Lupus and Gastric Bypass or Lap Band Question

Does anyone know if you have Lupus are you not able to get these done?  I recently had RNY surgery and I have a friend asking to have surgery as well. She has lupus and I do not know if that will keep her from getting it.

Thanks....Lori W

My sister has lupus and had rny  in 2000.

My wife has Lupus and had RNY 4 years ago.  She is doing AMAZING since losing 145 pounds, let me just say. 

The surgeon wouldn't consider the LapBand for her, saying that, since Lupus is an autoimmune disease her body might reject the band.

I have lupus (okay, had lupus for 10 years and the new rheumie isn't convinced so he's renamed it "unspecified connective tissue disease"...ask any of my other docs, I have lupus) and Sjogren's syndrome and I'm right now going through the process to have surgery.  I am planning on having the gastric sleeve.  All my current docs are on board.

I originally asked my rheumie about 2-3 years ago about surgery and was told no way and there was to be no further discussion.  I asked why and was told that he had a patient have RNY against his wishes, she couldn't absorb her meds and she died.  Now, I wish I had asked him when this was.  I suspect it was a while back and bariatric surgery has made huge strides just in the last few years.

Fast forward to May.  All my docs (PCP, nephrologist, cardiologist, rheumie) said "go for it" when I asked.  At the initial appointment with the surgeon, we discussed the 3 major surgeries...the manufacturer indicates that the lapband is contraindicated in people who have a history of autoimmune disease.  My surgeon saw no reason not to do the lapband, it would just be an off-label usage.  That disturbs me from the aspect that if there are complications down the line, I would have no recourse due to the off-label use.  Though he said this would be the easiest on my body due to the autoimmune issues.  Next was vertical sleeve gastrectomy.  Also easier on the autoimmune person's body for recovery purposes.  Still able to absorb meds.  Still able to take ibuprofen and other NSAIDS (depends on the doc I think, but usually a real no-no for RNYers).  NSAIDS can be very important for a patient with chronic inflammation.  Then we discussed RNY.  Maybe a little harder recovery wise, but the surgeon said he was comfortable doing any of the 3 surgeries on me.

I decided to shoot for RNY, since my personal view is it's the "gold standard".

3 weeks ago, I had an appointment with the nephrologist.  He specifically said he didn't want me to have a surgery that was going to "significantly alter my intestines" because of the potential of later kidney issues.  Being the efficient doc he is, he sent a letter to the surgeon telling him so.  We cancelled out the RNY and are going with the sleeve (I have RNY in my heart though  ).  The surgeon also said considering my autoimmune issues it really was the better choice...less chance of leaks (higher risk of leaks due to autoimmune disease) and less chance of esophageal strictures/Barrett's esphagus (a risk with RNY and a risk with Sjogren's syndrome...so double risk for me).

So, yes, one can have WLS if they have lupus.  Just make sure all docs are on-board and involved in the decision making process so your friend can make the right decision on whether or not to have the surgery and which surgery is right for her specific situation.

-Elli

I have MS and was able to get it. Not Lupus but another autoimmune disease.


Kitty
surgery 7-30-08

I believe that autoimmune disorders are contraindicative of the band but RNY, DS, Sleeve, should be A OK

Kari

Thank you all for your replies. I will certainly share this with her and she will be pleased. She did mention the Lap Band first but that was where I started in my journey and then decided after checking further and going to the seminar that GBS would be much better for me.
Lori W