Lap Band with M.S. or Fibormyalisha (sp?)

barbara465 · December 22, 2006

I didn't have any problems with the insurance. They didn't demand any information so whatever lapband doctor sent was sufficient.

My CFS/fibrolmalgia was brought about by a virile infection - bronchontis. Once my immune system started to go I went through stages. I had thyroid problems, diagnosed with pernicous anemia (lack of B12 absorption), shingles to name a few. I was in a fog and staggered when walking. I functioned at work, but barely. I slept a lot, but of course didn't get rest.

I stayed off work for about 9 months. Good days was the ability to get up and showered by noon. I tried to destress my life and learned to ask for help. Little by little I regained my mental abilities and could function again. I reentered the workforce.

I was concerned about compromising my immune system with the lapband. It is one of the things that will stop most doctors from operating. It sounds like you are still deep in the throes of CFS and I personally would be hesitant to compromise my system. I'm sure that's not the answer you wanted, but I would think you stand a real chance of rejection of the band when your auto-immune system is still reacting.

I am functioning and most of the time no one knows that I have it. I am stiff when getting up from a chair, but I just take my time. Leaving restaurants is always a challenge. I've got to get everything working before I can walk.

I don't know what ME/CFS is so I guess I don't have that.

bayside_bobbie · December 22, 2006

My CFS/fibrolmalgia was brought about by a virile infection - bronchontis. Once my immune system started to go I went through stages. I had thyroid problems, diagnosed with pernicous anemia (lack of B12 absorption), shingles to name a few. I was in a fog and staggered when walking. I functioned at work, but barely. I slept a lot, but of course didn't get rest.
I stayed off work for about 9 months. Good days was the ability to get up and showered by noon. I tried to destress my life and learned to ask for help. Little by little I regained my mental abilities and could function again. I reentered the workforce.

I was concerned about compromising my immune system with the lapband. It is one of the things that will stop most doctors from operating. It sounds like you are still deep in the throes of CFS and I personally would be hesitant to compromise my system. I'm sure that's not the answer you wanted, but I would think you stand a real chance of rejection of the band when your auto-immune system is still reacting.

I don't know what ME/CFS is so I guess I don't have that.

Hi Barbara, thanks for your reply.

Sorry about the confusing terminology. In some countries Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is called ME, and in others it is called CFS and in still others it is called ME/CFS. It is complicated even further because many people say they have Chronic Fatigue when in fact they are tired/fatigued but have not been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - that is why here in Australia the condition is often referred to as ME/CFS.

While Fibromyalgia is a different condition, quite often (but not always) people with ME/CFS also suffer from Fibromyalgia.

I am no doctor but from what you have described it certainly sounds like you had both Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (or ME or CFS or ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia. (I have the "double whammy" too!)

Yes, you are right - I did not WANT to hear that the band could be rejeced, but I did NEED to hear it.

I also need to hear anything else (both positive and negative) so that I can go to my surgeon's appt with all the questions. I think I will then need to talk with my ME/CFS specialist to discuss this with him before making my final decision.

I know I am the only one who can make this decision but I really appreciate the information and hearing about other people's experiences.

Regards

Bobbie

Bayside Melbourne

Victoria

Australia

barbara465 · December 22, 2006

You might try searching for terms like rejection on this site. There have been one or two that had their band removed because of rejection. It is rare, but it does happen.

I think that when you are "active" with CFS and fibrolmalgia and experiencing new immune issues, that you would be at a higher risk for problems or even rejection. I know it seemed like for me it was one thing after another until it started to level out and calm down. When that happened I was able to stop the downward spirial and climb my back up. I am indeed one of the lucky ones. My CFS is under control and my fibrolmalgia is manageable. I am able to function and look for the signs that my energy is draining. I have learned to be very protective of my energy since I know what happens when it becomes depleated.

Go to doctor informed and with your questions. Good luck to you.

bayside_bobbie · December 23, 2006

Thanks again Barbara

Silly me - I never thought of rejection (part of my constant companion - "foggy brain" - I'm afraid)

I have been concerned about not being able to follow the exercise program and also not being able to prepare meals but never thought of rejection.

I also have diabetes and was worrying about how I am going to maintain the high carbohydrate, low GI eating. I have heard many people can't eat bread and that is the main carbohydrate my endocronologist and dietician recommend for when I am unable to prepare meals or need carbo following a sugar boost to treat a hypo.

I know my sleep apnoea will NOT be a problem and I am hoping to be able to stop using my CPCP (not that the CPAP bothers me but would be nice to have one less thing to deal with).

As a "non-foggy headed" post-op lapbander, is there anything else this "foggy-headed" person is overlooking in relation to either the op itself or post-op living with a lapband?

I really appreciate being able to talk to you about this as I have been having difficulty finding others who have been banded who also have or have had CFS and many (most) of the doctors here in Australia know very little about CFS.

Thanks again for your help.

Hope all is going well for you.

Bobbie