Is There Any Way That Having The Band In Our Bodies, Can Cause Cancer?

[ItsGottaGo! 0]

I have been thinking about this for a couple of days. Just wondering if anyone ever asked this question to their dr. I plan on asking mine next week when I see him. I know it's too late not, I have it in already, but I was just wondering if there is any possible connection to having the band and it causing either cancer of the stomach or another type of cancer. I am a little cancer paranoid since my family was affected by it. I hope this isn't an upsetting question to anyone. Thanks!

[giveyouthemoon 4]

The band is made of silicone which is a naturally occuring substance in the body. It's inert in the body and will outlive you.

That being said, if there is erosion I would imagine cancer is possible. Also, some people have reported here a condition called Barrett's Esophagus which is precancerous.

I think it's not the band itself but it's side effects or complications that could.

Just my .02, I'm not a doctor.

[Sammysue78 0]

hm..I don't think so. Stomach cancer is caused by other factors (high nitrate diet, etc) not by something around it like a band. Obesity itself is a HUGE risk factor for cancer, so I think weight loss alone lowers your risk of cancer (all kinds) a lot. Even if the lapband did increase your odds, nothing did as much as being obese. Sammysue78

[gonnabethin 10]

I think your safe!! The complications of obesity, reflux, diabetes far outweigh the risks. The band is silicone, and silicone has been used forever!! The band itself would not be able to cause cancer. Artifical sweetners, fertilizers, pesticides, processed foods, and alot of other culprits will get us all first. For things to pass our healthcare system they usually have to have a track record elsewhere. IMO The FDA is TOO conservative with approvals- there are unbelievable safety studies and other countries who have used it for >10yrs- I think we are ok. PLUS if Im going out- at least Ill be skinny!!! I'd like to see skinny BEFORE the diet coke sweetners and preservatives kill me!! LOL