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I have autoimmune thyroid issues (hashimotos) and psoriasis. I am 9 months out psoriasis is very mild now. Just a little patch on my scalp... I don't like putting stuff my scalp so that is without medication. It use to cover all 4 limbs and was considered severe. I only use a topical foam 2-3 times a week now and use to take Ortezla orally... It made sick as a dog. My fibromyalgia is almost nonexistent and I am off cymbalta (And many more Rx's as well). I don't think autoimmune can be cured but WLS has made it 95% better. But why? Was it weightloss alone? Low carb/ low sugar diet? No NSAIDs. And old Rx was making it worse? I don't know. I do know I am 99% gluten free. My NUT allows whole grain In appropriate quantities in maintenance but I have chosen not to bring them back. I gut tells me it is the gluten. I really think there is something to diet and autoimmune connection. I don't think I would have realized that without WLS. And maybe giving up dairy or soy would work for someone else. Dairy is my main protein source and I am clear while eating. I lost weight on medifast which high soy and had the worst psoriasis flare of my life so I know it is more than just weight loss.

That's just the thing- it was anecdotal findings. A bunch of surgeons and rheumatologists noticed that individuals with autoimmune diseases were showing fewer and fewer signs and symptoms of their diseases. Believe me, there will be more research into this. As I stated- I don't care what the modality of change was/is- I'll take it!!! I haven't had but a handful of pretzels over the last couple of months. So really, no gluten here either. As for Cymbalta- I was given that for an off-label symptom of the RA- peripheral neuropathy. I'm weaning off now. No need!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday the 12th, after being delayed for about a month. My surgeon seems to follow some different protocols from what I've seen a lot of other people post. I only have to follow my pre-op diet for one week, and it consists of two protein shakes a day then a small meal consisting of lean protein and veggies. I thought I would be tired and hangry, but my hunger has been pretty manageable and I actually feel physically better and less tired and achy than I did before starting the pre-op diet (I have an autoimmune disease and my GI doctor suspects I have mild Celiac disease so it could have something to do with not eating gluten). So, yay, I guess! He also wants me drinking lots of water the morning of surgery, up until about two hours before my scheduled start time, so that's definitely unusual.

Typically, a combination of the correct birth control and sometimes Metformin or similar medicine manages the symptoms and keeps your hormones in check. Obviously, the first thing you will hear is to lose weight to combat the hormone issues. I also have Hoshimoto's which is an autoimmune disease of the thyroid....Hypothyroid. The symptoms overlap with PCOS so I take birth control, thyroid meds and Metformin( it helps with insulin resistance). The endo didn't prescribe or run tests that my PCP can't do. I never have period without birth control so I started to freak out about not being able to have kids. So when I was 24 I decided to get pregnant with fertility help. It was rather simple...I took clomid for a few days during my cycle and then when the eggs matured they gave me a shot in my butt that would cause me to ovulate within 24 hours and my instructions were to go home and do the deed over the weekend. I got pregnant on my first try. There are several non-invasive methods you can do before you get into invitro, etc. Your OBGYN or a fertility specialist should be able to walk you through all of that. I went to a fertility specialist super easy no big deal...now if I go for a second kid and I still need help after the weigh loss my OBGY can do all of the same things as the specialist. My advice is KNOW your body and be YOUR own health advocate. Not all docs are created equal and their information is based off what you tell them. If you don't like a doc or they are forcing something on you...fire them. Hope this helps!

