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I've seen rheumatologists before for other chronic pain issues but not for this. It would take forever to get into one, the last time took over six months, and I know for a fact that the ones here in town wouldn't entertain an EDS diagnosis. They'd want to send me to a geneticist and the wait list is two years long. My concern with the celiac thing is if I haven't been exposed to it for a few months, why would I be showing symptoms now? I've read many studies now where it does happen that celiac "activates" after major surgery and mimics gallbladder symptoms but the gluten component is missing. He also didn't say whether the villi were flattened. I tried cheese this weekend and confirmed that milk is an absolute no-go but it didn't cause as much of the gallbladder-y pain, just stomach and gas pain. I wonder if the GI doc will do some allergy and gluten testing anyway. Gluten seems to be in everything, so it's possible I was exposed without knowing it. I've had a chronically elevated SED rate for a few years now, slightly so, that the last rheumy blamed on being overweight after testing for inflammatory processes came back negative (his words.) Looking at autoimmune possibilities, lupus and spondylosis seem to fit the bill looking at the big picture, with Sjogren's a distant third. I've been tested for ankylosing spondylitis in the past based on chronic pain symptoms and was negative but now I see only 30-some% of people actually carry the marker for it. All of that really doesn't matter because the first-line treatments all seem to be the same: prednisone, which I can't have because of the gastric bypass. I asked my surgeon about it when I was in the hospital since he thought it was IBS and he said no because it's a steroidal anti-inflammatory. So yeah, now it's just seeing what the GI doc has to say.
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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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Calling all AUTOIMMUNE sleevers
gamergirl replied to gamergirl's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
all right, here's the new link. I still haven't figured out how to access it from a mobile device. I'll give Alex a few days of breathing room before I hit him with this one http://www.bariatricpal.com/groups/357-autoimmune-sleevers/ -
Eyesight changed immediately after surgery
lilac lass replied to Gourt's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
It could be the meds but not from the pain aspect but from the dryness. Many medications ( especially that nausea patch) dry out the eyes and mouth. I have Sjogren's, an autoimmune disease that is dry eyes and mouth. When your eyes are dry, your vision changes. Your tears create a film that is important to the health and working of your eyes. There are lots of stories like yours of Sjogren's patients going to their eye doctor saying I can't see with these glasses but when he tests them, it varies, depending on the moisture level of their eyes. Also right after surgery, you are dry. During the surgery they did put ointment, yes, kind of like Vaseline, in your eyes to keep your eyes safe ( no harm to your corneas) during surgery. It is the same stuff I use daily. Anesthesiologist are responsible for caring for those kinds of things during surgery. Hospitals are generally dry air atmosphere, you aren't drinking, and yeah you may have an iv but it isn't your regular condition. Your mouth is dry, your lips feel chapped, and the same goes for your eyes. Another factor if you have any double vision, is that some medications can affect the muscles around your eyes. They don't affect all muscles but those tiny muscles and it is a great affect if you aren't eating. You use those muscles to adjust your eyes gently and focus. Think of what you do when you squint. That is those muscles doing their maximum work. So wait and see if your vision how your vision is after a few days. -
June 2012 Sleevers Post Op Check In
MinaT replied to robin33's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Get some gas x Jenni. I am 10 days out and I'm still suffering gas pains. Not all surgeries are a like and not all bodies are a like. I have no problem admitting, this has been extremely hard on me. I still hurt horribly. The gas pains are hard on me, I can barely stand anything chewable (like the vitamins) I can drink Water all day long, but the Protein shakes cause pain. I had a 5 hour surgery with complications. That's my reality, it's not everyones though. Do what you think you can and don't base what you can do on others or it will drive you crazy. I lost 70 pounds before surgery during the 6 month pre-approval period. Day of surgery i weighted 229 - I came home at 235 - I am now 224.6. That's not a huge loss, but I know in the end - when I'm healed, I will excel and I will do a great job. Having an autoimmune disorder Lupus and neurological issues (brain tumor) i'm not going to heal as fast as others, and I can get down about it, but I'm not going to. Make sure you keep taking the gas x and watch any gassy producing Soups (a few teaspoons of broccoli cheddar Soup with no broccoli pieces caused me serious tears and I swear I felt like I was having a heart attack). I walked a few hours a day and still have gas issues. I honestly thought I was going to breeze through this surgery because I'm a pretty tough cookie, but it's just a set back. I got my drain out yesterday and my pain was cut in 1/2. The drain was up against my diaphragm and causing breathing difficulties. I'm still coughing a bit, but that's getting better now too. I am so happy that so many are doing good so soon. I don't feel jealous, I just figure it's my lot, and I can take it, and in the end it will equal out. -
Lap Band vs. the Sleeve
DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! replied to tamarlarae's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
There are many people with autoimmune diseases and the band with zero problems- including myself. The contradictions that Allergan list are no different than any other drug or device on the market. They have to list all the possible issues to save themselves from lawsuits. It's no different than the birth control not be recommended for women over age 35. Hundreds of thousands of women over 35 take the pill without a problem but they have to list it in the warning for their own protection. -
Lap Band vs. the Sleeve
tamarlarae replied to tamarlarae's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Thanks for the study!! I guess I am just so nervous about gaining the weight back. I found out I have Hoshimotos (autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid) gained 93lbs in a year and have been trying to loose it ever since. I was able to loose 30, but I ended up gaining it all back after my grandmother died last year because of helping my mom with all of the stress/stuff that comes with that... What would you say is key after getting banded to keep the weight off? I'm not a huge fan of support groups (no reason, just not). Obviously the exercise and diet is a huge factor, but anything else? Maybe some good questions I should ask the surgeon when I see him? I am a teacher so I'd like to have the surgery over the summer when I'll know I'll have plenty of time off. -
Sleeved aug 23 and my hair has started falling out in small clumps. My vitamins are good and I usually eat 800-1300 calories depending on my workout that day. Dietician says it’s “normal” but I don’t understand why if I’m meeting my macros. However, it could also be an autoimmune relapse. That was my first symptom.
