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I don't know if this is relevant for you but when that happens to me, it's my thyroid and the meds are over correcting and making me hypothyroid or over active thyroid. Could you have a thyroid problem? Random guess here but prominent in my mind since I had to get my dose reduced today for exactly this reason. Maybe worth looking ip other hypo symptoms to see if they fit.

You are right, ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and CRP (C-Reactive Protein) are VERY non-specific tests. Basically, they determine whether there is inflammation anywhere...hs-CRP is also a very non-specific indicator of possible CE's, but it's not used much because of the lack of reliability. Oh, and some forms of birth control can actually make a CRP positive, IIRC. The chance of you having cancer, something autoimmune or something major like that is very low, but I don't have your family history in front of me, so I can't tell you for sure. Would some inflammation around the area of your band cause that? I suppose it's conceivable, but I'm not 100%. I'm hoping the best for you, though! Keep us updated! Do you have the exact figures from your test, by the way?

Sometimes after a bad bout of reflux it is helpful to back up and do clear liquids for a day or so to give the esophagus and sleeve a rest. The reflux puts acid in places where it is not supposed to be, so you get some reactive swelling. Treat it nice and it will heal!

I am hypo too... and it didn't hold me back at all. HOWEVER.... a friend of mine is going through the hoops of pre op and her PCP is giving her crap because they think she's hypo, even though she's had a blood test and an ultrasound on her thyroid, both of which were negative. Not sure how they have come to that, since everything is negative. My doc had no problems at all with it... she's the one that recommended it!

Turns out I had my thyroid checked with blood work and I have hypo-thyroid. Dizziness is one of the leading side effects among weight gain. Encronoligist gave me a pill to level my thyroid and I will have blood work again in October. FYI, thyroid levels are not checked in routine blood work unless you ask fir them to be checked.

I have a thyroid condition(hypo) and although I am struggling to get to goal, these last twenty pounds are so difficult, I'm still pretty pleased w/my progress (75#). I was also borderline diabetic & my dr.was going to refer me to a specialist but I begged her to wait, as I was preparing for the surgery. Thankfully, my numbers are now perfect, I never needed meds. You'll find many people lose successfully w/a thyroid condition.

Some people experience reactive hypoglycemia after RNY gastric bypass surgery. This is irrespective of whether they had diabetes prior to surgery or not. Here is a link for symptoms. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/reactive-hypoglycemia/faq-20057778

I have done all the required classes and I have lost well over my 10% but they told me they wanted me to lose more... I was reactivated in the program at 290, I now weigh 256 and they want me at 235. That is unreasonable !!! That is why I am raising hell... I have to lose 55 pounds? I have NEVER weighed 550 pounds !!! I agree that all the classes are great info and I obviously am sticking to the diet, I have lost 34 pounds... which is what someone who weighs 340 should lose !!!