Well, I've never used this forum on anything other than my phone- until today. Discovered status bars and VIP membership. Who knew? Most of you know who I am already, but my stats-- 49, female, married for 20 years 3 kids -19, 16,15 boy girl boy. Just got my oldest off to college for the first time. I live in the suburbs of Chicago- and grew up in the city itself. I practiced dentistry for almost 20 years before I became ill with an autoimmune disorder. My weight gain was directly related to this- high doses of prednisone combined with the inability to move around. The catalyst for surgery came from my rheumatologist who was reading anecdotal reports of people with RA who had bypass going either into remission or having a dramatic drop in symptoms. I didn't respond to any traditional or experimental meds on the market, so my thought was- the WORST case scenario for me would be less pressure on my joints. Luckily, I've not had any flares or RA symptoms since surgery. I got my life back. I'm contemplating returning to work now. I won't go back to active dental practice- I'm too scared, quite frankly. Worry of a relapse happening, my hands literally freezing up while working on a patient- so many scenarios of bad. People don't realize that RA can actually be deadly. They equate it with osteo arthritis. I'm an avid- maybe rabid?? Lol- hockey fan, and am thrilled beyond belief that my beloved Blackhawks are so Fricking amazing! Also- a huge college football fan (Go Wildcats!) That's that. I so appreciate the wisdom, wit and camaraderie here. These are my kiddos-- just cause I'm proud of them! Oldest is studying Sports Management at Iowa and plans on law school after. My daughter has an amazing voice and has been studying opera since 12, but wants to be an anesthesiologist-go figure! Youngest guy is the funny one, football player. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi all. I am not very active here, but I am struggling lately and just have a couple of questions. I started back to university in January, which I'm so glad I was able to, but it has been exhausting and I don't think it really should be. I am also from Texas, so we are still going through some pretty awful stuff at the moment. My family (5 kids, my husband, and I) made it out unscathed for the most part and got very lucky we only lost power for about 8 hours. I was pretty scared of being without power so we risked travel on icy highways to travel to my mom's house since she has a generator. We left to come back home because I was afraid of our pipes bursting and the animals were alone, and unfortunately on the way home we were rear-ended due to some black ice. We are okay and it's probably all just cosmetic damage, but we'll need our entire bumper replaced. It has been so extremely stressful, to say the very least. We, fortunately, had power back when we came home and our pipes did okay through the freezing weather. I have been struggling with fatigue. My doctor has suspected an autoimmune issue for a while (years), and I finally saw my rheumatologist after an entire year of waiting. Well, my blood work shows markers so when I go back I'm sure there will be more tests. I do have hypothyroidism and my T3 is low (other thyroid levels within normal ranges), but I have never been tested for Hashimoto's, I was just put on Levothyroxine and have been on it since 2011. My vitamins are okay as far as I can see. I know I'm also probably dehydrated because I still struggle with eating and drinking properly. My question I suppose really is, does anyone here have autoimmune diseases who had the bariatric surgery, and did you/do you struggle still with fatigue? I am nearly 7 months post-op, so I was hoping to see an increase in energy levels, but that's just not happening. I am just always lethargic with little energy. I will add, I do not sleep a solid 8 hours due to pain, and I do know that that could also be making things worse. I would just like anyone's insight/suggestions/experience with this sort of thing. Did you improve with treatment? How long did it take to see/feel improvements? Thanks in advance.

I need a schedule for eating. It makes me sound like a lazy POS but I’m currently not working since I got diagnosed with autoimmune + sleeve + hernia repair once BMI is below 30. I have insomnia and stay up really late and can sleep till 2-4pm. Messed up, I know. I end up eating one snack, 2-3 protein shakes and dinner around midnight. I wake up and feel so behind on my day.

Hey there, I'm also getting the surgery for autoimmune arthritis. It has better odds of clearing up my pain than any of the meds that are still available to me. If that works out--if the surgery brings my arthritis under control--then even self-pay, at ~$12k, it's a steal, compared to the price of arthritis meds (except methotrexate, that's fairly inexpensive... but also not sufficient to control the arthritis alone, and I'm allergic to a whole class of biologics). I'm a little over two weeks out from the surgery (Oct 3), and I am having all kinds of second and third and fourth thoughts. If I'm in the unlucky percentage of people whose arthritis isn't significantly improved by the surgery, I worry I will regret having it done. (Very few people regret it, but it does happen.) This is, of course, pretty silly; even if the surgery doesn't directly improve my arthritis, weighing less will make it more bearable. Plus, there's the reduced stress from not having to live as a fat person in a society that hates fat people. And I feel like I'm in this terrible cycle, right now, where I am too tired and too in pain to take proper care of myself -- to cook the healthy foods (standing that long in the kitchen? can't do it) and go to the gym (pain and exhaustion combine to be very demotivating) and keep my caffeine intake under control (I'm always tired) -- and the surgery and its associated weight loss really may be enough to break that cycle for me. So I get the reluctance. But I also think weight loss surgery should be prescribed for more of us with autoimmune arthritis, based on the promising results from the studies that have been done. (And insurance should cover it. Heaven knows I'll be saving them a fortune, getting this done.)

