I have just been diagnosed with Lupus and I had the Lap band done about 1 1/2 years ago.  My Rhuematologist is aware of it and has no problem with it.  I told my lapband doctor at my last visit in November and he said it should not be a problem.  I was more worried about the steroids they have me on for 2 months and he said it's ok.  I told him I will be going on chemo at the end of February for the lupus and he said its fine.  So i'm not sure the differences of opinions with the doctors.  I wonder why?

Lupus is a difficult diagnosis to make, even when obvious symptoms are present. Most tests that are done to determine this condition are blood tests - the ANA test, white blood cell count, etc. However, you have to have something like 5 symptoms of 8 probable symptoms for a doctor to make the diagnosis.

I first presented symptoms when I was around 21 (I am 50 now).  The doctors suspected it, but could not definitely say it was lupus. I lived a pretty symptom-free life for many years. Then in 2003, I got meningitis, and was hospitalized for 2 weeks. That was most likely triggered from my compromised immune system. Then in 2005, I developed a blood clot on my kidney. Again, I was hospitalized for 2 weeks and have been on blood thinners since then.  Hopefully no other life-threatening events will occur.  I have systemic lupus, which affects your body's organs and systems. I never had the 'butterfly rash'. The discoid lupus is the version that affects the skin and most often cause skin rashes.

There are a lot of things that cause protein in urine, even with lupus.

Rheumies check protein (and other kidney levels) because they are looking for CHANGE, that might mean problems.  Your Dr. will evaluate protein levels in concert wtih other blood/urine chems.

But it's probably not WLS related.

Hello,
I have Lupus!!  I had the VSG!!   I am doing GREAT!!  My rhuemy said NO RNY!!   And my surgeon talk to a Rhuemy at Stanford and he said NO to lap band.   Feel free to email me at hadakempe AT hughes DOT net  (spam bots get address if typed in usual form) if you have any questions.
PS  my surgeon is in Iowa and she is GREAT!!  Maybe here instead of Mexico?
Thanks
Nicki

Someone with lupus (or any autoimmune disease) should NOT have the lapband.  It is contraindicated according to the manufacturer of the Lapband.  There are many people on these boards who have had RNY and VSG with success.  My nephrologist would have PREFERRED a purely stomach surgery due to risk of kidney issues with some of the others.  Unfortunately, my insurance won't pay for the VSG.  The risk of kidney issues is lower with RNY than with the DS.  So, probably better off for him to look at RNY and VSG than any other surgeries. 

Now, your friend is a male, and we know that it's mostly women who get lupus.  While I'm not sure of the statistics, I believe when men get lupus it has a higher chance of being more involved.  So, is his lupus stable?  If yes, has it been stable for a while?  Is he on steroids?  With RNY, steroids and NSAIDS are no-no's post-surgery.  Those are the two most commonly used types of drugs for lupus patients.  I have a feeling, after my surgery, the manufacturers of ibuprofen products will cry.

All that said, it would be most important for his rheumatologist to be on board with the surgery.  I saw a rheumie for 8 or so years.  He ended up being a friend.  So, when I asked a few years ago about weight loss surgery...he said "NO".  I know he had my best interests at heart.  But WLS has come a long way in a short period of time.  If I had the opportunity to ask him now, I think he'd consider it.  Maybe WLS isn't going to be appropriate for your friend's situation...but having lupus should not immediately contraindicate the procedure.

I hope I've been some help.
-TS