Wow, Jewell, you are an amazingly strong and determined caregiver. I was also sleeved on 2/4. I just want to encourage you to stay where you are in prioritizing time for yourself in your current life that requires so much from you for everyone else. You are right, you need to take care of you first in order to care for everyone else. It sounds like a very sad and challenging time for your family with your husband's illness. I appreciate your need to do all you can to be there for him and see him through as long as you can...what a lucky man to have such a dedicated wife. I also believe that our psychology effects our weight loss and body's response to the physical changes. I noticed you said you felt full from the salad, are you still eating your Protein first? I am a slow loser as well, I've lost about 20 pounds since surgery and this is with regular workouts, strict adherence to dietary requirements, and even logging everything into a food journal. I've reached a point that I really honestly don't care anymore about the numbers. I see lots of evidence of a healthier and better lifestyle emerging. I encourage you to keep things simple in all ways possible as your life is pretty demanding right now in ways you can't control. I do these things, they work for me... if it sounds like bits and pieces that might work for you great... if not, no harm sharing. I always start my day with a Protein shake (I use zero carb from GNC/Vitamin store), I mix with with vanilla almond milk and thus start my day with 20 oz of fluids, 50 grams of protein, and a good nutritional boost. I just won't let myself have anything else until I am done with the shake. I don't love it or hate it, so it takes me a good while to finish it and I feel full all morning long. When my shake is done, I pour a glass of Water (calorie free fluids) and focus on finishing before moving on to any real food. Lunch(ish) is always 2-3 ounces of some protein and a vegetable (I will make turkey meatballs/meatloaf on sunday and portion freeze for week, or sometimes a turkey chili things that make the rest of my busy week easier). I always finish my protein and just barely get to the vegetable. I think the key for you is going to be planning out your week so you don't just eat throughout the day in a reactive way to how your day goes. Here are some ideas of things you can make ahead and then have ready for quick healthy meals during the week: hard boiled eggs (I've done deviled too just to keep it yummy and fun) meatballs (I make them with ground chx/turkey...email me if you want some of my recipes) chicken breast/strips (easy to prepare ahead and portion out keeps well for days, and can freeze for later) seasoned hamburger patties (I make them about 4oz before cooking, they cook down perfect for me) lean pork chops Quick to cook Proteins (but don't keep as well): shrimp and fish I buy the small vegetable portions, frozen steamables as side dishes that are quick and easy for myself. I usually serve half and save half for next meal (I never even finish the half because I eat the protein first. As for dinner, well I cook for my family and plan those meals for the week too. I have noticed I sabotage myself "tasting" things and enjoying the cooking process and often can't eat cause I feel full and mostly, i didn't focus on protein! What I noticed is it leads to me eating as soon as the fullness goes away (more like snacking). I just don't do that when I force myself to eat protein first! By eating protein first I seem just full and satisfied for much longer. I always pour a drink when I am done eating. I force myself to drink a full glass between meals. Yes, I will wait 30 minutes typically, but mostly I just naturally wait because I am too full to want to drink. By pouring it though, I know I have to have it before food is even a thought. I agree... water, water, water! Or whatever fluids work for you. Lastly, move around... exercise is important for your psychological health and feeling good. I HIGHLY recommend you do what feels good and you enjoy whatever that is. Put music on and clean/dance have fun everyday. Do whatever you need to do to make sure it isn't a chore! I even turn the music on in my car and do a lot of dancing in my seat . Just tensing and flexing, and using your body even in the car is fun, feels good, and get your blood pumping. You need some feel good outlets in your world right now! I wish you the best and hope that you are able to carve out some time for yourself to just feel good and enjoy this process of transformation regardless of how fast or slow it passes. Take care of yourself and please keep us posted. I would love to Celebrate your successes with you. Keep coming back here for support and know that you are not alone in this. HUGS

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.

Thank you everyone,yes I will keep you updated. My body is in constant overdrive and I have been on bp meds for years. I am hoping to get off of them but I guess not until I get my thyroid levels stabilized. I used to wake up with extreme night sweats but it has been better, but I'm always hot. I'm concerned about going hypo if I get on meds or gaining weight back and they have run all kinds on tests on me. They did a mri to check my pituitary gland, checked me for nodules, checked me for graves (though graves unfortunately does run in my family) and so far it's all been negative. Don't know what's causing the extra low tsh.

I had issues with that at about two years out and they did a complete work-up. Everything normal. It was a head-scratcher for sure. But then it got really bad one afternoon about an hour or two after I had a piece of cake at some retirement party at work. My PCP suspects it may have been reactive hypoglycemia - and that my glucose level just happened to be normal at the time of the work-up. Although I'm sure you've been tested for that. I now eat something every three hours or so and always pair a carb (when I eat them) with a protein. It seems to have worked... But again, not sure what your issue is. I hope they can figure it out!

I'm 54 and have a hypo-thyroid. The band has given me hope to finally loss weight!!! And..... it seems to be working!!! I'm walking 3 -4 times a week; eat 800 - 1200 calories per day. I'm feeling great... but still have a long way to goo. Never tooo old to get healthy and fit. I was banded in December . I found that I wasn't losing for almost a month and finally got my first fill yesterday. (for some reason, my insurance is pretty strict about the timing of fills in order to get it covered) My Doc tells me that I've only just begun by journey and that once I hit the "sweet" spot with the perfect amount of fill, I'll surely be successful!

hi, i have been both hyper and hypo,i actually gained weight being hyper also.the Dr said there was a small chance that could happen and i was one of the lucky ones lol. i had thyroid cancer when i was in my early 20's and will be on meds the rest of my life.As long as they can regulate your levels,it shouldnt be a problem at all. I have always been on sythroid and havent had a problem other than some Dr's over the years not knowing what theyre doing.

