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Found 1,091 results

  1. clk

    6 Weeks Out With Colitis

    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
  2. Justine13

    My First Blog.....ever

    Tuesday 07-24-2012 6:41 pm So although I've been a member of VST for a couple of weeks maybe and really, started my journey to WLS on March 4, I am first finding myself type something out to be able to reflect back at all of what I've been through. My first thought is- for pete sake- I'm a licensed psychotherapist who has encouraged LOTS of people to journal and where the heck have I been? Lazy. Story of my life My second thought is that I must first comment on my experience on this forum and the VST peeps I've been getting to know through their own journeys. I cannot tell you how inspired I am by so many others who have either gone through similar walks of life or who are going through it. I don't feel alone anymore which is so relieving in and of itself. In this career, I hear many reasons why we choose the profession we are in. For me, it really was nothing about my personal life as it was my true desire to know the brain and study human behavior. So, because of this, I feel my family and friends have highly underestimated my strength at times. Sometimes, even we need a little extra support. I'm probably the biggest person who will dispute this so to put so much emphasis on what others this of me isn't fair really. But it's easier. So, again, I have no major underlying issues. Sure, we all have our "stuff" but I can tell you that I have been through therapy many times with my marriage and honestly, have benefited greatly. I check in with close friends and colleagues as I believe that's just part of my life now- I need to do that...for me. Back to how I got here. Well, I'm not exactly sure HOW I got this so out of control. I do know that I have always struggled with weight but I really have carried it well in my life. I have watched friends and family go through surgeries for weight loss and always believed I ddin't need to do that. Then one day I was dx with autoimmune disorder which really- the only symptom that I have is extreme fatigue and with that comes lack of ambition to do anything. The process of finding the right doctor was exhausting but after years of battling this, I did. But he wanted me to go on a medication that could cause blindness AND he wasn't guarenteeing that this would help fatigue as this is difficult to control. (Have you heard of Plaquinil? I know some have as I have read other's posts about it). Well.....I decided not to do it. So the next year I spent extremely tired; no.... exhausted. Heck, if I didn't know better, I probably would have dx me with depression BUT I WASN"T DEPRESSED. I gained probably another 30 pounds (that was my last straw- I could have cared less that I didn't clean my house like I wanted to or do more things...it was the weight)....So my husband convinced me to try the med. "Just try it". Wouldn't you know it- it was a matter of 2 weeks and I had some of that energy back. I was on it for about a year and I did lose about 15 of those pounds. Then I gradually took myself off. Dr. asked to decrease so I just kept forgetting and then before you know it, I'm off. Then I'm gaining weight again. One would think an educated person such as myself would put 2 and 2 together. Common sense isn't necessarily a subject in college or grad school I didn't want to go back on the med. My doc had told me that exericse was really good too. Yeah, I hate exercising and try convincing someone who has absolutely nothing to give.....to give. It wasn't easy. THEN it happend. I got a new job and found out insurance did not exclude WLS. I cannot tell you how elated I was. I had my appointments all lined up as soon as insurance kicked in. All they require is a 6 month professional weight loss program documented. R U KIDDING ME? I've been through EVERYTHING at LEAST 1,0000000000 times. But nothing recording for 6 months consecutively. So here I go. But who cares right? My benefits at my new job don't kick in until I'm there six months anyway so no worries. Well, I've hit the six month mark at work. My last NUT appt (actually with the PA) is August 13. I told her I have a date in my head of Sept 10. She was excited and told me that they will have everything ready that day so all they have to do is print out her note and send it on. Insurance has 14 buisness days to respond. That quite possibly will be the longest wait of my life. We will see (because these days are long as well). I can tell you I've gained weight at every single appt with the NUT. I'm trying things they say and I KNOW I will follow through after. Remember my energy level is nothing. I didn't have them document the autoimmune stuff (although they do know) as I don't believe it's life threatening- I went to have my fatigue treated and it was totally up to me and nothing more. My feeling is that I want to see how weight loss effects my health rather than relying on meds so I'm dealing. I was worried about the weight gain but the PA tells me not to be concnerned. I'm going to go with that because if I don't....I'll drive myself crazy...... So the countdown begins....to my new life....on this new journey... I know life will change for me drastically. I'm ready....for whatever that means. And I will journal through it---- because I know that it's helpful and I also know- I have a great support system with VST PEEPS. Thank you for listening..... Justine........
  3. sleevemeup

    Why Are/were You Fat?

