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I've been a silent stalker in this site on and off for about a year. I started seriously considering WLS for about a couple of years but just recently made the decision that it's the right thing for me. I went into this process thinking that I would only consider the lap band but after the info session and consult with my surgeon I've decided that the sleeve is the best option for me. I have my psych eval and first appointment with the nutritionist on March 5. I'm a single mom to a beautiful 3 year old daughter and also have multiple sclerosis, on addition to being morbidly obese. I'm starting this journey for myself, but also my daughter. I need to be the positive influence in her life that she deserves. I find these forums so helpful and insightful. I have learned that I'm not alone in my fears that ending my relationship with food and that it's possible but takes hard work. I'm ready for this and know I will do it. Just wondering - anyone else going thru this with MS or other autoimmune diseases? Did it affect you? Looking forward to making new friends and finding support on my journey, those with or without autoimmune issues.

Hi! My name is Maggie. I had my sleeve surgery on 1/2/18. When I had my first appointment with my doctor I weighed 209. Then, in the months leading up to an actual surgery date, I blew it because I thought I would lose too much before I got a surgery date and then would no longer qualify for the surgery. When I was finally given a surgery date on December 14, 2017, I weighed in at 229. My nutritionist told me I had to do a THREE WEEK liquid diet! Over the holidays no less! Well, in that three weeks, I was able to drop back down to 209 on my surgery date! Yay me! I woke up in the recovery room thinking “what the f—- did I just do?” I was in a lot of pain. I only spent overnight in the hospital and despite the pain, I walked as soon as they took me up to my hospital room. The nurses were amazed that I was up and walking so soon. I have had a few days where I throw up, but I am almost certain it’s because I need to slow down when eating - I tend to eat way too fast. By January 21 I was down to 195.2, then I hit the dreaded stall. I have remained at 195.2 since then. I walk about 1 3/4 miles three days a week. I have autoimmune issues including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Today, I kicked it up a notch and walked 2 1/2 miles. My left hip is screaming tonight. I think I will skip the walk tomorrow and resume on Wednesday. Stay strong peeps!!!!! We’ve got this!

I have autoimmune problems so I've heard alot of terms,,have you ever heard of leukoplakia? It can be caused by low Vit A, B-12, C & folic acid among alot of other conditions or bad habits such as smoking or drinking (not that you do..just saying). I've had this condition before due to prednisone. It's also called,,don't laugh.."hairy tongue"...yours may be something different but just sounds similar the way you describe it.

I haven't had surgery yet so I'm not currently having the problem I keep reading about,,losing your hair. I have a thyroid disease and have had to be on chemo treatments before due to an autoimmune disease..I really don't want to lose more hair. Is there anything that can prevent it from happening or something I can do now to prepare my body for the change?

I have a question requarding autoimmune disorders and lapband. I found out from Alergan that the lapband is not for people with autoimmune disorders. I have psorisis a skin condition (it's autoimmune). I had my first dr. visit and nothing was mentioned, it was in the forms I filled out, but I did not mention anything cause I did not know yet. I know I still need to talk to my Dr. but I was just curious if anyone happen to know anything or maybe had the procedure and has psorisis or something similar

Hi all- Not sure if this is the proper place for this posting but wasn't sure where to put it, so please forgive me if it's in the wrong spot. I started this lab band process in September and am moving forward with pre-op testing and insurance approval. Unfortunately in the mean time I have learned that I have rheumatoid arthritis. So since this is such a fabulous place for answers and support I'm wondering if there is anyone out here who has RA and what if any affect that has had on the fact that your banded. RA is an autoimmune disease and my concern is with putting a foreign object into my body it will kick my immune system into overdrive making my RA worse. Any thoughts?? :help:

I have psoriatic arthritis. I stopped the plaquenil about a month before surgery, and haven't taken it since. I have tried to leave off the mobic, but I just can't. My right pinkie DIP joint is so swollen and the rheumatologist said it is totally deformed and will always be. I think this is from stopping the mobic. It's a tough decision, ruin the stomach, or have enormous joints...I figured the fingers would be likt this eventually, so be it. My back pain is nearly gone, and foot pain is not too bad. I have had no immune problems with having a foreign object in the body. Dr says they implant these in people with autoimmune diseases all the time. It's tough to put the NSAID's into the stomach though as you know it isn't a good thing. I guess it's a tradeoff that has to be done...

I used Dr. Garth Davis for my band and removal. When I was looking around for another doctor to revise me to a Sleeve I went to several different seminars. With Dr. Eric Wilson I did not think he was listening to me and my medical problems (6-8 different autoimmune disease), it was like I was a walking bank to help pay for the vacation he was planning. With Dr. Marvin- he listen to me about my medical problems, he really cares about his clients. I also like that he was a trauma surgeon who could also do the critical care if needed. I know when I was re-admitted to the hospital 11 post op due to a temp of 101.6 with a possible leak or an infection I received the best care. Just an FYI- when Dr. Davis removed my band in 12/09 he left part of the band tubing behind. I wondered why I was still having some of the problems after the band was removed- found out when I got Sleeved.

