Marylin, I am new to the OH site so I just happen to stumble upon the cancer section.  I would hate to see this part of the forum dismantle as I am a two time cancer survivor and in the process of WLS.  In June, 2003 I was diagnosed with colo-rectal cancer and had to have my entire colon and rectum removed (yes, I have a "pouch".. and ileostomy to be precise).  One year later, July, 2004, I was diagnosed with squameous cell carcenoma of 4 lymph nodes, a tumor in my pelvic area and vaginal cancer.  Because the cancer had spread so much another surgery was out of the question and so I went through a heavy duty treatment of chemo and radiation.  I follow my oncologist guidelines and am in for my followup test every three months.  With all my doctors blessings I am now starting the WLS process.  Because I am prone to urinary tract infections (due to the ostomy) the lapband was not an option for me... all my drs and surgeons recommend the gastric sleeve.  I know that the gastric by-pass is tried and true but I'm already living without my large intestines, so I don't want my small intestines messed with.   I'm so glad that you opted for WLS and they found the cancer before it got to the point of no return!  I honestly believe that having cancer has made me a better and stronger person.  I no longer take a single moment for granted.  I refused to let cancer take my life and now I have that determination concerning my weight.  Why would I fight the battle of my life twice only to fail because of all this excess weight I am carrying around!   I pray this finds you doing well and please stay in touch.   Katherine

Wow your situation moves me excessively!  First of all you will be in my prayers!  Angela if I may I'm going to recommend doing what most body builders would do when trying to gain weight.  Accompany a protein shake with your meals that you're eating.  It'll be like have 2 meals together.  This would probably be the safest and fastest way to help you and completely harmless! I hope your travels come and go without pain my friend.  Take good care of  yourself!

Hello; No big words of wisdom for you just want you know that I have been there . All you can do is eat what you can tolerate. But you know that .  Mine was 15 years ago [Ovarian Cancer] so I know things have changed since then.  There are some better nurishing product out there now then when I went through Cemo. Sending prayers you way. Janie 

hi everyone,i'm new to obesity.com and don't know my way around well yet.i posted this question on regular wls forum and someone suggested this site,so here goes.i had a malignant melanoma of my left eye in oct 2005 and had to have my eye removed.luckily,the cancer was encassed in the eyeball alone and had not metastasized anywhere.i've been clear for two years.while getting worked up for gastric bypass surgery,the hospital i chose,told me at the last minute that the doctors their will not due the surgery yet,as too soon since had cancer,and due to the malabsorption factor,they feel any dormant cells could become cancerous due to info they have.they offered to do lapband only.i spoke with my doctor,and due to more health problems croping up,and already being 310 pounds,she and i both feel bypass only option to get weight off quickly.my first question is ,has anyone else been told that about having a melanoma and not being able to have bypass?or has anyone had surgery after melanoma and done well.there is another area hospital that may still perform bypass,not lap band.i see doctor in march.i would appreciate any info anyone has.at this point,i feel if i don't get significant weight off soon,i won't be able to work and health will get much worse,so am willing to risk. thanks in advance for any  info provided.  joann

I had a similiar experience, but it was lung cancer, found when doing preop xray. I feel as though this surgery has already saved my life once. The tumor was small and sugically removed in april 2007. I am now scheduled for wls Feb. 12, 2008. It's been kind of a longer time frame and a few hurdles with insurance co.but here I am back where I started from! Very nervous since just going through a surgery so recently, but am excited too. It is very important to me and my health and quality of life to be able to have the surgery. I keep thinking something else will happen, but I am praying for smooth sailing for the rest of the cruise. Beat of luck to you, we really have been so fortunate and blessed already. I believe someone out there is watching over and taking care of me. Try to keep a positive attitude, it's just a small glitch in a long life.