rorysmom, Then obviously you do NOT think obesity is a disease, do you? Have you ever been obese? I certainly understand what you are saying about the other problems I mentioned--that they are things you can't help--like losing your eyesight, etc. I'm really passionate about this, so forgive me if I get slightly angry in tone... I have been overweight all my life. My mother tells me that she put sugar in my baby food (because my ped. doc. told her to). Along with this, she gave me honey Water as an infant. From studies I've read, all the fat cells that one will have in life is determined as a child. You cannot get rid of fat cells (unless you go the liposuction route); you can only shrink them. I believe that I obtained many fat cells as an infant. I exercise daily. In fact, in college, I jogged five miles/day and could never get below 175lbs. (I'm 5'5). Now, I jog 1-2 miles per day and take a powerlifting class 2-3 times per week. Along with this, I have an autoimmune disease, called hypothyroidism which makes it really difficult to keep weight off, much less lose it. I am not making excuses for all my weight gain--I have eaten too much in the past--and too many wrong things. BUT THERE ARE OTHER CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO WHY I AM OBESE--MEDICAL FACTORS--THINGS I DID NOT ASK FOR IN LIFE--AS A PERSON WOULD NOT ASK FOR CANCER. Please understand that if you have never been obese (which most doctors say is a DISEASE) then you really can't give any valid comments. Have an eye-opening day!

Leatha and Delarla have bands and both have autoimmune diseases. Both are very educated about this match. Neither one are on this board very often, so you may want to send them a PM and see what they have to say. And any experienced surgeon should give you a very honest opinion of this as well. Good luck!

That it's not shingles My nurse practitioner doesn't actually know what it is, and ordered lab work to test for autoimmune disorders (I have family diagnosed with lupus and MS). Don't get me started on what happened today when I attempted to get to my appointment for her to discuss my bloodwork - 5 minutes late due to a payroll issue at work and poof - they had cancelled my appointment and suggested that I call and reschedule! Their words were "we are too busy to fit you in now". In all my years on this earth I have NEVER had a doctor's office do that to me! And this is a podunk town of maybe 18,000 folks, not some big city clinic. Apparently I'm not sick enough for them to see me even being 5 minutes late, but it's ok for them to make me wait upwards of AN HOUR every single time. I take my health very seriously and try my hardest not to ever be late. Maybe others do this on a regular basis but not me. I will have to cool off before I call and reschedule that appointment.

Ugh don't know where my post went... Yes I'm neatly four weeks post op, chronic pain issues unchanged for now but have new awesome energy and diabetes is way better as is blood pressure much more stable... I use stevia since it's natural and also use g6 sports powder from GNC sweetened with stevia bc it's yummy to me especially in non fat milk... if your non lactose intolerant... there'd unsweetened nut milks of course.... I've lost 25lbs so far, and no real complications... I drink premier occasionally if necessary on emergency bc insurance paid for it... but if I drink to much, my tummy reacts badly!! I'm excited for you and me! Therr is a gal in my support group with autoimmune disease as well who said post surgery, her pain got way better and now she's jogging and 150 lbs down in less then a year I believe!! Amazing

I asked my surgeon the same thing because I have an autoimmune disorder and I get sick often badly and he said if my caugh or cold is not very bad at the time of surgery then they can figure something out, if not they can reschedule. -Surgery Date 4/29/16

