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Ok..update. Becoming not so numb. They took at pea size chunk out of my gum! Didn't hurt when it was done...but I am starting to feel it ...I will be sore in the am....too bad I talk for a living! I'll let you all know what comes back! Maybe it isn't an autoimmune disorder. But..if it isn't ..then I am back to square one ...oh well....I will cross that bridge when I get to it....
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For what it's worth, I don't think the band caused the autoimmune disorder. It may have made the effects show up more obviously or rapidly, but it wouldn't cause it. Autoimmune is something that lives in your system. It just chooses when to show up - spoken by a Graves Disease (and likely Hashimoto's) patient t whose autoimmune did not show up until mid-40's)
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I have been lurking for a couple of weeks and finally joined today. I have gotten a tentative approval for VSG. Final approval is dependent on heart health clearance via results of echocardiogram, which is scheduled mid-February. Hopefully, I can set up my surgery in March. I view Gastric Sleeve and all bariatric procedures, as tools to help, not as a sure fix....it is not the easy way out as some would claim! I have been severely hypothyroid since I was 20 years old after having most of my thyroid removed because of Graves' Disease (autoimmune hyperthyroid). Although, I take thyroid replacement, synthetic drugs do not work as well as your own natural hormones. For the past 40 years, my weight issues have been cyclical "hills and valleys". I would normally stay slim about 12 years and then would go into a gaining pattern but never topping more than 163, lasting 6 to 7 years before dropping the excess weight again. In 2012, I suffered a head injury and my weight exploded. I went from 117 to 212 in 8 months! The medical community is now starting to study the relationship of TBI's (traumatic brain injury) and weight gain. I can relate a definitive change in my food cravings and appetite. This time, I couldn't get the weight off even though I had a history of successful dieting. My resolve was as strong as ever but something had changed with the head injury. What this proves is the path to losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight is rockier and steeper for some than others through no fault of their own. The adverse changes to my health was the catalyst that motivated me to look into VSG. I recently had to start on HBP meds and have a been experiencing knee issues. I have always enjoyed an active lifestyle but the extra weight has elevated my fears of a stroke or heart attack due to heart palpitations and shortness of breath with even the slightest exertion. I am certain I will be asking lots of questions and am grateful for such a knowledgeable and supportive group.
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I never had vomiting with my gallbladder. And the symptoms do sound like that. Regardless of family history the key risk factors are the F's-- fat, female, fair and fertile (child bearing years). And yeah ct scan can't see sludge. My daughter has EDS and while I know there are digestive issues involved (and she has some) it's rarely the acute symptoms you describe. As for celiac, you know they can't test for that when you are gluten free. And there is a simple blood test these days to look for it (my understanding is it still has to be confirmed but it's a strong indicator with this simple test.) Have you seen a rheumatologist? They are the ones who might be able to connect the dots--celiac, EDS, autoimmune. But the gallbladder seems like the culprit to me!
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That is good to know! I was on steroids for about 2 years for an autoimmune disease, so not nearly as long as you but damage was done. I was able to find a psychologist that is licensed in my state but does them via telehealth and is a specialist in eating disorders and bariatrics. I have an appointment a few months out, but it was for when I wanted to schedule, they did have openings much earlier even within a few weeks of when I first inquired.
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I there! I just figured out how to create a support group for autoimmune sleevers. If several of us join and start posting there, we might be able to create a place for those of us with RA, psoriatric arthritis, hashimotos, lupus, SA, etc. I set it to public so anyone can join. Pls join if this pertains to you, and invite your forum friends as well. I'm a support group creation virgin so be gentle with me if I screwed it up. Here's the link (I hope!) http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/groups/show/269-autoimmune-sleevers/
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Tomorrow is my big day. I'm so scared about complications but at the same time I am excited about a new life. One where I can keep up and play with my two year old son, where my autoimmune disease isn't triggered all of the time and where I don't have to where clothes that I feel help me to "hide". I don't where makeup or jewelry or get my hair done because I just want to hide from everyone, to blur in to the background. I don't want to be like that anymore. I don't want my family to have to say "I know you don't want to be in the picture". I hate that person. I'm glad to be getting the chance to show the world that I am a person and I don't have to hide anymore. But that scared feeling still lies there. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
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Anyone have gastric sleeve and then find out you were diagnosed with Lyme disease?
