Antiphospholipid syndrome-lapband

[hope@50plus 0]

I found out 7 months ago I had APS. It is an autoimmune disorder. I DO NOT HAVE LUPUS. Does anyone know if I can be "banded"? Thanks.:thumbup:

[ardelia 41]

I found the contraindications on the lap-band page and it does not specifically mention APS; however, it does mention autoimmune connective tissue disorders as contraindicated with the lap-band. I'd ask a surgeon or even call the toll-free number and ask someone at Allergan.

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, or any other disease that makes you a poor candidate for any surgery.
  
• You have a problem that could cause bleeding in the esophagus or stomach. That might include esophageal or gastric varices (dilated veins). 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 intraoperative 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 addicted to alcohol or drugs.
  
• 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 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, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma. The same is true if you have symptoms of one of these diseases.
  

[Tina123 0]

I found out 7 months ago I had APS. It is an autoimmune disorder. I DO NOT HAVE LUPUS. Does anyone know if I can be "banded"? Thanks.

Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease. It is a sister to Lupus.

"APS is associated with recurrent clotting events (thrombosis) including premature stroke, repeated miscarriages, phlebitis, venous thrombosis (clot in the vein) and pulmonary thromboembolism (blockage of an artery found in the lung due to a clot that has traveled from a vein). It is also associated with low platelet or blood elements that prevent bleeding. Recently, however, even more disease states have been linked with APL including premature heart attack, Migraine headaches, various cardiac valvular abnormalities, skin lesions, abnormal movement/chorea, diseases that mimic multiple sclerosis, vascular diseases of the eye that can lead to visual loss and blindness. APS is an autoimmune disorder in which the body recognizes certain normal components of blood and/or cell membranes as foreign substances and produces antibodies against them. There are two known forms of APS. APS may occur in people with systemic lupus erythematosus, other autoimmune disease, or in otherwise healthy individuals." (From the APS Foundation of America, Inc. Welcome ~ APS Foundation of America, Inc)

My local hospital does this surgery & Gastric Bypass both via lap and they will NOT do it on me because of my APS and my lupus like symptoms. They are afraid of surgical complications - ei. stroke, PE, DVT, bleeding, etc. They are worried about healing issues. They are worried that I will reject the band as well. (Knowing my body rejected the IUD after 24 hours and I got a nice flare and infection and it is made out similar materials. They are right.) They are concerned how I will be able to maintain my INR due to restricted diet, etc. I have gotten a strong no from every one of my doctors. Logically, I know they are right. Disappointed as heck, yep.

So, no, I do not think you would be a candidate. Of course, I am sure you could find someone who would do it anyway. Me, I am not going to risk it. Come close to death too many times from APS to know better.

Edited July 9, 2010 by Tina123
forgot to quote the APSFA

[newstacy09 0]

I have active RA which is an autoimmune disease and I have the lap band. My drs did not have a problem with it and neither did the surgeons. I had to stop my medications 3 weeks before and wait until I was healed completely to have it again. I was worried that I wasn't able to get banded, but I was. I don't know much about your situation, but just make sure that you work with your doctors. If they say no, I wouldn't do it. They are there to help you look after yourself. Good Luck!

[Tina123 0]

My Rheumatologist, PCP, Hematologist and GI doctor all say no. Any surgery is high risk for APS patients.