Question:
Any post-ops with rheumatoid arthritis?

How has your weight loss affected your rheumatoid arthritis? Was going off the NSAIDs permanently difficult?    — Susan B. (posted on May 2, 2002)

May 2, 2002
Hi Susan, I have lost 97 lbs since my RYN on Sept 5 2001. To my understanding we can take vioxx or celebrex and I am now taking a new medication called Bextra. The medications I mentioned are supose to be easier on your stomach. My Dr. told me to take them with Mylanta. I have had two flares with my Rheumatoid since my surgery. My Dr. had to give me a big steroid shot in my hip to pull me out of it. I quess I was hoping this surgery was a cure all, but I still have Rheumatoid arthritis. I hope I am not sounding ungrateful I would have this surgery all over again. The weight I have lost has to be allot better on my joints and all over health. If I can help in anyway please feel free to e-mail me at any time. (((HUGS)))
   — Kathy H.

May 2, 2002
Hi Susan,I had my surgery in Jan, 2002 and have lost 91 pounds so far with about 150 to go. I can't really say that losing the weight has changed my rhuematoid arthritis.I know eventually the weight loss will be better for all of my joints. I was on Plaquenil and Sulindac for the R.A. before surgery. Now that I am post I still take the Plaquenil and the doctor switched the Sulindac for Vioxx. If you need anymore info please feel free to email me.
   — toni D.

May 2, 2002
Hi, Susan. Gee, we ought to start our own little group - living with RA after WLS. I stopped all meds for RA on October 1, 2001. My surgery was Oct 17, 2001 and to date, I've lost 95 lbs. My left knee was too far gone to be saved and I had a total replacement done in December 2001. I'm only 45. The continued weight loss, however, has probably saved my right knee. I am still ouchy in the mornings, but now it's my shoulders and hands. I'm making an appointment next week to see my rheumatologist (he's the one who suggested I "have my stomach stapled") to see about starting Celebrex or Vioxx. He wanted me to do Enbril, but that's way expensive and I am no longer insured. Overall, it's been a blessing because I still feel significantly better than I did before surgery. Hope this helps...
   — linmazz