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Why did you remove what fill you had if it wasnt causing you problems? It was causing me problems. There was just enough fill to make eating healthy food difficult but not enough to prevent junk food (mostly sweet stuff) from getting through. My nutrition went downhill during those 4 years, which probably contributed to my illness. Now is probably not the time to really push it though, until such time as you are feeling a bit better. The autoimmune problem is chronic and has remained steady at the stage I described in my first post. There have been no remissions, no stretches of "feeling a bit better." ..... I wish you luck in getting this sorted. Thanks. I appreciate your responding. parakeet

i have a friend who was just (tentatively) approved for surgery with fibro and another chronic autoimmune disorder. at this point they feel the 150 pounds of excess weight is doing her so much harm, she has nothing to lose by having the surgery. the thing is, you have to find a surgeon who feels comfortable with doing the surgery. start with that. get a consult with the doc. go over your history and lab tests. discuss possible outcomes. my friend went right to the chief of surgery at the hospital who also does 80% of the bariatric surgeries there. (seek out a center of excellence). if you feel you have no other options, the excess weight is killing you, you have nothing to lose by having the surgery... AND you can find a good doc who will do the surgery, then you'll have to decide for yourself. (PS i highly recommend a paleo autoimmune diet. it works wonders for many people with autoimmune diseases)

Thanks to everyone for replies. Largely due to my comorbidities, I have been eating organic for a long time. I have been working with a nutritionist for 11 years! (And a personal trainer for 4...) So this surgery is as much a treatment opportunity for my autoimmune conditions as it is a tool to help me see the results of my efforts. I am definitely an emotional eater though, and even though I eat healthy food, I eat way too much. VSG should help with that. Keeping my fingers crossed surgery can be scheduled for Dec! Amy

Depending on where you live in the country Vitamin D is very common in not only obese people but in people that might see the sun 5 days a year. LOL not really but it seems that way in upstate N.Y. The deficiency has been linked with everything from cancer to autoimmune diseases. Take your Vits and give yourself the best chance at a healthy life!!

Sandee, I had the same issue with back pain. I had the MRIs and the blood work done to rule out SLE and other autoimmune disorders. My back would "go out" frequently and I would not be able to stand up straight. my one hip would literally be higher than the other, I would get leg pain, and sometimes even have less bladder control. I definitely had some sort of disc involvement, but no one ever caught it or did anything medically for me. Ice, rest, chiropractic and acupuncture became my treatments of choice. I was also uncoordinated. It seems like I would be catching my balance frequently. I was an apple shape woman, so much of my extra weight was in my abdominal area, but I had good size thighs and arms and when I started to lose, it went from everywhere. Be sure to measure yourself well before surgery, you will be surprised where the inches fall off. I had surgery in August of this year and my back is much better. I just don't have the aches and pains, I can run circles around my hubbie and don't have to lean on the shopping cart to get through the store anymore. I hope the sleeve helps you as much as it has helped me. I feel very fortunate to have been able to do this for myself and my family.

I have an autoimmune disease called Antiphospholipid Syndrome, also known as APS, that causes my blood to clot abnormally. I've been taking Lovenox injections 9 yrs. Does anyone know if that would be a problem for me being eligible for Lap Band?

Copied from Allergan: Your surgeon may consider whether the LAP-BAND ® is right for you if your BMI is at least 35 and you have a health problem that is related to obesity. Your surgeon may also have other criteria he or she uses. Ask him or her to discuss the criteria with you. Contra-indications 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 Crohns 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 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. I put * on the potentially applicable contraindications. Talk to your rheumatologist about this, please. Best of luck!

HI Everyone, New on this site. Would love to have a weight loss buddy. Someone to talk to or walk with here in the area. Some history. Had a RNY on July 11th this year. I was a revision from sleeve to bypass due to chronic GERD. My highest weight was 340. My lowest weight 165. Regained some weight over 10 years, but kept 2/3 off. Reflux, menopause and having a chronic autoimmune disease with lots of fatigue plus eating too much due to reflux caused the gain. Back to the basics again and hope to get to an all time low. HW 340 LW 165 CW 207 Goal: 145

You can do this! I have had 8 surgeries, comorbidies and an autoimmune problem but banding has saved my life! I should have done this much sooner! 19 days post op and down 26 pounds!

