Search the Community

no the website says that people with autoimmune gastro intestine problems should not have the lap band. Thats for people with GI problems or Crohns disease. You should not say this, there are many people with lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis that might flip out over this false information

I have wodered about this b/c I POSSIBLY have Systemic Lupus. I have tested +1 ANA ONCE in five years. My doctor at this point calls it an inflammatory arthropothy. I take Plaquanil and have no symptoms as of right now. My symptoms have never been life or death. I've never had any organ involvement. As a matter of fact, I NEVER had even one symptom until five years ago when I gained weight for the second time. In my case, I think my body isn't liking the 100 lbs. of extra fat. I have a feeling that the band is going to help. I am very glad to see other autoimmune people having good luck with the band. I haven't gotten mine yet, but I will soon :eek: The doctors office I went to before was going to do it. The doc that I am going to didn't seem to think it would be a problem and has done this surgery on several auto-immune people. I am also curious, what happens when the body rejects the band?

I have systemic lupus. The first doc I consulted said an emphatic 'NO', the one who eventually banded me felt if I had had a more severe history it might have been a problem. Nearly 3 years out, I can only tell you my health is 100% better thanks to the band and the change in lifestyle. Can I wake up tomorrow with a severe flare of my autoimmune disorder? Yes. Could I have without the band? Yes. Would it have been worse with an additional 150lbs ? Most definately.

Hi Delarla, your last post rang a bell with me- I work with women after breastcancer surgeries - many of them have or had reconstructions. Guess what - their implants were mostly made out of Silicone. That's were all the big controverse started- if the silicone or a leaking implant can cause autoimmune disease or make an excisting one worse. I am wondering if that is what they are referring to in a roundabout way - since the band contains silicone - could that in some cases make an excisiting auto immune problem worse? Just my thoughts and 2 cents.

There are many kinds of auto-immune diseases. some are indeed contra-indications for banding. I think the nurse did not mean EVERY one is - but caution still must be used becuase lots is still not known about the band. Some of the people here have rejected their bands becuase of autoimmune disorders they did not reveal before surgery. Hashimoto's is sometimes ok, if it is very well-controlled and you are stable. I think It is up to your surgeon and family doctor to decide if you are a good risk for banding. Renee

Here's what Inamed says: ***Number 18 talks about auto-immune disorders but does not mention thyroid problems. Contraindications The LAP-BAND System is not right for you if: You have an inflammatory disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, severe esophagitis, or Crohn's disease. You have severe heart or lung disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery. You have some other disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery. You have a problem that could cause bleeding in the esophagus or stomach. That might include esophageal or gastric varices (a dilated vein). It might also be something such as congenital or acquired intestinal telangiectasia (dilation of a small blood vessel). You have portal hypertension. Your esophagus, stomach, or intestine is not normal (congenital or acquired). For instance you might have a narrowed opening. You have/experienced an intra-operative gastric injury, such as a gastric perforation at or near the location of the intended band placement. You have cirrhosis. You have chronic pancreatitis. You are pregnant. (If you become pregnant after the BioEnterics® LAP-BAND® System has been placed, the band may need to be deflated. The same is true if you need more nutrition for any other reason, such as becoming seriously ill. In rare cases, removal may be needed.) You are addicted to alcohol or drugs. You are under 18 years of age. You have an infection anywhere in your body or one that could contaminate the surgical area. You are on chronic, long-term steroid treatment. You cannot or do not want to follow the dietary rules that come with this procedure. You might be allergic to materials in the device. You cannot tolerate pain from an implanted device. You or someone in your family has an autoimmune connective tissue disease. That might be a disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma. The same is true if you have symptoms of one of these diseases. Some surgeons say patients with a "sweet tooth" will not do well with the LAP-BAND System. If you eat a lot of sweet foods, your surgeon may decide not to do the procedure. The same is true if you often drink milkshakes or other high-calorie liquids.

Amanda, I have auto-immune thyroiditis, everything is under control now, my levels are normal. I'm not banded yet but almost to the point of approval. I would go to Inamed's website because they do say that individuals with certain autoimmune diseases should not have the band placed. The key word is certain....not all auto immune disease are cause to NOT place the band. Thyroid issues aren't one of them. I remember Lupus being mentioned...I know there are more. I do wonder about it though. If antibodies are trying to attack my thyroid, wouldn't they attack the band? I've been told over and over by experienced bandsters, NO. I do plan on asking my surgeon again on Thursday to see what he has to say.

