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Hi everyone, I have been thinking of getting lap band on and off for a while, but have always been too nervous. I have autoimmune hepatitis and the combo of steroids/imuran has caused me to gain about 60 lbs in the last 3 years. I am off steroids but will have to continue my other medications for who knows how long and after all efforts on my own, I do not think I can do this without help. Finally after being told by 2 different dr's of mine that it is something I should really consider I went and meet with Dr. Luckey of Scales in Thousand Oaks. He was very nice and I have the first group meeting on Tuesday. I am still very nervous about having surgery and hope that I get insurance coverage (I do have bariatric coverage but I need the pre-service review). I am very glad that there is this board available.
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Has WLS Helped your autoimmune and endocrine issues?
Introversion replied to norcaligirl's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I have been hypothyroid for more than a decade. Once you are hypothyroid, you typically have the disease for life. As far as the results of my weight loss surgery are concerned, I have more energy than ever. I no longer feel sluggish or overly tired. By the way, I also suffered from autoimmune idiopathic hives for many years, but the problem resolved within months after bariatric surgery. -
Inflammation in the joints 9 mos post op
AZhiker replied to cutiepie34's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
No, all my inflammation is gone since surgery. Sounds like you have some sort of autoimmune issue. Did they test your CRP? -
Inflammation in the joints 9 mos post op
LaLaDee replied to cutiepie34's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
About 2 months after my surgery, I went through hell with some autoimmune diseases (sarcoid, psoriasis, arthritis, eye issues). The surgery triggered massive flare ups for me even after I had been fine for years. I think my whole body was in shock and it reacted. I'm not aware of anyone else dealing with this, so I thought I would share my story. -
It Is The Band That Erodes, Not Your Stomach
DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! replied to lappyloo's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I was told and read the same thing. It's because Lupus is an autoimmune disease and the body attacks the band, rejecting it. What I am unclear on is why that happens with Lupus but not RA or Multiple Sclerosis, both autoimmune diseases as well. -
I just had mine. It was pretty lame. Asked why I wanted surgery, I explained about my psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia and my autoimmune issues. He saw my list of meds... said you take a lot of medications. I said yes that’s why I need this surgery. Asked about family supporting me, asked about depression, if abused or was ever in an abusive relationship. Asked if financial hardships, ever think or attempt suicide. Done in 15 minutes.
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Long term ( 20 years ) and developing autoimmune symptoms?
supernurse3469 replied to Eveband's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I had my band placed in 2005. In 2009 i was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis which is an autoimmune disease. I have never been able to get my thyroid regulated completely. Finally a month ago I saw an endocrinologist who told me that the band was probably causing absorption issues. I am having my band removed next month. -
Rhuematoid Arthritis
Sphinx replied to Starshine33's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Wow, I am so glad I found this topic. I'd posted in another forum about a question I had after seeing the PA for my admission history, and mentioned I had RA and a poser responded that autoimmune diseases were a contraindication to the band. Needless to say I was freaked, although I specifically asked the surgeon at my seminar about it and the PA knew I have RA and also did not tell me I could not get a band. However a google search turned up references saying that autoimmune diseases are indeed a contraindication. So seeing other who have autoimmune diseases who have had the band makes me feel loads better. As for meds, I recently stopped my third TNF-inhibitor (they'll work for a while then poof, they stop working). I started Orencia infusion yesterday and everything they said/gave me said just no infusion 2 weeks before or after surgery, and its a monthly infusion so timing seems to be key. Not sure about methotrexate, but he's told me in the past to keep taking even if I get sick, unless it's really severe. Something about the half life. I had foot surgery a couple years ago and believe I may have skipped that weeks' dose just to be safe. -
Sigh...MONTHS of the back and forth...
