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I wish we'd hear from Brandy too. I'm getting nervous. I'm going to zhumba in a bit here, so I hope she checks in before then. I'm really hoping I'm still borderline. Crud. I was sure it was going to be really good!! Well, I'll just keep losing more weight and get it under control. What else can I do? Still don't know what the swelling thing is about. I may have to go to my rheumatologist. Argh. It's a real production to get an appointment, and then they just kind of shrug their shoulders and say "well, as you know there's not much we can do for autoimmune problems. Make sure you take your NSAIDS." The good news is that my ANA titer has been way down for the past 2 years, so there doesn't seem to be anything active going on. So I doubt it's related . . .

Welcome, Julie.ann! Welcome, NFaith! Hey Marie, I had severe sleep apnea pre-op and had one of the CPAP contraptions. Since I've lost some weight, I no longer snore and the house has stop complaining so I've been doing fine without the machine lately. I think there is a connection between the lack of sleep and oxygen deprivation from sleep apnea and weight loss, though. Welcome, Cassy! Welcome, Lowbmier! She is stunning! Love it!! Welcome allymb! I have the APS band. I don't think the Realize band was available when I was banded, so I can't speak to that. Eggs, cheese and bbq hamburger -- works for me! In my next life I am coming back as one of your dogs. Way to go, Marcy! Way to go, Ador! I got a good butt kickin' today, too -- feels good! (Of course, I mean that in a totally non-S&M way. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Oh, I better stop here.) Hey Greenie, Congrats! Good to hear from you! Keep us posted on those results, Mini. How's the swelling today? When you say autoimmune and vascular, I get worried. Shit elves -- love it! We used to call a Code Brown. Sung to the Village People Tune, right? LOL Way to go Mini!Time to move on down the clothesline to the thong! I'm feeling a special vibe with Mille -- she's chubby and mean and makes Charlie cry. I like her. When will you hear results? Keep us posted! Tally, I love your grandbabies' names! Please tell your daughter thanks for what she's doing for those old dogs -- that is wonderful!! I can't keep up with you guys anymore, but I still love you all!

HELLO EVERYONE, WELL AS IV'E SAID BEFORE I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH LUPUS AND MANY OTHER AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES SO I NEED CLEARANCE FROM CERTAIN SPECIALIST TO HAVE SURGERY. I'VE GOTTEN CLEARANCE FROM MY PRIMARY, HEMATOLOGY, AND RHEUMATOLOGIST. NOW I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT MY GASTROENTEROLOGY SPECIALIST WAS ON BOARD AFTER MY CONSULT APPT LAST WEEK AND NOW I CALL THE SURGEON'S OFFICE TO CONFIRM PAPER WORK AND SHE TELLS ME THAT HE SENT A LONG LETTER STATING THAT HE WILL NOT SIGN OFF UNLESS I GO THROUGH TWO MONTHS OF TAKING MIRALAX AND METAMUCIL FOR CONSTIPATION. THIS IS SOMETHING I'VE DELT WITH ALL MY LIFE.. SO MY QUESTION IS.. HAS ANYONE HAD TO DO THIS? CAUSE I FEEL THAT HE'S DELAYING PROGRESS FOR TWO MONTHS FOR NOTHING!! JUST A LIL FUSTRATED.. THANKS FOR LISTENING TO MY RANT! LOL

I am researching medical marijuana to help with nausea, and side effects I am experiencing due to being newly diagnosed with MS. I know some. Peoples have had success, but feel strange about if since I have not experimented with anything like this since college 30 years ago. BTW- medical marijuana was recently legalized in any form with the exception of smoking it in NYS. I'm so glad I was diagnosed after being sleeved or I would have been unable due to an autoimmune exception in the policy without a long fight.

I have a few (what I consider to be minor) autoimmune issues: Hashi's, Vitaligo, etc. I've had to take thyroid meds in the past, but recent blood levels had my doc stop them for a season. Because I know I might have to take meds or more meds down the line for flare-ups or new things, I'm opting for the sleeve. Absorption mainly happens in the intestines, and since the weight loss is similar between the two surgeries, to me it seems more appropriate to keep my intestines fully functioning to assist in medication absorption for other non-weight related conditions that may crop up down the line. My surgeon also talked to me about RNY, but if I have complications with the sleeve, I can always convert to the RNY. It remains a long-term option. It is my understanding that if I go straight to RNY, I can't switch back to the sleeve. Don't feel pressured by anyone. This is your body and your decision.

