I have been lurking here for a while reading as much as I could. I really feel like I KNOW everyone. I have gone to a seminar and have decided to go with Dr. St Laurent in Houston. (I live in Spring. ) I have an appt with him on May 17th.

I have a question for all of you knowledgable bandsters. I have small scarred kidneys with no know origin. During my pregancies I always had high protein (4+) in my urine. It always went away after the pregancy except for the last time which was almost 14 years ago. Since then I have always had 1+ protein. My PCP has me do a 24 hr urine yearly and frequent bloodwork. Currently it is 1.5. I am curious as to whether I would not be a good candidate for the lapband because of this. :nervous

I really don't know but I have had both carotid arteries done and a stent in my heart and that was all the more reason to have it done. Had to have a cardio clearence first. I bet someone on here can help you out . I am in Houston also

As long as your MD monitors your renal function and everything is OK, you should be fine to have the surgery. Have you seen an MD who specializes in kidney disease? If not, you might want to consult one before the surgery. I am assuming that the 1.5 value is your creatinine level... since that's normal and has not increased since your last pregnancy, I can't see that your kindeys would be a contra-indication to surgery.

Thanks Elisabeth.

I checked my lab report from March and the Creatinine is actually 1.7 and the Protein is listed as 2+. I was just concerned about the levels of protein that are required after banding. My nephrologist said that I need to stay below 50 gms per day.

Hi cookster,

I have way more damaged kidneys than you at the moment. My Protein spill has gone up to 15 gms before. 63x a normal person.

My nephrologist also wants me to be careful of protein because it converts to Nitrogen and makes your kidneys work harder. I have no idea what to do yet either. He knows I want this surgery and thinks it's my best option, but is still worried it will blow my kidneys out. However if I don't have it, then I will probably still lose my kidneys only be too fat for a transplant. I would definitely talk to a nephrologist.

The good news is, sometimes weight loss stabilizes kidney function too.

Tina

My surgeon's post-op diet plan calls for 60 grams of protein a day so you're limitation of 50 grams is not too bad. Part of the pre-op process involves meeting with a dietician and this is the person who can structure the post-op diet to your needs. As the person above stated, weight loss can improve your kidney function so I hope you get the "OK" to move forward with your surgery plans.

I am meeting with Dr. St. Laurent on Friday. I may be switching from Spiegel if it works out. Listen to the doctors and follow their advise. Sometimes you just have to take a chance, especially when doing nothing has just as dire consequences. Good luck.