ksmsusselman replied to OneYearLater's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
New to this forum and I just wanted to pop in and say this particular thread was very encouraging to me. I had my lap band surgery Dec. 16, 2010, so 5 mos. ago and I've only lost a net of about 18# so far, which I lost by Feb., so nothing really since Feb. despite two fills, the second being just last month. I'm still eating more than a cup of food but if I don't, I get hungry quickly between meals. Also, I have Hashimoto's hypothyroid with a gluten intolerance so there are some things I don't eat anymore at all and with my autoimmune condition, it's advised that I don't "graze," but instead simply eat three meals a day and one snack. I've been doing really good with that so I think it's just my particular condition that's going to make it slower for me. But I'm only 5'1" and I'd LOVE to be in a 14/16 right now and out of my snug 18s. I was in 20s that were getting tight pre-surgery! But I'm remaining hopeful that this will finally work. If anything else, it's forced me to really be careful about what I eat and that I have to take an extra Aleve or two to get through my workouts because of my really, really bad knees. Oh, and just a few days after I started exercising again I was diagnosed with asthma so now that I'm on two inhalers, my workouts are going more smoothly because I can breathe. But anyway, don't lose faith! You're doing great!! And remember, stress can cause weight gain so if you stress over it, you may impede your progress. I know that from experience. That's what I told my husband too, so I haven't measured myself and I've stopped literally counting calories. I'm eating healthier than I ever have and I'm not over-eating, and now I'm exercising regularly - 1 hr. a day so I think my body just needs to catch up to what I'm doing. Glad to have found you all here! -
WLS with Fibromyalgia and Arthritis of Unknown Origin
LisaMergs replied to JenniferVSG2011's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I consider myself an expert when it comes to autoimmune rheumatic diseases. First- let's talk your prednisone: See an endocrinologist. Pronto. I was taking 60 mg of pred a day for years. There was no weaning off, because any time I got down to 20-25mg, I literally could not function. In any capacity. Enter the endocrinologist. Because the prednisone does just as much (if not more!) damage than good, my adrenal function was gone, I had prednisone induced glaucoma as well as prednisone induced diabetes. I needed off the meds ASAP. She prescribed me ORAL hydrocortisone. It mimics- and tricks- your body into believing it is prednisone, and is MUCH easier to wean off of than the prednisone. It took a total of 2.5 months vs over a year or longer if it were the prednisone. Do this. Again, ASAP. Ask for it. Second- methotrexate, either by pill or injection: pills made me sick, puking, typical chemo side effects. The shots did not, and they actually work much more effectively than the pills, so if given a choice, it is a once a week teeny tiny needle. Side effects- don't bother paying attention to them. The benefits far outweigh any possible adverse effects. You will need regular blood work to monitor your liver enzymes. Again, I have been on a very high dosage, so mine were often screwy. Third: I can't imagine any surgeon doing WLS or ANY elective surgery while you are on either of these meds. I had to "wash out" before I could have my surgery, meaning get all traces of the meds out of my blood system and stored reserves. Both drugs make you more susceptible to infection and the prednisone especially makes healing hard. And keeps weight on. Again- seeing an endocrinologist will get you off the pred by using oral hydrocortisone pills. Usually PMR goes away after a year or so. I wonder if you don't have true rheumatoid arthritis? The tests- a sed rate and C-reactive Protein screen are used for PMR as well as other autoimmune arthritis diagnosis. Just a thought. So- don't worry about side effects of the methotrexate and get off the pred!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App -
I tried it for a fairly short period only as it made one of my autoimmune symptoms worse as I progressed through the higher doses. For the three weeks I used it, I was fairly fortunate that i didn't feel any of the nausea or stomach upset issues that are some of the side effects. I didn't like injecting myself but I would have likely continued using it for a little while (if it wasn't for the autoimmune issue) as I was given a free month's (or was it three month's) supply by a doctor. It is expensive, so be prepared to spend some $$. In one of the subforums here (the ESG one) and on a couple of fb pages I belong, some people have had good success with saxanda.
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Oh I am so happy. The surgeon's office called on Friday and said Medicare said no problem. The issue was that I have autoimmune disease and there was question regarding that. Anyway they checked to make sure they would pay and they said yes! I had already met with the surgeon. Today I met with the dietition and now I have to get an appointment with a psychologist. There aren't many around where I live and I have to get one that takes Medicare, so hopefully the two I put calls into will call me back soon. One that said they take medicare didn't have any available appts unti the end of April. I'm penciled in just in case I can't find one sooner. The surgeon's office said we set my surgery date as soon as I get the appt with the shrink. I'm excited and nervous.....
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If you have the autoimmune type of Thyroid Disease, it doesn't go away after the surgery, however Sarsar is right in that you have to be re-evaluated. My doctor told me that it is not uncommon to have to have a reduction in the dose following a large weight loss. I have not had my post op Thyroid evaluation yet as I am only 3 weeks out, but I will be going in soon to have the test checked to see where I am.
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I have thought about doing exactly what you are taking about. The trainer my hubby got for me had no clue about rny, but he listened to what I wanted to do and helped me in the regards. I then had a friend help me with some other exercises. I have also found that trainers do not understand people with autoimmune diseases. My RA and RNY gives me a very different view of the world of fitness. I think the key is to find a good routine for working out and start the habit early. I was back playing soccer 8 weeks after my surgery. It has really helped during this time. As for new rny people I always suggest find a goal and work towards it. I want to run a 5k and get accepted to the police academy. That is what I work on when I work out. Most trainers can help you achieve goals.