Either way, I hope it helps your kidney disease! I have a number of autoimmune conditions with meds. that make me feel horrible. I too am hopeful the surgery will help matters.

I found out from the test of the pancreatitus that it caused by my bad gullbladder, I have a "low functiouning" Gallbladder and it's full of stones from the rapid weight loss.. I really wish he would have taken out when I got the sleeve, My autoimmune disorder is just genetic and that along with the pancraititus is was cause the 3 clots I feel SO much better, healthier, more energy. I smile more! I'm not the fattest person in the room YAY! I'm looking forward to the next few months I hope to meet goal by my 1 year anniversay I had the sleeve done at Miami Valley Hopsital in Dayton, OH - Premeier Metabolic- DR. Teel. Most wonderful doctor! I trust him enought that I feel fine with my mom getting it done by him. She is just starting her process now.

I wish they had the delete option for those who made a post and want to remove it. For awhile you could hit edit and erase the info and put in "double post" but now the edit works weird too. You do not have access to the original post just that you can add onto the information. Flygirl congrats on the 70 lbs lost. Lucky they found your autoimmune disorder and now you are receiving treatment.

This is very weird. Your case is extremely unusual. Do you, by any chance, have an autoimmune disorder? Do you take any other medications that might be causing the ulcers? Do you smoke, drink or use other substances? Do you take "natural supplements" of any kind? One of the biggest challenges in medicine...is the fact that human bodies can be unpredictable. Even though we know a LOT about what to expect, what signs to look for, the potential causes for issues.....individuals with idiosyncratic physiological reactions can be really troublesome. Some people will scar more, throw a lot of adhesions, some people will be crazy sensitive to a particular medication or food. I'm guessing you're one of zebras in a field of horses that drive doctors crazy. Sometimes I think people think of their bodies like they think of their cars....if there's a problem, you take it to the mechanic and the mechanic should be able to read the manual and fix it correctly on the first try. To fail to do this is a sign of a bad mechanic. But it's not that simple. Human bodies have all sorts of weird surprises they like to manifest. And while most of the time we can figure out the issues and get help....once in a while, it's just going to take a few tries. It sucks, but it's the truth. I really do hope you get to the bottom of your problems soon and that they find a good solution for you. Best wishes.

I am 19 yrs post DS surgery with Dr Rabkin . I have recently been diagnosed with secondary hyperparathyroidism and wanted to know if I should see a endocrinologist? I have recently contacted PacificLap to do a consult about this. I have joined the DS forum also I do have dental issues of osteoporiasis, , autoimmune issues (some may not be related to DS surgery) I am a retired RNMS and enjoy gardening, dogs, birding , book clubs, anything science, and nature

Well, they have thought for quite some time that I may have an autoimmune disorder... starting prednisone today. My lungs sound bad. I thought having this surgery I would get healthier lol

I've got RA, Lupus and Fibromyalgia. My surgeon has said that it shouldn't be a problem, but that he'd want me to stop taking the NSAIDS. I'm okay with that, because of all the pills I take, I think those work the least. He also said that because of the autoimmune disorders, there is the potential for my body to react to the band itself, in which case they would have to remove it. Being that I have had 2 cesarean sections and never had a reaction to those surgeries, I'm not concerned. Losing the extra weight will immensely help my health conditions, so I was very happy to hear him say that it wasn't going to prevent me from surgery.

As you know, silicone implants have been re-approved by teh FDA. Like most plastics surgeons, I had been using silicone implants all along for breast reconstruction and have had no problems. Any possible connection wiht cancer/lupus/arthrits/autoimmune disease has not been shown. Yes, silicone implants look and feel better (more natural and no rippling). There are some disadvantages though: 1. Silicone implants are prefilled and require a larger incision to place them. For most of you needing a lift as well, this is not a concern. 2. Becasue they are prefilled in 25cc increments, it may be difficult to choose the correct size if you have some significant breast asymmetry. (unlike saline which are filled at the time of surgery and can be adjusted to coorect for discrepencies) 3. Because ruptures are difficult to detect, the FDA recommends MRI exam 2 years after implantation and then every 3 years. This is time consuming, and not covered by insurance unless a rupture is suspected beforehand. In my practice, I am about 75% silicone and 25% saline for all cosmetic breast cases (including breast contouring after weight loss). Talk to your surgeon and he/she should be able to list all the pros and cons of each implant type.