    Great topic. Growing up, I was thin and athletic. I lived for my sports. Up until my pregnancy at 34, I had an amazing body and worked very hard at it. All was good until my last trimester when I gained an astounding 85 pounds. Our son was 2 weeks late and 10 1/2 lbs via c-section. As soon as I was healed, I started working out vigorously. I basically did the Atkins diet, and worked my way from 240lbs down to 165. That didn't last. Fast forward 14 years- I am at 250 ish. I want to keep doing my sports, but I have had 9 surgeries on my legs and my weight won't let me do the things I enjoy. I do think this experience has made me more compassionate towards others. I don't judge people as much. I have experienced the looks and I know people that have known me for a long time say "what happened to her?" I do have some autoimmune problems (Celiac Disease and Hashimotos), which make it a little harder. I am hoping this will give me the tool to get back to where I was. My son has seen pics of me thin, and I have a super supportive husband. I am lucky. I think this experience has been good in a way for me (sounds funny). This weight has taught me so many things and has made me grow as a person. If I had remained thin and not gained the weight, I wouldn't be the person I am today. I like who I am, I don't like this weight. It hurts my knees and doesn't let me do the things I enjoy. I am looking forward to this journey.
  4. It's common for autoimmune diseases to overlap. When you have 1 you will usually end up with more.
  5. Pre-OpLoser619

    Why Are/were You Fat?

    All of your stories are heartbreaking and yet so inspiring at the same time. I have mentioned on this forum several times, that heavy people are some of the strongest, bravest people I have ever met not only because of the prejudices and cruelty we face each day as heavy people but because I am all too aware of the trauma that many of us have gone through that helped form our poisonous relationship with food. I too suffered through horrible things as a child and I suppose throughout my life so far. For a long time those things drove me to be a perfectionist and over achiever, except where food was concerned. Food was my friend, it reminded me of some of the best times in my life vs the ugly that was rattling around in my head. I was sad, I ate. I was happy, I ate. I was mad, I ate. I was stressed, I ate. See the common theme there. It wasn't until my miracle was born almost 5 years ago that I really began to examine myself, my thoughts, everything. It took me almost 5 years and a couple of scary close calls in the er to really shake me and wake me up that if I didn't change, really change, I wouldn't be around to see my daughter grow up or grow old with my husband. I had gotten pcos, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes and most recently fibromyalgia and autoimmune issues yet all of this and all the meds didn't wake me up to what I was doing... Slowly killing myself. It was the accumulation of all these things and also the grace of God that finally made me see things clearly for the first time in 37 years. Whether I end up having this surgery or not... I know things will be different this time and I will get to my goal either way! Thanks for letting me share my story!
  6. MinaT

    Unbelievable

    Sending prayers. I have lupus and I understand autoimmune disorders. You really truly have had a hard time. I myself am worried about a stricture. It takes too long for the food to go past my esophagus into my stomach and no matter how small I chew the food it sits there for a very long time. I do not throw up but I feel like the food is there. I am eating about 1/4 of a cup at one time and I'll be out 7 weeks on Monday. I had a complication with surgery which may have narrowed the opening of the esophagus and stomach opening and I'm willing to bet the scar tissue from the issues is what is getting the best of me. I see other people seem to be eating so much more than me. The esophageal tube the anesthesia used (besides the bougie) slipped into my stomach at the exact moment my surgeon was making the last two cut/staples, and it so happened the esophageal tube was stapled inside my stomach. Unstapling it was proving to be too hard. They brought in a team of gatro's and they were going to go and cut around it but that would have severely narrowed my stomach/esophagus, and after several tries by other doctor's and surgeons, my surgeon was finally able to remove the staples and get the esophageal tube out of me. However, I have to make sure that every piece of food I have is completely and thoroughly chewed and I can barely get 2 ounces of food completely in me (except I can take down a sugar-free pudding) even Soup the most I have done is almost 1/4 a cup. I will definitely keep you in my prayers and if things don't seem to go down any better for me by my next appointment I will have them do some testing.
  7. peacequeen

    Unbelievable

    The way it was explained to me, a stricture is a narrowing area of the stomach,,mine is at the top where food enters the stomach. Food kept getting "hung up" and I'd get an uncomfortable feeling and sometimes food would come back up..I thought I was either eating too much or it was the the lack of muscle from myasthenia gravis (an autoimmune disease I have) causing trouble swallowing. I think you might be thinking of restriction. That's the ability to eat less,,not stricture. Hope I explained it ok.
  8. Justine13

    September/october Sleevers ?