Before anyone says to me "this isn't a diabetes site" I totally understand. Not trying to get diabetic support!! But, my main health concern is my diabetes (type 2). Just wanted some input from fellow-diabetic weight loss surgery champions. I am still in the decision making process, haven't even had my first consult with a nutritionist yet. My BF of 20 years is a double amputee (type 1) so I've seen the end result. My BGs are good, but I'm aware that the older I get the more difficult that will be to control. I'm about willing to do most anything to bring that under more permanent control. My A1C started at 13.11. I'm now controlling it at 6.4. Haven't been over 7 for 3 years. I've was diagnosed about 3.5 years ago. I've been able to drop 60 pounds in that same period but have plateaued, with 60 - 80 pounds to go. Actually moved back up the scale this past cold winter. Nephropathy started for me about 3 months ago. My pharmacist daughter said I won't get that because I'm so controlled. Well, my disease proved her wrong. I think if I can get my weight to a healthier level for me I might be able to escape some of the horrors of the diabetic disease. A diabetic coworker had weight loss surgery 10 years ago, dropped most of her excess weight. She rebounded and has regained plus. It's very sad. I spoke with her briefly this week and she said that they don't tell you that you can't ever eat carbs again. She said every time she eats carbs she gains weight. I do not know what surgery process she did. I'm concerned about her story as I have a strong tendency to go hypo if I don't eat at least 100 carbs a day. I know my body pretty well now as it concerns my diet. Kind of a science experiment some days!! Has it been easier for you to control your BGs after your weight loss surgery? Have you been able to get off some of these horrific meds (I'm on Metformin and Victoza)? Does the stricter carb diet make you go Hypoglycemic more often? How many carbs are allowed in your diets (I eat about 130 to 150 per day)? You all have so many success stories here. I'm an information gatherer and here seems the best place to ask these questions. I appreciate the time you take to help me out!

Have they tested you to see if you are having issues with reactive hypoglycemia? This usually kicks in 1-4 hours after a meal, but since you've had a bypass it is possible it could kick in faster for you if your food is transitioning faster. I've seen FB groups for bariatric patients that have this issue. I've noticed it often happens years out from surgery... I used to have issues with this before bariatric surgery, even on a low carb diet. Eating small meals often with fat and protein paired with your carbs is usually what they advise to treat it, along with other dietary adjustments. Personally if I don't eat every 2-3 hours, I aggressively crash energy wise. It is very pronounced. I have to carry snacks with me everywhere to prevent me going past that 3 hour mark or I look like the Energizer Bunny without his battery! LOL

Aussikiwi, sorry to hear about your thyroid or lack thereof. I have heard that before. That little "innocent" butterfly, called the thyroid gland is a very powerful organ with or without it. I think you're right re: exercising for people who have been diagnosed with any form of dysfunctional thyroid disease, CA, hypo/hyperactive,,,, etc. Sounds like you're on the right track and I'm 3 days away of finding out. Thank you.

When I was going through this early post op phase, there was a group on one of these forums from a particular surgeon who did very well with combining the sleeve with extreme dieting, and he got overall very good results with even very high BMI patients (lost track as they all disappeared, so have no idea how they are doing now, however!) There was one guy on there who was very similar to my stats who was following this program and got to his goal weight at a bit over four months. Wow, but so what? I was working on slowing things down at six months to ease into maintenance, and wasn't doing any of that extreme dieting. I wonder now how well that guy is doing - did he learn how to maintain his weight over the long term, or was he one of those who "gained it all back"? It really isn't a matter of whether you can do better, or lose faster, but can you meet your goals, and maintain yourself in the long term? This is a marathon, not a sprint. so what happens to you over the next 5, 10 and 20 years is a lot more important than how you lose over the first 4, 6 or 12 months.vsg Overall, the bypass has very similar performance to the VSG in overall weight loss and rate, so there isn't much to choose there - one might lose a bit quicker with the bypass owing to its' malabsorptive component, but that dissipates after a year or two and you are metabolically in the same basic place that you would be with a sleeve, but you still have the added nutritional deficiencies to make up for. Have there been some challenges in maintaining my weight over time? Yes, much the same as there would have been had I gotten a bypass (my second choice was the DS, which does make weight maintenance easier as it is metabolically a stronger procedure, but I felt that it would have been overkill for my needs then, and still do.) We see just as many come through here who struggle with being "slow losers" or "gained it all back" with the VSG as with the RNY. With the VSG, I do have a bit of GERD, which is easily controlled with low level OTC meds (some are not so lucky, others are more so and have no problems.) OTH, I do not miss having any of the comparable RNY potential side effects - dumping, reactive hypoglycemia, marginal ulcers, bile reflux (pretty rare these days with how they structure RNYs) low iron requiring periodic iron infusions, osteoporosis (already have a family tendency towards that, so don't need more risk added,) or the other limitations in medication and medical treatment options as I get (even) older that come along with a bypass. These are not insurmountable problems if one needs to go with a bypass owing to preexisting conditions, but are things that I don't think are worth risking for whatever very small difference there might be in weight loss performance. I don't miss that at all. YMMV