I decided to use Bluepoint group and Fair Oaks Hospital. Main reasons are the hospital is a bariatric center of exelence. Realizing surgeon is important but pre during and after support very important to success. I have an autoimmune problem and appreciated that Dr Moazzez knew about my issues and is addressing some special issues I have. No date yet but hoping for end of June or early July. Happy so far with my initial consults and their info seminar.

I read this article about lap band an i want to ask a question. How long does the lapband last. I went to a seminar in the town that i live in and asked a doctor that puts in lapbands how long does it last? He told me forever but nothing last forever we all know that so my question is how long does the lapband last really. The article said that they need more research because they dont know how long they can last in a human body. Help me yall im having second thoughts after reading that. Not only how long does it last but does it cause autoimmune diseases? What are the research on that im lost?

The decision is entirely yours but here's my story, and I hope it helps with your decision making process: I was sleeved almost 7 years ago. Since then, I have developed severe GERD — never had any issues with acid reflux before surgery... I have become severely anemic (ferritin currently at 4.5), constantly needing iron infusions, developed malabsorption (my doctor says I am "nutritionally crippled"), a thyroid and an autoimmune disorder, a high inflammation/SED rate, and most recently, have been diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy. My sleeve is not to blame for any/all of these things, nor can I pin my complete weight regain on it. Bottomline: I honestly would not consider the sleeve if there is already an existing acid reflux problem. Both surgeries require discipline when it comes to supplementation — the RNY clearly requiring more as not only the stomach but a portion of the intestines is bypassed. Good luck on your journey!

Has your WLS helped with autoimmune disease or endocrine issues? I am asking specifically about Hashimotos, adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroid?

I am still pre op. too. in fact, I start my 3 month medical weight management on Tues. I began on my own though this past week. I am currently taking daily steroids for autoimmune disease and I am starving from sun up to sun down. Here's my thoughts on my last big grocery shopping last week. When shopping healthy, you pay more for convenience. Meaning the less you have to do when you get the food home to consume it. I still had to get the little things for my Autistic texture sensitive 9 yr old that I don't eat or drink. But, I bought the bulk boneless skinless fresh chicken breast package ( i get 8 big chicken breasts in it) and a ton of veggies and some fruits. When I got it home, I put each chicken breast into a freezer bag and put them into the freezer. Now, We generally eat more than a chicken breast between the three of us, but I've found that by freezing them individually, they thaw quicker. Which in my house can be interpretted as one less excuse to just get fast food. They are thawed in time to make for dinner. The veggies and fruits, I immediatly started washing, chopping (or tearing for the greens) and putting in variety of sized baggies, For example, a head of lettuce cost me under $1. By washing and tearing it up myself, I had a very stuffed gallon sized baggie full of lettuce ready to go. I tuck a paper towel in with it to keep it fresh longer. But, Our fave bagged salad is $3.88 per bag and you get half the amt. I got a bunch of celery. I washed it, and tore off all of the leaves and put them in a baggie in the fridge. The stalks, I made nice thin match sticks out of. Those I put into snack sized baggies. I probably made 12-16 snack size baggies of celery sticks. Same with the seedless grapes. I washed, plucked and scooped half cup size portions into snack baggies. I washed and chopped up two heads of cauliflower. I LOVE roasted cauliflower. I just toss a bunch of popcorn sized florets onto a cookie sheet. spray them lightly with some cooking spray and sprinkle them with dried italian seasoning. I bake until they brown just a bit. Anyways, same with the cucumbers, berries, zucchini, broccoli, and squash, etc. I spent less and did more prep at home, but as my Granny often says " I've got more time than money". LOL. It stretched my same grocery bill with same spending into what is now grab and go healthy food. We typically eat fast food or the likes of fast food 3x per week. Between my health issues and my special needs child's issues and therapy schedules, it's just become a way of life. We haven't eaten out since last Sunday. And we haven't gone without either. You'll have to factor in Protein shakes for your future. My husband is a work out nut. Seriously goes to the gym 7 days a week, plus runs. He goes thru a lot of Protein Shakes. But, I'd guess he spends about $40-$50 a month on the big things of Protein powder. I plan on saving that money for myself every week just by skipping the fast foods and the cokes or dr peppers here and there. I hope this helps a little.

