other health problems aggrivated by weight-rhumetoid arthritis

Scarlett O'hara · October 21, 2007

Hi,

I am currently waiting for approval (hopefully only 3 months to go)!

Besides a weight problem, I also have rhumetoid arthritis-I was wondering does anyone else who has had lap band surgery have a disease that can be aggrivated by your weight?

How did you cope with the disease and its problems after surgery? did loosing weight help ease your other symptoms?

I currently take a drug called enbrel to control my RA and will have to stop taking it a few weeks pre & post op. I am afraid not only will I be dealing with my new lap band, new eating AND have to deal with a severe flare up of the RA.

Scarlett O'hara · April 1, 2008

This has been up since November, 80 people have looked at it and no one can relate or has anything to say? :lol:

luluc · April 1, 2008

I'll chime in on my first view. I was diagnosed a few months back with Ankylosing spondylitis. AS is a form of RA that attacks the spine, causing joint pain, in the normal places: Knees/Hips/Ankles/Wrists.

I knew I had joint pain - but just thought, I'm WAY overweight & not active. It was after I had the Lapband & started exercising that I really needed this checked out. After a Lot of tests / MRI's / sonograms etc...My Rheumatologist advise on a pain med that's works with the lapband, that's injections each month of non NSAIDS,,,We're testing out a few w/coordination w/my Lapband Dr.

Bottom line - best course of action is ACTION. Getting weight off the bones, and being active are the 2 top priorities in addressing issues w/RA (as described to me).

My mom is a skinny minnie (has been her whole life)...she has RA and it was diagnosed well advanced that she now has her ankles & hips "Pinn'd" in place. She exercises now, but for the most part - damage is done.

Not sure I'm telling ya much more that most Dr's will - Weight Loss & Exercise delay this progressive disease. Good luck!!

Scarlett O'hara · April 2, 2008

Thank you for sharing and responding! I have been attending a RA group for the last few years, and I am by far the most overweight, & no one there has been heavy & lost to say if how much/if there is relief that comes with weight loss. Of course, all of my Dr.s are supportive of the lap band surgery. I am just wondering how much relief (if any) one might feel after loosing some weight.

I have been heavy so long (really packed it on after onset of RA b/c I could no longer move much) I can't remember what its like to move without pain and fat getting in the way. I am not asking for 100% of my old self back. Just would like 50%.

I am scheduled for surgery April 30th !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 29 days away!

CherieLynne · September 7, 2009

:blush:

Thank you for sharing and responding! I have been attending a RA group for the last few years, and I am by far the most overweight, & no one there has been heavy & lost to say if how much/if there is relief that comes with weight loss. Of course, all of my Dr.s are supportive of the lap band surgery. I am just wondering how much relief (if any) one might feel after loosing some weight.
I have been heavy so long (really packed it on after onset of RA b/c I could no longer move much) I can't remember what its like to move without pain and fat getting in the way. I am not asking for 100% of my old self back. Just would like 50%.

I am scheduled for surgery April 30th !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 29 days away!

I know your post is old, Scarlett, which is exactly why I'm writing to you! I have serious RA (enbrel, methotrexate, prednisone, etc.) and have appts. later this month to decide on a doctor for my lap band. I'd love to know how your journey has gone since you were banded. I am determined to do this. Thanks in advance.

Scarlett O'hara · September 9, 2009

Hi Cherilynn,

I am happy to answer your question! I had my surgery a year and half ago and have lost 50 lbs. Slow going, but it took a while for me to find my sweet spot with the band! at first I was loosing 2-3 lbs a month (or nothing at all) the last 2 months I lost 7 lbs each month! So I think things are beginning to move along now.

I move alot when I can (walking with the kids, doing physical therapy) anything I can do when my joints will let me. I have even been thinking another 20 lbs and I will be ready to get back on my bicycle! I was a size 24 on my surgery date and now my size 20's are getting loose on me. Oh yeah, an extra bonus, my feet shrunk 1/2 size, dont swell anymore. my blood pressure is normal and my cholosteral is good.

the weight loss has helped much with the pain in my joints. I get around better than I have in 7 years!

Of course I would love to have lost faster, but in reality I would not change a thing.

Make sure you check with your r/a doctor to see how long he wants you off your meds before and after your surgery ~ that was really one of the hard things. But you do what you gotta do right?

Hope this helps & best of luck on your journey!:thumbup: