Rachel Turner Bland

I know this is an older question but just came across this and had to reply. Hopefully, this will help somebody! I had lap band in 2007. I did not weigh enough for bypass but had high bp, high cholesterol etc. I started having terrible abdominal pain about 6months to 1 yr later. My surgeon had left our area and could not find a dr to touch me. I became sicker and sicker. From renal failure, swollen joints to diagnosis of RA. I went to Houston and saw Dr Nowzardan (from My 600lb life). (He is WONDERFUL!!!) He did surgery on me the next day. He said that my autoimmune disease had attacked the band. He said it had slipped even though it showed on testing it hadn't. He also said the area surrounding the band was in bad shape... Since then, I have done research indicating any foreign objects causing autoimmune diseases. There are too many coincidences not to be related. Look up even breast implants. Since then, even my body rejects ear piercing. I have since been diagnosed with lupus. To the person that said a lady she knows with lupus is just fine. I'm so happy for her. BUT everybody is different! I have been very very sick with life threatening illnesses due to lupus. I know people who have died. Lupus, RA and many other autoimmune diseases are deadly. It is offensive to compare 1 person to the rest of us. I'm not too overweight but I fluctuate 20-30lbs due to prednisone. I have so much pain due to the extra weight. With all my health issues, I am going to see the surgeon to see if the sleeve could benefit myself. I did want to post my experience.