Hi. I was banded in 7/05. It looks like I have early auto-immune disease--probably rheumatoid arthritis. I am on Prednisone and Plaquenil. I did not have any symptoms until I was about 1 year post-op. What I'm wondering is if it would be wise to get my band removed--would it help my RA symptoms?

I currently am unfilled and have a little restriction. THe band does not seem to be causing me any reflux, heartburn, ie. The restriction I have does help me maintain the weight I lost with the band, although I'm not really losing anymore. I am happy to maintain, though. At least until I get my RA under better control. But if getting the band removed would help my RA--it's gone!

Anyone had/have a similar situation? Thanks--Jigglypuff:help:

How interesting that I would just happen upon this thread. I was diagnosed with MS in October, almost one year after my band. I decided not to take the seriods right now but am taking meds for the MS. My wieght loss stalled about 2 months, I think due to the new stress, but in January, I began to drop again.

Everyone is different so please do not take my word as law. My docs have no issue with my band and it is not impeding me in any way shape or form. In fact, since I am losing weight, it makes it easier to get around. If I still had that 100+ Lbs, I might be having a tougher time.

I have not even thought of removing my band. I would fight, kick and scratch to keep it. Although both are auto immune diseases, they are very different. I don't think I helped but it's nice to see someone else out here in the fight! Take care!

I MAY have an autoimmune problem - I've been to lots of doctors over the years because of weird symptoms. Now, my allergy doc yesterday told me he believes I do have an autoimmune problem. I'm about to be banded in a week or so. Why would an autoimmune disease be a problem if you have the band?

I was also diagnosed with an autoimmune disease after being banded

Mine is called pemphigus it is a blistering disease of the skin and mucus

membranes. Was told the trauma of the band surgery caused this to

come out. Was put of steriods. Well needless to say that was the end

of my weightloss. Have maintained but have not loss anything in the last

year. I'm going for a fill tomorrow hopefully it will jumpstart some weightloss.

As for my disease it is under control but I always think what if I removed

my band would things be different my doctor doesnt think the removing

the band would change things but who knows......

In my situation, I think they were able to find my MS due to my weight loss. I used to be too large for a closed MRI and they would cover an open MRI. Also, I had several health issues from being morbidly obesse that doctors would not look pat me being fat. Once I lost the weight and still had problems, they had to look for other answers.

I think my fat masked my MS for quite a few years. I am very glad I got the band and lost the weight so I can continue in a healthy way.

I dont think getting the band removed will help the RA. Once you have it you have it. And with the steroids you may need it as they cause terrible hunger and weight gain. This would be bad for your joints. Ask a rhuemotogist but that is my opinion. Jill