My Dr. says that being hypo doesnt cause weight gain. Im hypo so I know different. I hope my thyroid gets better as I loose weight.I have felt some changes in my gland since my surgery two weeks ago. After another month Im going to have my levels checked and meds adjusted as needed. Id love to be off synthroid! Didnt know that weight loss could cure hypo?

I too have underactive thyroid. My TSH is wacky right now and we are trying to regulate it. My cholesteral is also high but my FD said that there is a relationship between the two. :thumbup: I have been hypo for 20 yrs and on meds all that time. I like to think that I am pretty in tune with my conditions and body but I have never read, heard or knew the link between chol and thyroid. Anyone else know this?

Hi mariposa, Well, I did not have and eroded band, but my band simply never liked me. It never gave me proper restirction, even after 2.5 years and 20+ adjustments! It also gave me night GERD and I would wake up choking on my reflux all night long. It was no bueno!! When I started to seriously consider perhaps having the band removed and maybe getting the sleeve or even the RnY, I researched and asked a million questions to lots of people. I was finally convinced that I should just go for it, and I would be happy with my decision. Guess what...??? I AM!!! My sleeve has really saved my life!! I had so many physical issues, some life threatening that today are no longer but a distant memory. High blood pressure, possible future diabetes (it ran in my family and I would get hypo/hyperglycemic sometimes - though I do still if i eat something too high in sugar!) arthritis in my knees where I was SCHEDULED to have 2 seperate knee surgeries - but NEVER NEEDED TO HAVE!!! yayy!! I was so down and perhaps even depressed... but today I'm living the life I'd dreamed about for decades and I'm feeling SKY HIGH!! I know this can be you as well! Hang in there and once you get your surgery, you will be here before you know it. Xoxo

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.”