So I started my pre op VCLD shakes and Soups today, surgery date is June 7th. I'm still hungry but I don't care cause it will all be worth it in a years time I'm pretty sure I'm only allowed to eat, well drink lol the shakes and soups but I'm going to ask my nutritionist tomorrow. But after reading some posts I think SF jelly might be okay?? I took some photos of myself today in only my bra and underwear and I can't believe how huge I've gotten, I suppose you just kind of pretend that you're not. But no need to pretend now as I intend to look very different eventually Two things I'm worried about: 1. Saggy and baggy skin. My surgeon said the only way you can combat this is by exercising?? Is this true?? 2. I have an autoimmune disease and am required to take a sh*t load of drugs daily. Is it still easy to swallow pills after VSG?? Would love to hear about your experiences and any advice Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Discuss this with your surgeon. There are times when the medical needs of a particular patient require modifications to the surgeon's standard protocols. It is my understanding that caffeine is mostly problematic because it is slightly dehydrating. Some surgeons are OK with caffeine intake if the patient can offset the potential Fluid loss with extra Water intake. For example, surgeons generally agree that NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen) are not allowed after VSG surgery. My surgeon agrees that the risk is outweighed by the benefit of treating my autoimmune disease, so I am allowed to take NSAIDs as needed, but I have to stay on a PPI to minimize the risk of ulcers. Every patient is different, and good surgeons can work with the individual needs.

The following is a direct quote from Dr.Weill. "I don' t believe that most diseases are related to toxic buildups in the liver or that cleansing the liver is a worthwhile health practice. Some health conditions may follow compromised liver function, but these are due to liver damage. Serious liver disease can result from alcoholism or infection with hepatitis viruses B and C. It can also be caused by an autoimmune disease or be the result of cancer. An important function of the liver is to deal with toxins that enter the body. If you are in good health and not overloading your systems with toxic substances (such as alcohol), the liver will cleanse itself very well" From what I have learned through relative courses over the past few years, the liver does not need anymore than healthy food and lots of Water. Try to refrain from fast food, preprepared-prepacked foods, artificial sweeteners, and high fatty foods. The liver has the uncanny ability to rebuild and repair itself so if you start treating it right through a healthy lifestyle then it will detox and cleanse itself. Carol

Wondering if any of you have autoimmune hepatitis and have been banded? Was on the phone with Bariatric nurse and when I mentioned I have autoimmune hepatitis she indicated I may not be a candidate for the band. That my body may reject it or I'd have a greater risk of infections. I've had HBP and high cholesterol for years but the autoimmune disease for only about 3 years. It has been under control for over 2 years and I take a very mild dose of immune suppressent. My liver doctor indicated I need to be very careful not to develop diabetes and a large weight loss would help to prevent that. I mentioned the band and he was for it, said he'd not seen many complications from bands at all. Told him I'd been trying to figure out how to pay for one since I'm self pay, But I didn't specifically ask him if I'd be a candidate for it with my autoimmune disease. I feel like I've had the rug pulled out from under me.:smile2: I had made up my mind that I had to have this tool to get control of my weight problem to be healthier and be here for my young children. I had even figured out a way to pay for the surgery and now I'm scared it might not even be an option...:tt2::sad::crying:

Thanks, Penni. I had my current doc on the phone last night but had so many questions that I decided to leave this one till next time. I heard that people with autoimmune diseases have problems fighting infection. I wonder if Sarcoid is the same. They found masses on my lungs. My lung specialists said they don't treat it since it's laying dormant, but I heard that getting banded could actually wake up the disease. That would be the end of the line for me since the only treatment is Prednisone, which would bloat me up bigger than the Incredible Hulk. Thanks again.

I was told people with autoimmune diseases should not be banded. But I just read what the literature actually says, which is Contraindication #18: "people with autoimmune connective tissue disease such as lupus" should not be banded. Who is our autoimmune expert around here? Penni, Nightengale, Sandy... are you there? I have Sarcoid Disease aka Sarcoidosis. Dr. Lopez knew I had this before implanting the band. How can I find out if my autoimmune disease falls in this category? Why would Lopez give me a band if he knew I had an autoimmune disease? Did I max my quota of posts for the day? Love you!

