Question:
I have had a lot of knee pain lately. I never had it when I was heavy....

Now that I'm at goal weight and a good weight for my height, my knees are killing me - especially if I'm standing for a long time. I guess I should see an orthopedist but was wondering if anyone else has experienced knee pain AFTER they lost their weight? I guess carrying around extra weight for so many years did some damage - but I'm scared to find out what's going on! thanks!    — michelle T. (posted on October 3, 2003)

October 2, 2003
Hmm. I'm 4 months post op and remember about a month after surgery, out of the blue, my right knee hurt like the dickens . . . . lasted for a few weeks, then it disappeared. Now all of a sudden at night, my lower back and hips are starting to ache. I understand that by your body shifting its center of gravity so fast it can cause joint pain, so maybe that's what's happening. Linda
   — lorien

October 3, 2003
I had the same problem. The doctor told me that it is because as you loose weight you are also loosing all the exess water you carried around. That excess water provided a "cushion" between joints.
   — Kimberly V.

October 3, 2003
My past weight killed my knees after an accident 3 yrs ago. I am 6 mos post op and last month I was in a heap of pain in one knee. My orthopedist talked to me for a while regarding my diet and what I was doing. He checked my labs which were fine. What he realized is that I have lost 70lbs and I am walking everywhere. Far more than I used to. My knees were not ready for it. We discussed quite a few options. I would suggest having an orthopedist check your knees. Due to your past weight, you may have damaged cartiledge or arthritis. In both cases they have ways of dealing with it which are not too bad. Don't be scared, get it checked out. Best wishes -
   — M B.

October 3, 2003
Michelle: I had back pain for 7 years preop. That got a lot better for me post op, but the knee pain that started only 6 months prior to surgery never got much better. What Kimberly's doctor said about the fluids makes sense. I also think it makes sense that we're more likely to be on our feet a lot more and that too could contribute to the continued or new pain. Don't be scared to find out what the problem is. Waiting won't make it better and seeking help might ease the pain. It won't make it worse, so go find out what it is and then email and let me know if you can. Thanks, Sherry
   — sherry hedgecock

October 3, 2003
I am preop but just started having knee pain this month. Obviously agravated by weight, but my doctor prescribed Advil (ibuprofen) (just 2 every 6 hours)to allieviate the inflamed knees and so far it's working great. Can you take that post op?
   — Dreaming2Bthin !.

October 3, 2003
I am the original poster. When one of you asked about calcium, that made me realize that the pain might be from that - I haven't been taking my calcium!!!! Money is tight right now and I've been skipping my calcium and vitamin daily so that might explain it. I've been trying to get my vitamins & calcium in foods, but I don't think I've been doing very well. SO, I will go to the store and get some. What is the best calcium to buy? I like the Viactive but I don't think we absorb them right. Thanks for all of your input. I'll probably go to the orthopedic dr. too. I had a baseline bone scan done last month and it came out just fine so far, but I need to start taking them again! :)
   — michelle T.