Rheumatoid Arthritis

I  am scheduled for gastric bypass surgery 9/20 but am now concerned that maybe I should have lap band instead because I have rheumatoid arthritis.  I'm concerned about not being able to take anti-inflammatories.  Doe anyone have experience with rheumatoid arthritis and either of the surgeries?

Thank you!

Dawn

Well I have osteo arthritis and that was one reason I had no success with the band. I firmly believe you must get some exercise to lose weight with the band. If you really want to lose weight I'd say stick with the RNY because the band really isn't that helpful. There are other drugs available besides NSAIDS for pain relief. Good luck to you!

If you take NSAIDS with the lap band you will end up with the worst case of IBS and let me tell you from personal experience, it hurts like a MOFO.

Dawn , I just lost a huge reply I sent you.  I have palindromic arthritis (turning into RA for sure), had the band and revised to the vertical sleeve gastrectomy.

If you have the RNY, you know you will not be able to take NSAIDS.  As someone with arthritis basically for lack of better words, you'd be screwed.  Your only other option all the time would be steriods.  Who wants to be on steriods if you can avoid!

Set it and forget it with the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy!

Come see us on that forum.  It is an awesome group of people there.

Don't do a band honey and throw the option of RNY off the table.  If you need malabsorbtion, you can get the sleeve with duodenal switch.

If you need someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to contact me.

(((BIG HUGS)))
Leila

I have RA, had lapband two years ago, and my iritis (imflammation of the iris part of auto immune) has returned! I had a revision surgery on August 1st to bypass and surprise, surprise, my iritis has completely went away!  I have ankylosing spondylitis which is a RA family.  

I have read that the band can be contractiated (spell?) with people who have autoimmune disease.

YOu should talk to your surgeon about options.