    Luck!! My mind has been awful with it. I have some autoimmune issues already suffering with fatigue- took myself off those meds as I truly believe this surgery and weight loss will help- but in the process of jumping through hoops I've gained a bunch. And it's hot and humid and I don't do well with that. I feel like a whiner. I am . Really though- lots of luck and happiness sent your way :-)
  9. I_Sd8_em

    I Just Wanna Cry

    peripheral neuropathy comes form many dz processes, malnutrition, diabetes, hypoxia, pressure on the nerves, as well as neurological demylenation disorders. Causes By Mayo Clinic staff It's not always easy to pinpoint the cause of peripheral neuropathy, because a number of factors can cause neuropathies. These factors include: Alcoholism. Many alcoholics develop peripheral neuropathy because they make poor dietary choices, leading to Vitamin deficiencies. Autoimmune diseases. These include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Diabetes. When damage occurs to several nerves, the cause frequently is diabetes. At least half of all people with diabetes develop some type of neuropathy. Exposure to poisons. These may include some toxic substances, such as heavy metals, and certain medications — especially those used to treat cancer (chemotherapy). Infections. Certain viral or bacterial infections can cause peripheral neuropathy, including Lyme disease, shingles (varicella-zoster), Epstein-Barr, hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS. Inherited disorders. Examples include Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and amyloid polyneuropathy. Trauma or pressure on the nerve. Traumas, such as motor vehicle accidents, falls or sports injuries, can sever or damage peripheral nerves. Nerve pressure can result from using a cast or crutches, spending a long time in an unnatural position or repeating a motion many times — such as typing. Tumors. Growths can form directly on the nerves themselves, or tumors can exert pressure on surrounding nerves. Both cancerous (malignant) and noncancerous (benign) tumors can contribute to peripheral neuropathy. Vitamin deficiencies. B Vitamins — B-1, B-6 and B-12 — are particularly important to nerve health. Vitamin E and niacin also are crucial to nerve health. Other diseases. Kidney disease, liver disease and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) also can cause peripheral neuropathy
  10. Mine is constantly high, as is my esr or sed rate... They both are markers for inflammation in the body. I would imagine you can still have surgery as long as all your other tests come back ok. They think mine are related to fibromyalgia and/or an autoimmune issue... But it can be caused by any type of inflammation. Good luck and let us know what he says!
  11. Great question... I was open to the best option for me. With the bypass, you absolutely cannot take certain meds that I sometimes need to take. I have had multiple surgeries on my legs from sports and now from injuries sustained due to my weight. I have also had some inflammation issues with autoimmune conditions. Should I need to take prednisone or anti-inflammatories, I can under strict supervision. If I had the bypass, from what I was told I can't take those period. When I had my consult, we discussed all of my options and came to the conclusion that this is my best option. The sleeve is new. From what I was told, it is becoming more popular in Europe than bypass. True, the long term studies have not concluded, maybe that is why.
  12. ppatterson

    Fibromyalgia And Surgery

    My surgeon spoke with my Rheumy. He wanted to make sure the autoimmune wasn't an issue with my organs. The hesitance you may feel from the surgeon may be stereotyping that Fibro gets sometimes. Don't be discouraged or take it personally people that don't walk your path may never understand. Best of luck!
  13. Hi everyone... I have fibromyalgia as well as an unidentified autoimmune disorder. I was curious if any of you who have had surgery already (who also have these issues) had any issues with flares because of the stress of the surgery?
  14. I also have fibro and some type of unknown autoimmune issues. I am on plaquenil and am dreading for them to tell me I have to stop it! I really hope they don't. I've read several articles on the web that say it isn't necessary to stop it. I hate to say it, but I may continue anyways. There is a gal on here that was able to continue hers and she was fine. I missed my fibro for a couple days once and oh how I hurt! Hope everything works out ok with you!
  15. I have connective tissue disorder , fibromyalgia, sjogrens, hasimoto, and most of my problems are autoimmune related ...the doctor told me that after surgery, i would have to call him before going back to steroids for a pill that helps with the effects of the meds in the stomach. other than that, I am good to go... by the way, my surgery was on the 3rd and pain has been good, not bad at all.
  16. stephanie_l

    Is This True?

    I've lost over half my hair. I had really thick hair and a lot of it. The day I was showering and it was coming out in handfuls really worried me. I loose a good amount every day(more than i did prior to banding)I have been banded 8 months. Get in 60-100g protein a day. Take 10,000mcg biotin daily, multivitamins, liquid silica and the loss can't be due to dramatic weight loss because I weigh exactly the same as I did at my first fill appt. Had some blood work ran nothing came up. Just had it drawn to check for autoimmune disease and iron level. I guess my next thing to do is go to an endocrinologist. In a way I'm glad I'm not the only one but wish it would stop.
  17. Pre-OpLoser619

    Can I Do This?