I've been curious about this too, as there is a dry sauna at my club but it doesn't seem very inviting. I've always enjoyed steam saunas though. I did a very quick search on the web and found this: Dr Weil on sauna and your health Question I've heard totally varied opinions on the benefits/hazards of saunas and steam baths. What's your opinion? Answer January 28, 1997 To me, the benefits far outweigh any hazards. If you're in reasonable health, the benefits of a sauna or steam bath are great. If you have high blood pressure or heart disease, saunas may be good for you, but you'll want to be cautious; check with your physician first, and go easy. And with either of these conditions, it's not a good idea to jump right into cold Water afterward, as Finns always do. When you take a sauna, the heat pumps up blood circulation near the skin and stimulates sweating. The Finns say a proper sauna elicits about a quart of sweat per hour. I generally encourage sweating. It helps the body rid itself of unwanted materials and improves general circulation. In medieval times, healers relied on saunas to cure illnesses, and priests used their heat to chase away evil spirits. In the United States there's a lot of concern about pregnant women taking steam baths or saunas. A study published four years ago in the Journal of the American Medical Association found some association between neural-tube defects and heat exposure from saunas, hot tubs, and fever during the first three months of pregnancy. (Neural-tube defects include anencephaly and spina bifida, both disastrous abnormalities.) The biggest problem was hot tubs, which pregnant women should approach cautiously. Interestingly, though, in Finland it's not uncommon for doctors to give the OK on saunas from conception all the way up to the day of delivery - and there, neural-tube defects are very low. In fact, in Finland saunas were once a traditional place for childbirth. It's worth noting that Finnish women tend to stay in the sauna for six to twelve minutes, and they shorten that time during pregnancy. Also, saunas raise the body's core temperature insignificantly compared to hot tubs. Finnish saunas also tend to be different from most US versions - unless these are run by Scandinavians. In Finland, saunas are usually heated by a wood stove. First there's a dry phase that can get hotter than 200° F. Then the participants splash water on the stove and spend some time in the steam. Many US saunas employ an electric stove, which you can't put water on. So you're just exposed to dry heat, which I find irritating to my respiratory passages. Some saunas in health clubs are set to a lukewarm temperature. Turn up the heat. Even if you're in a very hot steam bath or sauna, it's mostly the temperature of the surface of your body that goes up. As it increases, blood vessels dilate, and circulation in the skin climbs. As resistance to blood flow through your veins and capillaries drops, your blood pressure goes down. Then your heartbeat increases to keep blood pressure normal. Finns always follow a sauna with a plunge into cold water. I find this incredibly refreshing and enjoyable, and healthy as well. Then you relax afterwards. The main risk of a sauna is staying in too long and fainting from overheating. People who are most susceptible to this are those with heart disease or who have been using drugs or alcohol. It really isn't a good idea to combine drinking or other drugs with a sauna or hot tub. Children should not use saunas without supervision. Also, be sure you drink plenty of water, to replace the water you're losing. By the way, the correct pronunciation is sow-na, not saw-na. Dr. Weil And this is from Wikipedia: Information in this section has not been verified against sources and may not be reliable. Please check for inaccuracies and modify as needed, citing the sources against which it was checked. During a 10-20 minute sauna session, the heart rate increases by 50-75%. The increased cardiac load is the equivalent to a brisk walk. There is a nominal effect on blood pressure because the heat also causes blood vessels in skin to expand to accommodate increased blood flow. Blood vessels become more flexible <SUP class=reference id=_ref-0>[1]</SUP> and there is increased circulation to the extremities. During a sauna, blood flow to the skin increases to as high as 50-70% of cardiac output (compared to the standard 5-10%). This is due to the blood vessels in the skin's surface expanding to accommodate the increased blood flow, a process known as vasodilation. This increased blood flow brings important nutrients to subcutaneous and surface tissue, promoting cellular activity and growth.<SUP class="noprint Template-Fact">[citation needed]</SUP> It is especially beneficial to areas of the skin which normally suffer from poor circulation. Along with nourishing the skin, the high temperatures also cause the skin's 2 million eccrine glands to excrete sweat to cool down the skin and blood capillaries. Research has shown that sweat is much more effective than water at emulsifying fat located in the skin's sebaceous glands, and thus at removing the sebum and bacteria lodged in the fat.<SUP class="noprint Template-Fact">[citation needed]</SUP> The vasodilation caused by the high temperatures also allows essential fluids to be transported to the skin's surface. This enhances the development of collagen, giving the skin a continued elasticity and wrinkle-free complexion. Steambaths and saunas induce perspiring to provide a comprehensive cleansing of the skin and sweat glands. Skin is the largest organ in the body. 30% of body wastes are passed through the skin.<SUP class="noprint Template-Fact">[citation needed]</SUP> Profuse sweating enhances the detoxifying capacity of the skin by opening pores and flushing impurities from the body.<SUP class="noprint Template-Fact">[citation needed]</SUP> When taking a sauna, skin temperature rises to 40°C (104°F) and internal body temperature rises to about 38°C (100.4°F). Exposure to the high heat creates an artificial fever state, a process known as hyperthermia. Fever is part of the body’s natural healing process. Fever stimulates the immune system, resulting in increased production of disease fighting white blood cells, antibodies and interferon (an anti viral Protein with cancer fighting capability).<SUP class="noprint Template-Fact">[citation needed]</SUP> Steam inhalation is an excellent treatment for many respiratory problems. For example, the moist air in saunas can relieve throat irritation. Steam also loosens secretions and can stimulate discharge of mucous from the lungs and throat, giving relief to sufferers of bronchitis. Finally, steam can also aid sinusitis by relieving congestion and inflammation of the upper respiratory mucous membranes. An occasional secondary occurrence caused by breathing in the steam-- In some cases and with some people, if they have a weak respiratory system, example; the infection of a common cold or sore throat, may be carried into the lungs causing it to spread. This is uncommon but does occur. However, to counter this from happening a small opening for the head in the wall of the sauna at the level of the seat will allow the persons head to be outside the sauna (on a small shelf) and thus the benefit of the 38°C (100.4°F) still takes place without the fear of increasing the infection. The heat also kills all kinds of bacteria and insects, e.g. lice. This knowledge was used widely during the Winter War and Continuation War when Finnish troops were forced to sauna (although the unclean conditions in the field made it unnecessary to force them). While the men were in their sauna, their equipment was in another. This cleansed both very effectively while Russians had problems with many diseases.<SUP class=reference id=_ref-1>[2]</SUP> However, it should be noted, people with heart problems may be at risk due to blood pressure unpredictably rising or lowering after using a sauna. People with stable coronary artery disease are generally safe in a sauna, but people with uncontrollable heart problems may be advised to stay away from a Sauna by a doctor in order to avoid possible complications. People with autoimmune disorders may also be at risk.

