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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?

Hi! I don't have MS but I have RA. I know it's like comparing apples and oranges, but they're still fruit. They're both still autoimmune diseases. I've had umm about six surgeries since my diagnosis and I've never experienced a flare from surgery. I do experience flares still occasionally, so it's not that I do not flare, but surgery never brings them on. My rheumy attributes my lack of flares to be that my RA is pretty much in remission. My rheumy is my biggest cheerleader for getting revision to RNY. She says getting to a more normal bmi will decrease inflammation and make my disease even milder. She says if I do flare after surgery, no problem, she'll just administer a steroid injection. So your neuro cleared you for surgery, they must feel that the benefits of the surgery will outweigh the risks. If you have any doubt, schedule another appointment with your neuro and discuss it with them. Has your wls surgeon okay'ed you for continuing the celebrex after sleeve surgery? I stopped mine after committing to revision to RNY. I had to know I could survive without it forever. I wish you all the best!

I have an autoimmune spectrum disease which causes chronic inflammation in my joints; if I can't my meloxicam I can't move too well. I had to decrease my pre-band surgery dose of the NSAID by 50% which just gets me by, though barely. I have to take Prevacid daily to protect my stomach. On a few occasions, my surgeon has allowed me to take an Advil liquigel which did not have any negative effects. When I had my gall bladder surgery in August, my band did not need to be unfilled. I have heard of people needing their bands unfilled for surgery, however my surgeon said that for me it was not necessary. Good luck, feel better!

Prior to COVID, (which delayed my treatment which was to start in 2020) tooth decay and gum issues. I was to get some work done including filling, root canals, and possible bone graphs to my jaw. Due to life, I have yet to have this done but am working on it. I wanted to share that I have found that the condition is called pernicious anemia (of the teeth and gums). There are many health issues that this can cause. This is a medical issue, not a dental issue. You will likely have to educate your physician (who must write the referral correctly) and and your oral surgeon. The request to your insurance company MUST include the medical information. If they turn you down, appeal it so you can send the information yourself. Just be sure you use trusted medical sites (Mayo, Cleveland Clinic, NIHA, are good places to start. 11 years ago there was no information available, and/or not provided to me. This disease is NOT a dental issue. It effects your autoimmune system and others. Left untreated, though RARE, can cause death. Please don't panic over the "death" part, it is very rare. If you have broken, cracking, teeth coming out, gum issues (even tongue issues), this might apply. As I mentioned do your homework, note your references and talk to your primary care doctor. Get the help you need. I have 8 teeth that need to be pulled now plus some "repairs" to others. I have opted for removal of all my teeth at one time and implants. A note about implants: dentures do not stimulate your gums and jaw which is imperative to keeping you jaw from decaying. My primary care doctor, after I educated him 🙄 agrees with me , BTW. There are dental clinics out there that do a one and done treatment where you can have your teeth extracted and get your implants the same day (my option to prevent more surgeries). Keep that in mind. I hope this information is helpful for someone suffering my fate.

I'm 12 days out and I can get about 50 ounces of fluids in and I'm hitting 20-25 of Protein. That's about it. Today I tried a new concoction and got 4 ounces in and was nauseated for the first time since the hospital. I'm going back to clears for the rest of the day, tomorrow I'll go back to trying Protein shake. I have never had problem taking medication in my life, not Vitamins, not liquid medication, no problems brushing my teeth (I usually brush 3 times or more a day) I floss, I use mouthwash and what happened? Seriously the taste of toothpaste makes me nauseated. I can't handle the taste of cough syrup, it takes me easily 1/2 or more to get down 2 tylenol cut in 1/2 and my medications. I know I'm not the normal and that other's are progressing faster than me, but having an autoimmune disorder is definitely working against me right now. My husband, son and parents think I'm doing great though for all the issues I have had to deal with, and I'm just going to flow with it. I'm going to try baking soda next because the Sensodyne is not sitting well with me. I see surgeon for my 2nd visit June 27th and I see the nutritionist on July 9th. Looks like I have 4 more weeks of Pure liquids. I started my liquid diet of 3 shakes a day May 21st for two weeks before surgery June 4th, so I will basically be on liquids 7 weeks before I hit pureed stage!!! I'm hoping somehow my surgeon takes mercy on me and they let me advance after the 27, but more so that I can actually handle purees by then. Right now, it's looking slim, but sigh, August looks like it will be a good month