I had heard something like this--but I guess I was thinking it was more severe autoimmune disorders that would prevent one from getting the band--not that one is easier than the other. I have hypothyroidism, and my doctor did not say anything about it. I even asked him directly. "I have hypothyroidsim. Can I still get the band?" His answer was YES. I don't have any allergies--that I know of--except I swell really badly after a bee sting. My husband, however, has terrible allergies, eczema, etc. He might react adversly to a foreign object in his body. I think everyone probably has a slight autoimmune thing going on--even if it's a slight allergy of some kind. Anyway--I'm willing to take the risk to be able to lose some of this weight.

On the Inamed website, the information about the band it clearly states that ANYONE with an autoimmune disorder, as well as other issues listed, should not have the band placed. This was veryinteresting to me because being on this site I am more of a reader then a poster, and I was getting very discouraged about some members that had had so much trouble with their band and did nothing but slam the Mexico docs for their troubles and retroubles. Recently I found out from another memeber that this member infact has an autoimmune disorder. This bothers me since the thought of band erosion just scared me to death. I think the band is a wonderful thing, but yet maybe those of us that have it didn't realize that maybe preexisting conditions existed and that is the sad part. Luckily mine is working great and steady as she goes. Hope everyone has a great day. Paula

One of the nurses that works with my surgeon just told me that people with auto-immune disease should not have the band placed because their body will reject it. I said, "But I have an autoimmune disease, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, and no one ever told me that meant I shouldn't have the surgery. Do you think that's why I had so much pain and swelling and had to have the band removed?" Nothing but silence so far from her and doc. Anyone else ever heard of auto-immune disease being a counter-indication for band placement? I'm sure feeling pissed if they let me go ahead with the surgery when they shouldn't have. I told them I had a thyroid condition, and I don't believe anyone ever asked what it was. Considering the two most common thyroid conditions are both auto-immune, this sure seems negligent to me. Any thoughts?

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!

Jodi, Have you been tested for autoimmune(sp?) disorders? They can be anthing from APS to Will's, but there are a couple types of arthritis and Lupus that can cause the symptoms you have, including the kidney trouble and depression. The only problem is that they can be tricky to find. Alot of Dr.s will chalk it up to being overweight and not look for underlying causes. And the blood test are not always accurate. For example the test for Lupus (ELSA panel) will come back negitive for 30% of people who have the disorder. If you can, take the time to see a good endocrinologist, and surf the web and see if the symptoms sound like you. Good Luck

Hello I have been on prednisone for a month now. 20mg day thats a pretty small dose I guess. I have gained 4lbs. I'm trying to just maintain my weight I know losing at this time is a battle I don't think I'll win. I must say though this medication has helped my symptoms greatly. I have a rare autoimmune disease of the skin and mucus membranes. I had awful mouth lesions and the drugs have worked. You have to weigh out the pros and cons for you for me the fews lbs have been worth it to feel soooo much better. I thank good I have my band I think that is my saving grace or I think I would have ballooned up by now. Good luck to you.

I wish I had time to really dive into this post considering I'm on thyroid meds for underactive thyroid, PLUS I have Sarcoidosis, an auto immune disease. And YES my port immediately became infected. But if Sarcoid or Thyroid would reject the port, why didn't it reject the whole band? I personally don't believe my thyroid or autoimmune had anything to do with it. I think my surgeon did sloppy work or just a fluke. Donali, Karen, Michelle, Diane, Penni, Francesca, Karen, etc... all eroded. Did they all have my same conditions? Uh, nope. I'm not being mean, I'm just too busy to get fluffy right now, but I mean well!

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!

Anyone here know how I can find out about the correlation between autoimmune diseases and the band? I'm curious because I'm sure I read somewhere that the band may not be good for someone with autoimmune disease(s). I have autoimmune thyroiditis, my immune system is attacking my thyroid and trying to destroy it. I'm seeing a specialist and getting my levels in the right range. I'm wondering though, would having the band placed make my immune system attack IT? Since it is a foreign object in my body, I wonder if that would happen. I don't know how to find out. I haven't consulted with a physician yet about the band, still doing my research. If anyone can help....Thanks!