Aggiemae replied to dr3am3rstarz's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I lyme's in 1986 but because I live on the west last I s sick for months before it was finally DXed. I was treated and recovered and never had any problems till a few weeks ago when I woke up with facial paralysis. It had nothing to do with the WLS I had on 10/23. About 12 years ago I considered the lap band but there were concerns that my immune system would react to a foreigner body. This was not a consideration of concern with the sleeve. The post surgery high Protein diet improved my underlying autoimmune disorder. I am off narcotic pain medication for the first time in about 12 years. I did have to make some dietary adjustments, mainly adding good fats which might slow weight lose, but I don't think it has so far. PLEASE do make sure your surgeon is aware of your full medical history before you have surgery. -
I have a strong family and personal history of autoimmune disease. Because of that, my surgeon agreed that sleeve would be better because of potential issues with medication absorption after the bypass. If not for that, I probably would have gone with the bypass. I know people who have had it and done great, it does have better stats than the sleeve. I tend to be a pretty rational person who tries not to make decisions based on emotions, so the "it makes me feel ooky to think about re-routed intestines" was not a factor for me. Well, rational is probably not the right word, I don't want to call other people irrational -- but I try to put aside my initial emotional response to situations and make decisions (particularly medical/health decisions) based on science rather than emotion. If you haven't, you might want to go to a support group and meet people who have had these surgeries and are at least a year out and see what they have to say. Sometimes it can help to talk to and see people in person to get a real sense of what their experience has been like. Good luck!
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I went through something similar. Had my surgery in August. My body freaked out from the surgery and I had this autoimmune problem in September. I spent time in hospital and was put on intravenous steroids for 3 days followed by 50mg of prednisone. I did taper off and stopped altogether after about a month. Still, it was the worst! It felt like the universe was mocking me. Here i am trying to lose weight and then bam, I'm forced to take steroids! The main point is that you have to take care of your health first. I hope that you're okay now. I know you posted this a little while ago, but I just wanted to say that i know what you're going through.
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Fibromyalgia and Weight Loss Surgery
moonlitestarbrite replied to MPL's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
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) -
Typical chick reactions to my plans for VSG
Teachamy posted a topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
So I will be sleeved in December, and I have been sharing my plans with a few female friends. My decision to have the surgery was mainly Type I Diabetes, sleep apnea, Transverse Myelitis, asthma, high cholesterol high BP, etc. etc. This surgery will help my blood sugars, which will help my cholesterol, lower my dependence on BP medications and asthma meds and possibly thyroid meds., eliminate my sleep apnea and stress incontinence, I AM READY! My friends, being chicks, listen to me talk about my comorbitites/autoimmune issues and then say, "No fair! You're going to be skinnier than me!" REALLY? THAT is your reaction? Unreal. -
something apropros Oprah said once--re: "the easy way out"
srpiccollo replied to TES's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Being supportive isn't just living with someone and dieting with them every once in a while. My husband ha beyond supportive and here are sine basic things he did for me: 1. what I eat he eats when we are around each other. I am 7 weeks out and he still does this. When he is at work or out on his own then he indulges. I keep saying it is not needed but he said if it helps me only 5% it is worth it. I am on regular foods now so it isn't a big deal since we eat baked fish at least once a day and don't eat junk food. 2. He walks with me after dinner a few times a week. I work out daily in the morning but those are great bonding times and we both get exercise. There are so many other things like not buying any junk food or bring it in the house, planning outings were we get exercise in, etc. The bottom line is maybe thinking of all his past failures is rubbing off in him. Maybe he is lazy and doesn't want to try to try too hard. But being there for a loved one who is dealing with this means NOT judging. On things in the past or even last night. Offer to help and help in any way you can without saying a word to him. If he doesn't take it or do the correct things then it is his fault he is not using the tool he has. That is on him and him alone. The other thing is why are you on this site and not him? I get your trying to understand and all but honestly unless you have struggled with this demon like we have you can not ever totally understand. People can explain it to you till they are blue in the face but it can't make sense to you. I have one more thing to toss out. I have 5 autoimmune disorders. Since they wreck my body from the inside and attacked my metabolism making it not functioning no diet in the world would work for me like this has. We all have different reasons for needing this surgery and implying it is because we "let ourselves go" is just ignorant. I'm glad you couldn't let yourself get beyond 30 pounds over the weight you wanted. Good for you but for some of us it was a medical issue or maybe simply we didn't notice how bad it was until it was 100 pounds over. Everyone is different and my heart goes out to each person for doing this for what ever reason. I think good for them for taking a chance to hopefully save their life. In proud if my fellow sleevers and proud of Rick for doing it. Are you? Does he know if you are? How are you showing it? These are things you might want to look it. That's my 2 cents. Take it or leave it. -
Lap Band vs. the Sleeve
DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! replied to tamarlarae's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Ok I am copy/pasting exactly what I put on your other thread. It is NOT all autoimmune diseases so please stop incorrectly telling people that; --------------------------------------------------------------------- Again, that's not true. It doesn't say ALL autoimmune diseases, it says connective tissue diseases. Directly from your link: "You or someone in your family has an autoimmune connective tissue disease. That might be a disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma" Not all autoimmune diseases are connective tissue diseases, in fact the majority of them are not. Their warning does not cover all autoimmune diseases. -
Got an appt next week with surgeon to remove band
donna12 posted a topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Well my journey began June 2012 and since then I haven't felt good the entire time, knew something was wrong but just couldn't pinpoint it. First 6 months was nauseated and vomiting then Dec '12 had my gallbladder removed, kept losing toenails and getting infections at toenails along with other health issues. Dr's did blood work and finally came back positive for autoimmune disease. I am currently being treated for undetermined lupus right now. With all this said, I am taking narcotics around the clock for constant pain in joints and muscles and I may say getting addicted. It has come to me that my health is more important to me than the band and for me to be able to take NSAID's on a regular basis along with other drugs that are out there that are restricted from taking while having the band. My surgeon is concerned about my diagnosis anyway of lupus cause that alone with the connective tissue can cause slippage and errosion. I have an appt next Thurs to discuss removing my band. This is bittersweet for me but like I said this is a foreign object in my body and my health comes first. With discipline and my mom whom I live with as the food police as she is now anyway I pray I can keep the weight I've lost off and who knows maybe lose the addt's 40 lbs I need to lose to get to a good weight for me, a realistic weight for me. This will cost me as I will be self pay as my Anthem BCBS has stopped paying for any bariatric anything starting this Jan, '14, sigh. You guys have been my lap band family and my rocks to lean on when I neeeded you the most and from the bottom of my heart I thank you for that. -
I have Fibromyalgia... Anyone have the Band and FM? Pros/Cons??
Lose100 replied to vacationgirl1's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
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!!!!!! -
Lap Band and Autoimmune disorders (Lupus)
Mustjazz replied to EllieMaeClampet's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Hi This is only my 2nd post. Again I so appreciate the wealth of info on this site. I too have RA & fibro both autoimmune diseases. My Rheum didn't have any concerns re: the surgery. Also at my initial consult I gave them a full medical history & no one mentioned that it would be an issue. I am in the early stages of the process, no surgery date yet. I meet with the nutritionist & psychologist next week. It started giving me 2nd thoughts about how well I will heal and also my body's reaction to the foreign body. So I will definitely discuss this more with the surgeons. I have gotten PM from someone who had surgery where I am going & he had a horrible experience & had his band removed. Although I appreciate hearing the good & bad I was taken back since he was so adamant against it. I know his threads haven't always been popular in looking back at his threads. I am scared being obese but I definitely want all the information to make informed decision re: lap band surgery. Jazz:confused: -
Anyone go from sleeve to roux en y ?
kat77 replied to Cyn's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I took them all into consideration because I have lupus and take a lot of meds too. I am not approved yet but feel I made the right decision because I need this weight off as soon as possible. I am in a lot of pain and it is hard for me to move around because I am so stiff. So the doc said this would be best and that we would just adjust all they meds. I am sorry I can't be more helpful about post-opp, but I am still waiting for my approval and haven't taken the post-opp class yet. You can finding lots of good info by reading posts from others though. Welcome, and it is good to have another person who understands the difficulty of having an autoimmune dissorder. By the way when was your surgery? -
What was your tipping point?
MandyLou replied to 3tallwomen's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I don’t have a BMI over 40 and I am “only” 215lbs. That’s a lot of weight for me. Ive had Rheumatoid arthritis since I was 17 (I’m 43 now) and all these medications and up and down depressing anxiety fits made me put on 80lbs. I had tried everything to lose the weight to no avail. Exercise is getting hard for me and last summer I barely could hike up a mountain. I couldn’t breathe and my knees almost gave out. There are so many things I want to do and I never thought WLS was an option because I was told I wasn’t “heavy enough”. But between the RA and my family’s history with obesity I went on a journey that started with helping my anemia first. I got a hysterectomy in March and now I am period free. Next I went to a clinic that does both surgery and medical weight loss. He explained he would do everything he could to help me and ordered tests. He told me that my quality of life and my joints would benefit greatly from WLS. I knew this but still thought I was not eligible as autoimmune disease do not count towards your approval. He ordered a sleep test and it turns out I have sleep apnea which has me getting an excellent shot at approval. I feel humbled and blessed to have this option. So my tipping point was last year and it’s been a slow crawl but I’m here waiting for a surgery date. For the first time in a long time, I am hopeful. -
Following this topic bc it's of interest to me. I'm wanting to know about beyond Aleve and other NSAIDS. I'm curious about the "big guns" biologic medications for like Rheumatoid Arthritis which I have. Remicade IV is my drip - but haven't been able to get my infusion for months due to surgeries (2 including the GB RNY) which has left me reeling in inflammatory pain off and on.... I'm hopeful though, bc although RA is autoimmune, I know the extra fat doesn't help!