It could be SO MANY things. I'm glad you're in the hospital. Ask for a second opinion while you're in there. It could be an autoimmune response, a vitamin deficiency, a virus, electrolite imbalance....etc., etc., etc. Make sure they exhaust all the possibilities.

theres also a bit of literature on not performing bands on anyone with any type of autoimmune disease for worry of worsening the autoimmune disorder by introducing a foreign body into the body....it's technical, but last I checked my surgeon wouldn't perform bands on patients with Crohn's disease. Just too big of a risk.

Yes it does. I had un-diagnosed PCOS for 30+ years. When it was finally spotted and treated the Metformin and hormone troche together meant that I dropped 20+kg without changing my diet. Then the thyroid went and my TSH was off the scale almost at 57, I thought I was dying. The result after 18 months with no thyroid was that my weight had gone up and over my previous untreated PCOS maximum and was at 138kg. I am now down to 105kg since my op in Aug 09. The band, with some restriction, stops me feeling hungry early in the day then lunch-time onwards I just eat the normal low GI food that is best for PCOS folks anyway. The weight loss helps with the insulin resistance which in my case has turned into type 2 diabetes due to the thyroid collapse, I think I am now back down to just plain old fashioned IR again now. :-) I thought like you that it wouldn't be any benefit but once I hit 138kg, after fighting the insulin resistance weight gain all my life and then having the thyroid do so much to add to that side of it, my GP recommended it and I said...but I am overweight because of medical conditions that will still be there working against me even with a band and I felt very mis-understood by them. I talked to a top diabetes expert and my trusted endocrinologist (who had diagnosed the very obvious PCOS missed by my Gp's for so many years) between us we decided that at 45 years of age I did not want to spend the next 3 years trying to get my weight back to where it had been before my thyroid packed up. My life was wasting away and I decided after much research and heartache that I did not want to die of a heartattack while I undid the damage from the PCOS and Hashimotos. I felt cheated, like it wasn't my fault and why did I have to have the operation. I also struggle with the pre and post op care as no one reads my records and assumes I am a junk food addict that sits on my butt watching TV and stuffing my face all day and that's why I am overweight! If your excess weight is due to the IR then so long as you are having Metformin for it, hormone treatment for the excess androgens and Oroxine or whatever (none generic, go for the full price brand,,,there is a difference!) for the Hashimotos it should benefit you. Make sure your T3 & T4 are at the high end of the range and your TSH at the lowest end to get the best benefit from your thyroid meds. PCOS is hard to deal with as it is a collection of symptoms that are too often attributed to other things. The PCOS symptoms are related to an excess of androgens and Insulin Resistance. These need to be treated by a doctor with specialist knowledge. Menstruation needs hormones to regulate it. The body hair is the wrong sort, male hair not the softer velus female hair, hair growth can slow down and lighten if hormone and hair treatments are used at the same time. Excess body weight, probably carried centrally - small bum, skinny legs and big round belly, is caused by Insulin Resistance which prevents you from using and causes you to store too much of the energy you consume, Metformin deals with this and then the band will give you the best help to get rid of the excess weight you have probably amassed throughout the years. Both Hashimotos and PCOS are autoimmune type conditions. Auto Immunes tend to run in packs!! Most people that are diagnosed with one have or end up with more than one. Good luck with your decision and journey. I would say that the band in conjunction with Thyroid treatment and PCOS management will take you where you want to be. I'll see you when you get there :-)

I have had lupus for over 30 years. I am over 50 years old and I am considered high risk. My surgery went well and I am losing weight rapidly. I was wondering if anyone here has lupus or any other autoimmune disease to deal with while going through this sleeve process. How are you doing with taking your medications and dealing with the fatigue. I have never had trouble with my meds until after the surgery (Feb 25, 2015). I always took my bedtime meds on an empty stomach, but find that now, I must have a few bites of food or some thick Protein drink on my stomach before I take them or my stomach hurts and spasms all night. I am wondering how someone who is maybe a year or so out from surgery is feeling now and have your lupus symptoms lessened.