Hi Guys I'm a newie thinking of having a lap band - I have an appointment for the beginning of December. I have had hyperthyroidism and am currently in the realms of normality. I have had my thyroid eradicated with radio active iodine and will eventually fall into hypothyroidism. Lucky me, two autoimmune diseases for the price of one! The problem I have is that my weight is spiralling out of control and I need to do something to bring it back into line. Has anyone else with a thyroid problem been able to get a lap band done? On some doctors web pages they won't do lap band ops on people who have an underactive thyroid problem and on other sites they don't even mention it. I went down to 71kgs with hyperthroidism only to stack on weight at a rate of a speed train. I jumped two dress sizes (size 12 to 16) in two week. Stayed at a 16 for a couple of years only to fall out of control and everytime I walk into a cloths shop I have to get bigger sizes. I would love to hear from anyone else who has a thyroid problem and has a lap band or is currently scheduled for one. Regards Shimmycat;-)

I was born normal size, but never lost the baby fat. I have pix of me at 3, 6, 9, and i was still waiting to loose that baby fat. Most everyone in my family is overweight. not just 10 pounds but atleast 50. I have a autoimmune thyroid problem which nothing i do except surgery will fix and the doctors dont want to remove it as my thyroid works sometimes. Im not Lazy, i eat on the run and with my job have done it for years. Im Geneticly overweight (NOT FOR LONG)

Sounds just like what I had, GASTRITIS, different from Reflux Only detected through endoscopy which is how I found out I had it. Do you burp alot? Do you have a full feeling in your chest? Gastritis is not a single disease, but means inflammation of the stomach lining. Gastritis can be caused by drinking too much alcohol, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or infection with bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori. Sometimes gastritis develops after major surgery, traumatic injury, burns, or severe infections. Certain diseases, such as pernicious anemia, autoimmune disorders, and chronic bile reflux, can cause gastritis as well. Symptoms of Gastritis The most common symptoms are abdominal upset or pain. Other symptoms are belching, abdominal bloating, nausea, and vomiting or a feeling of fullness or of burning in the upper abdomen. Blood in your vomit or black stools may be a sign of bleeding in the stomach, which may indicate a serious problem requiring immediate medical attention. Ask your Dr. about gastritis. I took prilosec for 2 months nad it got better.

Because Crohn's is an autoimmune disease, it is contraindicated with the band. This being said, I have systemic Lupus, which is also an autoimmune disease and I have been banded twice with no major issues due to the autoimmune disease. I think you'll find a difference in each doctor's opinions about this, so one may say no, the other may say yes. Depending on the severity of the Crohn's, it may be worth the risk to you.. or not.. Leatha

All I can say is that I was recently diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disease that the American Lung Association recognizes as a lung disease. Nobody in my family has any type of auto immune issues. After a lot of research, I came across a report that links it to NutraSweet. Not only that, but I was so addicted to the stuff that I couldn't get out of bed without a stiff Diet Pepsi. I eventually switched to one can of regular Pepsi or Coke a day, and I just GOTTA have that soda. But now it's only one small can per day, while I had to have several buckets of the fake stuff before. Now I sleep at night. No more weird dreams, no insomnia. And I have a cup of real coffee, too, whereas before I'd have decaf with Equal. This isn't based on what anyone said, just my own personal observations.

There are a couple of blood tests that have to co-inside for the diagonsis of lupus. also you have to have, I believe 5 systoms from a long list to be diagnosed with lupus. Leatha probably knows what I am talking about. Years ago when ever they could not figure out what a person had they called it lupus. Now they are aware of a whole field of autoimmune diseases. I for one have had 2 of the three blood tests quite elevated for the last 20 years but not the third one (double ss something or another) plus only 3 symtoms. I have been to 2 rheumatoidologists only to have them tell me I don't have lupus or any other autoimmune diseases. That 2/3 of the people with elevated blood test do not have a problem. Only one third will eventually get a AI disease. NO you cannot catch it . The reason they are concerned if you already have and AI disease is the chance your body will reject the band because with an AI disease your body fights against itself and does not have the good antibodies it needs to fight off inflammation or it will reject forgein things. You can miscarry really easy if you have an AI disease because your body rejects the fetus. So your body could reject the band with a AI disease. Which is different that having an allergic reaction. I have not read any where where the band could cause an AI disease. Also my DR refuses to band you if you have an AI disease. He looked at my blood work and said OK. I hope this isn't to long or confusing.