Hi y'all, I'm Debbie and I just saw my doc for the first time today. Kinda looking forward to this but kinda scared too. Why am I doing this? Well, in 2002 I broke my tailbone and crushed my lower back. By the time I was fused 13 months later, the surgery failed. Called "Failure to Thrive". Basically means I'm in chronic pain. Because of the way I landed I was told I started a domino effect which is causing my discs to disintegrate known as Disintegrating Disc Disease. All my discs have failed. To help with this I have had 2 Neurostimulators implanted. Yes, I am a Borg. Lol. A few years ago I was seeing a doctor 3x's a week for spinal shots and he unintentionally overdosed me with Vitamin D, which I am apparently allergic to in high doses. Go figure. Well, I ended up with Hashimoto's Hypothyroid Autoimmune Disease. Yay me! Like the back wasn't enough I guess. Yeah. Hashimoto's see's the thyroid as a foreign object to be attacked by the immune system. Unfortunately, I gained a bunch of weight. (55 pounds!!!). On top of already being chubby. and it won't stay controlled or stabilize!! I either sleep all the time or I'm awake for days. I had lost 65 pounds just before all that happened. It's just about broke my heart. Anyway, I went to my pain management doc for more pain shots. But because I told her I was having chest pains she told me I had to see a Cardio doc first. I told her my a Endocrinologist said that was normal with Hashimoto's, she's like nope. Heart doc. So I went. The first thing the Cardio doc said was a Gastric Sleeve to control the thyroid. Boy. What a moment. What a thought. Who knew?? So where I am, 10 days later starting my 6 month journey to surgery. So glad y'all are here!!!

Twice, I was out walking this past summer,,I made it about 1/4 mile and it took me about 10 minutes to do that. I ended up in ICU both times due to respiratory distress because of a rare autoimmune disease I have..it sent me into a Myasthenia Gravis crisis. My muscles in my chest wall just couldn't do the work..not to mention the extra weight those muscles had to try and lift. Today,,I walked at 2 mph on my treadmill for a mile!!!!!..no distress, no pain,,just energy and enthusiasm. I just thank God that this is finally happening for me. Steroids put most of the weight on and by golly I'm going to fight to get this weight off and get well!!!

Good to know. I have an autoimmune disease called Sarkoidosis. I don't know much about it, but I think I'm quite sure I'll suffer from osteoarthritis. I should start taking GC now. I had my dog on it for awhile, so maybe we'll both share.

I've read about a number of people bruising more easily (even with solid labs). Some people have dental problems, too. I'm still in my first month post-op, so I don't know. I got the surgery to combat autoimmune arthritis--WLS clears it up for up to 50% of people who get it--but it's too soon to know if it'll do that for me. Apparently arthritis isn't like diabetes, which sometimes clears up immediately post-op; studies seem to run for six months to a couple of years, on my particular type of arthritis. So I am trying to wait patiently, to see if I'm one of the lucky ones.

I never met a fat fruitarian! I think it depends on what else you eat along with fruit in a day. Too much Protein turns to carbs as well. We need the Fiber and the liquid in our gut. Many autoimmune patients with Hypothyroidism especially need to keep things moving. Sent from my QTAQZ3 using the BariatricPal App

I agree with both posters but wanted to add that I chose the sleeve because it maintains normal anatomy. In fact I backed out of getting a lap band several years ago because I was worried about a foreign object because of a preexisting autoimmunity problem and seeing how many people are having them revised I am glad I waited. I am not sure the vertical sleeve was an option, I was offered an RNY . Maybe I had other more pressing medical problems.

I am dreading going back I am still off from Dec, I just started working out and with my autoimmune disorder flaring too I'm drained.... so I sleep when I'm not doing homework, so I commend you ladys for your strength, especially those that went back early ! I hope that when I start my Vitamins also some of my energy will come back.as well since they have stopped them all . Cyn-shakiraa Dos 12-17-12

