Worried up North

DixyChixy1966 · July 7, 2008

Hi everyone, I am hoping you can give me some advice. I think I may have an ulcer but am scheduled to get my band on September 8th. Does anyone know if this might be a problem? I am going to see my GI doctor next week but thought I would see what you guys know in advance to help put my mind at ease. I have been on NSAIDS for years for my ankylosing spondylitis and I think they have finally taken their toll on my stomach. I do not want to have to postpone the band as I have my friend to go with who is also getting the band on the same day and I am more than ready for this...can't imagine having to wait any longer!

Do any of you know anything about this and does anyone take NSAIDS post band? I know it is not recommended but without them I can barely move and the pain is unbearable.

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks so much! :tt1:

jjsmiles · July 7, 2008

Most of the literature I have read, including the brochure from the band maufacturer say that you "may" want to avoid NSAID's as they "may irritate the stomach, causing the band to be removed" (from the manufacturer, INAMED, literature).

You need to discuss this with both your GI doc and your band doc so they are fully aware of your circumstances. Maybe there have been advances in medications and you can try another drug that will help your pain and your condition that won't irritate the band. Please note that in all likelihood your GI doc will know nothing about the band so you will probably have to educate. The only hospital and docs in Calgary who have any real info on the band are through the Peter Lougheed hospital as it is the only facility that deals with the band here.

I don't know anything about ulcers, but if there is a problem with irritation, scarring and swelling around the time of the surgery, I would think that may have a major impact on the successful placement of the band, which needs at least a couple of weeks of "settling" time so that it can heal in the proper position. It is stitched to the outside of your stomach, so if your tummy is rumbling and irritated during the immediate post op period, the band can slip (hence the liquid diet after surgery).

Where are you getting banded? I am from Calgary and was banded through the CHR Weight Management Clinic last September. It is the best decision I have ever made, although the last year has been a lot of work, it has also been incredibly rewarding.

Good luck to you and your friend.

luluc · July 7, 2008

Hi everyone, I am hoping you can give me some advice. I think I may have an ulcer but am scheduled to get my band on September 8th. Does anyone know if this might be a problem? I am going to see my GI doctor next week but thought I would see what you guys know in advance to help put my mind at ease. I have been on NSAIDS for years for my ankylosing spondylitis and I think they have finally taken their toll on my stomach. I do not want to have to postpone the band as I have my friend to go with who is also getting the band on the same day and I am more than ready for this...can't imagine having to wait any longer!
Do any of you know anything about this and does anyone take NSAIDS post band? I know it is not recommended but without them I can barely move and the pain is unbearable.

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks so much! :tt1:

i too have ankylosing spondylitis, along with crohns - which required me to have my Gastroenterologists clear me prior to surgery (was a concern of my lapband dr). i gave up NSAIDs in order to get the band, and rely on exercise & a muscle relaxer here / there. i will admit, i have had a couple of advils since being banded when the pain was just too much in the neck to lift my head off the pillow & have been in touch w/my lapband dr regarding such. he's not concerned so much with the occassional use - it's the habitual reliance & the uncertainty that it "can" cause erosion.

my rheumatologist recommends exercise as the medicine of choice to fight AS - and it's turned out to be true. i feel worse if have little to no activity.

my advise - have an upper GI to determine your stomach health. the last thing you'll want is the band put in - only to cause you problems requiring it to be removed (constant fear of mine)....good luck to you.

lulu