Prednisone among other things is what got me here....... I am having a severe flare of my autoimmune disorder and have.held off increasing my prednisone as long as possible, well increasing it and a few days I have seen my hunger increase almost by double, my calories have gone from around 400 to around 780 and I'm controlling myself. This is a concern because I can not work out very much right now due to complications and my autoimmune disorder, question any veterans encountered this prednisone use and how do you handle this how do you not give in to the increasing constant hunger, I have tried increasing fluids, adding unflavored Protein but the scale has slowed and I read someones post that their nut said we should not be consuming more than 500 calories if we are not working out post op ? I'm feeling lost so if any one has any insight please let me know Cyn-shakiraa Dos 12-17-12

I haven't heard about the band being linked to RA. However, having RA is what kept me from pursuing the band. My insurance said they wouldn't approve the band due to my existing autoimmune disease (my immune system would eventually attack the band), so it was sleeve or bypass. I am going to be sleeved this month. Good Luck with your appeal.

There's not a day that goes by that I don't fret about the pain and nausea from the surgery. Like CrankyMagpie I too have autoimmune arthritis. Let me must say that the joint pain form that is horrible on good days, and when it's cold or it rains it's 10x worse. So I say to myself, "self, you handle that pain from the Arthritis without taking any heavy duty pain meds, what makes you think you can't handle a few little cuts on you tummy and some gas like you ate a whole pot of beans without chewing". The answer is I can. I can do this. All of us preop folks, we got this. Post op champions, you guys are awesome. You all made it, we all can make it. Fear is just False Expectations Appearing Real. Kick fear in the a__

Hi everyone, This is my first time on this site, and I'm not even sure if I'm posting a question in the right area! Over the past few weeks I have SERIOUISLY been considering the LAP-BAND® surgery. I feel like once I decided I've had ENOUGH being extremely overweight, this surgery and new way of life is all I can think about! I've been reading up on any information I can find over the past few weeks, however I can not find a definite answer to one important question I have. I was diagonised with Graves Disease, (hyperthyroidism) about six months ago. (I'm one of the lucky 5% that GAINS weight...) I'm taking thyroid medication right now. Also, I was lucky enough to finally confirm I have PCOS. No excuses... but obviously it is extremely hard for me to lose weight! I'm nervous I won't be approved for the LAP-BAND® since I have a Thyroid disease, which is technically autoimmune. Was/is anyone out there in the same boat as me? ANY information or guidance is greatly appreciated. Thanks! Marie :thumbup:

I am 107 days tobacco free and about 25 free of the patch. I don't think about it anymore. Soda was hard, but I've done it before. I drink about 3 or 4 liters a day of water a day and 2 glasses of coffee with unsweetened vanilla almlnd milk. I'm planning on getting a deep freeze for my house so I can prep stuff for my husband...otherwise he would literally eat microwaveable or pre made junk all the time. I've been experimenting with recipes that are low carb. I've been also working on my sugar intake as my a1c is a 6.8. The drinking thing is going to be hard for me too. I constantly have my bottle of water with me. Working out will have to wait...i have autoimmune stuff that's been flaring since the hurricanes. I do stretch daily, but I plan on going to our local indoor pool. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi there. I'm new. I've been researching, considering WLS for the past couple of months. I learned my insurance won't cover, so Mexica may be an option if I move forward. As I complete my health history for one clinic, I am wondering who is going to do surgery on a 60-year-old in poor health? Yet, I understand so many candidates receive surgery because of their health. - I've been hypothyroid for 20 years, which has progressed now to autoimmune thyroid. - I've had several surgeries over the years. Mainly: two cesareans, hysterectomy, hernia repair, gallbladder removal, pacemaker. I also have asthma, and neuropathy in feet due to degenerative disc disease. I've been referred to Mayo Clinic for what my doctor believes are autoimmune-related issues. Has anyone here been denied surgery due to health/age? I am considering WLS to help with health issues after I visit Mayo Clinic. I was told by one reputable clinic in Mexico I would not be a candidate for the sleeve; I'd need a gastric bypass if accepted. Getting this weight off (goal of about 85 lbs.) would help with arthritis and autoimmune, etc. Anyone have similar experience? I look at my application and realize I may just be beyond the scope of consideration. I'd appreciate some feedback. Thank you! I wish you all well in your journey!

