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So I’m struggling with the whole thought of loose skin. I’ve lost 60 pounds already. I’m 5’4. The gastric sleeve was a medical necessity not by choice I have an autoimmune disease. I was 280 now I’m 220 about 8 weeks post op. I was always comfortable in my skin. Now idk. I keep losing and I know that I won’t be able to afford plastics. TMI but I also have big boobs. Always have since high school when I was a skinny. Now I worry I’m just going to be a walking flab. Im getting insecure which is not like me at all. The struggle is real.
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Got an appt next week with surgeon to remove band
donna12 replied to donna12's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
thank you everyone for all your kind words of wisdom and suggestions. This decision was made by me and talking it over with my mom. My problems all started when I had my band put in. I'm not sure if my body doesn't like that its a foreign object in there or if I'm Vitamin deficient which I've had loads of blood work done recently. My surgeon is against NSAIDs and besides I would have to live on them all of the time, seriously. He is also concerned about if I truly have lupus and the connective tissue that the band is is around and affiliated with. I have toenails falling off weekly and toenail infections and having to deal with that and podiatrist said that is related to autoimmune compromised ppl so I feel that by me having the band surgery either flared up an autoimmune disease for me and like I said I live in daily and nightly pain, constant pain. As I type this I cannot sleep cause I hurt so bad, I've had 2 Tramadol's, 2 Tylenol's and some liquid motrin and nothing is knocking the pain. It is too late in the night for me to take anything stronger or I will be asleep till tomorrow afternoon. I just think this is the best decision for me right now is to get my health back. -
Got an appt next week with surgeon to remove band
gowalking replied to donna12's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Wishing you all the best Donna. I understand chronic pain...was on all of that stuff as well...Tramadol, Percocet, Oxycodone... I had to have both hips replaced because of osteo-necrosis and the rheumatologist feels it also is autoimmune based though he cannot diagnose the exact type of disease. I will need both knees replaced at some point and now I have to get xrays and MRIs for all my major joints to monitor them in the hopes that I don't get as bad as I was. As others have said, please keep in touch with us so we can help you with your journey no matter where it takes you. -
I just can't handle pasta of any kind, i have too many digestive issues and autoimmune, so it's the faux-noodles made of veggies for me, but seriously, a quick blanche of the zuchinni spaghetti, covered in alfredo with shrimp, so delicious and just like noodles!
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So far I use the cinnamon bark stevia herb suppliment daily in my coffee I use to keep my autoimmune disease inflammation down..no problem here..I have changed over from pill form to essentials and liquid for most supplements now. Feeling so much better..the liquids are more pure form without all the non essential additives..working for me
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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]
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Clearance For Surgery! Getting A Lil Fustrated
babygirl_sandy posted a topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
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 -
Is anyone familiar with the obesity help lb forum?
LeslieW replied to dolphintattoo's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Yeah it scared the hell out of me too! I am on day 6 and just now starting to feel good. I was like holy crap I am going to die even though I know that isn't true. I am a smart person. I did my research. It's not like any of us just rolled out of bed one morning and said gee I think I am going to get major surgery today. I agree With SinCityGal. It is a toxic site. I have been able to get my head back on straight by posting and reading here and in the group run by my surgeons office. My husband reminded me about that commercial for insurance that says.. it has to be true if its on the internet. LOL Bonjour!! I would advise anyone to stay far far away from that site. *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. * I am not sure what all is actually listed as far as the company that makes the lapband but my surgeon said it was contraindicated in people with Lupus, HIV, and Rheumatoid arthritis. He went over all of that in my preop. He was very detailed in what expectations should be. I am so glad lupus has not shown up for you yet Missy. I do hope you dodge that one. I would not wish that on anyone. I admire your strength! -
Gastric Bypass for Senior Citizen
DB in AZ replied to Too old to lose?'s topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Am I the oldest? I'm 73 and will hopefully have the sleeve done in Feb. My story is similar to everyone's: yo-yoed my entire adult life, losing and gaining overweight but not obese. Nine years ago I developed an autoimmune disease which is controlled by steroids. Long term steroid therapy is like having another disease. Besides potential diabetes, increased risk of infection (thankfully I have not developed), what affects weight is increased appetite, slower metabolism, and redistribution of weight (belly fat). For the past eight years I have been well over 225 lb and it is next to impossible to lose. I also have high blood pressure and sleep apnea. My PCP and Hematologist as well as other Drs feel that I am a good candidate for the sleeve. My goal is to obviously lose weight but also to have a tool for me to eat less for the rest of my life.I want to be able to get down on the floor to play with my grandchildren, have energy for my passions and to take a brisk walk. In short I want quality of life for whatever years I have left.I have completed all the requirements and am waiting to be scheduled. I have researched alot about bariatric surgery really enjoy reading these posts. I am especially impressed that so many of you have exceeded your weight loss goals. I anticipate that I will be a slow loser due to my age and the steroids but I am prepared and committed for the journey. -
Anyone with Autoimmune Hepatitis banded?
