Anyone Have Crohn's Disease And Got Approved For The Lap Band?? I Am 25 Years Old And I Am Attempting To Get Approved But My Case Has To Be Reviewed By The Medical Dr's Due To Some Reconstruction Surgery I Have Had Due To Crohn's Disease. I Am 5'7 And I Weigh Over 294 Lbs...i Go Today To Have The Bod Pod Done!!! I Cant Wait!!!

I wish you so much luck- Please let me know if your approved. My girlfriend has very bad Crohns and was told she couldn't have any WLS. But she is also very dramatic & against WLS so she may have been fibbing. I don't know for sure. I sure hope you can!!!!!!!

I have ulcerated colitis and my doctor said it was o.k. to get the lapband. Talk to your doctor first.

I recently read that Crohn's disease would generally exclude you from being able to have the lap-band. I looked into it because I have had problems with IBS - the IBS was ok, but the Crohn's was listed as an exclusion.

http://www.lifebridgehealth.org/2705.cfm

THIS IS THE SINAI HOSPITAL SIGHT - it indicates the exclusions. I have seen it other places as well.

Ultimately, I think I would still ask my Doctor you never know

Because Crohn's is an autoimmune disease, it is contraindicated with the band. This being said, I have systemic Lupus, which is also an autoimmune disease and I have been banded twice with no major issues due to the autoimmune disease. I think you'll find a difference in each doctor's opinions about this, so one may say no, the other may say yes. Depending on the severity of the Crohn's, it may be worth the risk to you.. or not..

Leatha

Because Crohn's is an autoimmune disease

Leatha

I didnt know this (about Chrons being an aids). Leatha - you always give great advice! And I agree with you about it being the difference of opinion in surgeons....

My sister has Crohns and would like to have WLS. About 4 years ago, she had a small procedure done by a general surgeon - who ALSO does the GBP. This surgeon talked to her about the GBP procedure - and encouraged her in having it done. She was only 18 at the time, so my parents didnt feel comfortable with it.

With this being said, Im wondering if the GBP is "better" for those with Chrons then the band?

I would think due to the 'dumping' with GBP and the gastrointestinal interruption of the entire procedure it might severely exacerbate the already devestating effects of the disease. Just my opinion, but it seems like Lapband may be easier on the intestinal tract overall.

Thanks So Much For Everyone's Information!! I Went On Friday For The Bod Pod And My Bmi Is 45...i Definitely Meet Criteria In That Area!!! Then I Went And Saw My Primary Care Dr And He Definitely Recommended Me For The Procedure And He Even Felt That It Would Be A Good Thing Since I Have Crohn's Disease And Diet Is Very Important For People With That!!! I Just Have To Get Through The Educational Classes And The Psych Eval And Im Almost There..

I have Crohn's Disease however I wasn't approved for any surgery because of "health risk" I don't know of any Dr in the states that is willing to perfrom WLS on a patient with Crohn's however, I have been in remission for 4-5years and I haven't taken in any meds in 10 years. What is your current state of health?

I Am 25 And I Was Diagnosed With Crohns Disease When I Was 12..so Almost 13 Years Ago....i Was Hospitalized At That Time For About A Month...i Had 6-8 Inches Of Intestines Removed , A Cecetomy, And An Appendectomy. Since That Time, I Have Had No Complications And Have Never Taken Any Medicine. I Have Regular Check-ups With My Gastroenterologist And There Have Been No Concerns Or Problems. Sometimes I Even Wonder If I Was Misdiagnosed Since Crohns Wasnt Well Known At That Time...i Really Think I Just Had An Obstruction Of Some Sort And No Dr Will Tell Me "yeah You Were Misdiagnosed"....on 6-28-05 My Case Will Be Reviewed With All The Surgeons And I Should Know The First Week In July If A Surgeon Will Perform The Lap Band Procedure....i Will Let Ya Know..thanks For Your Info..

yeah after my surgery my dr told me I didn't have Chrohn's and I believe him because i have been healthy for years w/o any surgery's. Let me know if you have any more questions

spjones,

i am fairly new to this site so i see that you have a weight loss ticker at the bottom...did you have wls surgery even with your crohns?? if so, how have you been since then?

yes 1 year ago and I have not had any problems whatsoever.

Im Glad To Hear That....good Luck To You

I read this post a few days ago and thought well I had Ulcerative Colitis not crohns

...i Had 6-8 Inches Of Intestines Removed ,

but now wanted to note that I had my entire colon removed in 2000 and was banded in 2003.

Sometimes I Even Wonder If I Was Misdiagnosed Since Crohns Wasnt Well Known At That Time...

How do you really know? My colitis was very painful.

It's good that your doing your research. Best of luck to you

Thanks and the same to you