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6 Weeks Out With Colitis
clk replied to Thinner Peace's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
All I can say is I'm sorry for your experience. My father in law had an infectious colitis and it took him wasting away and getting very ill to get the correct diagnosis. It's been some time, but I believe a few rounds of antibiotics and he recovered fully. I can't recall exactly how long it went on but his biggest issue was actually diagnosing the problem. It's been a long time but he's absolutely fine now and has no problems. How far are you out from surgery? The only real issue with medication comes if you need it to spend a long time in the stomach or if it's something (like B12) that needs to be absorbed there. I've taken several rounds of antibiotics and many people take anti-inflammatory meds (we have a few folks here with lupus and other autoimmune disorders) without any problems. Wishing you the very best with your treatment and a speedy recovery. I know that your fear right now is gaining weight on meds, but if your case is infectious colitis it will clear up and go away, and you will only need the meds until it's gone. Colitis can be serious if left untreated, so I'd simply do what the doctor suggests (once your colonoscopy confirms what you've got going on) and worry about losing any possible weight gain once it's over and done with. Your quality of life with colitis will be crap. With a sleeve, there's no time limit on weight loss and you can easily take off any pounds gained on a treatment cycle afterward. Put your overall health first. ~Cheri -
I've decided to research GBS. I'm scheduled to attend a class in November. I want to compare both procedures. Also, I have a family history of RA and other autoimmune disease (like lupus) and worry about a lapband triggering autoimmune disease?
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AutoImmune Diseases & Swelling
DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! replied to tym4me's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Hello and yes I do, and I don't mind being called out I have Multiple Sclerosis which is also an autoimmune disease. I was also diagnosed with Fibromyalgia years before the MS diagnosis, but I honestly think it was just MS all along. I actually just came out of a flare a couple weeks ago. I have symptoms all the time, but when when I'm in an exacerbation it all gets a lot worse. I had about 2 weeks where my band did feel tighter than usual and I had zero appetite. I found during that time, I drank Protein shakes a couple times a day to keep my nourishment up. Normally I'd never advise someone to do that, but when you have a medical condition that's temporarily making it rough to eat, you do what you need to do to get through the rough patch. This is actually partially why I don't do the whole high protein diet. I try to keep my diet as anti-inflammatory as possible because it does lessen the effects of autoimmune disease. If you're curious, here's a basic anti-inflammatory food pyramid. http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02995/Dr-Weil-Anti-Inflammatory-Food-Pyramid.html If you're having problems taking your meds, see if your pharmacist can give you a liquid version of it temporarily. Or, if it's safe to crush or cut them. Your meds are really important right now. Hang in there, I know how bad it sucks. Just rest and do whatever is necessary to get through this flare. -
Hi gang. So i was banded 10/07/11 and have had slow an steady weight loss. I also have had Fibromyalgia since 2003 (28yo) an recently have been diagnosed with Secondary Raynaud's and Lupus. I have noticed that as of lately when I am in a flare up my band is Super tight! Does anyone with autoimmune disorders experience this to? And how do you deal with it? Mis73 I know you deal with something too (not trying to call you out) do you have any tips? Right now its even tough getting down my meds. I also am going with warm liquids tea, chicken broth and such. Thanks guys!!
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Waking up with acid and vomiting mucus with blood
Jen35 replied to Looking Ahead's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My surgeon did tell me that my reflux could get worse after being sleeved and the sleeve is not the first surgery they recommend for those with severe reflux. However, I am not a candidate for bypass due to an autoimmune disease. But if he thought is should not be done at all, he wouldn't do it. You have to make an informed decision - weighing the benefits vs. the risks (as in all surgeries). My weight also contributes to my reflux so in that respect it could get somewhat better. I also may have a hernia that can be repaired. As with any surgery, it is best to discuss all the risks of surgery and come up with the best decision based on your specific needs and health issues. -
New Member / mburgs' Story
mountain_lover replied to mburgs's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Welcome, Your story sounds similar to mine. In the beginning I was only for the Band. I didn't want to have to go through anymore major surgery. But after attending Dr. Husted's Seminar here in Somerset, Ky I was leaning more toward something else. I decided that I did not want to go through all the maintenence of fills and unfills and getting stuck with the needles. Then I found out I had an autoimmune disorder, which the Band is not recommended for those patients. The sleeve was not an approved procedure at the beginning of my journey, but the Duodenal Switch was, so I was leaning towards that procedure. But Dr. Husted said that he would prefer to do the sleeve for me and he hoped that by the time my surgery would take place that the sleeve would be approved. He was going to try to convince Medicaid to start approving it. He really encouraged me to hang in there, which I did and now this Month I got my approval from Medicaid for the sleeve. I hope more states start approving it. It is less evasive than some of the other procedures for the people who can't or don't wish to have the band. Also it has less risks and is less expensive. He told me recently that he does not have to make 5 incisions, now he only has to make one small incision. I wish you all the best with whatever you decide. There are alot of good reveiws on the sleeve. -
Rheumatoid Arthritis & Lap Band Surgery
swtlee replied to hudson52's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I too have rheumatoid arthritis and was concerned that would mean I couldn't have the lap band. Since RA is an autoimmune disorder and not like regular arthritis, it's important to talk with your doctor since some autoimmune issues can disqualify you for the surgery. My doctor said that it shouldn't be a problem for me though. I am worried though about after the surgery because the autoimmune issues make me heal slower and leave me with so much extra pain from any minor trauma to the body. Doctors like to tell you to expect "soreness" but that can be anything from feeling like you worked out really hard to laying on the couch crying in pain. I just wish I had a better idea of the pain I can expect. -
Rheumatoid Arthritis & Lap Band Surgery
Mottsy replied to hudson52's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I too have RA and OA, recently had a partial hip replacement due to necrosis cause by long term steroid use for the autoimmune disorders. both my rheumatolgist and orthopedics doctors HIGHLY recommend the lap banding and are will to write letters to that effect if needed by the bariatric surgeon. I do understand that some bariatric surgeons do not want to do the lap banding with certain autoimmune disorders, have even had one deny me, but he never gave a rationale for not doing it. So i do not know what the problem is unless it is the slowed healing process related to medications, etc. but good luck with yours. I am still waiting on the 3 months supervised documentation by my primary care doc of my diet as required by medicare and then to see this surgeon. hoping it works out, -
Auto immune disorder AFTER bypass?
talkingmountain replied to DDBug's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Hi DDBug, I am praying that you get good news at your appointment. In the event that you find that it is RA, though, please look up Dr John McDougall (a doctor whose diet has been shown to halt numerous autoimmune disorders - he provides all his info for free) and Dr Garth Davis (a Bariatric surgeon who recommends a McDougall-like diet to his patients). Both are leaders in their fields and will be easy to google. Congratulations on your baby boy and your weight loss. I hope you get some answers soon! -
Auto immune disorder AFTER bypass?
Daisee68 replied to DDBug's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
There are A LOT of autoimmune disorders other than RA, and working with a good rheumatologist who will run a lot of tests will help you get to the bottom of it. I do not believe anything actually causes auto-immune disorders. The stress from the surgeries and pregnancy may have caused it to finally reveal itself but not cause it. I was diagnosed with Graves Disease (an autoimmune disorder affecting thyroid) at age 43. It runs in my family. My first cousin was diagnosed with it at age 23. Mine just didn't raise it's head until after some other physical stressors I went through. I know it is scary, but do your best to try not to focus on it. You cannot change anything and a good rheumo will help you treat it. Best of luck to you! Keep us posted. And meanwhile do your best to stick to the program. -
Successful post op gastric bypass
Splenda replied to fourmonthspreop's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
The moment I came out of the anesthesia, I was insanely groggy and my abdomen was SORE. Best way I can describe is that it felt like I had someone trying to blow up a balloon underneath my stitches. That pain went down 50% over the next 24 hours, but it was probably about 10 days before that pain completely went away. There will be days when it is just plain sore, especially as your abs heal from the incision (the main incision on the left side, where they cut the abdominal muscle to get in, took the longest to heal and longest to no longer have pain). I tolerated liquids well from the start; I was sipping Crystal Light lemonade in the hospital and handled the jello just fine. As far as being super active...well, define "super active." This was my first surgery ever and what I didn't realize was how much surgery saps your energy. I would slowly walk around the hospital floor once or twice a day, mostly just to have a change of scenery. I walked like an old man in a nursing home, but all the nurses commented on how much more I walked than most people who have bariatric surgery. It was a week before I had something approaching a normal schedule, but it was a few weeks before I had normal energy levels. If you are in your 20s, are going to be diligent about your vitamins/nutrition/protein and have no major complicating factors (autoimmune diseases, etc.), then chronic illness is not super likely.
