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I went in for my EGD or Upper GI scope because I suffer from Gastric Reflux. As many of you probably know most or all doctor's require it as part of the pre-surgical workup. They do these to check for several different issues. I was diagnosed with Reflux in 2010 but had been suffereing from daily boughts of reflux before that. It had finally reached a point where I couldn't sleep because of it. During my Upper GI my surgeon found severe irritation and a hiatal hernia. He took biopsies and found it to be Barrett's Esophagus with highly reactive cells (pre-cancerous). He mentioned doing a bypasss instead of the band now. Has anyone had this issue? If so how did it all work out for you? I go on Feb 7th for a consult with a Gastroenterologist and to have further testing done. My wls has been post-poned until my esophagus has been taken care of. Any and all input is greatly appreciated.

Non-generic thyroid meds are better. So say several of my endos, because the generics might have slightly different dosages. Once your levels are under control you should feel back to normal. The question becomes why did you go hypo? If there is an underlying cause, that should be treated, also.

I had to start seeing an endocrinologist because my PCP wouldn't do anything for mine? I just had all my labs done for surgery so it must be OK otherwise I think they would have said something??? Trust me you don't want it done it hurts!!! I cried both times they did it, and I have a high tolerance for pain!!!! It is very hard to lose weight with a hypo thyroid and very easy to gain it and that's why I am having the surgery too!!!

Hello all, I have been reading the threads for a few months now, but have finally decided to introduce myself. I have a surgery date of 11/14 in Chicago w/ Dr. Alexander Nagle. I currently weigh 251 w/ a BMI of 41. I just had my pre-op physical on 10/28 and discovered that my H.Pylori test was reactive, meaning I either have or recently had this bacteria in my stomach. Does anyone know if this will affect the surgery? I have started the antibiotic regimen for this, but honestly it makes my stomach hurt more. Other than that I am very excited, nervous and anxious. I am confident that this tool will help me finally acheive my goal weight of 150, but nervous that I will "eat around the band" as they say. Also, I was wondering, since I am both very picky and lactose intolerant, can someone recommend a better tasting, lactose free Protein drink? Thanks much for any and all advice you have for me :rolleyes2:

Yes I am also hypo. Have been since they did iodine when I was young. Went from hyper to hypo and been heavy ever since. I just got banded, but it seems to me it can be slower but stillpossible. Also depends what your eating habits or hangups are. Mine seem to be about portion control, so seems to be dropping pretty quick. We will see what the months bring

What maintainance? When I read about possible monthly iron infusions because of anemia and malnutrition, beri beri, nerve damage (numbness)in your extremeties, reactive hypoglcemia, seizures, strictures, ulcers etc., etc. associated with the bypass surgery, all of the emergency room hostpital stays, doctor visits those problems entail, I will do my lap band maintainance, happily. You are going to have monthly check up anyway the first year. That is when you get your fills. I haven't had a fill in years. Please do your research then make an informed decision.

Hi, I had surgery Oct 2012 and have lost about 110lbs. I still need to lose about 30lbs to be to my own personal goal - one where I will be viable for skin surgery. I had shoulder surgery too, just a month ago and have put on 12lbs since that time! On Monday of this week I started cutting out all the junk that I've been eating over Christmas - I'm not totally low carb as I am diabetic and often feel like I get hypos when I don't have any carbs.. but I'm doing better. Trying not to weigh myself as I can easily get hung up on the numbers, if you know what I mean. Just want to feel better within myself. I'm thinking that I might have stretched my stomach a bit too, but hoping that if I have more liquid Protein meals that that will help some to get some of the restriction back. Maybe you should consider going back to your surgeon and getting some pointers from him? he may surprise you!

A friend of mine was diagnosed with reactive arthritis last year. Is your Dr. taking care of your blood pressure and Fluid retention? I know that my friend has an awful time with mobility. Ok...so that was me checking on your health. Now...are you keeping track of what you are putting in your mouth? I know that you say that you don't eat a lot but do you know how many calories you are taking in? You might want to write down all of the calories that you are eating...the amount of Protein...and the amount of carbs. Get an idea of what you are taking in so that you can discuss it with your nutritionist. I know that it's difficult for you to walk but have you considered swimming. My friend says that this is very helpful to her and alleviates a lot of her pain.