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So I recently got my first manicure in, like, 20 years. I decided to do something pampering for myself that didn't involve eating or buying clothes. I don't like to draw attention to my hands because I have vitiligo, which is a loss of pigment, and my hands are quite blotchy. But I did the manicure anyway. I started getting compliments on my nails from coworkers and friends. So I've been polishing them regularly myself now. Feeling all girly for the first time in ages. So of course I develop a new skin problem. Why not. Flaky, dry, red, burning eyelids. Day after day after day. I google this. The apparent diagnosis says get to the eye doctor. So I go to the eye doctor and he says nope, your eyes are fine. Get to the dermatologist. So today I see my dermatologist. She hasn't seen me since oh, about sixty pounds ago. She asks how much I've lost. I tell her 101 pounds. Congrats and compliments ensue. Very nice. So, Doc, what's going on? Did I develop yet another autoimmune disorder to add to my arthritis and vitiligo? My stress levels have been through the roof over the last four months. I filled her in on my crazy life situation. Oh, no. It's your nail polish. What? Yes, you have contact dermatitis of the eyelids and almost all of the cases I see are an allergic reaction to nail polish or artificial nails. I'M ALLERGIC TO MY ONE CALORIE FREE AFFORDABLE LUXURY?! Yes, yes I am. Fortunately, there's a doctor approved polish I can use. Pricey, but not as pricey as a weekly foot massage. So that is my rant for the day.
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Need RNY but...
ridgerunner replied to ridgerunner's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Hi LisaMergs!You are well met! Thank you for your advice. It is very encouraging to hear about someone who has had this serious of a problem and is managing well without nsaids. You hit the nail on the head when you said you were dreading being without your advil more than your favorite foods. I have been worried that I will be thinner but in pain. My quality of life is too important. I'm too old to worry about vanity...give me health! Girl you can have both health AND vanity! Take back your life! Lol. I'll be sure to follow your journey!!! As an aside, my surgeon, upon consultation with my rheumatologist, felt bypass was the safer alternative for me- with autoimmune issues. But that's me. Lol! I certainly am gonna give it my all. Thank you sooo much for your help and I hope I can one day return the favor. I wish you the very best in life and weight loss! ❤ -
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. -
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? -
Holy crap judgmental much? I was never an overeater and have had on and off bad head hunger. I gained weight because of various psych meds and autoimmune disease. Sounds like you need to get your judgmental ass into therapy more than the rest of us.
