New to message board. Surgery date 9/20/06, open RNY - QUESTION?

Hi, I've been reading your posts and just want you to know how helpful they are. I'd like to know if anyone prior to their surgery had the following problems. My Ortho has recommended bi-lateral partial knee replacement surgery (my knees are now bone on bone on the insides); spinal stenosis; arthritis both hips. I'm unable to stand/walk over 2-3 minutes. I'm 5'3", 326 lbs. I can only lay on my right side and can't keep my knees straight without support or I have severe pain. My question is do you know if they provide support to these areas during surgery. Also, I read in some posts about your being taken off arthritis meds, why? Can't wait to to begin my new life......

Welcome! Sorry I can't offer help regarding your problems, but just wanted to say congratulations on taking the steps to get this surgery. It's life saving, life changing, just an amazing thing. My knees were really objecting to my weight before the surgery but I never saw a specialist for them. Now I feel great. Good luck as you continue your journey! We're here - drop in anytime and let us know if we can help!

I am having surgery on the 22nd and so I have no clue if they will support yourlegs. I imagine if you tell them they will. As for the anti inflamitory meds. You have to stop them because they can irritate the pouch and cause ulcers. I have bone on bone on both knees. I have been off my meds for the last 5 days and it's murder. I can hardly walk. I am hoping after the surgery, and the reduced weight, the pain will decrease in my knees and eventually I will have to get two knee replacements. Good luck with your surgery and just take it one day at a time. Take care....Deeanne

I can't imagine that if your surgeon knows about your problems that they would not be able to provide support for those areas. Most of us go off arthritis-type meds b/c they are too difficult for the pouch to handle. My surgeon does still have some patients on Celebrex but he requires them to be extra vigilent with their labs & diet so if a problem develops they can catch it quickly before too much damage is done. Good luck! Vickie J.

ask them to put supports under your knees.... like vickie said... they arent pouch frendly

congrats on your pending surgery. As an obese patient when you go into surgery they provide leg pads that pump and massage your leg providing circulation to your legs during surgery - in addition to your specific needs they will take care of and give u instructions during recovery. During surgery you all taken off all meds due to anethesiasia (im guessing) but once you're recovering they will start you on whatever is necessary to get you back on track. That is why it's soooo important to reveal to the docs all your necessary medical information so they can take procautions to get you on the right palth. Best of luck to you! Hugs

Sylvia. I am in Grand Island. Nice to see a local face on here. Good luck. Keep in touch. I am wanting the lap band surgery.

Hi and good luck to you. I'm over in Country Club Manor we're almost neighbors.

Hi Sylvia, I would like to wish you the best of luck on your up coming surgery. The doctor and hospital should help accommodate you as long as they know your needs. I have heard so many good things about Dr. Overcash so you are in good hands. I will be having surgery the same day as you and I would probably say at the same hospital also, ORMC in Ocala. Best wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery, Stephanie

Hi, I'll be at MRMC in Ocala, also. I am very impressed with Dr. Overcash & his staff, Patrice has been extremly helpful. Best wishes and a speedy recovery to you also, Sylvia.