Weight Loss Surgery?????

[JosieSue]

I'm not sure if this is where I should post this question, but here goes....

I don't have an actual dx yet, through blood tests anyway, although my rheumy is thinking probable sjogren's syndrome - maybe Lupus. I am thinking of getting the lap-band surgery done and wondering if any of you have done that or if your doctor would even consider doing that kind of surgery for someone with an auto-immune disorder.

I haven't asked my doctor about it yet, but I am thinking getting some weight off would ease alot of my symptoms. I'm supposed to going in for a lip biopsy for sjogren's and I'm thinking about postponing that and looking at the weight loss surgery before I get an actual diagnosis?!?!?

I know I should be thinking about my health....and I am....the weight really is making all the aches and pains so much worse and I'm hoping taking the weight off will give me some relief.

Please advise!!!

[zara]

You should ask your doctor this question. This type of surgery may be possible for you but it is risky even for people without autoimmune disorders. I would definitely discuss the risk vs. benefit with your doctor before making this decision. :nurse:

Have you tried many other less invasive weight loss methods? It is so hard to lose weight, but obviously it would be better for you to do it without surgery.

Maybe someone who has had this surgery or has a loved one who had it done will come along to share their experiences.

Good luck,
Zara

[Divyya]

hey there

i really dont think u should be woryying about the weight loss thing right now...go ahead and tackle the disease first....but if it satisfies u...talk to ur doctor and ask him if its an option..coz if u have lupus u shouldnt take such a chance...i have a hip problem and they were too scared to make a 1 milimeter incisionin my bone..fear of infection etc....so i doubt a whole weight surgery thing would be safe..i suggest stick it out for a while..get diagnosed..let the disease be tackled and controlled..after that...CONSIDER getting the surgery done...goto the gym instead..exercise also pushes the immunity up..or try yoga..very effective for weight loss and very relaxing..there are these tapes by 'ramdev'..hes a yoga expert..try that..but whatever u do..consult ur doctor first....yoga might not be good for u either...please dont delay ur diagnosis and tests...dont do anything u might regret later..god forbid.
I myself put on alot of weight with all the steroids and all..but managed to pull it off at the gym...whatever u do... DONT DELAY THE DIAGNOSIS...its not worth it..
take goooodd care of urself.
luv,
divyya

[Jen79]

I would talk to the doctor first about having the surgery and the complications involved. I heard the surgery is sucessful by many people that have had it done but everyone is different of course. Have you tried dieting or exercise. I hope things go well for you. Plz keep me updated whatever you decide to do. :love:

[JosieSue]

Thank you all for your replies! I have in no way made a decision about the weight loss surgery, however I am very curious. I have tried every diet that is out there and always lost and gained even more back. My problem now is the fatigue, aches and pains, weakness, and depression that I am feeling... I am not getting enough activity to to manage my weight problem. I am scared because the weight combined with other problems may make me immobile as I get older. I have severe arthitis in my knees and my rheumatoligist says most likely I will be facing knee replacement surgery sometime in my future. I guess I just feel like my weight is exasperating my other problems. I am just feeling so depressed and I can't seem to make any decisions right now. One day I'm gung-ho on the weight loss surgery and the next, I don't want it. When I first posted this I was in the mood to go for the surgery before I got an actual diagnosis of Lupus or Sjogren's.
I was just curious whether anybody on this board had had this procedure done and what their experiences were.

Thank you all for your concern and support.