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Did I read correctly? You were having caffeine-free, then switched back to regular, of which you consume 5 cups per day? Is that accurate? Regular tea has 55 milligrams of caffeine per cup. Five cups equals 275 milligrams of caffeine daily. You also said you keep the tea-bag in the cup, so you're getting even more caffeine. coffee has 125-185 milligrams (depending on strength.) So you're consuming the equivalent of 2 pretty strong cups of coffee daily. Addiction is weird. I used to be a coffee & Diet Pepsi addict. It got so out of control that I challenged myself to quit. I quit cold-turkey for about six months. But then I started again. However, once I started up again, my body wasn't able to tolerate the caffeine. Two cups of strong black coffee in one day is enough to raise my blood pressure from all the anxiety the caffeine gives me. I'm not familiar with the sweetener that you're hooked on, but I know that I was hooked on artificial sweeteners as well. During my Diet Pepsi days, I would rather go without than drink a regular sugar Pepsi, because I needed the chemical fix. However, a few months ago I was diagnosed with Sarcoid Disease (Sarkoidosis) which is an autoimmune disease. They found granuolas (or granola or some weird mass) on my lungs. It's one of those diseases that lay dormant, so maybe I'll never get sick again, but maybe it will come back with a vengeance. Nobody knows the exact cause of Sarcoidosis, but I recently read a study that said I could have gotten it from Aspartame (Equal.) As of that day, I decided to use plain old Sugar - tried and true since the beginning of time, and at 41 years old, I finally have an excuse to use the damn stuff guilt-free. However, Donali, I agree. The world is full of ridiculous hypocrisies. Is anyone familiar Alcoholics Anonymous or "AA"? Since AA began, they've given birth to the same meetings for other addictions: Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, etc. I've gone to many AA & OA meetings. During AA meetings, the "sober" alcoholics suck down packs of cigarettes while drinking pots of coffee and eating piles of candy and sugar goodies (replacing the sugar they crave from the alcohol.) Could you imagine if I sat in an Overeaters Anonymous meeting while drinking a bottle of tequila and snorting a plate of cocaine? Did I just babble all that without making a point?
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Oy vey..my aching back and what? No Aleve?
moonlitestarbrite replied to jjames7118's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
fiddleman, my friend with a degenerative autoimmune disorder and fibro (no NSAIDs) discovered a combo of tylenol, turmeric tea, low inflammation diet and anti inflammatory juice combo really did wonders for her. -
Did anyone like the band better?
Cleo's Mom replied to OldMomOf3's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
And how many people develop an autoimmune disease that didn't have the lap band? There would have to be research and studies on this topic to show a cause and effect - comparing those in the general population without WLS in the vulnerable age groups for these autoimmune diseases against the same group who have had the band. Then the differences would have to be statistically significant to conclude a cause and effect excluding other factors such as genetics, etc. I am no fan of the band, that is for sure, but if you go to the lap band forum you will see many who are, just like you see all those who just love the sleeve on here. -
Post Op depression/Struggle with meds
Born in Missouri replied to Athira's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Does your Mother, by chance, have to take methimazole (three times per day)? If so, it's probably the frequency that makes it difficult for her. Have you tried adding her meds to her food? I'm sure you've tried everything, so I apologize if I'm asking dumb questions. Sometimes when a person has a problem taking meds, there is some anxiety associated with the feeling that they will throw up or worse, whatever worse is. What if you try adding it to her food without her knowing? Maybe, psychologically, she's making matters worse by thinking that she'll be unable to keep her meds down. It's an old trick but it might work. I was never able to get down my recommended fluid or protein. Not even close to optimal. I know some people advise others to force down their fluids and protein no matter what. Be tough on yourself, big-girl panties, and all that. I disagree. Listen to your body; it's talking to you. It's trying. You can only do what you can do. It takes months before malnutrition kicks in. Your Mother will be fine. I'd concentrate on trying to get her meds down and worry less about the fluid and protein. I had an abysmal time with my fluid/protein intake, yet when my 3-month labs came back post-bypass, I aced them. My visit to my endocrinologist last week (I have the autoimmune thyroid condition known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis), also revealed stellar lab results. Excellent A1C, excellent blood pressure... and no meds for either anymore. I also take anti-depressants. I was lucky, I guess, since I could down any size pill immediately after my surgery. Horse pill size, no problem. Even several at once. I think I'm rambling here, moving from one topic question to the next without making any sense. Your Mother's experience with suddenly thinking everything tastes too sweet, etc is extremely common. Post-surgery most everything smells and tastes differently. I'm still noticing this at 5 months out. My main point is: continue to support your Mother by NOT contributing to the chorus of other people telling her that she needs to do this or that and if she doesn't do it "right" then she's a failure. Posting this comment on behalf of your Mother says a lot about you. She's lucky to have you in her corner. Keep helping her by reminding her that her body will sort things out (eventually). She's healing. Keep being positive even when she's struggling. And keep us posted! We care about you and your Mother. -
... I decide I can handle the weight loss without surgery? As I posted in older threads, my wife was diagnosed with a very aggressive autoimmune disease last March. This was my wake-up call to change my life. I wanted to get my surgery done the last week of March, during spring break from the school district I work for. But I've already lost 33.0 pounds and my BMI is down to a 35.1(on my digital scale). My 1st goal is 200lbs and it seems much closer at 43.4lbs vs. 76.4 lbs. Do I get sent packing if I do this the old fashioned way?
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Autoimmune Issues and VSG?
