Hi Roni, My Mom was diagnosed with ALS back in 5/03 her's also started in the right leg and progressed to her left leg until she couldn't walk with a cane and needed a wheelchair. Unfortunately her's progressed quickly and she passed away a year later 4/04. She was only 51. I walk every year to help find a cure. I had the Lap Band placed two weeks before she passed and it truely saved me because I know I would have ate and ate from sadness. She also wanted the Band placed but was never able to due to the disease and she died over weight. I am losing weight for both of us. My Mom swears that it was the exercise she started that caused the initial symptoms of ALS. From what I read, in some people it will lie dormant until something "tramatic" happens in her case a certain exercise machine that strained her back and legs. It took the Dr's a full year to actually DX her. I wish you well and please know that there are many of us out there that supporting a cure for this aweful disease. Hugs, Karianne

The RNY is reversable, but you might have a hard time finding a surgeon who is willing to operate since you are only a few months out. I'm sorry that you are having a lot of medical problems, I hope that it all works out for you. You might want to contact the Rabkins (i think thats how their name is spelled) They do a lot of revisions from the RNY to DS...they might be able to do a full reversal if that is what you are looking for. It's important to find the BEST surgeon possible to do that kind of operation, because it will be technically very difficult. GBU and I hope that these troubles come to an end for you.

Tami, I would suggest that you take your vitamins as directed. I didn't and my iron was very low, almost wanted me in the hospital. I am faithful with my vits now and doing well. Just take your vitamins. MaryLyn

So what did you end up with? I checked your profile but it isn't clear. Whichever one, I wish you the best of luck! j

I know that this board is one of the places people look when they are trying to decide on the type of weight loss surgery for them, so I am posting this in hopes that it will help someone determine if the lapband is right for them. According to Inamed, the makers of the band approved in the U.S., the band may not work for people with the following indications: Contraindications The LAP-BAND System is not right for you if: You have an inflammatory disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, severe esophagitis, or Crohn's disease. You have severe heart or lung disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery. You have some other disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery. You have a problem that could cause bleeding in the esophagus or stomach. That might include esophageal or gastric varices (a dilated vein). It might also be something such as congenital or acquired intestinal telangiectasia (dilation of a small blood vessel). You have portal hypertension. Your esophagus, stomach, or intestine is not normal (congenital or acquired). For instance you might have a narrowed opening. You have or have experienced an intra-operative gastric injury, such as a gastric perforation at or near the location of the intended band placement. You have cirrhosis. You have chronic pancreatitis. You are pregnant. (If you become pregnant after the LAP-BAND System has been placed, the band may need to be deflated. The same is true if you need more nutrition for any other reason, such as becoming seriously ill. In rare cases, removal may be needed.) You are addicted to alcohol or drugs. You are under 18 years of age. You have an infection anywhere in your body or one that could contaminate the surgical area. You are on chronic, long-term steroid treatment. You cannot or do not want to follow the dietary rules that come with this procedure. You might be allergic to materials in the device. You cannot tolerate pain from an implanted device. 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. There is a strong possiblity that it will work for you if: Indications* The LAP-BAND System may be right for you if: You are an adult (at least 18 years old). Your BMI is 40 or higher, or your BMI is at least 35 and you have one or more severe co-morbid conditions, or you weigh at least 100 pounds (45 kilos) more than your ideal weight. You have been overweight for more than 5 years. Your serious attempts to lose weight have had only short-term success. You do not have any other disease that may have caused you to be overweight. You are prepared to make major changes in your eating habits and lifestyle. You are willing to continue working with the specialist who is treating you. You do not drink alcohol in excess. This information is from http://www.allerganandinamed.com/products/obesity/us/patient/lapband/risk.html I do not reget my lapband. I don't want you to regret yours either, which is why I am posting this. I hope this helps you in your research. In no way do I think this post should be the end of your research; merely some help in the process. Bev