Question:
Can People with Lupus have WLS?

I was diagnosed in 1994 with lupus. I was diagnosed during a very difficult pregnancy with my first daughter. I never had any rashes on my face or any of the really significant and classic lupus symptoms. I only had severe joint pain. They finally came to the conclusion that I had Lupus after a whole bunch of lab work over a long period of time. Well..I had three more children, and all the pregnancies went fine. And after the birth of my first daughter, my "lupus" just disappeared. I never had any problems again and still don't six years later. I haven't even seen a doctor about it for over five years. Well...Now I am getting ready for wls, and my pcp comes to me and tells me I just had a positive ANA test. A test for Lupus. But, serioulsy, I don't have any medical problems. I am pretty darn healthy. Now, I am afraid that this is going to cause problems with me getting my surgery that I have been wanting for soooo long. I am not in active lupus, and my internal organs are all healthy. I had a special heart test, and all the other lab work came back with great results. So...my question is this: Has anyone been turned down for surgery because of this??? Please let me know!    — [Anonymous] (posted on December 20, 2001)

December 19, 2001
I don't have lupus, but my friend Nancy F has lupus and had duodenal switch surgery on 10/22/01. Her lupus is active, so it took her longer to feel better and get her energy back, etc, but it did not stop her from having surgery. She also had a JP drain that was draining a lot of bile after surgery but that was unrelated to lupus.
   — Anita N.

December 19, 2001
I have lupus and I've been approved for surgery but still have to jump through a few hoops before i can get a date set, I think the surgeons are most worried about active lupus and whether or not your'e taking prednisone is a HUGE deciding factor, i know mine is active and that is the last and final hoop i have to jump through with my doctors help, getting off the prednisone becuase it causes yoru body to be prone to infection and not heal as quickly, but that is the only concern my doctors had concerning the disease itself.
   — [Anonymous]

December 20, 2001
Hi. I was diagnosed with Lupus in 1993. Mine has remained active and I have a number of symptoms that I deal with. I am allergic to steroids, so don't take them. The added pain and stress the extra weight was putting on my arthritic joints was one of the reasons I decided to pursue WLS. At 290 lbs ( and only 5'0" tall) I was at the point where I could barely walk. I work part time as a teacher, so this was causing me great difficulty. It was a big decision as I knew I would no longer be able to take the 800mg of Motrin I was on 4 times a day. We all have to carefully weigh the pros and cons before we make this life changing decision. My Doctors were supportive of my having the surgery. I had an open RNY on September 11th. ( that is another story - I was in surgery when the tragedy happened) Other than my scar taking a little longer to heal than most, I have not had any complications at all. I have lost 80 lbs, Praise God! I am now able to walk a mile as opposed to having trouble crossing a room. I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss the Motrin. :) I take Celebrex which is not as effective, but is easier on the pouch. My doctor also allows me to take Tylenol with Codeine as I need it. It sounds like your Lupus is in long term remission. Having WLS will probably not cause you any problems, but you'll want to talk with your doctors about any possible future problems you might have should the Lupus become more active. Best wishes to you as you make this decision.
   — Bobbie B.

December 31, 2001
I'm so glad to see others out there with the same questions I have. I was diagnosed with SLE 9 months ago and would like to have the RNY surgery but have had reservations about it because of my Lupus. I am on plaquenil, coumadin, and blood pressure medication. My Rheumy says I have to look at all the pros and cons but that my weight is ruining my body. I have osteoarthritis in my spine as well as rheumatoid arthritis in my legs in addition to the Lupus. I weigh around 355 pounds right now and have carried this weight around for the last twenty years. My husband, his brother and sister-in-law have all had the surgery and are doing well. My other issue is a blood clot in my leg that I had a little over a year ago so that also concerns me.
   — Cindi Spurgeon

May 27, 2003
A positive ANA test does NOT mean you difinitively have SLE. some people have a natural ANA, but never develop SLE. You must fit within 5 or 6 of the criteria to be diagnosed....if your PCP gave you this diagnosis, please see a rheumatologist. The big criteria is whether or not you're on heavy meds....if you're on a steriod like prednisone DO NOT HAVE SURGERY.....this seriously inhibits your abilty to heal. However, if you're "pretty darn healthy" you may just be on plaquenil or some other maintainable med, and in which case the weight loss can only improve your health. If you have any questions, let me [email protected]. shelly
   — Shelly E.