Sorry, I am a. Retired special. Educator,...oh yes how I remember all the illnesses from our kids LOL.....not sure we can take ( my surgery is Feb17) but I take Liposome Vitamin C from the Dr. Mercola website....I have autoimmune issues already, people were around me all holiday season, sick, really SUCK....I DIDNT CATCH A THING!!! I am not suppose to be near I'll people !!!!

An endocrinologist can order to a test that will tell you how much insulin your pancreas is producing. It is uncommon for adults to develop Type 1 diabetes, but not impossible (I was diagnosed at age 26). When it develops in adulthood it is caused by an autoimmune disease. I have not heard of a pancreas being damaged by the surgery (and I have read everything I can re: diabetes and surgery), but anything is possible I suppose. Please see an endocrinologist you feel comfortable with - it took me 8 doctors to find one I liked - keep trying if you need to. A good endocrinologist will listen to you and get to the bottom of it.

I was aware of the warning for people with autoimmune diseases. Before my surgery, I consulted my family doctor and my Rheumatologist about the contraindications of the band. Both doctors strongly encouraged me to get the band. Both doctors said the benefits of the Lap band out weights the risk. 11 months later and no problems. Another PRO: my need to take antiinflammatory meds has drastically decreased. I have not took a pain med in months. I still have pain but I can tolerate it without medicine. EVERYBODY IS DIFFERENT. The good thing is the band is not permanent and can be removed if needed. Even if the band didn't help my symptoms, the weight loss has done wonders for me......I LOOK GOOD!!!!!!

Unfortunately you'll find a lot of myths like that online. I know if you have predisposition for it exposure to toxins can trigger it, but medical devices aren't considered a toxin. I have an autoimmune disease, btw. I have Multiple Sclerosis. That's why I know the info I do about them and I'm familiar with a lot of the hoax causes and cures floating around, too. I'll be praying you don't have CREST or Lupus. Best wishes.

shell....that's what my husband felt..(he's a pediatric cardiologist) and the other docs were thinking also.....especially because of the shortness of time / proximity to the lapband surgery. It seems right around 10 days pericarditis can develop after a surgery of any sort. And it probably was the result of my surgery....but we can never say for sure.....but in the big picture.....I really can't get upset over having the lapband surgery.....because, if this domino effect of mega health problems didn't start.....then I would have suddenly dropped dead from the moyamoya. So, in essence.....it saved my life....even if it probably was the catalyst for the Pericarditis. (in my opinion, the moyamoya had been developing in the background for at least 5 yrs...according to the sx's I were complaining about and experiencing) anyhow.....warm wishes to you.....and I will have you in my thoughts and prayers during your surgery. Are they comfortable with your autoimmune disorder and having the surgery? Well, I am sure they worked you up quite a bit!!!! Now....go and start taking your first skinny steps! diane : )

I have had my band for almost 20 years. Aside from a port replacement 6 years ago, I have been very happy. i reached my goal weight , all good. about a year ago I developed odd neurological/ autoimmune symptoms. Vision, dizzy , tired, confusion, rash etc then two weeks ago, my band slipped, I had gained about 15 pounds in the last 6 months. After 7 days of total restriction ( no food or water getting through) my port was removed in by emergency surgery, the band will be removed in a week or two. My question is , are the two issues related ? I have been to many docs about my neuro / immune symptoms and they are baffled . It seems so odd my band would do this at the same time ?