Ok, now I'm concerned. During one of my blood tests many years ago, they found antibodies to Lupus. Does that mean I have Lupus or that I've been exposed to it? I've never pursued it because at the time the reason for all the tests were due to my high risk pregnancy 17 years ago. They were trying to find a reason why my blood pressure shot up immediately after becoming pregnant. In all the medical questions I answered for the Dr and the psych, Lupus or autoimmune diseases were never mentioned. Should I tell my Dr next time I see him? I'm really wondering now if erosions are linked to autoimmune diseases like Lisa mentioned. I hate to say it because I don't like to be a worry wart or incite panic, but I bet it would be interesting to see how many people that had erosion also had an autoimmune disease.

Hey Jack, Thanks for your concern. I'm a nurse, so I'm well aware of what they're talking about, and what's involved in bypass versus the band versus DS; I've talked to several nurses at my work who've had the surgery and have been able to ask really detailed questions that the average WLS consumer might not think of. I have a list of 25 things I plan to ask the doctor during my consult. Apparently, the smaller the amount bypassed, and the earlier in the digestive process it takes place, the less malabsorption there is. (This "jibes" with everything I learned in nursing school, and has been verified by my husband who has a BS in Biology and who's counseled people on nutritional counseling). Obviously, ANY malabsorption is a problem, especially for someone with an autoimmune disease as I have. I need all the help I can get to keep my inflammatory condition at bay, which is why I take roughly 25 vitamins, mineral, and other various supplements a day. So that's an enormous concern. OTOH, not having anyone able to follow me after banding is a huge concern as well. Even the one doc up here who does fills is difficult to get in with and is talking about not doing them anymore; and he wont' actually touch the band, just do the odd fill. Yikes. There is literally no one within 2500 miles who would follow me and help me if I had a complication; I'm not sure people who don't live in Alaska quite understand how isolated we are up here, and how limited our health care choices are. It's really quite frustrating how limited we are. The lack of follow up care is scary for me, and why I'm reconsidering banding. The safest operation in the world becomes dangerous without proper follow up care. The money situation with us is enormously difficult. Without going into details that I'm uncomfortable sharing, there is no way I can have my surgery financed. I have to go through my insurance company or it will not happen. We've figuratively cut the fat out of our budget in order to support a family of FIVE on two health care worker's incomes (we're not doctors, just a nurse and dental assistant) in one of the most expensive states in the US. So it's not as though I'm not motivated; there is literally no way to do it (and I'm a persistent one). I can always wait until we move to Washington or Oregon sometime in the next 5 years, but how much weight will I have gained by then? (I don't wanna know). So it's frustrating right now. My insurance would cover me going to Texas for the band, but I'd have no follow up care. My new insurance (as of April 1) won't cover WLS at all. So if I'm going to do something, I have to do it now or else possibly wait several years. In the meantime, my mobility is failing, my comorbidities are getting worse, and my Sarcoidosis is getting worse as well, in part because of my inability to exercise and the stress of my weight on my lungs. (I was in the ER the other night because of a flare up, which led to a panic attack). Sucks to be me, doesn't it?

You just don't know until you get to see a band surgeon. The liver is very close to where they will be working, both with the lapband or gastric bypass. They may want you to go on a pretty strict diet immediately prior to the surgery to help 'shrink' the liver and get it in a healthy state. This makes your surgery much less risky. As far as health concerns. I have had several episodes of DVT(deep vein thrombosis - blood clots in the extremeties) and one episode of Pulmonary Embolism (blood clot in the lung). I also have Systemic Lupus which is a chronic autoimmune disease. Luckily, I don't have severe symptoms with that, but it's always a concern. You can go from healthy to dying before you can blink an eye, so I hear. I was the first ever to have a vena cava filter implanted at the same time as I had my lapband done in order to prevent any possible clots from moving to my heart or head or lungs. I was turned down by the first doctor I chose because he didn't want to take the risks with my health concerns and the fact that I had to take blood thinning drugs for the rest of my life. Luckily, I did find someone who had already banded someone else with the exact same problems as me and my surgery was successful. Will I ever have complications due to these issues? Maybe. Will I be better off having lost my excess weight if I do? You betcha! We can only live for today, right? Today, I choose to be banded and to fight the good fight where my health is concerned. Tomorrow, I may have to change my focus. Good luck!