Arthritis and WLS

I was wondering if anyone has or had problems with osteo arthritis in their feet, ankles, knees or hips before surgery that got better or went away after surgery?  My PCP told me that my pain in these areas was being caused by athritits and that the first thing I need to do is to get the weight off.  I can't find anything about releif from joint pain after WLS on any of the websites.

I am still waiting to hear from my surgeon (DUKE WLSC) regarding my surgery date...should be any day now! 

I have arthritis in both my knees.  I also had surgery for a torn meniscus in my left knee where they cut part of it out.  I did somewhat better after surgery but still had problems with knee pain in walking my hilly neighborhood and doing steps.  Well, I am now down 106 lbs with 72 more to go and it is like night and day.  I rarely have any knee problems.  I used to go up steps like a toddler and now can do it like a grown up ..just a little slower but not as much pain at all.  It is a totally awesome feeling.  I try to walk at least 2 miles a day and even going up and down hills is no longer an issue.   My back used to kill me when i got up in the morning (haven't been dx with arthritis there but at my age, i know i have it) and now, I don't have that issue at all.   My RNY has truly given me a new life and I probably haven't been this active or had this much energy in 20 years.

Please feel free to PM me with any questions and i will try to answer them.

Take care and good luck,

Pam

First of all, HELLO! and welcome to the forum. Secondly, I too had my surgery through DukeWLS and while they have had their share of admin issues lately, they have a top notch clinical program.

Finally, I shattered my left leg and ankle about 8 years ago in an auto accident and developed arthritis in my ankle. I also had gotten to a point when I was have a lot of trouble with my knees. Since I've lost the weight, I really don't have much, if any discomfort with my ankle or either knee. I can and do walk a great deal and last month spent hours dancing after working a good 12 hour day on my feet. I think you will find a great deal of relief when you aren't carrying as much weight.

Wishing you all the best,

Barb

P.S. If you ever go to the monthly support group meetings at Durham Regional, please come up to me and say Hello. I look like my photo ;-)

I have severe arthritis in my feet, ankles, knee, and hips.   I had my left knee replaced prior to RNY.   I have done a lot better since losing the weight.  I am 25 pounds from goal and really have done well.  Since I can no longer take NSAIDS I have had to go in twice for a shot of cortisone in my arm to reduce inflammation.   Just a few weeks ago I slipped in a puddle of water and fell twisting my right knee and setting off a new bout of inflammation and had to have a shot directly into the knee joint.  I take extra Vitamin C and Vitamin E.  That seems to help some.  I also have gout--another form of arthritis and I have to watch how much Protein I eat.  Any more than 50 grams of protein a day and I will have an attack.