Hip replacement and WLS- which first

I am investigating both hip replacement and gastric bypass. Any suggestions which should come first based on you experience.

I am in a catch 22. I really need the hips (s) but I am thinking that recovery would be better if I losing weight. What do you think! 

I can empathize with you Debra.  I had my RNY in June 06, some plastics in 08 and then finally January 2012 I had the first of my knees replaced.  I was over 500 when I started and lost aroung 270 lbs. quickly.   My knees were destroyed so even if I weighed 100 lbs. I was going to be in pain.  Unfortunately, the knees were so bad that my movement was very restricted and due to other problems I gained back 80 lbs.  I still have over 100+ to lose but even with the one knee I can feel the difference.

I had to do it this way as not many surgeons will replace a knee on a SMO person. 

Ask yourself how much pain are you in?  Can you wait another year?  That will tell you what you have to do.  The less you weigh the less risk of complications in surgery.

I flew through all of my surgeries with no problems, thank you God. 

I also was in rehab with several hip replacement people.  They seemed to do very well only a day or so after surgery. 

Good luck with your decision.  I hope this helps.


Jeanne

Thanks so much Jeanne, for sharing your story

Hi Debra,

I needed both and selected to have my bariatric surgery first and six months later had my hip replacement. It worked out extremely well and during my recovery from my hip surgery I was grateful to be almost at my goal weight.

Please let me know if you have any questions and I'll be happy to work with you. Although I LOVE my bariatric surgery, having my hip replacement and being out of pain was even better.

Send me a friend request and let's talk.

I was concerned because of arthritis in my knees that hasn't responded to arthroscope and various injections.  The Dr said knee replacements was the next option.  I knew that we are to walk and exercise after WLS but that is not easy for me.  Rehab after arthroscopic was not to hard but it wasn't easy being overweight getting up and down.  Thus, I opted to get weight off and see how bad the knees continue to be.  Thus far they feel the same so surgery will probably be in the future but I think it will be easier rehab and recovery with this excess weight gone.  Please keep in touch and let us know what you do and how you do.  In His Love Barb

Barb, thanks so much for sharing your experience.  I will keep in touch, I am going for my orientation for WLS in a couple of weeks so I hope those wheels move quickly for that because I am sure the hip surgery will take a while to move along. Also hoping that my hips my improve when they not carrying twice the weight they should have to.
Many Hugs Deb

I opted for WLS first because my doc said they would be reluctant to do surgery on me ( bothe knees and r hip) because of my weight and frankly I was hoping if I could loose at least 80 lbs I MIGHT not need knee replacement.
My knees feel better already , but still hurt , my hip is better after the last injection. I do NO exercise , only stretching.
If you opt for WLS first , your other issues may help you get it !!
Good luck

I wanted to give you an update. I have seen the orthopedic surgeon and both my knees are good. He believe I will need at least one hip replacement but agrees that I should proceed with the WLS first.

In the meantime I have my date and will have my surgery RNY on October 19 and once I have lost enough weight and am ready I will go for the hip replacement. I am happy with my decisions now I just have to execute my plan.Just started my 2 weeks of Optifast.

I know this is an older thread but I had WLS 3 yrs ago and just got a new hip 9/6/12...walker for 6 weeks toe touch only...NO WAY I could've made it at top weight, my arms & hands were killing me from the walker, since then, I've had pretty much no pain unless I've gotten carried away, I have a tendency to do that. Good Luck whenever it's scheduled for both surgeries! by the way, the more weight you carry shortens the life of the new hip and crazy things like running & trampoline, I was advised against things like that!

Thanks Rachel. I had my surgery in October and have lost 55 lbs, I have booked my surgery for may and hope to lose another 40 pounds before my hip surgery. Thanks for your input. I understand about the arms and hand pain from the walker. I have been using a cane for some time and my wrists are hurting so badly and I I have such calluses on my palms from the cane. I can hardly wait until the pain is gone.