Question:
Does WLS cure most of the pain from osteoarthritis?

I would say that my arthritis pain is one of the MAIN reasons I am interested in WLS. Less pressure on the joints, less pain? yes? Will a time come when I can be medicine FREE?    — Eleanore Davis (posted on May 12, 2003)

May 12, 2003
Hi. I had knee surgery 1 yr before wls. I was diagnosed with stage 2 osteoarthritis. I started out MUCH bigger than you (388 lbs BMI of 62.6) Im almost7 months out and weigh 286. I would say that my pain is 2/3 gone. I still cant do step aerobics or lots of bending type exercises b/c of the pain. I took vioxx for 3 months after my knee surgery for pain...I finally gave up on because it wasnt really helping. The wls has been the one thing that has helped the most. Our damage is permanent so we will always have some pain with it.
   — cherokey55

May 12, 2003
I am over 2 years post-op and since surgery, I have taken an Aleve twice. The pain in my hip is almost non-existent. I am no longer on any arthritis prescriptions. The only thing I take is osteoporosis medication and my vitamins. The osteoporosis is hereditary. I had the beginnings of this before the surgery. I feel 100% better since my weight loss. You will love your new life and pain free body!!
   — Janie C.

May 12, 2003
WLS has helped SOME of my arthritis. Just not having to bear all that weight on my joints but I still have a lot of pain and it has not helped my fibromyalgia at all.
   — Delores S.

May 12, 2003
I am med free from the osteo. Had a few moments this passed winter where the pain in my ankles was kind of bad, but nothing some OTC meds couldn't handle. It's been wonderful! Depends a lot on which joint have the inflamation as to how well WLS will help.
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 12, 2003
WLS certainly has not cured my arthritis, though my weight bearing joints are happier. I still need my Celebrex, though the dose is smaller. I think the degree of obesity will factor into the answer too. The larger one is, the more WLS will benefit you, I suspect.
   — Bobbi G.