autoimmune issues

[Sonia 0]

I have been doing my nightly researching and came across something that woudl really address only long-term band users (probably those that got banded at least 5 years ago) but am sounding if off you guys. Some sites say that because of the silicone in the band, autoimmune problems could THEORETICALLY result. THe full quote is here:

Silastic reaction- it is possible that the material of the Band could create some type of body immune reaction that stimulates a separate disease process such as arthritis or Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE). However the Band is made of a silicone elastomer which is completely non-reactive to the body tissues, as far as it has been possible to determine. The same type of material has been in use in a number of implanted medical devices over time, and no problems with tissue reaction have been demonstrated. Here again, the early data is reassuring but no true long-term information exist

There was another quote I believe right on Inamed's site, but I can't seem to locate this.

Has anyone heard of someone's body actually rejecting the band? And causing autoimmune problems to boot? I am going to post this on an Australian band mailing list, since I believe they have had the band alot logner than the States has.

Sonia

[Vickums 0]

I'm sure hoping it's not going to be an issue for me, Sonia. I have Sarcoidosis, which is an autoimmune disease -- very rare, where the white blood cells form granular lesions in various parts of the body (in my case, my lungs). It's possible to react to anything -- I mean, I react to hypoallergenic metals, go figure -- but the band (and other things put into people's bodies) is supposed to be non-reactive for the vast majority of people.

What I seem to remember reading on the Inamed site is that it's contraindicated for people with connective tissue autoimmune diseases like Scleroderma. Here's what I found at their site. It's contraindication number 18.

"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. "

My assumption -- and based on responses from surgeons I've talked to it's correct -- is that it's only some AI diseases that are the problem. I suppose it's possible that anything we do to the body can cause a flare up of an autoimmune disease, and I'm prepared for that. But it's my thought that in my case, shedding weight will make dealing with my Sarcoidosis much easier.

Wish I had more information for you, Sonia. I'm interested, though, in whatever you can find out.

[leatha_g 4]

I have systemic lupus and have met others banded who have it also. The band is not liquid silicone like that in breast plants. There should be no 'leakage', which is what caused those syndromes in past patients. This is not to say that something Can't happen, but so far, I'm a helluva lot better off WITH the band and lupus, than WITHOUT.

[Sonia 0]

Thanks for your input. I am just taking all the information in that I find online, and asking questions when I don't understand or am curious about something.

Thanks again!!

[hagerteresa 3]

That is what we are here for. Your doing a great job doing your research Sonia and Vickie. Teresa

[DeLarla 22]

Digging around & found this... I gotta wonder, does Lupus cause the problems with the Band, or can the Band cause Lupus? Does that make any sense?

[Feel2Young2B40 0]

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.

[Feel2Young2B40 0]

Ok, no reason to panic I guess. I just found this on the Lupus website:

7. Lupus anticoagulant

I was just diagnosed with the lupus anticoagulant. Does this mean I have systemic lupus?

The lupus anticoagulant is classified as a type of antiphospholipid antibody that was first detected in people with lupus. It was later learned that many people who do not have lupus, also produce these antibodies. In fact, according to most studies, greater than 50% of the people who have antiphospolipid antibodies, DO NOT have lupus. So, just because a person has the lupus anticoagulant antibodies does not necessarily mean that they have or will develop systemic lupus.

There is a syndrome called the "Primary" Antiphospholipid Syndrome (PAPS). This term is used to describe people who do not have any signs or symptoms of SLE but produce antiphospholipid antibodies such as the lupus anticoagulant and/or anti-cardiolipin antibodies and experience problems with blood clots, miscarriages, or thrombocytopenia (low platelets). People with PAPS do not have lupus.

References: see brochures, Blood Disorders in Lupus, and Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

[donali 57]

No AI for me, as far as I know.

Only disease I've ever had that I am aware of was my diseased gallbladder which was taken out in 1992, loooong before I had even heard of a lapband.

[shamrock 0]

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.

[dylansmom 27]

Thank you for the extra information Beth. I have posted some info about Lupus in the Lounge area, and what I'm experiencing right now.

I need to go get my blood drawn yet to determine what's happening, and will know more then.

Thank you to everyone who has participated in providing this information. It's been a definate help to me.

Yours, ~Kelly