Lap band and autoimmune?

pixiestix · April 14, 2008

I am researching on if it s good idea to have lap band if you have auto immune disorder? I don't have lupus or anything. I have ankylosing Spondylitis, which is a rheumdoit (spell?) arthritis.

Anyone have autoimmune disorder and had the lapband?

Thanks

PIXIES

Sgt Bob · April 14, 2008

Don't worry about the spelling, once I got through "ankylosing Spondylitis", I was so blown away you could have spelled "hello" like this "movjkdjvhkndfgm" and I wouldn't have noticed!:smile2:

I don't know if the actual autoimmune aspect would be a problem but, LapBand™ would definitely be of benefit with the arthritis.

Have you ever heard of "Butyoudon'tlooksick.com" or "Healingwell.com"?

They both have large and very informative autoimmune forums so you might want to poke around there for some guidance. I found them when I had ulcerative colitis and some other problems which my doctor suspected might have been Lupus. I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and they are a wealth of information for any autoimmune disease.

pixiestix · April 14, 2008

Thank you!! My dad has Uclerative Colitis also. So I guess that means I got the gene from him! ... I dont have UC, though (at least not that I know of)..

Yeah I had to learn how to spell ankylosing spondylitis. :tongue:

I will check those websites out! thanks again! :smile2:

Sgt Bob · April 14, 2008

I just found this information at Risk Information

Contra-indications

The LAP-BAND® System is not right for you if:

You have some other disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery.
You are on chronic, long-term steroid treatment.
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.

Here are some posts on this forum about the subject.

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/anyone-diagnosed-auto-immune-disease-after-being-banded-28872/

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f78/auto-immune-disease-band-rejection-15372/

It appears that LapBand™ may not be for you.:smile2:

I would still look into it though, if I were you.

Good luck.

jrob281 · April 14, 2008

I am researching on if it s good idea to have lap band if you have auto immune disorder? I don't have lupus or anything. I have ankylosing Spondylitis, which is a rheumdoit (spell?) arthritis.
Anyone have autoimmune disorder and had the lapband?

Thanks

PIXIES

Hi Pixie. I have MS and will be banded in two weeks. I asked my neuro about having this done and he said to be prepared for a possible relapse, but he's all for anything that will help me feel better and if that means my hips won't ache as much with less weight, so be it.

Just make sure to stop taking any meds the doc wants you to stop prior to surgery. For instance, I can no longer take my Celebrex, which worries me a little, but I'll do it.

Good luck to you. Talk to your Rheumatologist.

pennyt · April 14, 2008

I have ankolosing spondylitis too, as well as IBD. I discussed the band at length with my gastro and my rheumi, and both said that they liked the option of the lapband, if I wanted to have surgery, since it could be removed if any problems arise. I'm in remission right now, so that's a definite factor. (Thank goodness for remicade!)

My surgeon is aware of my conditions, and he's OK with the band. It's why I decided to go with a Center for Bariatric Excellence when I chose my surgeon.

celticdreamer · April 14, 2008

I have severe psoriasis and am hypothyroid, both autoimmune disorders. My surgeon's office hasn't even commented on either. I wouldn't worry about it.

ACajunAnna · April 14, 2008

I have severe psoriasis and am hypothyroid, both autoimmune disorders. My surgeon's office hasn't even commented on either. I wouldn't worry about it.

I also have severe psoriasis and was worried about not being able to have the surgery, but I spoke to the mother of a friend of mine. She has psoriasis and RA and got banded about 6 months ago. She did have to stop taking Methotraxate and her shots of Enbrel 10 days before and 10 days after surgery and ended up having a bad break out, but all is better now.

I am going to try to schedule my surgery during the summer, which is when my psoriasis is often times in control, so that if I have a flare up from being off of Enbrel, it won't be unbearable.

Hopefully losing weight will keep the psoriasis at bay and I can stop the Enbrel and the topical steroids for good!!!! Good luck to you.

pixiestix · May 1, 2008

bumping this up.

I have dr. appt on May 20th to discuss options and get a referral.

Also still seeking more answers on my 1st post of this thread!

Thanks! :smile:

Pix

Tkingston · May 1, 2008

Hey Pixiestix,

I have scleroderma (auto immune) and I was banded on March 13, 2008. I spoke at length with my rheumi and he suggested AGAINST the surgery. In this case they do not know what causes/cures Scleroderma and I did a lot of research and spoke with the lap band doctor at length about my condition. I decided to go ahead with the surgery and it has been a GREAT success. Maybe this will be the "Miracle" cure - who knows!! I still take all my meds as before and have had NO complications - just have to crush some of my meds and take with applesauce or yogurt. I have lost 30 pounds in about 1 1/2 months. I feel great and I am loving my band.

celticdreamer · May 2, 2008

As far as psoriasis goes, losing weight can reduce swelling in the legs and this can often help a flare up go into remission. One of the main reasons I'm having this surgery is so that my legs stop swelling and the psoriasis clears up.

pixiestix · May 8, 2008

Thank you all!

I asked Dr. Curry on the obesityhelp.com on the lapband message board and he responded.

Here is what he said :

We have a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, he is doing fine, no problems. Technically though I think the FDA label says that it is contra-indicated.

JDM316 · January 4, 2009

I was told not to have band by my Rhum as I have limited scleroderma (CREST). My Gastroenterologist also agreed. BUT, my Cardiologist and wellness Drs. were for it and I wanted to do it ....so I did! So far so good. I felt like there were risks just because I was so overweight..and meds needed due to that were risky as well in my mind. Anyway, I think sometimes we have to consider the recommendations by Drs., but it comes down to our opinion and gut feelings. If anyone else with similar health issues has had their band for a while, I'd love to hear fm you.