I have Hypothyroidism that is caused by Hoshimoto's Autoimmune disease. Since diagnosed about a year ago I found that I couldn't lose weight no matter what I did! I am 3 weeks post-op and have lost 25lbs but am wondering if I'm going to be able to lose much more weight due to the Hypothyroidism. Any body else have experience with this or know information that can give me hope?

Everyone is correct...the VSG does NOT get rid of Hypo/Hyperthyroidism or Hoshimoto's. In my case the surgery did absolutely nothing to change my medication dosage...I have Hoshimoto's Autoimmune disease.

I go in for my first appointment tomorrow. Some 2.5 hour Weight Management / Nutrition Class my insurance company says I have to attend. I bet there's a lot of you here that are like me: We could teach the class with what we KNOW we're supposed to do... LOL! Why do I want to get sleeved: Selfless Reasons: My two beautiful daughters (1 & 4 years old) I want to run and play with them without huffing like an old steam engine, or without paying for it with back, hip, knee, ankle, and foot pain for the next three days. For my wife: We recently found out that my wife has an autoimmune disease that if we cannot get it into remission has a mortality rate of around 10 years. By the time we know if this disease is going to prove fatal to her: Her mother also has an autoimmune disease (a different one) and may not be with us anymore by then. Her father is a chronic alcoholic and will not help me with his granddaughters. My own parents are on the other end of the country, and will be in their 80s by the time we know. I cannot be so selfish to not take the best care of myself I can if I’m going to have to raise my girls by myself. It brings me to tears to think of these two amazing little girls all alone in this world, just because daddy couldn’t get his weight and health under control. I cannot, and will not fail them. Selfish Reasons: I want to be buff again. I worked as an Air Force Cop, and at the time I was 190 lbs with a 50” chest and a 32” waist. I could run 10 to 15 miles with over 100 lbs of gear on my back like it was a stroll through a park. I’d like to get as close to that as I can. Back in the early 90s I went to a nude beach on a dare from a hot Australian girl I met while scuba diving in Cancun. I’d love to have the confidence to do it again. There’s no way in hell I’d subject anyone to seeing me like that with the way I look now! If the time with my wife is short, I want us to experience anything and everything she wants. This has gone beyond just “I want to be skinny” for me. It will affect my whole family. Thanks for reading. I'll be back as soon as I know more about my times and dates. R

i can empathize with you there. I ended up in the hospital 3 years ago with a clot in my arm that went from my elbow to my shoulder. That was without any surgery or anything, come to find out I have an autoimmune thing that makes me prone to clotting. So for this surgery I had to take extra precautions. I had the usual heparin dose that everyone gets when they go into surgery and then I also had Lovenox injections the whole time I was in the hospital and as soon as I came home I was to start taking my aspirin again. Well I wish you good luck and a speedy recovery. Coumadin for 6 months is no fun. I am hoping that the aspirin works for me or I have to do coumadin for the rest of my life and that would really suck.