Phoenix79 replied to Tjohnson322's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have AS and use Remicade to help with symptoms, given by IV every six weeks. I'm just starting on my pre- surgery diet for surgery in late June (no date yet- just submitted to insurance). My rheumatologist told me they wanted my last infusion to be at least four weeks before surgery and I can restart Remicade two weeks after surgery. I have been very stable and almost no symptoms since starting Remicade and I'm so excited to be able to exercise after surgery- crew team here I come! I have also been told that the band is contraindicated for folks with autoimmune issues so it's good that you folks are switching to sleeve! Small silver lining about having AS, Lupus, RA etc is that we're already used to lots of pain- chronic, which can be worse than acute and we'll probably have a better pain tolerance right after surgery and that IV will be a piece of cake! -
I have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. This causes me pain each day, and makes exercise for weight loss (I have always had to do major workouts to lose consistently) very difficult. I have begun the process to be sleeved by September. Anyone else done this procedure with an autoimmune disease? How has it improved or worsened the symptoms? My rheumatologist tells me that the weight loss will help the medications work better (at lower doses), and my surgeon says they deal with AI issues regularly. He did say he would not put in the band, because that can exacerbate symptoms. Thanks in advance! Tina San Antonio, Texas
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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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considering band removal - stuck on whether to do sleeve
naenaern777 replied to aviva1979's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Oh girl I didn't realize you were having so much trouble. I am so sorry to hear that. You have certainly kicked butt after surgery. We were banded the the same time. I'm wondering if they tried any medications to try and calm it down???? I don't have any input on the sleeve because I never researched it. For me having 3 autoimmune disorders my only option was the band and if it ever has to come out that will be it for me. I know it's scary about gaining it back and it happened to me but only because i had to take high doses of steroids again for months. You can keep it off if that ends up being your choice you have done so great and are such an inspiration to me!!! I wish you the best in whatever you decide but mostly I hope you get some relief of those symptoms soon! -
How did you decide plastics was right for you?
LaLaDee replied to LaLaDee's topic in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
You're totally right - it's not up to anyone but me. It's just that I've put my family through a lot. I've been in and out of hospital since my WLS with a weird autoimmune disease that was maybe triggered by my WLS, or the subsequent shock to my body. I ended up with all kinds of medical problems and they had to take care of me. I feel guilty about that - and also concerned that I would put my body through something even worse with plastics. It's not their decision but they are very much trying to talk me out of it and I guess I'm weighing up everything in my decision. My family aren't anti-plastic surgery in general. My Mum had a breast reduction and my sister had her ears pinned back. They just seem to think I don't need plastic surgery. I get accused of having body dysmorphia, like I've lost weight, so I should be happy now. They think the skin thing is trivial. I have read somewhere (can't remember where) that if you have plastics, you are more likely to successfully maintain your weight. Maybe people who get plastics are just more determined, or more likely to have reached their goal weight in the first place in order to have surgery so they're more successful at maintenance. Maybe it's going through the additional expense - that's got to be a kick in the pants for motivation to stay on track! @Scamp I loved reading your post. Thank you so much. I'm so glad you've been so happy with your plastics. Sorry - lots of scattered thoughts here. This is just weighing heavily on me at the moment. -
An autoimmune condition alone can be responsible for a 3 pound gain. I have rheumatoid arthritis and when my joints flare up, that means extra water retention and (temporarily) extra pounds. Many people use 5 pounds as their "emergency alert" so as not to over-react to those normal small fluctuations. Edit to add: oh I see you're exercising with weights. That can also cause gain in 2 ways: muscle is heavier than fat, so as you add muscle, you might see a gain, even though it's because you're actually in BETTER shape. Also, the day after a workout, my muscles carry more water but that only lasts a day or two.
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My Report On A Couple Rtd Protein Drinks
Yarkered1 replied to Joni's topic in Protein, Vitamins, and Supplements
PdxMan - thank you for your response. We provide our nutritional information on each product (on the individual labels). Also, if you click on any 12 pack flavor (on our website) the ingredients will be listed as well. Actually, only two of the four flavors have caffeine - The French vanilla Latte and the berry Boost. The Berry Frost and the Milk chocolate shake do not have caffeine (my favorites) - I don't want the caffeine either... The propriety blend of Protein in our drinks contains collagenic, whey, and casein. Clinical studies regarding the collagenic protein have shown the improvement in moisture content of the skin, decreased joint pain, and increased bone mass density. Additionally, through studies, it has been claimed that hydrolyzed collagen may promote lean muscle mass through and the burning of fat rather than carbohydrates and Proteins, lessening the symptoms of arthritis, toning and thickening skin, joint rebuilding, arterial strengthening, increased energy, organ rebuilding, alleviate osteoporosis, high blood pressure, bladder weakness, chronic fatigue, shallow breathing, autoimmune, skin problems, and splitting nails. I appreciate your input - we are always looking to improve our products and welcome any and all opinions. Feel free to provide any other questions that you may have. Thanks again. Derek