I was not a candidate for anything but bypass as I have autoimmune issues- rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Hughes syndrome. And pretty much everyone I know personally had severe issues with the lap band and eventually had to have them removed.

I think some people with autoimmune issues (like scleroderma, lupus, to name two) run that risk and therefore may not be candidates for the band. For the rest of us? It is not an issue. The material is considered inert...we don't react to it. That's one reason they do all the blood work etc pre banding; to make sure you don't have a medical issue that would cause you to reject it (or have other issues) down the road.

My primary doc has been pushing me for GF for years. The nutritionist I had to see pre-surgery was pushing it as well. I know some people do get significant relief from changing their diet. I just wish people wouldn't assume that because I can't/won't go GF or Paleo or whatever that I don't really care about getting better. There are more people with autoimmune that see no improvement with a change of diet than those who do. It obviously works for some people, but that doesn't mean it will work for everyone. I'd try it if I could manage it, just to see if I'm one of the people who would benefit, but like I said, I'm doing good if we stop eating out/drive through multiple times per week. Baby steps.

Hello! Glad I found this website! As a newbie, I'm pretty convinced that VSG is the best choice for me, since I have an autoimmune disease and am prone to infections due to using Methotrexate to fight the disease (oh, what a conundrum that is). I looked at lap band and read about too many side effects to make that appealing at all. The bypass looks devastating in that there is no absorption and I can't figure out how "eating healthy" would benefit a person who cannot digest his/her food. So, I'm focused on the VSG and will be attending the orientation and consult tomorrow. After looking at the pictures, it appears that there is part of the stomach left and that absorbing healthy foods would benefit the body. I already take a zillion supplements, so that's not a problem for me, BUT I can't imagine how to take them when the stomach is so very small..............are liquid Vitamins more beneficial? I have removed so many things from my diet over the past few years, that I'm already there mentally, but now I'm wondering if a VSG patient can indulge in ice cream, Jell-O and such things that have sugar in them, but turn to liquids? Nuts are supposed to be very important in one's diet.............can a little bitty stomach take them or do they need to be ground into a powder? I'm sure I'll learn much more tomorrow, but I'm excited at the thought of leaving all the fad diets behind me and having a permanent solution: I just pray that it won't be something that makes me feel sick all the time. When does post-op end and "normal" begin? Looking like I'm pregnant after all my effort is so frustrating; especially since I work out 6 days a week, eat healthy and maintain portion control...........Sotiredofit!

Lap Band - I did some preliminary research and didn't like what I saw in terms of weight loss rate statistics. When I met with my surgeon, he told me he would not do the lap band for me because my starting BMI was too high - he says that people with a starting BMI over 40 tend to really struggle to lose all their weight with the band. He won't do it for people as heavy as me, and only on lighter people if they absolutely refuse to consider any other kind of surgery. I also didn't like the idea of all the fills/adjustments. I work full time, who has time for that? Finally, I wanted a permanent tool, not one I could opt out of if the idea of pigging out on vacation was tempting. Bypass - I strongly considered this surgery. I know a fair number of people who have had this surgery and have done great! But I have a strong family and personal history of autoimmune diseases and my surgeon and I agreed that it would be good to leave as many options for future meds on the table as possible, and that therefore the sleeve was the better overall option for me. I know some people say things like "I didn't want my plumbing re-routed" -- that didn't concern me. For me, I wouldn't make a medical decision based on emotions regarding anatomy that I am never going to see. I also considered Duodenal Switch and might have opted for it, but my insurance requires a minimum BMI of 60 before they will pay for it. At a BMI of 59.9, it was just barely off the table! Make sure to discuss all of your options with your surgeon and you will come to the right decision for you. Good luck!

I agree with your husband, that is one on the reasons I decided that I didn't like the band as much as I did in the beginning. Also I found out that I had an autoimmune disorder, so the band is not a good procedure to have. Some doctors will not do surgery at all, so when I found out that I could still have the sleeve I was so happy. I really have learned alot about the sleeve and so many people say good things about the results. I wish you all the best!! I have been approved for the sleeve, and surgery in Dec.2.