Just saw a post on band complications that it has been linked to cancer. The acid gets caught in the stomach and causes cancer. I am worried about this!!!!

Don't believe everything you read. I read something like this today and to me it was hearsay. One person does not make an epedimic and a reason to worry.

tmf

Many information sources available through the internet have had their credibility compromised by the posters who are not experts in the field they are writing about.

While teaching at the university level, I told my students that "Wikipedia" was not a valid source of information to include with their list of research citations...the reason being that anyone can post their additions to the subject. There is no requirement for the information to be valid and correct, and the source looses it's credibility to be valid.

You no can no longer believe everything you read, especially online. The band surgery, as with any surgical procedure does have some health risks. Cancer is not one of the potential complications I have read about.

If you have concerns about this, I would definitely discuss them with your surgeon. Taking a "stomach protector" such as Prevacid will help with the acid in your system. It's very important to discuss this medication and all medications with your surgeon before taking them.

_{i knew someone who died very early in life of stomach cancer after getting a wls. tho i have not seen many other people with this its not worrying me too much...}

^{My mom died of cancer at age 49 - it was terrible for me to lose her as I wasn't yet married, out of the house, had children, etc. It has been hard having lost her and all the things she and I missed out on experiencing together. I am 35 and will not live to be 49 (at least statistically) if I remain this overweight. My risk of cancer due to my obesity is greatly increased as well. I haven't heard that about the band BUT it's a risk I'm willing to take (dh and I have discussed all the risks we could come up with) because it will give me a better life and a MUCH better chance at surviving longer if the lap band can help me lose weight and keep it off. Maybe you could look at it that way?}

Nonsense. Its merely coincidence. A proportion of people banded ARE going to develop cancer, I probably HAD cancer when I was banded. I was diagnosed five years after banding with rectal cancer. Its a slow growing cancer and it was very advanced in me. In hindsight I'd had symptoms since very soon after my banding.

My mind did wander onto the topic of whether or not the band was a causative factor. But like I said, I probably already had it. However, the reduced food intake, slower intestinal transit, lower fibre diet and lower intake of fruit and veg and nutrients in general could definitely play a part. My diet is not adequate and I know it. I don't and can't get the two fruit, five veg, 30 grams of fibre in a day that I need. I don't eat a lot of whole grains (a known cancer preventative) because I don't really eat bread or cereals in any quantity. I struggle constantly with anaemia. So yes, my diet could predispose me to cancer.

But in reality, what was most likely responsible was the years of poor diet and obesity that came before that. My diet no longer contains the large quantities of saturated fat and sugar. I don't eat known carcinogenic foods like salami, ham and processed turkey and chicken. I'm fit and active and not overweight.

And knowing what I know of my family history now, it was always likely for me, band or no.

Even if the band caused cancer, so does smoking, drinking, radiation.... Heart attacks from obesity can lead to death, diabetes kills... We're all going to die eventually. No one can say how or when. We made a choice to get healthy to "better our odds" but (hint) you will still die of something eventually! So enjoy your weight loss and healthier lifestyle while you're still alive!

I read the same thing and posted on it earlier this week. It bothered me too but we have to just trust the decision we made and hope for the best. I've decided just to stand clear of reading too much into the complications. Every person is different. Their destiny may not be yours. Bless you

Wishing you the very best.

Lala