Is Arthritis A Co-Morbidity?

Hi All ! I just found this forum, so bear with me. I am considering WLS. I have neither diabetes or heart disease, and have never been tested for sleep apnea. I do however have chronic bursitis in one hip, two displaced vertabae in my lower back and fibromyalgia that is only controlled with narcotics. Add carpal tunnel in both wrists, osteo arthritis in most of my joints, but the knees especially, and nerve damage in one thigh. I'm 5'5" and weigh 230lbs, so should probably lose 100lbs. Does it sound like I might have a chance getting approved by my insurance? Of course I know every case is different - I'm just trying to prepare. Thanks so much. I love this site, but there hasn't been much action here for awhile. Is everyone on vacation? Leone

Yes,  it is---and it's one that should cause you to very carefully consider which form of WLS is right for you. Post-op RNY patients frequently aren't allowed to take NSAIDs, and for me, that's the only thing that helps my arthritis pain.That's one of the reasons I chose the DS (duodenal switch) instead. (There were many others as well.)

Well hi there!!! There were ten people viewing my post, so I guess there are real live people here!! Then to get an actual reply is such a nice treat - thank you. So you think I may get approved - that's very encouraging. And I realize it's a long hard climb just for approval, so I'm getting my hopes up yet. You sound like your WLS was a success. I'm just beginning this whole thought process, and except for the lap band, have no idea of what else is out there. Or even it it would be my decision or the docs as to what to have. My sister had gastric bypass - can't tell you what kind - and now has ulcerative colitis so badly that she need a colostomy. Her docs absolutely insist it had nothing to do with her WLS, but she never had it before, so who knows. Some of the meds I take are narcotics, or controlled - Lyrica, Flexeril, Lunesta, Hydrocortisone, Fentanyl.  Would they be a problem? I guess I just have a zillion questions!  Thanks so much for taking the time to answer. I'll keep researching. Take Care, Lee

Hi there, Yes, arthritis is definitely a co-morbidity.  That is the one reason I was approved by OHIP for out of country WLS.  (Still early days for me though .. just getting set up for the initial consultation.) Has your personal care physician suggested WLS?  Or do you know if they are open to it? Unfortunately, I do not know about the specific drugs that you are on and whether or not you could still take them after the surgery.   Good luck! Marie

Thank you all for the replies. We are having a heck of a thunder storm, so I shouldn't be online too long.  I can hardly bend my knees - the pain is something else. My next appt I will get injections. I am just beginning my research on WLS - don't know what kind is best for me, or anything. I've got a lot to learn. Gotta go - the storm is getting bad.  Thanks, Leone

Arthritis is a consideration because it can be helped by the weight loss. As far as sleep apnea,etc, you would be worked up for things as part of your pre-surgical exams.  A great site to begin your research is www.obesityhelp.com, which has all kinds of information,forums,insurance stuff, etc. Another is www.lapband.com for information specific to that. I would also suggest maybe having a preliminary consultations with one of the surgical weight loss groups in your area. Your MD may have somemsuggestions, but some of the things I had learned (through months of research!) is to find one close to where you live (if you decide on the surgery there are multiple pre-and post-op visits), has support groups at convenient times, offers nutritional counseling, has good surgical outcomes, offers financial/insurance help, and has a staff that is helpful and knowledgeable. That's some of the criteria that I can think of for now. If you decide to go for a consult I found that bringing a list of questions and concerns is helpful. Is a long tedious process, but one that's designed for our safety and the best possible outcome. It's also very confusing, especially at first, but the support groups are very helpful with this - at least you find out that everyone is just like you and feels the same as you. Good luck!

The nurse at my surgeon's office said the only co-morbidities that insurance companies accept is congestive heart failure and diabetes....

Thanks for all the good info!  My insurance handbook says it will cover "banding" ( not the lap band, but the whole incision one) if the person is at least 100 pounds over the recommended weight and they have pre existing conditions, one of which is arthritis in the weight bearing joints. So I would assume that I would be covered . I just had cortisone injections in my knees and the Dr. said my knees were very bad and he wouldn't hesitate to recommend me for the surgery. So that's the good news - the bad news is I'm just not sure I'm ready to take that step yet. I have other health problems that probably should be addressed first. Many of my symptoms are pointing toward MS. I'm really scared about it - silly, I know, since I haven't been tested or anything. I guess time will tell, and I'll make the decision whether to go forward when I'm ready. Take Care All - Leone

Hi Leone, I have never visited this board till this morning, Just finding out I have arthritis in my knee and also need knee surgery cause of a torn miniscus. Anyway I haven't been approved, haven't even submitted yet, But I do have MS and I give myself injections daily for it, took a long time to get a diagnose, But I have been told by a few drs having the surgery isn't going to be a bad thing and it shouldn't hinder my outcome. Gina

Since your just starting looking - check out all the surgeries available to you. The big ones right now are labband, rny and Bpd/ds. Have you gone to any information sessions? They are usually held at the hospitals and some you need to register for. They are many sites with information on all the weight loss surgeries they are not all the same - yet all can help you lose the weight. Which surgery you chose is between you and the surgeon of your choice  Good Luck on your journey, Jeane P.s. I choose the ds - due to my health issues and need to take my arthritis meds