ardelia replied to 2MUCHFLUB's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Autoimmune disorders are a contraindication for the surgery. Trust me, you do NOT want something foreign inside your body if your immune system is not at 100%. You may need to find another option...RNY? Sleeve? -
Do I need a lawyer?
extraonme replied to extraonme's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Thank you all for the info. I went to the surgeon 1. for my first fill and 2. to discuss the liver biopsy results. The fill went perfect. Totally uneventful as she numbed me and I couldn't feel a thing. Also, I did discuss the biopsy results with the surgeon who did see my liver etc as BestyB suggested which was great! He assured me there was no mix up with the labs, however he has no explanation why the Path Labs came back with Low grade chronic hepatitis. ALL test results he reviewed with me all came back negative, viral, autoimmune and LFT's were normal, no fatty liver no cirrhosis etc....so he said he would call the Gastroenterologist and speak with him as well as a team they meet with monthly to discuss "special" cases. THANK YOU MrsFitand42 you are correct I was not looking at all to SUE anyone as redone tried to say in that post. I was merely looking to mitigate a 48 thousand dollar hospital stay as well as additional costs for MORE liver testing. I am satisfied totally and thrilled with my fill and Dr. I never had issues with them it was the hospital. BetsyB, they said a room was not clean so by the time I got to the room it was too late to evaluate me before I could leave. I will call the hospital to discuss, but fear I am stuck paying. THANKS ALL! -
Trying to deal with anxiety and depression during 6 month diet.
2goldengirl replied to Amurillo04's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
@@Amurillo04, you've got a lot on your plate. And you have some very significant issues not related to whether or not you have WLS. First, whether or not you take an antidepressant, and which one, is NOT up to your mother! It's up to you and your psychiatrist. Second, if you are not currently in therapy, I heartily recommend finding a therapist that uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - these are techniques you can learn to handle stressful situations so that they don't spiral out of control. Third, if you are not seeing a specialist about your psoriasis, you need to. Psorisis often has an autoimmune component and a specialist needs to work with you on this. These things need to be dealt with BEFORE you have any life-changing surgery. Why? Because having the surgery itself is stressful. You need to know what medications work for you for both the psoriasis and the depression before surgery. You need some tools to use in order to work your way through the immediate postop period. You've got a lot going on and I really, really hope you are able to get the help you both need and deserve for it all. Good luck to you. -
Auto-immune Disease and Band Rejection
danaclark2 replied to Amanda's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Here's what Inamed says: ***Number 18 talks about auto-immune disorders but does not mention thyroid problems. Contraindications The LAP-BAND System is not right for you if: You have an inflammatory disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, severe esophagitis, or Crohn's disease. You have severe heart or lung disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery. You have some other disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery. You have a problem that could cause bleeding in the esophagus or stomach. That might include esophageal or gastric varices (a dilated vein). It might also be something such as congenital or acquired intestinal telangiectasia (dilation of a small blood vessel). You have portal hypertension. Your esophagus, stomach, or intestine is not normal (congenital or acquired). For instance you might have a narrowed opening. You have/experienced an intra-operative gastric injury, such as a gastric perforation at or near the location of the intended band placement. You have cirrhosis. You have chronic pancreatitis. You are pregnant. (If you become pregnant after the BioEnterics® LAP-BAND® System has been placed, the band may need to be deflated. The same is true if you need more nutrition for any other reason, such as becoming