Hi i had my surgery on 5/5/20 and im a little over a month post op my surgery went well went home the next day bc my surgery was later in the day. Do not be discouraged if u do not see results right away. I was kind of down at first i just stuck to the diet. My pre surgery weight was 234 before my 6 month consult before surgery approval i was 250 when i go approved for surgery i was 234 i had lost all that weight from learning portion sizes and switching foods for healthy ones. So starting at 234 i went on my 2 week liquid diet and my going in weight at surgery was 213.5 pounds for the sleeve on average your suppose to loose 13 pounds a month for the first 6 months and 3 pounds a month for another 6 month until your body plateaus which will be your stopping weight. I am now 200.0 even i had lost the entire 13.5 pounds in a month so it is accurate if you do the right thing. The surgery is a tool u have to do the work also. I haven't weighed in again yet bc i am nervous i haven't been under 200 pounds since middle school this is a blessing for me my blood sugars are better and my joint pain is less from my autoimmune arthritis disease. All of you can do it.. Im here bc i have no support system so we all can be each other support systems anything yawl would like to know or recipes i will be glad to answer. God bless all of you on your journeys and cant weight to hear about everybody's 1 year anniversary and results pics. Im going to start taking some all [emoji2]. Sent from my LM-X410PM using BariatricPal mobile app

Christa (my daughter's name, by the way)... If your doctor can't find a reason for this, I'm afraid there might be no other treatment except to stay far away from sugar. I guess you could get a complete unfill and see if that helps, but I'm betting it would be a waste of time. Have you had a fasting glucose tolerance test recently? Could you be pregnant? Have you been tested for Crohn's or other autoimmune diseases? That's about everything I can think of....

I'm three years out and prior to surgery, I had a BMI of 50. My surgeon recommended the sleeve because I was still young-ish then, e.g. early 30s and nutrient absorption is pretty important. My surgeon felt that the calcium/vitamin D malabsorption may lead to bone density issues later on in life (and after obesity, people generally don't have great bone density and are prone to fractures). Most of bariatric surgery is relatively new, so there aren't a ton of long term studies, so my surgeon is just guessing. And most people on the bypass seem to be pretty good about taking their vitamins (which is something you should do with the sleeve anyway). A couple of months after my sleeve I was diagnosed with a range of painful, chronic autoimmune diseases and I'm very thankful that I went with the sleeve because of the issues with drug absorption with the bypass (I have to take a ton of oral medications). Of course, I did not deal with GERD, which means that the bypass is right for many people. With the sleeve, I was able to take my BMI from 50 to 25. Due to aforementioned illnesses and medications, I did deal with some regain, which I am slowly working on. At the moment, my BMI is about 29. I have never felt like the sleeve wouldn't be enough to help me achieve success. All that to say, you can definitely have success with the sleeve or the bypass. As commented by others, a lot of it is going to come down to what your level of commitment, and your ability to change your lifestyle and deal with psychological issues. And you have to educate yourself. You can't drink a diet of only protein shakes forever. At some point, you have to learn how to eat real food in the real world, go to work, socialise and interact with food, people and life. If you haven't dealt with your "issues", you will have regain with either surgery. It can be a tough decision, but I honestly feel that you can find success with either surgery.

This is fantastic news Niki - both v treatable. You feel like a new woman v soon. But you need to give at least one of your doctors a big kick up the behind for not testing you sooner - thyroid conditions are v common and low blood pressure should have triggered an Addisons test. Both of these are probably autoimmune conditions, so it would be wise to read about these disorders generally... You can't always rely on GP's to put the pieces of the puzzle together, unfortunately. I have several autoimmune conditions, and they are known for that - if you've got one you are more likely to have others.

While "fantastic" wasn't the first word that came to mind, I am still appreciative that they are both treatable! My doctors did test me for thyroid but not the Addison's until I went to a cardiac doctor then got referred to an endocrine doctor. But I also didn't know that with one usually comes another, so thanks for that. Hopefully things will turn around for me soon. Niki, I too have thyroid issues. I have been diagnosed with "Graves Disease". In 2007 I had my thyroid ablated because of hyperthyroidism. Now I take synthroid to regulate things. They can give you synthroid and your blood pressure and heart rate will rise and you will feel so much better. I was hyper so I my BP and HR were too high and that is why they had to kill it. So now I have a dead gland in my throat! lol You having hypothyroidism, it is easily fixed and with meds. I hope that is the case. Graves Disease is a autoimmune issue as well. Wishing you the best. I know you are on the road to recovery. You will feel better once they start giving you meds. Did the Dr. say they would start you on synthroid? Hi Lisa...they actually haven't technically told me what the disease/disorder is but that's because they're putting it on the back burner until I can get the Addison's disease and the blood pressure issue taken care of. But they did tell me that when they do they'll start me on Armour. So I don't know much about any of this until my docs appt on the 11th. Right now I'm just trying to get out of this hospital. Thanks for the well wishes! You're welcome! I'm not doctor but I would think they would start you on those meds now to help your BP and HR. Armour is good as well. Actually heard the sides effects are less and it works better for some. I'm sure you are ready to get home. I would ask the Dr. about this though if I were you. Just a suggestion. It may help you get out sooner if they can get your BP up. Looking forward to reading your post that you are home! Take care