Dont worry about it ask your surgeon see what he suggests you can always give the steristrips a try providing the wound is a smaller one, I understand there are 5 wounds in all, take a look at some of the Pictures people have put online, from experience with patients they are normally ok, any probs they just peel off and possibly could be Hypo allergenic.. the glue however can be a bit "Iffy" Good Luck!:eek:

Several individuals that undergo bariatric surgery experience a type of low blood sugar after the surgery. It is known as reactive hypoglycemia. This is independent of whether you were diabetic prior to surgery. Here are a couple links to the condition: https://www.ridgeviewmedical.org/services/bariatric-weight-loss/enewsletter-articles/reactive-hypoglycemia-postgastric-bypass https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/reactive-hypoglycemia/faq-20057778

The addiction will never go away, I am 15 years out and struggle daily. Let me tell you about me. Started out 250 did well for a while...got down to 175 then started with diet coke then started with diet coke (another addiction) eating almost what ever I wanted...even though it would bother me....gained up to 229. By this time about 6 year out started getting sick all the time...by continuing to "not eat right" I developed reactive hypoglycemia also became lactose intolerant. If I eat anything fried my blood sugar will go way up then drop very fast..makes me weak, sweaty legarthic and ALMOST unable to function. My blood sugar has gone as low as 37, did not pass out but barely made it to get my glucose go bring back up. I have also developed ISBO...intestnial small bowel overgrowth and am having to take 3 different antibiotics (cyclic rotate each month) everyday for the rest of my life! I believe in my heart had I done what I was suppose to do, eat right, exercise take meds, that I would not have these problems. I am doing better, down to 185. Not complaining or preaching, just want you to know what CAN happen. Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks. Really appreciate the replies. I'm trying not to be so hard on myself I know it's not like the worst thing in the world what I've eaten, and I'm probably still in my calorie range...but it's that feeling of lack of control that's forcing me to take action. I refuse to let food control/beat me anymore. Wheetsin, thanks - good advice. My stats are current. I may avoid the scale until my normal weigh-on on Monday. I haven't been too reactive emotionally to what's been on the scale, so hoping I won't be this time either (regardless of the outcome). But, man, it's this lack of control feeling I'm having which is making me anxious and like I'm wanting to get out of the environment. The food gremlin is a nasty little sh*t!

I have hypothyroidism also. My understanding is that when ur hypo it slows down ur system and you gain weigh but when its hyper u loose weigh but the meds dont make u gain weigh. I dont know u might wanna ask ur specialist more about it. Sent from my iPhone using VST

I am hypo as well, and I've lost 65 pounds in 4 months , it hasn't slowed my loss at all like I thought it would, and they lowered my synthroid to .75 from 100.

I'm hypo too. I need to get mine checked but I'm 3 mos post op and feel ok. I've been a slow loser for years which I attribute to my hypothyroid.

I'm confused. I was told Hyper was a high TSH level and Hypo was low. I'm Hypo, low.

Thanks bigsexy! But help me too, my TSH was .005 Which is that? Hypo or hyper?

FWIW, I'm into BodyMods, specifically piercings and in that realm titanium is regarded as the best materia to place in a fresh piercing as it so rarely causes an allergic reaction. It's almost entirely hypo allergenic.

Keep your head up and stay positive. I experienced a couple of setbacks too. I started my quest for wls in March of last year. I was recovering from sudden cardiac arrest that I suffered in October 2015. I had an emergency tracheostomy while in ICU which I had several setbacks to have removed months after being discharged from the hospital. I had to have surgery to remove scar tissue around my vocal cords. Also had a DVT which left me on blood thinners temporarily. By June, I had all my requirements completed to have weight loss surgery and was waiting for medical clearance. My second setback occurred my employer switched insurance companies from Blue Cross Blue Shield to Aetna. Aetna's requirements were different from Blue Cross Blue Shield and I had to start the whole process all over again and this time I had to do the documented weigh-ins which with Blue Cross Blue Shield I did not have to do. My third setback occurred this past October. I completed everything that was required of me by Aetna. By that time I had medical clearance and had my surgery date set for early November. I then received the worst news of all, I was told the policy that my employer provided did not cover bariatric surgery even after I was told that they did when they first changed to Aetna. As you can imagine I was really upset even after Aetna covered the visits I had with the dietitian and surgeon. I also lost money with those visits as I had to pay a $50 copay for three visits with the dietitian and my surgeon. While I was very frustrated, I stayed focused and determine to have my surgery. I dropped in during open enrollment switch back to Blue Cross Blue Shield. I had to wait until January for of the new policy to go in effect. This time I made sure that the policy I had chosen covered bariatric surgery. Luckily for me all the lab work that I had done and October was good for 6 months. My chart with my surgeon was reactivated and I just had minor documentation that needed to be submitted to Blue Cross Blue Shield and I was approved surgery. After 13 months of starting my weight-loss Journey, I had gastric bypass surgery on April 11th and I'm out a week out from surgery. So I'm here to tell you to keep your head up because sometimes obstacles do get in your way but you have to stay focused in order to reach your goal.