Thanks Butta, it isn't fun...but I have to say ...the periodontist gave me some cream called Floucinonide to put on my gums and after one treatment..they feel better. The only draw back is the cream is petroleum based... therefore..I feel like I have an oil slick in my mouth, but my lips are going to be the softest in West Tennessee...so maybe there is a plus side to this! The periodontist said he could tell I take great care of my teeth...so it very well could be autoimmune which from the medical journal articles I am reading ..points to that!

Thanks OTR...it's really very weird...the gums on the outside next to my cheek are ulcerated above the gum line..brushing is a hurtful event but I do it anyway..I am a huge fanatic over my teeth...now here's where it gets weird...my gums that are on the inside where my tongue is...are freaking fabulous..normal as can be...so off to shave off some gum tissue I go! I feel really weird...well..that isn't a stretch ..at least I am healthier! Well ..except the gums..but we will get them fixed...maybe unless it is autoimmune and that I just have to live with!

I drank Diet Pepsi for 34 years. During that time I gained 250 lbs and developed two life-threatening autoimmune illnesses. Went off it 8 years ago and eliminated both illnesses. My opinion of "diet" soda and anything else with artificial sweeteners is it's detrimental to health and well-being.

@@RJC5197 Don't know if you are into essential oils or not but OnGuard by DoTerra is my best friend!! I diffuse it during the typical "sick seasons" and we seem to get through ok. My daughter even has an autoimmune disorder and we have stayed fairly healthy through the worst of it. I will say that we both have colds right now but everyone at my work is coming down with the terrible flu. Just my opinion.

I can't recommend one or the other but here are my thoughts: Advice for those researching Lapband: Ask what your doctor's experience is with removing lap bands. How long can I expect to keep my band before it needs to be removed? (Bands are being removed anywhere between 2 years out and onwards. I personally know of only 3 people who have had their bands 5+ years and one of those is on band #2.) What long term negative effects have your patients experienced with Lapband? Lapband is a high pressure system. The band creates a great deal of pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. The esophagus, in attempting to move food into the pouch, puts tremendous pressure on the LES, as well. Over time this causes damage and the sphincter fails to open. This creates a feeling of being "stuck" but your food hasn't even made it to the pouch. This situation is becoming more and more common in the banded population and causes permanent long term damage that cannot be reversed. This is what is called "difficulty swallowing" on the disclosure. It's actually band induced achalasia. Often on the various wls forums or social media groups, people will speak of random tightness, difficulty with swallowing yogurt, liquids, etc, regurgitation of meals despite cutting their food, chewing thouroghly and eating only 1/2 cup meals. What's your practice's re operation %? (Re operation following Lapband is upwards of 50%) any claims of lower % might mean your doctors patients are seeking help elsewhere when problems arise. How many of your Lapband patients have reached goal weight? (Average EW loss is in the 40-60% range...if you have 100 lb to lose, you can expect to lose 40-60 lb.) What do you consider compliance? -attendance at support meetings? -weighing, measuring, logging food intake? -adherence to a particular diet? -steady weight loss? -monthly, quarterly, bi-annual or annual band check ups? -what is the protocol for fills? (Many doctors consider failure to lose 1-2 lb per week noncompliance despite their patients claiming to adhere to a strict protocol.) I hear a lot about certain complications such as: achalasia, gastroparesis, adhesions of stomach to liver, erosion, band slips, band tightening without a recent fill. What's your experience with these issues. (More and more banded patients are experiencing these complications starting as early as 1 year post op and as long as 9-10 years out.) Will you band someone with autoimmune disorders? (This is a mixed bag...my personal experience is that having a foreign object in my body exacerbated my IBS) Do you screen for contraindications using EGD, esophageal manometry and upper GI? (These tests should be done to evaluate your ability to tolerate banding) If I have a hiatal hernia, what procedure do you use to repair it? What type of sutures do you use? (Nissen fundoplication and pledgeted sutures are never used in conjunction with bariatric surgery to repair existing hiatal hernia). As a final warning, recently there have been increasing reports of cardiac issues following banding...irregular heartbeat, arrhythmias, palpitations, etc. The heart and the esophagus lie sued by side in the chest. The vagus nerve(controls heart rate, breathing and GI tract) is also in the same area. Food retained in the esophagus puts pressure on the nerve and heart. This is not good. I'm posting this because although I lost over 100 lb while I had my band, I now have permanent esophageal damage, cardiac problems and I'm on additional medications to manage the complications caused by my band. I was compliant with diet and lifestyle changes. Part of the problem was that my hiatal hernia was repaired using a nissen fundoplication and pledgeted sutures. Also, upon removing my band it was found to be placed very high on the stomach. I didn't have esophageal manometry testing prior to my band placement. (My band doctor was recently named as one of Seattle's Best Bariatric Surgeons for 2013.) 3 years later I had 0% motility when tested. I never had swallowing problems before banding. I still have difficulty with many foods. Bands are a money maker for doctors who are still implanting them. They get paid to put them in, fill them, empty them and remove them, then revise their patients. Many reputable medical institutions will no longer implant a band and many who still do, consider it a short term device and remove within 2-3 years then revise to gastric sleeve before permanent damage is done. I thought the band was least invasive. I have 15 incisions on my belly I didn't have when I started this. 3 surgeries, dozens of diagnostic, invasive tests, $150,000 later and I don't have a WL tool. I have a cardiac condition I didn't have, esophageal dilation and achalasia + 3 new meds costing me $150/month out of pocket. Do your research and be open to hearing the "negative" along with the positive...it might save you from years of suffering.