seriously ill. In rare cases, removal may be needed.) You are addicted to alcohol or drugs. You are under 18 years of age. You have an infection anywhere in your body or one that could contaminate the surgical area. You are on chronic, long-term steroid treatment. You cannot or do not want to follow the dietary rules that come with this procedure. You might be allergic to materials in the device. You cannot tolerate pain from an implanted device. You or someone in your family has an autoimmune connective tissue disease. That might be a disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma. The same is true if you have symptoms of one of these diseases. Some surgeons say patients with a "sweet tooth" will not do well with the LAP-BAND System. If you eat a lot of sweet foods, your surgeon may decide not to do the procedure. The same is true if you often drink milkshakes or other high-calorie liquids. -
Auto-immune Disease and Band Rejection
lildarlin replied to Amanda's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Amanda, I have auto-immune thyroiditis, everything is under control now, my levels are normal. I'm not banded yet but almost to the point of approval. I would go to Inamed's website because they do say that individuals with certain autoimmune diseases should not have the band placed. The key word is certain....not all auto immune disease are cause to NOT place the band. Thyroid issues aren't one of them. I remember Lupus being mentioned...I know there are more. I do wonder about it though. If antibodies are trying to attack my thyroid, wouldn't they attack the band? I've been told over and over by experienced bandsters, NO. I do plan on asking my surgeon again on Thursday to see what he has to say. -
Auto-immune Disease and Band Rejection
sisterfunkhaus replied to Amanda's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I have wodered about this b/c I POSSIBLY have Systemic Lupus. I have tested +1 ANA ONCE in five years. My doctor at this point calls it an inflammatory arthropothy. I take Plaquanil and have no symptoms as of right now. My symptoms have never been life or death. I've never had any organ involvement. As a matter of fact, I NEVER had even one symptom until five years ago when I gained weight for the second time. In my case, I think my body isn't liking the 100 lbs. of extra fat. I have a feeling that the band is going to help. I am very glad to see other autoimmune people having good luck with the band. I haven't gotten mine yet, but I will soon :eek: The doctors office I went to before was going to do it. The doc that I am going to didn't seem to think it would be a problem and has done this surgery on several auto-immune people. I am also curious, what happens when the body rejects the band? -
Auto-immune Disease and Band Rejection
Archermom replied to Amanda's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Hi Delarla, your last post rang a bell with me- I work with women after breastcancer surgeries - many of them have or had reconstructions. Guess what - their implants were mostly made out of Silicone. That's were all the big controverse started- if the silicone or a leaking implant can cause autoimmune disease or make an excisting one worse. I am wondering if that is what they are referring to in a roundabout way - since the band contains silicone - could that in some cases make an excisiting auto immune problem worse? Just my thoughts and 2 cents. -
Hi All! I've been thinking about this for 3 yrs. I finally cleared all the tests (for the last 2 yrs, i was unable to do it because i had bowel problems. We now know i have an autoimmune disorder). Now, i put my deposit down and have a date (one month out). I came to this site to find people like me. People who can understand what i'm going through. I know there are a lot of you out there who have been through this! I'm a 40 yr old mom of 3. I'm so scared that me not being able to control my weight has lead to the surgery and now im putting myself at risk. Negativity begets negativity - so i desperately want to get to that positive place where i don't go online to read about blood clots, horror stories! GOsh, not to mention friends & doctors who think i'm nutz. Have any of you felt like this? Should i go to a therapist? Do yoga? Find local support groups? Thank you for listening to me. Thank you to whoever responds. I appreciate you!