My band and doctor were great, for me I have underlying autoimmune issues so my body rejected the band. The way it rejected was many unexplained syndromes with no true cause. Also the syndromes/disorders would come and go. Ex. Anemic one week, low thyroid, sjrogens extreme fatigue (narcolepsy) so on and the next month's check up gone. Then back again. So now we will wait since removal and see how my body adjust. I week out and no more griti eyes. I had no issues prior to placement.

I have severe plaque psoriasis and I'm currently taking Enbrel, but I have to stop 6 months before my surgery, so I'm about to stop soon. Enbrel hasn't worked that great for me anyway. I read on the lap-band site that if you have an autoimmune disease, you shouldn't get the lap-band. It's my understanding that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, but none of the doctors have mentioned that I shouldn't have the band because of it. Has anyone has an psoriasis-related complications?

Comments like this may not affect those who have already had the lapband surgery or who are in advanced stages of getting it done but those of us who are just beginning. It's very confusing when someone comes on here dogging the procedure that I'm thinking of having. It makes me feel nervous and question my choices. It makes me start scramming to find more information..looking for some fine print that tells me how bad it is what I'm trying to do. Not to mention, my doctor will not give me a referral for any other WLS due to my autoimmune disease, she feels it would be risky. So I only have one choice and she's making me question my one chance. So I was just wondering why someone would want to come on here and make even more sour remarks about the lapband, it only adds to what she's saying.. but of course sleevetalk is more positive, it appears they are coming here to lay out dirt to make the band sound bad. So I end up with self doubt and wondering if I should do this at all. By the way, I did a little searching into the sleeve and I've read plenty of negative in just the 1 hour reading. I think you're going to find good and bad if you look hard enough about all WLS. And after reading for 2 months, I've found that different procedures suit different individuals. I read that the sleeve is for people who have very large amounts of weight to lose. I need to lose 125, it's enough but I don't feel I'm in a chronic stage that I have to go drastic to have a very large portion of my stomach removed,,which is irreversible. I'm looking for something to aid me, to be my helper. I know I have to work too, the lapband would be my partner in crime. I really want this to be a happy and exciting journey for me but I'm getting fatter and very depressed. I want to come here and get motivated and plan my new life. I do that through the successes of others while waiting for my turn,,please people,,don't ruin it for some of us.

fatty liver is one of he reasons someone might do this type of surgery, so i'm sure it wont stop you. I have autoimmune liver disease so i'm followed closely by a specialist. He told me that after surgery i will have to be followed closely after surgery because in some patients, fatty liver does develop (of increase) in teh period after surgery. I guess the fat is being metabolised in the liver instead of sugars so it may take a while to adjust to it. a careful watch of LFT on your blood results is the fix.

Go see your doctor and have some blood work done. If anything is badly out of whack, it should show up. If not, it's very likely just menopause and you can relax and chock it up to hormones run amuck. I'm in the throws of perimenopause now. I'm about to turn 49 and still regular as a freaking clock. Wish it would hurry up, in all honesty, I'm ready to be done! In the US, the average age for menopause is 51. (that's what my doc says, anywho) My bestie is 49 and it's been 8 months since she's had a period...lucky turd. She has had big issues with night sweats. Drenchers. Her physical was fine, though, nothing wrong......just menopause. It can't hurt to get checked out pronto, because as you know, night sweats can be an indication of something not so good... and I'm not talking just cancer. They can also be caused by certain vitamin deficiencies and other metabolic issues. (B12, D, autoimmune stuff) Best to get on top of it. You'll sleep better when you get to the bottom of it. Best wishes!

I was diagnosed with Graves in 2005. For a while I was a looser with Graves, then it turned and i gained. I was treated with RAI and went total hypo. It has taken years for the synthetic replacement to level off. I gained a bunch my weight post RAI. 40+, which they said shouldn't happen once my thyroid is balanced. If you are gaining with graves and treat it, you will probably gain if you get RAI. Graves sucks either way because you can only treat the symptoms not the disease. So even if you treat the thyroid, you can still get all the wacky autoimmune effects. Like hives, etc. I think if you are healthy, and thyroid is under control, you will be able to get the band. In my opinion, the sooner you start the journey, the better. Good luck!!!!

I am 2 year post sleeve surgery. Had lost 125 with about 50 more to go. I have an autoimmune disorder so for last 3 months I have been on prednisone and have been eating everything. I have gained 18 pds. I am so upset. Why can't I stop eating... Ugh Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App