Your input please....Lap Band or knee surgery first?

[happychick 0]

I am scheduled for arthroscopy on my knee for April 27th to remove bone fragments from a fall I took a long time ago. Recovery is about 4-6 weeks and I will be on crutches for at least 7-10 days. I have been told I will need to spend a lot of time going up and down the halls at the hospital on my crutches for the three days I will be in the hospital and I am really worried about this.

I have been trying to use them at home and I am in agony under my arms just trying to lug around all this weight and I give up after a few minutes. That's with being able to catch myself on both legs but after the surgery I won't be able to bear any weight at all on the one leg.

At home all the beds and the only shower in my home are on the second level. Since I am having a good spell right now with my knee (the pain comes and goes for weeks at a time) and I could probably have the Lap Band surgery in about six weeks I am seriously considering postponing the knee surgery until after I have lost some weight in order to make it easier on myself. Please share your thoughts on this as I am not 100% sure of what to do. Thanks!

[hakunamatata_ca 0]

My friend is waiting until next year for her VSG and having her Hip done in a month instead. She doesn't want to go through 2 surgury's and figures her hip should be first - she is a nurse and has to work. She uses a cane now and has had both knees replaced also in the last couple of years. Maybe your doctor could be the best advisor on that but just sharing some information.

I am scheduled for arthroscopy on my knee for April 27th to remove bone fragments from a fall I took a long time ago. Recovery is about 4-6 weeks and I will be on crutches for at least 7-10 days. I have been told I will need to spend a lot of time going up and down the halls at the hospital on my crutches for the three days I will be in the hospital and I am really worried about this.

I have been trying to use them at home and I am in agony under my arms just trying to lug around all this weight and I give up after a few minutes. That's with being able to catch myself on both legs but after the surgery I won't be able to bear any weight at all on the one leg.

At home all the beds and the only shower in my home are on the second level. Since I am having a good spell right now with my knee (the pain comes and goes for weeks at a time) and I could probably have the Lap Band surgery in about six weeks I am seriously considering postponing the knee surgery until after I have lost some weight in order to make it easier on myself. Please share your thoughts on this as I am not 100% sure of what to do. Thanks!

[lapbandgirl4life 0]

Take care of your knee first. Heal up and then have your lapband surgery. When you have your lapband surgery, one of major keys of success is to exercise, so you want your full mobility. If you dont have it, you may get frustrated that the pounds aren't coming off. I'd hate to see you set yourself up for that when it sounds like it could be avoided.

[happychick 0]

Thank you both for your replies. With the okay from my family doctor, I have decided to postpone my knee surgery for now. Now all I have to do is decided which surgery to get! I am still very set on the Lap Band and I hope to get some repsonses to my most recent post where the surgeon is proposing DS Surgery instead.

[Lolagirlie 0]

Get the Knee Surgery !!!! You can't have the lap band if you can't walk. It will leave you vulnerable to post operative blood clots, pneumonia..I'm sure you have heard this before. Walking is a vital part of recovery and one of the easiest ways to excersise which is also a key to recovery. Good Luck and let us know your progress!!

[aimtowin 0]

My mother just had her second knee surgery in 12 months. It's an amazing surgery. Good luck!

We are all blessed to be living in a time where medicine can assist in ways we never thought were possible.

[Jachut 487]

Hmmm, I really dont know what I'd do. On the one hand, you want to hit your lapbanded life running, with healthy knees.

On the other hand, having an operation which limits your mobility is a time when many people stack on a few pounds. And the lighter you are, the better your knee is going to heal. Plus you have a good chance of being one of the lucky ones and losing some easy weight quite fast in your first couple of months with minimal exercise. Having a band with good restriction will help you to stop from sitting round eating whilst you recover and will aid your recovery due to your lighter weight.

Sorry to throw a contrary opinion in there, but I think its is a valid consideration.

[hopelives124 0]

I agree with the last post. I had knee surgery three years ago the same as yours and it totally screwed up my knee even more. Plus weighing 250 pounds did not help the recovery. I am glad u decided to have the wls first-whichever procedure u decide to do. Pm me if u want. All the very best and please pick ur knee surgeon very carefully. I did not and have paid dearly for it!

[DaChanginQueen 0]

Just a thought, I need knee surgery also and my Dr told me that any surgery after the lap-band requires it to be deflated for the surgery...so assuming you have had a fill before surgery time...it would probably have to be taken out.

[Jachut 487]

Hmmm, good point.

[BandedCandace 105]

I need knee surgery, but am having lap band surgery first. i have no cartilidge in my knee so when i walk it is simply bone on bone. i can walk, granted it hurts like hell to work out, but i do because i know the more weight I loss the better my knee will be..the more weight i get off the easier recovery from knee surgery will be. Crutches are no fun, but they are definitely horrible when you are over weight. Good luck in your decision!

[Lisa0203 73]

I would do the lap band first. Losing weight could very well reduce the amount of pain you are experiencing in the knee and you may be able to put it off for a while. As far as the crutches causing you pain...it's very important that they be fit to you properly. Adjusting them for your height is easy because the measurements are on the bottom. The most important part though is the hand bars. Make sure the underarm portion is approx 2 fingers below your armpit when standing tall. Then, move the hand bars til they hit just where the heel of your hand is. When walking with them, make absolute certain you put all of your body weight on your hands, not your armpits. It's much more safe and painless for you to get around! Last resort, wrap the armpit pieces with hand towels and rubber bands to give more cushion. Good luck with both surgeries and best wishes for a healthy and speedy recovery!!!!

[CHEZNOEL 4,061]

My lap band eliminated the need for me to have the knee surgery. I would do the lap band first.

[janetlapbander 0]

knee surgery first I did mine first I had a torn acl

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