As requested by one of my favorite fellow teachers, I am going to outline my journey through this process. Other than researching the surgery, my first step was visiting my primary care physician, Dr. Mark DalleAve. (This was around June 2008, I believe.) I was reluctant to ask him about the surgery because he tends to be very conservative. I feared he would want me to try more traditional methods--again. Surprisingly, that was not the case. He said he thought I would be a good candidate for the surgery and sent me for some preliminary bloodwork he knew would be required. The bloodwork revealed that everything was basically okay with the exception of my thyroid. I can never remember whether mine is hyper or hypo. I just know that the number on my bloodwork print out was higher than it should've been. I think the highest it should be is like 4.5 and mine was 9 something. Either way, he put me on synthroid for two months, and I had to be rechecked after that. The medicine worked well. My levels were down to 2 something when rechecked. As I said before, my other tests were "basically okay." However, as I researched the results and what they meant, I realized that I am VERY close to being a diagnosed diabetic. That was another real wake up call for me. I do NOT want to become diabetic and have to handle all the problems that come with that. This gave me even more determination to do this and make it work. After my thyroid was under controll with medicine, the doctor was ready to refer me to the surgeon. This is where the waiting game started again. (I was already disappointed by having to wait months on the thyroid tests.) It took nearly two weeks for me to even hear from the surgeon. (This surgeon had been recommended by the nurses at Dr. DalleAve's office because he said they knew more about who was good than he did.) When I did hear back from this surgeon, there was a huge packet of information for me to complete and they wanted a "Program Fee" of $150 before they would make my appointment. When I asked questions of the receptionist, she answered everything, but she didn't offer any information on her own. I was unimpressed. I was a little unsure if this was the surgeon I wanted to see, so I did a little more research on this website as well as others online. I called the office of Doctors Watson and Hodge in Johnson City, TN, and I'm very glad I did. The receptionist was happy to answer my questions and offered additional information on the expertise and experience of the surgeons. I had to wait nearly three months for an appointment, but they gladly made me an appointment. I met with Dr. Hodge for the first time on Dec. 17, 2008. (In the meantime I did have quite a lot of paperwork to complete but not nearly as much as requested by the other surgeon. All of this questions actually seemed relevant.) In the time while I had to wait for my appointment, I decided to do everything I could to prepare. I contacted my insurance company to find out exactly what requirements I would have to meet to qualify for the surgery. (I already knew it was a covered benefit.) I met every criteria, but I was disappointed to learn that I would have to undergo a 6 mo. doctor supervised diet before surgery. When starting this journey, I hoped to have the surgery in early 2009. At every turn I realized it would take longer and longer, and it seemed like it would take forever. I also found that I would have to attend four seminars on the lap band as required by my surgeon. I attended two of these in October, and I plan to attend the other two soon. At the October seminars, I learned that I would have a few more hoops to jump. December 17 came more quickly than I imagined. At that visit, I was given a list of my homework and directions for starting my 6 mo. diet. All my homework will be "due" by my 7th appointment, which will also be the end of my sixth month diet and my preop appointment. For my homework, I have to have statements from my primary care doctor once per year from 2004-2008 with my height and weight listed. This is to show my five year history of obesity. (No problem there; I was obese even as the captain of my high school cheerleading squad.) These records can be from any visit; it doesn't have to be a weight-related visit. I also have to have an EGD, which I have scheduled for my spring break. I do NOT have to have an ultrasound of my gall bladder because I had that removed in 2004. I also have to have a letter from Dr. DalleAve stating that he "recommends" me as a candidate for the surgery, a letter from myself to my surgeon stating why I want to have the surgery and what I expect, a visit to a nutritionist, and a visit to a psychologist. The surgeon's office was very helpful in recommending psychologists, and they actually offer complimentary visits to a nutritionist at the local mall's health services center. This is in addition to the seminars which I mentioned previously. I know this may sound like a lot of homework, but I have six months to do it, so I don't think it will be bad. The last thing I have done is my second visit to the surgeon. I didn't see him, but I saw his nurse practioner instead. She was very helpful and encouraging. I lost 5 pounds on the first month of my 6 mo. diet. I was apologetic that I hadn't lost more, but she was quick to let me know that any loss was a good loss. My next appointment is in a few weeks, and by that time I hope to have more of my "homework" completed. I will post again after that, if not before. Until then, wish me luck and let me know if you have any questions.

I had the same question when I was thinking of getting the lapband surgery. I had thyroid cancer 8 yrs ago, no thyroid at all now, but just taking meds. My Endo keeps me hyperthyroid which is overactive, hypo IS underactive. {to keep the cancer at bay} on high doses of thyroid meds. I've lost 50lbs in 5 mths, I'm 57, not a young 'chick' but still young. My Endo has been decreasing my medication each month as I've been losing weight and so far so good. I've plateaued for the past month but I believe it's due to my not working out due to the heat. I am back working out and know I'll see the numbers on the scale going down. Besides making the right food choices, exercise is crucial with keeping on the program losiing weight and maintaining. Good luck.

Natalie - A PB is the result of the stoma or the entrance to the stoma getting clogged so that the pouch above the band does not empty. Stoma=the passage way between the pouch and your lower stomach. When something gets lodged in the stoma, or blocks the entrance to the stoma, food, Water and saliva start backing up in the pouch. If the obstruction doesn't get moved, eventually all the stuff you swallowed backs up into your esophogus and then your body reactively throws it back up. Usually the quick return of your pouch contents is considered a PB. Heaving repeatedly is considered more as vomiting, but in actuality both are technically vomiting. Chewing well and eating slowly helps eliminate the risk of blocking the stoma, but certain foods can recombine in your pouch and effectively make a thick paste/glue which doesn't easily pass through the stoma. Those types of foods are generally breads, rice, potatos and Pasta. Hope this helps...