Lymphedema and lap band procedure

[rob113]

I have stage 2 primary lymphedema of the lower extremities .  This means I have a lymphatic system that is basically shot since there is no cure or medicines for lymphedema - only compression therapy to keep it at bay.  In the last couple of years I have put on a significant amount of weight (although I have always struggled with weight my whole 52 years of life) .  I try to exercise and I make myself do my own yard work but after working all day as an elementary teacher ( standing just about all day long) my legs are in pain by the day's end so it is difficult to make myself do very intense exercise consistently. I have to get them elevated to ease the swelling from lymph fluid.  So I am in a bad cycle here - I need to loose a lot of weight to help with my lymphedema (although as I stated earlier there is no cure for it) and yet my lymphedema is hindering me from the exercise that I need because of living with pain. I have been trying to find out info. on the lap band  procedure to see how it would affect my lymphedema since any kind of invasive surgery can intensify it especially if I get an infection since my immunity systems are compromised. The doctor has told me gastric bypass is not a good idea for me since I do have a compromised immunity system due to lymphedema plus I didn't want to do that anyway.   Is there anyone out there who has a perspective on lymphedema and lap band surgery, pros and cons? Thanks!  Rob:-)

[skywolfoh]

I am in a similar condition      was healthy and got infected at a hosp.lost my skin from the waste down to my foot and after that finaly healed now lymphadema.

I can not find any doctors who know anything about this.   How did you find out you are in stage 2  (what does that mean)    can you give me the names of any doctors that deal with this?

I went to a seminar about Lap Band.   They said probably would be ok but I would need to go thru a lot of tests first.   and since Lap Band only forces you to eat small amounts at a time and its up to us to control the calleries I have been doing that myself.  trying to eat every 2 hours but only a few bites at a time.   But with no excercise  it does not help me much.

[pamlewis01]

Hello - I am a lapband recipient about one year ago. I initially lost 45 lbs...then fell off the wagon so to speak and broke the eating rules of the lapband. You are only suppose to eat three small meals a day with some dr.'s saying one snack and some saying no snacks. The meals must have separated foods and you are suppose to eat protein first, 80 grams daily, then if you are not full, your soft veggies or fruits, then if you are still not full, your whole grain item. I have not stuck to the program but maintained my weight for one year. I recently developed edema in my right leg with my foot swelling daily, pain up into my pelvis and my Dr. not knowing what is wrong. They ruled out blood clot, and nerve function is good. I am wondering how you were diagnoses with lymphedema. Did you notice a slow progression or did it come on quickly? I am at a loss but no one seems to listen.
Thanks
Pam