Question:
knee replacement?

I am considering knee replacement but would like to hear if anyone was able to avoid such surgery by losing weight? Is is the weight that is causing the pain or my arthritis?    — pat F. (posted on October 24, 1999)

October 25, 1999
Hi Pat, I had started at about 278lbs to 270lbs. My wt is now 216lbs. I have arthritis in my knee and also multiple foot problems I had to wear inserts in my shoes, I was miserable daily. I hobbled out of work every day I felt very old. I am 37 I felt like 80. I stand all day at work. I now have no pain in my knee or feet except when the weather presssure changes. My knee will hurt for a couple of days but nothing compared to the pain I had on a daily basis. I would very much incourage wt loss as a remedy to reduce any knee pain. It has worked for me. I also had the option of knee surgery and foot surgery. Now its not an issue. juanita
   — juanita C.

January 25, 2000
After knee surgery, and finding that nothing can be done short of knee replacement, I am looking to the WLS as my answer. I have severe arthritis in my knees, and other places, and the knee that was just operated on has a "pothole" in the top of the tibia where the Femur is crushing down on it. I asked them if they didn't have some sort of "bone spackle" to fix it. They said at this time, there was no way. So the pain continues as I await my insurance to do something about this. I have the feeling I am going to have to self pay, but I'm being a bit premature. I don't think I am being negative, as there is an exclusion for obesity treatment in my policy, and they have already told my PCP no, but she submitted the referral anyway. She's a good Doc!
   — Statuesque

September 14, 2002
I'm 27, and used to weigh 310 or more. I had knee, ankle, and hip pain. I have lost about 50 lbs in the past 2 1/2 months, and no longer have these pains. I can even go to the gym to work out without pain. Also, I have had problems in the past with my right knee dislocating. I did not have the recommended knee surgery to correct the torn ligaments. I think wls can help.
   — Candy J.