Question:
Has anyone ever heard of severe arthritis in long-term post-ops due to

the malabsorption of calcium? I know that calcium citrate supplements are a life-long necessity after RNY, but I have had a chiropractor friend say that he has seen RNY patients have severe arthritis after having surgery.    — Cindy C. (posted on July 1, 2001)

July 1, 2001
Yes, Cindy, I have severe arthritis and it's 2 years since surgery. I can't absorb the calcium orally and have to take it intravenously. I had the BPD/DS though so I am not sure whether the RNY would also cause this. Good luck.
   — Barbara H.

July 1, 2001
I have heard of arthritis/oesteoporosis risks rising after any WLS surgery (with the DS the problem is malapsorption of vit D, a fat soluable vitamin and also calcium. With the RNY it is also the lack of absorption of calcium, since calcium absorption mainly occurs in the duodenum and this is bypassed entirely in the RNY. About 5 cm are left with the DS before the intestines are separated into the two 'limbs'). I really don't think that arthritis/osteoporosis are caused solely by WLS surgery -- there are also genetic factors involved. EAch person's body is different. I do know that this can be a problem for some post-ops. I had my three month post-op bloodwork and my calcium level was very slightly low (.02 lower than normal). However, my vit D and PTH levels were well within normal range. Calcium malapsorption is a concern of mine as a DS post-op. If anyone has any specific info on studies done that address this issue, I'd love to read them. All the best (lap DS with gallbladder removal, January 25, 2001)
   — Teresa N.

July 2, 2001
Well a pre op here with back, knee and other pain, probably from carrying around a extra person all these years. It may be noticed a lot in post ops because it lready was a problem for pre ops....
   — bob-haller

August 4, 2001
I am 11 months post-op RNY and had arthroscopic knee surgery last week for torn cartilige from a fall at work. I went for my follow-up appointment yesterday and the doctor told me that I have SEVERE arthritis in that knee. Arthritis is graded on a scale of 1-4 with 4 being the worst. As luck would have it I have grade 3 & 4 in all the joint capsules of my knee. At 42 I was NOT ready for a diagnosis like this!!! Both my parents had arthritis and I knew I would have it someday but wasn't expecting it so soon. I had a real pity party yesterday and am only feeling mildly better today. I'm waiting for authorization for physical therapy and an injection into the knee every week for 5 weeks. I never thought the calcium thing might be related. I am getting an osteoporosis screening at my husband's employer in 10 days so am anxious to find out about that. I also will be seeing my surgeon for my 1 year check up soon so I'm going to be checking into this. I would be interested to know if others have developed sudden onset arthritis after wls.
   — georgiacarol