I have psoriasis and will be having lap band (hopefully in Jan - Feb). Anyone else out there with psoriasis? Or know of another member?

I do, haven't really noticed any changes though.

I too have psoriasis, on my elbows. I was not anticipating any changes from the lap band, do you? Interesting thought...

Like KaydotRN I also have psoriasis on my elbows...no changes.

becky

I'm not hoping for any changes, though my psoriasis may be more involved then those who posted. (I have coverage all over my stomach, which as you can imagine is quite a large area, or i wouldn't be having band, ( ha ha)

I'm glad there have been no issues!!!!!!!!!!!

I have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis...the only thing that changed after my surgery was that my scars had psoriasis on them, but my derm gave me some taclonex, and that cleared it up.

My husband doesn't have the band but he does have psoriasis. If you can convince your insurance company that you have psoriatic arthritis--which he has and which convincing his doctor did--you may want to consider Enbrel. You may NOT want to consider it without insurance company participation, because it would cost us $2500/month...but that's up to you.

It is a WONDER DRUG. Not only is he no longer a pink alligator, the arthritis is drastically improved. His psoriasis STARTED on his elbows and then went to his arms and then legs and knees and some on his head...a few on his back, his face and in his ears and on his groin. That's when he said, "ENOUGH!!!" and got the Enbrel. It is HUGELY IMPROVED. He also uses a topical medication and he tans three times a week as part of his doctor's program.

I hope you find relief...it can be a burden.

Hi there! I'm pretty new here - I had my lap-band surgery on 9-13-06. As of my last office visit on 11-20-06, I've lost 40 pounds! I am so happy with losing that much in such a short time. I, too, have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. I've been to dermatologists - the only thing they have ever prescribed was some kind of medication mixed with Vaseline (of all things!) that I was supposed to apply 3 - 4 times a day. Can you honestly imagine greasing yourself up like a pig with Vaseline and then going out to shop or work? Can you imagine what your clothing and linens would be like. I bought a pair of sweat pants and t-shirt that I slept in but it felt so absolutely horrendous that I stopped after a short time. I couldn't tell any improvement either. Then another doc put me on methyltrexate (a chemotherapy drug) that is supposed to help the psoriasis & psoriatic arthritis. The side effects were awful - my doc finally took me off. My arthritis isn't bad, thankfully; it mainly bothers me when the weather changes - rainy and cold are the worst. As for my skin - right now I just keep lotioned up really well. I am trying the Dermarest products tho to see if they help at all. I was worried that my scars would become new patches of psoriasis but so far they haven't. My psoriasis is pretty wide spread. Have you found anything that truly helps without horrible side effects? I'd love to know! Thanks!

Again, thanks for the replies, it is very helpful. I have heard that Enbrel is wonderful too!!! I am considering that as well, (I have been approved by insurance) I was thinking that I should tackle one issue at a time. If I get my weight under control.............who knows...........the possibilities are endless. Then I'll deal with the Enbrel. I am truly happy for you and your husband and I loved and can relate to the 'red scaly alligator' remark!!:welldone2: I wish him continued improvement, ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!

As far as vaseline based treatments.......I know, they are awful!! As far as topical medicines which have shown me the best results ... Dovonex and ultavate. Just found a new over the counter lotion. "Aveno cream oil" I Highly recommend it as it is NOT oily, greasy. GOOD LUCK

By the way congratulations on a great weight loss. That is amazing. I'm hoping to get my date soon. keep up the good work

I have severe plaque psoriasis and I'm currently taking Enbrel, but I have to stop 6 months before my surgery, so I'm about to stop soon. Enbrel hasn't worked that great for me anyway. I read on the lap-band site that if you have an autoimmune disease, you shouldn't get the lap-band. It's my understanding that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, but none of the doctors have mentioned that I shouldn't have the band because of it. Has anyone has an psoriasis-related complications?

I have severe plaque psoriasis and I'm currently taking Enbrel, but I have to stop 6 months before my surgery, so I'm about to stop soon. Enbrel hasn't worked that great for me anyway. I read on the lap-band site that if you have an autoimmune disease, you shouldn't get the lap-band. It's my understanding that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, but none of the doctors have mentioned that I shouldn't have the band because of it. Has anyone has an psoriasis-related complications?

I have had my band about 1 1/2 years now. There has been no psoriasis related issues thus far.

Good luck!