am taking a really low dose of Wellbutrin. I've found that it helps me with depression, as well as helping to curb my appetite a little. A higher dose made me more jittery and caused weight loss, but the lowest dose has still been effective.
Maybe something like sugar free popsicles could help you to prevent dehydration when you're having a hard time getting enough Water. In my first couple of months post-op plain water would make me nauseous, so I drank a lot of sugar free lemonade and Crystal Light. Peppermint might help to settle your stomach, too.

Best wishes!

My wife has Rheumatoid arthritis. She treats it with a special diet, ( no red meats, gluten free caffeine free and has drastically reduced her dairy intake). Her sleeve surgery was Aug 11, 2016 and she has lost 25 pounds prior to surgery and another 50 since the surgery. She has had less flair ups since losing the weight. A few days after Christmas we did a day IN NY. Throughout the day we walked over 7.5 miles. Contrast that to 4 years ago when she walked 3 blocks and we had to hail a taxi from then on. Yes, it has helped. She has her first flair up in a long while now, but I can't remember when the last one was. Good luck to you.
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Im so optimistic that I will have the same results, my practioner at the weight loss clinic where Im hoping to have surgery told me that my surgeon has done surgery on Sle patients with good results..Im hoping all goes well next month
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I believe that my WL is affecting my Lupus in very positive ways. I still have pain but I feel it's so much easier to move around. So the more I move the better I feel. I can reach my feet now to do my own pedicure and lotion. I can walk up stairs easier.
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I have SLE and Reynauds along with Fibromyalgia. I was sleeved in August. My HW was 431, SW 369, CW314 GW 165
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Thank you both so much! With the joint pain that comes with lupus having extra weight is definitely harder...fingers crossed
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I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and have had no issues with this autoimmune disease since I had surgery in 2011. Just take thyroid medication like always.
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Luckily, nothing yet. I thought on day 2-3 I was in a flare but I later learned that was actually just pain related to the actual surgery itself. It caused some joint pain but it went away by day 4-5. My doc also had me coming in every 2 weeks to monitor any changes. Apparently having a full blown flare after surgery can be BAD BAD BAD. So far so good though. Didn't even need my pain pills after the 5th day. Best decision of my life!
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Thank you for the advice .Did the surgery have any effect on your Lupus?
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I have Lupus and the first surgeon I saw would not do the surgery because of it. The second surgeon was fine with it as long as I did not have to take NSAIDS daily. They also required a note from a rheumatologist stating I was a good candidate for surgery. I also have not had a flare in 7 years which helped my case. If your surgeon is uncomfortable with it, just keep searching until you find one that will help you. Good luck!
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Has anyone on here have any autoimmune disorder and had wls? I am pre-op and also have lupus.My first appt.with my surgeon is next month and I was wandering about anyones experience with the two.
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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!

I just had the sleeve done 3/9/16 and I am a type 1 diabetic. I will be on insulin injections / pump for the rest of my life or until they find a cure. My body attacked and destroyed my pancreas.
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@@t1da I'm so sorry to hear of your struggles, but congratulations on your new sleeve! Is it helping?
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Not quite sure how to "tag" someone yet - but in response to gingeryank's post -
I've been type 1 diabetic for 13 years - I was diagnosed when I was 17. I was a skinny kid back then and didn't know anything about the disease. As you grow and learn I've managed to live a fairly normal life work related / social life related you just need to be careful.
What lead me to the sleeve was a bunch of steroid injections in my injured hand from sports and about 100lbs of weight gain in a year. Insulin is a growth hormone it puts weight on people. As you gain weight you need more insulin. With the steroids it was awful.
I had the sleeve done on 3/9 and my pre op diet started 2/26. Since 2/26 I am down just over 41 lbs and am taking a fraction of the insulin I used to. I feel better every day.
I would think it's helping I'm just concerned with any longer term issues that may arise. I don't know many type 1 diabetics that have had this done. If anyone else has I would love to hear a story and about your successes!
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@@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!
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Thanks! Same to you all the best!
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I call prednisone the devil. I currently do weekly shots of enbrel. I have systemic lupus, sjorgrens syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. I love drs, they work as a cohesive team and copy each other on all labs regardless of not being in the same practice. I've been weaned off of prednisone and down to my allergy meds, hbp med and enbrel injection. Occasionally med for acid reflux. My insurance requires a 6 month diet and I am ok with that. I'm mentally preparing for the lifestyle changes. I haven't been able to workout yet, but in month 2 and already dow 20lbs since 02/19. I hope to be under 300lbs before surgery in the fall. I hope shedding pounds will improve my mobility and limit my flare ups. I 've already taken a $10k pay cut to take a job working from home. Working in an office was horrible, I was sick all the time it got so bad that I wore face masks to work to avoid germs. My immune system sucks.
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I have such a love/hate (mostly hate) relationship with prednisone. At times, taking it was the only way I could function during a flare. But the weight gain was horrible. I hope I can encourage you. I'm down 40 lbs at 6 weeks post op. My mobility has greatly improved. I'm walking an hour four times a week. I've yet to determine if the flares will be fewer, but I didn't have a working treatment plan for my Ankylosing Spondylitis prior to surgery. First I tried Humira. Now Cimzia. My rheumy is talking Remicade. I'm currently on sick leave. When I'm not, I have to go into the office 10 hrs/wk. I mostly work from home because of my immune system and chronic fatigue. Best of luck to you!
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I have Myasthenia Gravis, Im hoping my surgery in May will help me get off the prednisone

I have Psoriatic Arthritis and RA and I'm on Remicade also. I had my last infusion before surgery on 2/1/16 (surgery was 3/14/16). I had to go off all of my RA meds th week before surgery. The week after, I begged my surgeon to let me go back on them because I couldn't walk or stand with a cane for more than a minute. I was able to go back on the RA meds on 3/23/16 but not on the Remicade until 4/11/16. The flare ups were really bad and I'm still in a lot of pain. I hit my first stall this past week. I'm down 27 lbs in 6 weeks (today is 6 weeks) and it's driving me crazy. My pants all require belts, so I know I'm losing inches, but I'm a numbers girl and want to see the scale go down.
My biggest problem is exercising with my RA. I'm not cleared to swim yet (I live in Florida so it's nice and warm here) and walking is very painful. If I get in 5,000 steps I'm happy but usually I average 3,500. I know the lack of exercise is hindering some of my progress but the pain in my joints doesn't always want to cooperate.
My PCP, rheumatologist, and orthopedist were all behind me 100% to do VSG. They all said the same thing - when it won't cure the disease, it will help with the joint pain.

I hope you get to swim soon!! Did you notice any difficulties with your incisions healing? My surgeon is making me wait 8 weeks after my last infusion so my surgery will be June 9.
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I still have one incision that hasn't healed - the one he removed my stomach through. All the others healed within 2 weeks.
8 weeks is about right. I waited 6 weeks. I was supposed to have an infusion 2 weeks before surgery and he wouldn't let me. He said it would interfere with the surgery and healing process.