Have you had any medical evaluation of your GERD other than just what you are feeling - an upper GI or endoscopy to see whats going on in there to cause it? Self diagnosis is not a good start toward a revision. The VSG has a predisposition toward GERD owing to the stomach volume being cut down much more than the acid production potential along with its high pressure character (much like the RNY is predisposed toward marginal ulcers, dumping and reactive hypoglycemia owing to its specific quirks.) If your GERD is a simple result of the above VSG factors, then revising to a DS won't help the situation; an RNY is the more typical solution. However, if your GERD is caused by a hiatal hernia or a malformed sleeve (strictures and the like) then it is not unreasonable for surgery to correct that particular problem will do the trick; a DS in itself will not do anything for GERD as it will use your existing VSG as a starting point - a re-sleeve may be done at the same time depending upon need. Revising to the DS will help some with losing some regain but mostly will help avoid future regain, but revisions in general are typically only marginally successful in treating regain. I can't speak for your specific insurance, but generally insurance will cover any medically necessary revisions for treating complications.

Apple juice is a clear liquid. It's good in an emergency, but try and make a plan with your team if it keeps happening. You don't want to invite reactive hypoglycemia to the table. (The sugar will bring up your blood sugar, but without a slower-digesting carb, it'll probably crash again). Are you diabetic?

Hi: I had a thyroid/diabetic specialist well respected in his field and was written up in the papers and also lectured around the country and overseas. He has since retired. He diagnosed my Graves disease (hyperthyroid). After treatment, I became Hypo and was put on synthroid and remember his words. The blood tests show a range that doctors consider normal, but because of my weight he wanted me at the top of the range. He felt overweight people have a slower BMR than most. I don't lose weight quickly but I do lose weight steadily. Perhaps you should ask your doctor to consider putting you on synthroid. The drug takes up to six weeks to take affect. No harm in asking?

As with most overweight people I suffered from hypo thyroid. However I am now at 205 lbs instead of 343 lbs and my hypo thyroid is now hyper. I got off the synthroid for a week. I wasn't sleeping at all and quite jittery. So then cut the tablets in half. Here I am tonight again and feel like I am on speed because everything is racing. Anyone else experience this? Driving me crazy.

My original doctor told me I was going from hypo to hyper. At the time I felt no effects. Now it feels like I am on speed. Jittery and heart racing. Doctor went on maternity leave and unfortunately new doc only checked TSH and not T3 and T4. My sister is a pharmacist. She said she sees this all the time and by what I described she said definitely a thyroid issue. A TSH test is only as good as what is happening at that particular day and time. When I got off thyroid no problem. Then got back on half a pill a day and now having problems. So I am now oversensitive to it. Benadryl has no effect on me. When I take 4 benadryl melatonin and 2 Tramadol and still can't sleep then we have a problem. I don't do intermittent fasting. My body goes into overtime at night. Anyway, going to just get off of the thyroid for a month. Instead of going through Endocrinologist I will have my PCP reorder the tests but this time with T3 and T4.

If you exercise to improve your metabolism and prevent diabetes, you may want to avoid antioxidants like Vitamins C and E. That is the message of a surprising new look at the body’s reaction to exercise, reported on Monday by researchers in Germany and Boston. Exercise is known to have many beneficial effects on health, including on the body’s sensitivity to insulin. “Get more exercise” is often among the first recommendations given by doctors to people at risk of diabetes. But exercise makes the muscle cells metabolize glucose, by combining its carbon atoms with oxygen and extracting the energy that is released. In the process, some highly reactive oxygen molecules escape and make chemical attacks on anything in sight. These reactive oxygen compounds are known to damage the body’s tissues. The amount of oxidative damage increases with age, and according to one theory of aging it is a major cause of the body’s decline. The body has its own defense system for combating oxidative damage, but it does not always do enough. So antioxidants, which mop up the reactive oxygen compounds, may seem like a logical solution. The researchers, led by Dr. Michael Ristow, a nutritionist at the University of Jena in Germany, tested this proposition by having young men exercise, giving half of them moderate doses of vitamins C and E and measuring sensitivity to insulin as well as indicators of the body’s natural defenses to oxidative damage. The Jena team found that in the group taking the vitamins there was no improvement in insulin sensitivity and almost no activation of the body’s natural defense mechanism against oxidative damage. The reason, they suggest, is that the reactive oxygen compounds, inevitable byproducts of exercise, are a natural trigger for both of these responses. The vitamins, by efficiently destroying the reactive oxygen, short-circuit the body’s natural response to exercise. “If you exercise to promote health, you shouldn’t take large amounts of antioxidants,” Dr. Ristow said. A second message of the study, he said, “is that antioxidants in general cause certain effects that inhibit otherwise positive effects of exercise, dieting and other interventions.” The findings appear in this week’s issue of The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The effect of vitamins on exercise and glucose metabolism “is really quite significant,” said Dr. C. Ronald Kahn of the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, a co-author of the report. “If people are trying to exercise, this is blocking the effects of insulin on the metabolic response.”