hello, I am new to the site.  I am having the lap band or realize band Friday.  I still have not decided which one to chose.  I have Had RA for 6 years now.  It hit me hard when I was 29. One morning I woke up and could not walk.  I was in bed for almost two years and they did not know what was wrong with me for an entire year.  Once diagnosed, I felt better and feel lucky since there has been a new drug every year.  I have tried enbrel and that worked or a while. methotrexate was awful for me, prednisone, a big yuck and weight gain. ARAVA attacked my lungs and I had to have an emergency surgery. Humira and kineret, were not as good as enbrel.  I tried ozone therapy, and then Hydrogen Peroxide IVs worked very well for around two years.  I am on my second trip of Rituxan.  last year I had been taking plaquenil with it.  It was two infusions and six weeks later I had so much energy I did not know what to do with myself.  It was awsome.  This time I am not taking the plaquenil.   I have lots of energy and no pain, well none to complain about. 
I have lost 30 pounds on my own in the last 8 months and am looking forward to this surgery.  I know stress is awful for RA, fibro etc.  but hoping since it is under control I will be fine and be able to get the weight off and start walking and having more fun. 
would like to continue some support in this are and obviously decide in the next 3 days what band to use.  suggestions? 
I am in phoenix, 
ps I would have never spent this much time typing something if I was not feeling well.

I have gotten back into having my surgery...I have been researching and been back and forth since 2004 finally listened to my heart and soul and I am going through with it. Need to do this for myself.

Yes, you can.,  There is nothing about the lap band that makes you an unsuitable person for it.  In fact, my Rheumatologist encouraged it as did my GP.  I had surgery April 29 and have lost 57 pounds.  Mobic is an anti-inflamatory that is sometimes given for the inflamation.  I really like it.

Do walk though.  You can do this and it will help  with the weight loss.  If you have any other questions, just ask.  I've had RA for about 9 years.  I feel like I've been there done that on the meds.

You might also want to go to www.Rheumamisfits.com.  It is a great board for asking questions and getting real life answers.

Julie

Hi there, I was one day from surgery when it was cancelled because my rheumatologist decided that because of my IgA deficency that it was not going to be a safe proceedure for me and she faxed a letter to the clinic who in turn cancelled the proceedure. I would like to hear from anyone who has an IgA deficency and has had RNY surgery. The surgeon does not agree with the increaed risk for infection but because he is not a canadain doctor OHIP, needs me to get a letter from a Canadain doctor before they will reapprove my funding. I am very frustrated and heart broken. Has anyone had RNY with an IgA defiency and would like to share their experiance with me.

Hi there... Do you think you can ask the dr. to run some blood work on you? That can determine if your RH factor is high.. although some times it comes back normal and you still might have the Arthrtis...

hope you are feeling better.. let me know

thanks
Irene :)