Sorry I might have misspelled. This is a *virus* that causes ulcers and can lead to cancer of the stomach.

MANY people have had this and taken the meds to kill it.

I was wondering if anyone that has had the ulcers from this has had the lap band? I haven't talked to a lap band surgeon yet (still trying to make the decision to do this).

These are MY worries and fears and the reason I haven't had the surgery.

Please help to either dispel my fears or give it a name.

1. Husband's not wanting me to have it done. Thinks it will change US.

2. MONEY!! I will have to be self pay, it's a lot of money to take out of OUR account especially if hubby isn't on board with the idea.

3. Afraid that the lap band will damage my esophagus from reflex/stretching/etc.

4. TERRIFIED I will fail. I can't stay on a diet for a week right now...how in the world will this work when I've FAILED sooooo many times.

O.K. that's the big fears.

:help:

Thanks for listening.

I feel your pain!! <TABLE class=tborder id=post832213 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_832213 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #d9d9d9 1px solid">My doc tested me for H Pylori and I was positive. The acceptable and normal level is between .00-.89.....Mine was 5.82. Nearly 6 times the normal level. So, I am assuming I have had it for some time, with no symptoms. I am on an aggressive antibiotic regimen, which requires me to take 4 pills, 4 times per day for 15 days. (That's right 16 pills daily). They will test me after the first 15 days, then if needed, I will do how ever many rounds of treatment necessary. I was really upset when I found out, but I am very thankful that my doctor checked for it. I do not believe that I have ulcers (Thank Goodness), my upper GI did not detect any, but I would feel much more comfortable going into this knowing that I don't have and infection. Don't worry about the ulcers, because they are treatable, H Pylori can cause ulcers, it doesn't mean that you have them. I would suggest going to support groups and take your husband with you. Hopefully, he will realize that this is something that you want for yourself and no one else. Its hard to make others happy, if you are not completely comfortable and happy with yourself. (That's how I feel anyway, no assumptions) In the long run it will make you healthier, so you can live a long happy life with him. He is probably nervous about the whole process, but I promise the support groups are awesome! He will see patients that went through it and how happy their lives are with their spouses! Its a very safe procedure, and completely reversable. Knowing that may ease his mind as well. Best of luck to you.

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #d9d9d9 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #d9d9d9 0px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #d9d9d9 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #d9d9d9 1px solid"><SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbrep_register("832213")</SCRIPT> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Hi,

H Pylori is a *bacteria* that yes, can cause ulcers and lead to cancer. I am one who got the cancer that it causes. It's important that you get the test done! It's all part of the process for weight loss surgery. It's a great thing that the doctor's are checking for this. Most people would not have an EGD unless they are symptomatic. It's not a test/procedure that is done as part of routine check-ups.

After all the pre-op work is done, your well on your way. Your doctor will let you know what is required of you. Your insurance will also decide whether you need to do a supervised diet.

Your husband should attend the appointments and seminars with you. Do lots of homework to be sure that this is the route you wish to take. It can be unnerving when you don't know all the facts. It's a wonderful tool that I have waited a long time for. I am excited to be freshly banded and my husband is very supportive and excited for me!

I know it's scarey at first. Ask lots of questions, read some of the boards here of some of the experiences. I hope you feel better about this soon.

~C