Hi, My name is Jennifer. I had VGS surgery October 17, 2011. My highest weight (that I am aware of was 308 lbs). I had always been heavy, but never had tipped the scales at over 300 lbs. I decided to research WLS and went to see my surgeon, Dr Audencio Alanis in August prior to my surgery. Dr. Alanis was knowledgable, kind, and understanding. His office staff (in particular his lovely wife), were more than helpful with choosing which surgery would best work for me, and with assisting me in getting financing for my procedure. I was able to be scheduled fairly quickly, and was excited to begin my new life! The surgery went as expected. I was up and walking around soon thereafter, and released the next day. Recovery for the first 1-2 weeks was painful, but I followed all of my post surgical orders, and the weight began to fall off. Follow up care was crucial during the first several months. By the summer of 2012 I was down to 242 lbs, but had hit a massive plateau. It didn't seem to matter what I did, the weight had simply stalled out. So, I searched for a trainer who could help me push past this mountainous plateau, and found one. I worked out rigorously (and I do mean rigorously - think Cross Fit) for months and was finally able to get down to 213 lbs. I had also developed a good little amount of muscle as a bonus. In the Spring of 2013 I began to experience severe pain in my lower back that spread down throughout my legs. I thought perhaps I had overdone it. That was not the case. To make a long story short, I began to get weaker physically, and the pain began to spread all over my body. After much testing I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, arthritis of an undetermined origin, and to this day continue to be tested for various autoimmune diseases. I am still waiting to be diagnosed on that front. Also during this time, I developed cataracts in both of my eyes. They quickly advanced and I was legally blind in at least one eye over the past 2 years. None of this was a result of my WLS. I have now had my cataracts removed, and am being treated for my pain levels. This leads me to my biggest problem to date. I had gotten down to 213 lbs. I could see 199 around the corner, and then it all went haywire. For 2 plus years I was able to keep my weight in the 215-217 range. I thought perhaps this wasn't bad because I have only been cleared to walk and swim as exercise now. Honestly, most times I don't feel like I have the energy for either. Then about a year ago I began to gain weight. At first I could get it to drop back down, but eventually it has continued to creep back up, and up and up. Two weeks ago I reached 247 lbs and was horrified. I started going back to Protein shakes, and salads, and have been trying desperately to not let myself slip back into bad habits. ​I am simply looking for anyone out there like myself, with a physical affliction who has gone through this and come out of it with better results than before. I worked so hard, and I can't stand the thought of not being able to lose not only the recent weight I have gained, but to never be able to reach my goal weight. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I am not a sad person with a sad story. I am someone who laughs a lot, and has faith. Just looking for any answers any of you might have. Jen

Hi all. I have. An autoimmune disease called polymialgia rheumatica. Took a long time to diagnose because the average age of first diagnosis is 70. And I was 46. I had actually lost 96 pounds on my own and was in the best shape of my life. But steroids for years has put me back up over 200. So I had the sleeve done 6 weeks ago. I am tapering off prednisone. May take a year. And my rheumatologist wants me to take methotrexate. I forget who mentioned taking that I know it's a chemi drug. Any bad side effects and did it work for you? Also the original poster mentioned eyesight problems. One of the side effects of polymialgia rheumatica is giant cell something and it can blind you. Pmr. Mimics other diseases and is hard to diagnose. Needless to say my weight loss after surgery has been slow. I don't eat. Much. My rheumatologist says that the steroids make your body hold onto the weight. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am considering the surgery. Have been researching the different types and trying to make up my mind for a couple of years.:confused: I currently have HMO Blue of TX and am wondering how that will work out for me. Anyone with experience on that one? The good news is that I can change my insurance carrier each fall. I am considering a couple of doctors - if they take my insurance. Dr. Spivak and Dr. Robert Marvin with Obesity Surgery Specialists in Houston. I spent a lot of time thinking I wanted the Duodenal Switch, but then decided that I should try the least invasive procedure to start - and hopefully it will work for me. We'll see... I have been overweight since I was born. :baby:9 lbs 11 1/2 ozs. Went to a weight loss doctor several years back - did the lose and gain back thing...:phanvan I am currently flirting with 300 lbs at the age of 48. I have had rheumatoid arthritis since I was 27 and suffer from a "relaxed esophagus," which I am told is sometimes a side affect of the rheumatoid. For those of you that don't know - rheumatoid arthritis is not an arthritis - it is an autoimmune disease. Don't know if the relaxed esophagus issue will be a stumbling block for the procedure or not. I do know that the medications I take for the rheumatoid - as well as the rheumatoid itself - can retard the healing process. Well, there's my book. Look forward to reading the input from all of you. Thanks, Bobbi.

These posts are so for me. I'm 39, about to get sleeved next month and my biggest worry are my mystery autoimmune diseases and fibromyalgia. I have sooo many health issues and on about 18 meds. I am in major pain all the time since my single digits and I need morphine daily to make me just comfortable enough to manage my days. I'm very worried about the exercise components even though I am a swimmer which is good. I, also allergic to the sweetener as per tame. The dietitian is going to be doing the food class with me one on one bc of that and the diabetes. I have been looking for others like myself and really happy I found this post Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T807A using the BariatricPal App