I was on cellcept for about 3 weeks and it was the worst time in my life. I was taking it for an autoimmune disease and was already banded at the time...

There are a couple of blood tests that have to co-inside for the diagonsis of lupus. also you have to have, I believe 5 systoms from a long list to be diagnosed with lupus. Leatha probably knows what I am talking about. Years ago when ever they could not figure out what a person had they called it lupus. Now they are aware of a whole field of autoimmune diseases. I for one have had 2 of the three blood tests quite elevated for the last 20 years but not the third one (double ss something or another) plus only 3 symtoms. I have been to 2 rheumatoidologists only to have them tell me I don't have lupus or any other autoimmune diseases. That 2/3 of the people with elevated blood test do not have a problem. Only one third will eventually get a AI disease. NO you cannot catch it . The reason they are concerned if you already have and AI disease is the chance your body will reject the band because with an AI disease your body fights against itself and does not have the good antibodies it needs to fight off inflammation or it will reject forgein things. You can miscarry really easy if you have an AI disease because your body rejects the fetus. So your body could reject the band with a AI disease. Which is different that having an allergic reaction. I have not read any where where the band could cause an AI disease. Also my DR refuses to band you if you have an AI disease. He looked at my blood work and said OK. I hope this isn't to long or confusing.

I think we all need and want a chill out day sometimes regardless of the weight issue. I have bad arthritis and take methotrexate shots for it which can often tire me out in addition to just living with pain and autoimmune conditions so I enjoy the down days sometimes even when I don't feel blah just needing rest and mental break. Seems like under normal circumstances these days now and then would be healthy as well for anyone.

Hi I have Ms too. I have M.S. and the Lap Band recently I have seen ligature that says people with an autoimmune condition can not have the Lap band. MS is a auto autoimmune condition. Have you heard anything about that? How are you doing with your lap band? When did you get your lap band? Have you lost any weight? Please respond as soon as possible. My alternative e-mail address is lenaa@wowway.com. I check that box regularly.

Hi! I’m 62 and had the sleeve on January 2. I still have pain in my gut, but it’s not too awful. I still take 1 or 2 pain pills per day. I want to make it clear that I have autoimmune issues that have me feeling not so great too. When I first woke up in the recovery room I had regret because the pain was intense for me. The other issue I had was when I got to my room and i asked for pain meds I waited 1 1/2 hours until they were administered, which in my mind was totally unacceptable! (And it was not a case where it wasn’t time for them). This caused me unnecessary anxiety and more pain because it was not under control. I would think that because you walk daily you should have an easier time of it. Good luck on your journey.