Hi Rose, I surely was interested in your post. I had weight loss surgery last November. Since Spring, my arthritis (osteo) has gotten steadily worse. Before surgery, Alleve worked really well for me, along with Tylenol some of the time so that my stomach would not get irritated from the Alleve. Of course, no more Alleve for me, and Tylenol doesn't seem to make a dent most days. I have a prescription for Propox (generic Darvocet) that does really work well. However, it is an opiate and I am sure would be addictive eventually, although my doctor says not likely. I will probably be seeing a rheumatologist before too long, as I don't know how I am going to get through this coming Winter. I was also assured that getting some of the weight off would improve my situation. I have lost over 130 lbs and am not better. WLS has improved my life in so many ways, I wouldn't go back to being that fat again. But I could certainly live without the constant pain. I am 63, otherwise in good physical health and both of my parents are in their late 80's. Sometimes the thought of dealing with this for the next 20-30 yrs is so depressing. Kath

I have been told that pain meds will be ok but no anti inflamitory meds. That means no Celebrex. I take Voltaren and Lyrica and I imagine after my surgery I will not be able to take them. I will however be able to take the Oxycodone and MsContin I take for pain. OA sucks but I am hoping the loss of the weight will greatly decrease my pain and increase my mobility. (No Advil or Motrin either....only Tylenol) Good luck.....Dee

Hi Jon, I was just given extra strength tylenol..we will see how it works! I have taken prednisone before for lung infections and boy I hate the stuff (side effects). It was suggested to me today for my arthritis but I refuse to use it. Rose C.

Debbie, I can't answer your question about the diagnosis or insurance in your State. But were I live in CA and with Health Net as my provider, just having a BMI of 40 or more qualifies for the RNY gastric bypass. I just had my surgery two weeks ago with no problems and so glad I did. You should not delay and start the process ASAP. At BMI 52 you should qualify.

This is very simplified and basic. Fat makes estrogen. Less fat, less estrogen. Over 50? Menopausal or perimenopausal? Estrogen has a lubricating effect on joints. I tried going without my patch and my fingers and hips started killing me. I use Viville dot .05. It is the least risky hormone replacement product. It was magic for me and maybe it will work for some folks here.