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i have no idea if this is okay to post here, but i could use a little feedback as i am overwhelmed and having trouble getting focused (nothing new there! lol) i am in the middle of becoming a certified personal trainer. i am saving money to become a certified health coach. i have a background in counseling (chemical dependency counselor for 7 years, family counselor and private therapist for 6 years), natural health and healing (managed health food stores for 3 years, among lots of other things i did/learned), and cooking for health (taught classes and did private consultations for special diets). i want to focus on helping people get prepared for surgery (or just lose weight) and adjust after surgery. what do you think would be most helpful for me to offer? currently i am working with 2 people on anxiety/emotional eating/autoimmune diets. we meet 1:1 and we plan ways to practice dealing with anxiety without food. i also help them plan meals to deal with autoimmune disorders and help one of them cook. they are friends and i do this to help them out and practice what i know. i want to figure out how to monetize my services, but am not sure what A.) would be most important for people and B.) what people would actually pay for. C.) or how to present myself to people. any feedback would be important for me to hear to help me with moving forward. thanks.
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Celiac disease diagnosis years after RNY
KyHiker replied to Brandy36's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I feel like I found my peep in you, Brandy. So it sounds like you and I have some similarity in our journey. I have a few recommendations for you that have helped me immensely. #1 read Hashimoto's, The Root Cause by Isabella Wentz. I felt like she explained my entire medical history. You may also consider The Paleo Approach, Reverse Your Autoimmune Disease and Heal Your Body. There's more out there too. The blog SCDlifestyles is worthy and I keep getting recommendations for The Body Ecology Diet, which I haven't read. I went off gluten because my doc told me to and I felt bad enough to do it. And she recommended Wentz's book. Going off gluten I found out why I had choking spells since college. That said, going off gluten was hell, so I did the radical jump start with the amino acids that Wentz describes in the book, and my gut hasn't been this calm since I was a child, and I am not exaggerating. I'm now on a healing diet and admittedly a bit lost. I'm going to do some Alletess testing (food intolerance testing) and more research. Haven't been able to add many foods, so going to test vs elimination diet. I'm still working through things, but I feel empowered and hugely improved. A year ago I had chronic fatigue so bad I didn't do squat and every joint hurt, and for awhile my hand hung as if dead. I'm 51 and I get where you're coming from about feeling 80+. But 4 months into a radical diet and I'm getting closer to my age, but about 15 years to go, wink. The the resources I provided are riddled with references to current research, but much of it is not known or embraced widely by allopathic medicine. Me, I'm just going for results, and radically changing my eating is giving me results. As Schoolass mentioned, when you eliminate foods that cause you problems, eating them again will amplify the problems, which is motivation to give them up! Keep your chin up and do your own research. I asked docs for 10 years and got nothing. Then I got sick enough to go to the internet and take responsibility for my own healing, and now I have hope. I didn't find that doc who told me about the gluten and Wentz book until I started my own research. I trust you will feel better if you work it. -
Pcos, Hashimoto's, insulin resistance
Hanhan replied to Vsgneeded's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi, I had a vsg on 28th Feb 2017. My bmi was about 53 at it's highest, and it's now about 41. I also have autoimmune hypothyroid and PCOS, and I was also worried that I would loose weight even with the vsg. But I am! After the initial quick weighloss over the first few weeks my loss has slowed down to about 1-3lb per week, which is on the slower side. However I'm really happy with my progress and just happy to see the weight dropping off. Plus I think slower weight loss is healthier and better in reducing loose skin, so I'm actually pleased it's a bit slower. In regards to my PCOS, I had a period fairly soon after starting my pre-op diet (first in about 100 days!), then had another one 26 days later! For a fleeting moment I thought the surgery might have cured my PCOS (as I've heard it can instantly cure diabetes), however I'm now on about day 60 of this current cycle, so no instant cure, but I'm sure the weight loss will help. good luck with your surgery, I'm so so happy I went through with mine. -
Will WLS work if the problem isn't overeating?
LisaMergs replied to WitchySar's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
That's simply not true. My weight gain was a DIRECT result of high doses of oral prednisone as well as IV decadron combined with lack of movement due to rheumatoid arthritis for 9 long years. It completely destroyed my adrenal function. I ate very healthfully with an occasional snack. But nothing in crazy excess. I simply lacked metabolism, my RMR was zilch and physically I couldn't move. The only way I could lose weight after many consultations, crying at different docs offices, was WLS. Coupled with some of the studies showing that some people with autoimmune disorders were showing signs of remission, my decision was made. And it was the best one ever! I was in some form of extreme pain almost daily for 9 years. Since surgery- one flare that lasted 2 days and was very manageable. -
I found out 7 months ago I had APS. It is an autoimmune disorder. I DO NOT HAVE LUPUS. Does anyone know if I can be "banded"? Thanks.:thumbup:
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