    Yeah I understand stopping some meds a week or maybe even two but a month or two seems excessive and honestly cruel unless they are gonna give you something else for pain until surgery... I have fibromyalgia and an undiagnosed autoimmune disorder and I can't imagine not having my meds that long...i'd be bed ridden.
  18. Ijam75

    Could This Be Linked To Wls?

    Per the US National Library of Medicine.... Causes, incidence, and risk factors There are many causes of proctitis, but they can be grouped in the following categories: Autoimmune disease Harmful substances Non-sexually transmitted infection Sexually transmitted disease (STD) Proctitis caused by STD is common among those who engage in anal intercourse. STDs that can cause proctitis include gonorrhea, herpes, chlamydia, and lymphogranuloma venereum. Non-sexually transmitted infections causing proctitis are seen less often than STD proctitis. The classical example of non-sexually transmitted infection occurs in children and is caused by the same bacteria that cause strep throat. Autoimmune proctitis is associated with diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Proctitis may also be caused by certain medications, radiotherapy, and inserting harmful substances into the rectum. Risk factors include: Autoimmune disorders High-risk sexual practices such as anal sex
  19. elcee

    Painful Fill

    The lapband site used to say that autoimmune disease were a contraindication for getting banded( I don't know if it still says it) , maybe your experience is an example of why?
  20. sleevemeup

    Thyroid Issues

    I was diagnosed with Hashi's 14 years ago. I also have Celiac Disease, which I have been told that they are closely related autoimmune diseases. I take Armour thyroid. I have tried all of the others, and have found that this works best for me. I have had my meds changed so many times that I can't remember. I am pre-op, and with my past diet history, I can loose the weight to a certain point, but I can't maintain it. I also know that if I am not on the right meds or the right dose, it is virtually impossible for me to loose weight. My suggestion would be to stop eating all gluten (I had to, but this is what I have also been told when you have hashi's), if possible work with your doc to find your sweet spot on blood tests. If something is not working, change it. There is a large range of "normal" and I need to be at the low range of that, others may be different. I am wondering if/how all of this will change after surgery!
  21. I have lupus, fibromyalgia, sjogrens and alot more great autoimmune problems and neither my surgeon or my Dr have said that I have to stop my Plaquenel at any point before surgery.. Only the day of surgery.. I know how you feel cause it took my Dr two years to figure out my medication regimen that would work for me and help with the pain.. I hope you get through this cause I feel your pain!! Gd luck.. Sent from my SPH-D710 using VST
  22. Hello all. So I have Lupis as well as Fibromyalgia! I have been trying not to think of it in regards to my surgery. However, in the back of my mind, there is the fear that having surgery will cause a flare up! I had to go off of my Plaquinil for a month, until after my surgery, which is July 10th. Its been about two weeks and I've been good until last night!!! I could feel the rain coming, my joints have been aching. And my hips are absolutely killing me! Like to the point of tears, and it takes a LOT to make me cry. My hands and arms/elbows are hurting not from typing, I have to keep stopping. I stopped taking the Plaquinil once before for a week, and it felt like I hit a wall going 90mph! That time it affected my hands and elbows and shoulders first, then I was curled up in the fetal position in so much pain I could barely think! And now its started again! Calling the doctor in the morning. And I guess they will increase pain meds, but I have done that for the last two nights and it hasn't helped! And I can't even take motrin! I want to pull my hair out! I am afraid if the increase my meds now, will they be able to control my pain after surgery? I have two little boys to take care of!! I will be staying at my parents after surgery for the first two weeks, but I can't let them do everything! My guys can wear the most entergetic people out! Getting a little upset about this tonight! I told my surgeon that nothing about the surgery scared me at all, the only thing that scared me was coming off my Plaquinil! And he said "for good reason"! AAAHHHHHHHH anyone else dealing with these issues? I could really use some support! Can't wait to get it over with and go back on my meds!!!!! And scared they will try to put me back on steroids, which have contributed to my weight gain over the last two years! Hurting, nervous, upset!
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. Also.... for those of us with autoimmune issues, I have found a way of eating which I am trying to see if it can be modified to sleevers. Obviously, it needs to because I have not been able to loose weight on it! I have noticed that I do feel better though. Check out Paleo or Primal Blueprint. It's basically protein, fruit and vege based. You eat totally grain free and some people don't eat dairy. So, you can modify it. It was easy for me because of Celiac. My brother has MS, and it has helped him a great deal. My father-in-law has RA, and I am trying to get him into it, but he is single and not too good with anything other than the microwave! If anything, it is a great read and very interesting. It is a lot of work because you don't eat anything processed either. They also have a great workout, based on crossfit.

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