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Rheumatoid Arthritis Or Other Autoimmune Disease / Problems
momoffive replied to Odee's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I have autoimmune Urticaria (hives). and I take 7 10 antihistamines a day. On my last allergist visit, she suggested that WLS could possibly "reboot"" my system and the hives may go away. I hope so, I've had them for 14 years. Getting rid of hives and weight loss would be heaven on earth! -
Rheumatoid Arthritis Or Other Autoimmune Disease / Problems
Odee posted a topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Hi All, Just curious if there are any other sleevers, future or sleeved, that have RA or similar health issues. I have Rheumatoid arthritis and 2011 was a horrible year for me. Lots of pain and lots of health issues. Anyhow, just looking to share the experiences. Odee -
Rheumatoid Arthritis Or Other Autoimmune Disease / Problems
sleevemeup replied to Odee's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Also.... for those of us with autoimmune issues, I have found a way of eating which I am trying to see if it can be modified to sleevers. Obviously, it needs to because I have not been able to loose weight on it! I have noticed that I do feel better though. Check out Paleo or Primal Blueprint. It's basically protein, fruit and vege based. You eat totally grain free and some people don't eat dairy. So, you can modify it. It was easy for me because of Celiac. My brother has MS, and it has helped him a great deal. My father-in-law has RA, and I am trying to get him into it, but he is single and not too good with anything other than the microwave! If anything, it is a great read and very interesting. It is a lot of work because you don't eat anything processed either. They also have a great workout, based on crossfit. -
Anyone else with Hashimotos thyroiditis & PCOS ?
deedadumble replied to heather1491's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hi Heather! I have Hashimotos and PCOS as well. My surgery was 1/17/13. I started at 265 and I'm now comfortable at 184 (5'11"). Hashis and PCOS make for slow losses, but they were steady for me. I still have difficulty managing my symptoms so I've been trying to stay on the AIP diet (autoimmune protocol). A big source of support for me is the Hashimotos 911 group on Facebook. I'm available to answer any questions. -
Just wanted to introduce myself. I am now the proud owner of a " sleeve". My surgeon Dr. Anthony Maffei did a wonderful job!! It's an exciting journey each day...and also tiring I can't wait until next week when I can have a soft Protein. It's so worth it, after only 1 week I lost 10 pounds!!!!!!! It is taking adjustment but my daughter had it when she was 28 , she's two years out amd her entire life changed around....so she is my role model:) she tells me how proud she is of me ...I have had a lot of health issues including autoimmune disease....I know that won't go away but I will have a healthier body to take anything on...this was an early birthday gift to myself. ???? Surgery was February 17 ...Wed....I will cherish Starting weight 308 Pre op dieting and surgery weight loss to date ...286!!! I'm happy to have found this support group!
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Oh Ashley, I am SO very sorry!! It must be quite rare for that to happen, my heart hurts for you. I'm glad your surgeon was so proactive about ensuring this wasn't being caused by vitamin deficiencies. Hair is one of those things that for many of us is part of our identity and to lose it all so dramatically on top of the stress of bariatric surgery is a huge load. I hope you are being very gentle with yourself. This isn't your fault. I've heard of this happening on occasion with autoimmune patients... Have you thought about seeing a therapist to help support you as you go through this? I've found them incredibly helpful when my body has done rare, weird things that caused a lot of mourning and grief. I'm glad you updated us, this is a safe place for you to come vent and mourn. I wish I had wise words to offer you in solace, but some things are really beyond our language. Just know I am sitting here alongside you with a generous measure of empathy. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to support you. I just want to give you the biggest hug!
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Lisa: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/other/sarcoidosis/sarcoid.pdf Here is an article that describes Sarcoidosis and how it affects the body and what organs it can attack. In the article it does not mention the Gastrointestinal system as one of the systems it affects. On page 8 of the document it states: "Some organs are affected more often than others. Sarcoidosis occurs most often n the lungs. It also most commonly affects the skin, eyes, lymph nodes, and liver. Less commonly, it affects the spleen, brain, nerves, heart, tear glands, salivary glands, and bones and joints. Rarely, it affects other organs, such as the thyroid gland, breasts, kidneys, and male and female reproductive organs." I can only speculate that Lopez banded you knowing about your autoimmune disease thinking that it would not affect your recovery since it does not attack the G.I. system. Other autoimmune diseases would be a major concern in that respect. Again this is only speculation on my part. The person to ask of course is Dr. Lopez or your current doc. Hope this helped.
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Gastric Bypass Reversal
Creekimp13 replied to Ronnysgal's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
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.
