i know my neurologist told me no surgery unless absolutely necessary would cause an flare. check with him/her first

I agree with pj22. I would be very careful about surgery.

I had to have surgery to remove a parotid tumor 2 years ago and it caused me to have a major relapse even though the surgery took only 1 and 1/2 hours.

My first issue with what is now ms started after I had surgery. Dont do it.

I'm glad this question came up. I was scheduled for kidney surgery this week (cancelled due to bronchitis) and I was wondering if it would have any affect on my MS. Sounds like surgery can really harm MSers. Gee, if I didn't really need this surgery I think I would cancel the upcoming procedures. I need to have surgery on both kidneys to remove stones that are too large to be zapped. Sounds like I will be in for a double wammy!!

If you need the kidney surgery by all means do it but realize that other issues can arise. No unnecessary surgery for me.

I would be very cautious having an optional surgery like lap band.
Sometimes surgery can make ms flare up, it at least makes some of the symptoms like fatigur, cognitive & energy go through the roof I have found. It also often means a slower recovery.

For Ichoppel, you do need that surgery so try to be as well as you can before the surgery. Then allow yourself time to be resting as much as you can & do things a little bit at a time.
I have just come through surgery & it is taking longer to heal, my energy level is very low & runs out quick, concentration is slow & limited. I do a few things at a time & then allow myself to rest.

How does you neuro feel about this surgery??? I guess if the outcome will lead to a better quality of life then it might be worth exploring. If your neuro and other drs all OK the surgery, and you feel it is medically necessary, I say go for it.

I had a c-section and recovered just fine, no relapse. I also had a lot of help. And I opted to have a c-section instead of vaginal delivery, as all of my drs thought it would be best for me.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

If I remember correctly, it says specifically on the commercial for Lap Band that people with autoimmune disease should not have it. Of course me remembering anything is like a shot in the dark, so check with your neuro and the Lap Band surgeon.

One more thought, unless you need to lose a drastic amount of weight fast, I would suggest Weight Watchers. It's a very easy program to follow, and since the first of this year, I have lost 45 pounds. It hasn't come off that quickly, but it has come off, and I have learned how to keep it off.

Don't do it! I had a similar surgery and it put me in the worst flare it's been almost two years and I can do half of what I could before.

I still am keepin on but I'd rather get my jaw wired shut and drink smoothies forever.

Those surgeries affect absorption after and you have the added bonus of the most painful gas that builds up. It's horrible. I have these attacks several times a month and please if you can find any other way try it.

I do know someone who has MS (a mild case) and had the lap band surgery. She lost a lot of weight and can get around a lot easier.

I think that she had more side effects from the surgery than from the MS (loose bowels). But her MS is mild, so the neuro did not advise against it. Everyone is different, remember.

Good luck with whatever you do. I know that people have cancer and have MS and have to have surgery. I think that everyone is different. Check with all your doctors, with as many people who have had the surgery as you can. Check with the MS Society. Maybe they can give you leads on what to do or what references to use.

Wish you the best. Stay informed.

My neurologist was in favor of my decision to have a gastric by-pass. I did have a relapse of my MS, but after steroids, I was back to normal in a week or two. Had surgery 6/28/10, have lost 69 lbs. as of 2 weeks ago. I do think it has helped me get around easier without the extra weight.

Check with the surgeon, because I have heard of people that DID have lap-band surgery with MS.

Good Luck!