While "fantastic" wasn't the first word that came to mind, I am still appreciative that they are both treatable! My doctors did test me for thyroid but not the Addison's until I went to a cardiac doctor then got referred to an endocrine doctor. But I also didn't know that with one usually comes another, so thanks for that. Hopefully things will turn around for me soon. Niki, I too have thyroid issues. I have been diagnosed with "Graves Disease". In 2007 I had my thyroid ablated because of hyperthyroidism. Now I take synthroid to regulate things. They can give you synthroid and your blood pressure and heart rate will rise and you will feel so much better. I was hyper so I my BP and HR were too high and that is why they had to kill it. So now I have a dead gland in my throat! lol You having hypothyroidism, it is easily fixed and with meds. I hope that is the case. Graves Disease is a autoimmune issue as well. Wishing you the best. I know you are on the road to recovery. You will feel better once they start giving you meds. Did the Dr. say they would start you on synthroid? Hi Lisa...they actually haven't technically told me what the disease/disorder is but that's because they're putting it on the back burner until I can get the Addison's disease and the blood pressure issue taken care of. But they did tell me that when they do they'll start me on Armour. So I don't know much about any of this until my docs appt on the 11th. Right now I'm just trying to get out of this hospital. Thanks for the well wishes!

Missy, have you had blood testing? I was like you, and I found out I had Lupus. I'm much better with it controlled...... Lots of autoimmune diseases cause the same symptoms....and so do hormone imbalances.

Due to an autoimmune issue I produce very little saliva and have permanent dry mouth. There are various products from mouth mousse, gel, toothpaste, gum, mouth wash and things like the melts that can help. For me, I sip lots of water and swish around, occasionally I dabble in the various products but mostly rely on fluids. You could also try stimulating the mouth by running your tongue around it, especially the roof of the mouth, this helps to produce a littlle saliva too. If you are aren't producing saliva or a lot of saliva the first step in digestion is compromised, digestive enzymes may help with that.

I was also diagnosed with an autoimmune disease after being banded Mine is called pemphigus it is a blistering disease of the skin and mucus membranes. Was told the trauma of the band surgery caused this to come out. Was put of steriods. Well needless to say that was the end of my weightloss. Have maintained but have not loss anything in the last year. I'm going for a fill tomorrow hopefully it will jumpstart some weightloss. As for my disease it is under control but I always think what if I removed my band would things be different my doctor doesnt think the removing the band would change things but who knows......

I read a couple of posts from people who were told by Kaiser that skin removal and other post bariatric plastics are not part of their plan. I don't want anyone to suffer for years as I did because of being told the wrong information! I'm learning to push back when told NO since often times the people on the other end of the phone tend to not have all the answers or are told to derail people with questions from learning the real truth in order to save $ Anyway, there was a class action in 2015 against Kaiser sparked by post WLS denials. And as it turns out this can have repercussions for insurance that systematically deems skin removal as an elective surgery that isn't covered in cases of extreme weight loss. Link https://blog.cvn.com/kaiser-ordered-to-broaden-reconstructive-surgery-coverage-after-class-action-trial https://legalnewsline.com/stories/510629463-calif-judge-rules-that-insurer-at-center-of-class-action-over-skin-removal-surgeries-must-broaden-coverage When I went to be evaluated for plastic surgery in 2017, we were told we could have one procedure. Dr said I didn't qualify for a panni because it didn't quite hang low enough, just to clarify...their measurement is 'abdominal skin must cover pubic region entirely'' which is BS with the years of skin rashes I have had. He said I just barely qualified for breast reduction surgery which I had 5 months later, the waiting list was long. He said I would be a C cup (from a DD) and I wasn't happy when I ended up a B but worse things could happen. I'm 16 years Post Gastric BP and should've had a revision 4-5 years ago when weight gain started creeping up, no longer going down... about 15 lbs a year since 2018. I could never break past 170 to reach goal of 155 but I'm goin to pursue the distal revision as of this week. It's now or never, I have to get a social life! The rule is you have to be at your goal and stable for months before a skin removal surgery will be covered by insurance so I'll have to wait longer even longer for that as consequence of procrastinating on a revision! I've been disabled with an autoimmune illness so I never returned to the job I enjoyed after the WLS. I didn't put much effort into pursuing solutions for skin removal after research showed it would be very costly out of pocket expense and not covered by insurance. So I haven't really felt the freedom of losing 140 lbs because I still cover up my body! No swimsuits, no sleeveless anything or clothing that accentuates the possibility of a waist, LOL. I wish I had the confidence of those who wear what they want, no matter their size! I've wanted to leave Kaiser to return the awesome Dr I previously had who actually listened and treated me like a human being. Staying with Kaiser only until these surgeries are done and I'm out of there! Kaiser ruling.pdf