has anyone had the WLS and found a significant amount of relief from your arthritis - specifically osteoarthritis in legs and knees also specifically a morbidly obese patient

I know what you mean about arthritis in the mid-back. Ouch. Aches and sharp pains. I was approved for surgery but my finger joints swell a great deal and so it shows. Makes approval easier I personally think. Also I have high blood pressure so that helped too as a reason for the surgery and a little history of asthma. I am morbidly obese. My BMI is over 42, about, that helped. Do you have anything other than arthritis in the mid-back to be a reason for the surgery? It all helps. I also wrote down my history of obesity and weight loss and had that put in my file. Good luck. Terri

I have had gouty arthritis for several years. The only time I get an attack is if I overeat protein like red meat, shrimp, etc. When I am trying to stay on any kind of dieting effort, I have no pain. It's like "everything in moderation" works. I can eat a "normal person" portion of meat or seafood, but "MY normal" portion will kick in with gout and is it ever painful! Try limiting protein. Lynne

To update, I saw a new rhuemy last week. He asked lots of questions, did a really poor range of motion exam, took x-rays of JUST my fingers and toes and told me I do not have RA. Told me to continue on the predisone IF I Wanted TO - come back in 3 months and see his PA. I asked about the pain and inflammation and he said, "well that's invisiable isn't it". I made an appt, but I don't know if I'm going back or not, I feel like that whole visit was a waste of my time and money. This doc is supposed to be the best one in Omaha NE. He also refused to give me a scrip for the predisone. I thank you all for the response tho.

i have had RA, OA and fibro Diagnosis now for almost 3 yrs. I also have aggressive disease. I am on Enbrel 25mg twice weekly, MTX 17.5 mg weekly injections, Bextra 10mg daily, folic acid 5 mg, Leukovorin, prednisone 5mg daily, calcium, Vit D, magnesium, multi-vit, envening primrose oil, B complex vit, Nexium, reglan, and actigall. I had my lapband surgery May 10, 2004. I did not chose RNY because I have a lot of problems with folic acid, B-vit defi****ncy and anemia from the MTX(which is a chemo drug). Bypassing small bowel would only make the problem worst and also cause me to have problems absorbing my meds. I talked with my Surgeon and Rheummy about this. My rheummy was not helpful at all. He is not a support of WLS. My PCP was very supportive and agreed with all the problems I had with mouth, throat and eye sores as well as nausea, diarrhea and vomiting from MTX. RNY Was not for me. I have been wondering how RNY patients do with RA cause of malabsorption? Do you have to take more of you meds or adjust your dosages? I think for those of use with RA this medication absorption issue is one to be discussed in detail before surgery. I am also sure proximal, medial or distal RNY will also make major difference in how you absorb meds. Another lady suggested crushing meds and taking in apple sauce or yogurt so they are better absorbed for RNY patients. This might be worth a try for all meds that are not time released. I also take tylenol, ultram or darvocet for pain as needed. I rarely take anything stronger than the ultram. I had 4 weeks of no meds before and after surgery. I had a 4 week remission of no pain or swelling. It was great. Though with the terrible weather we have been having here in Texas my remission was short lived and I am back on all meds. I also had to have a greenfield vena cava filter inserted one week before my surgery and it was a breeze. Antoinette in TX banded 5-10-04 256/238/150