GASTRIC BYPASS AND CANCER

I WAS ALL SET TO HAVE THE GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY,WHEN THE HOSPITAL I SELECTED SAID I WAS NOT A CANDIDATE, DUE TO ME HAVING A CANCEROUS MELANOMA TO MY LEFT EYE 2 YEARS AGO.ALTHOUGH THE CANCER WAS ENCASSED IN MY EYE ONLY WITH NO METASTISIS FOUND,THEY SAID THIS KIND OF CANCER HAS BEEN FOUND TO BECOME ACTIVE WITH THE NUTRITION ABSORPTION LIMITATION WITH THIS KIND OF SURGERY.I HAVE FOUND ANOTHER HOSPITAL THAT WILL DO.DOES ANYONE KNOW OF ANYONE WHO HAD CANCER THAN HAD REOCCURENCE AFTER PROCEDURE?ALSO FOR ANYONE THAT HAS HAD LAP BAND,WHICH THEY SAY I CAN HAVE MORE SAFELY,HOW MUCH IS THE AVERAGE WEIGHT LOSS? I HEARD IT IS MUCH SLOWER.  THANKS FOR ANY RESPONSES,AS I AM NEW TO THIS SITE.  

There's a forum here on OH for cancer survivors.  You might want to check it out and ask the question there  I'm sure they are much more educated on this topic. http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/cancer_survivor/

dear pam,thanks for the info.i'm new to the site and havn't figured everything out yet.i'll look into that forum. joann

I had two melanoma's removed from my back five years ago. No nodes involved, and didn't require chemo or radiation. No one said a word to me about RNY being a problem for cancer survivors, I'm 3 weeks out from St Mary Mercy in Livonia. I'd love to know what you hear... Keke

dear keke,  thanks for the input.let me know how your doing.i went to my doctor today,and she has set up another appointment at a different local hospital,so far,they seem to think it is ok to do.although i like the other hospitals program better,i'm going to see what they say.also,this new doctor is the only one who is trained to do procedure using new robatics equipment in michigan,so i'm excited to talk to him.i'll let you know what he says. i understand their way of thinking,that putting your body in a somewhat starvation mode could possibly activate any cancer cells still dwelling in the body.but,i figure if i don't get the weight off,i'll die from something else anyway. joann

You should check into  the sleeve. That may be an option

dear angela, i'm not familiar with the sleeve,i'll have to investigate.thanks.  joann

I don't know about the cancer part of your question, but as for the lapband I can help.  Yes, the weight loss is slower.  It's restrictive only (no malabsorption).  My surgeon said at two years out most RNY and lapband pts have had equal wt loss.   There are people on the lap band board who have lost 100-130 or more pounds.  1 year out most RNY pts have lost about 100 lbs.  I think for lapband pts it's around 50-60 on average.  My surgeon also said with the RNY there is a 2-3 year window of weight loss d/t the malabsorption, but after that the intestines relearn to absorb more fat and calories so after that weight loss/maintenance is up to the individual.  With the lapband there is no window since there is no malabsorption portion.  Adjustments ('fills") can be done for the life of the band so that as you loose weight, you loose fat around your stomach the band can be tightened to give continued restriction.   I think the post op diet changes are similar (3 small meals focusing on protein, complex carbs, limiting sugar fat etc.).  Exercise is also important with both. I like this table, it compares common WLS side by side http://www.lapband.obeseinfo.com/bariatric-surgery-chart.htm Good luck with whatever you decide. 

dear shawn,thanks for the info.i've never been able to find anyone i knew that had the lap band.i was curious with the weight loss results,which you have cleared up alot.i will also look into the table you mentioned.good luck with your band.  joann