I've had peripheral neuropathy (PN) for some 10 years now. Although it started off as fairly mild, in recent years it has progressed to where I have daily pain in my hands and feet and I take a cocktail of medications to deal with the symptoms.

I have just begun to consider Lap-Band surgery for myself. My main concern is that it might aggravate my PN rather than alleviate it. I've decided against gastric bypass surgery for that very reason: although it can cure diabetes, a small-but-significant percentage of patients develop PN as a result of malabsorption of B Vitamins. I'm assuming that if it can trigger neuropathy, it may also aggravate existing neuropathy.

Has anyone else gone into lap-band surgery with preexisting PN?

thanks,

Sue

I am sorry no one has answered your post yet; I know there are quite a few diabetics (type II) who have had the band and had good success but don't recall PN being specifically addressed.

However, while waiting for someone to answer your questions (and you've probably already thought of this) a reputable bariatric surgeon may be able to help you decide.

A surgeon with a broad patient base (mine had done 1500 surgeries as of last year; I'm sure that's increased considerably by now, for example) will be able to address both the published scientific research AND anecdotal evidence of his patients.

I do know that as a cure for DMII, bypass is most consistent. You know that, however. Perhaps a good surgeon can give you some insight as to which patient type has increased or exacerbated PN. There is most likely some factor that causes it; odds are it isn't random. And if it isn't, knowing whether or not you fit in the "at risk" category can help you decide.

Good luck at any rate, and hopefully someone will see your post and respond. Remember though this is just anecdotal; a good surgeon (or two! more info is good) can also help you with this hard decision.