ObesityHelp

I'm a HIPPIE
Total right hip 5 or 6 years ago. The key to the whole deal is just like wls...find the best surgeon and go for it. My surgeon does only hips and knees. I had to go to a nursing home for 2 weeks, but only because of my size at the time. The worst was getting the right leg into bed since the muscles are cut. Walked with a walker at first, but no big deal.
If you can do wls, you can do the hip for sure. I had the open D/S and it was tougher because of where the cut is. I would not hesitate to have either one again if I needed to.
Best of luck and keep kick'in !!!!

Hi Kathie,

My name is Janet and I am a long term WLS surgery veteran.  Eleven years this coming September.  I am 61 years old and my only regret is I didn't have the surgery earlier.  I've had osteo arthritis since I was in my 30s, and have finally worn down both hips to the point that I have bone on bone and bone spurs complicating the issue.  I've seen two orthopedic surgeons and gotten the same answer that hip replacement surgery on the right hip needs to be done now and the left hip will need it soon.  i was so glad to see your post and hear that you are very happy with your hip replacement.  I've had a number of surgeries to remove and remodel minor, mushy parts of my body - but for some reason, I've been really terrified of the hip replacement.  I'm thinking it's the prospect of the restrictions during recovery.  I KNOW logically that recovery is only a short time, but every time I read the literature the doctors have given me about the various restrictions, I get scared all over again.  I had hoped to have the surgery through an anterior incision, which seemed to be a bit easier recovery - but with the bone spurs, the doctor says he needs to go in through the buttock and really get in there to try to clean out the spurs.  One thing that surprised me (and after 11  years of relatively "normal" weight, I'm not surprised much any more) was that the doctor's secretary told me I was lucky that I wasn't overweight because they have so many overweight patients and it takes much longer to schedule them because they encourage them to try to lose weight.   I'd appreciate any encouragement anyone can give me to get me through my fears! 

I will soon need a hip replacement.  I am waiting to loose all the weight before considering a hip replacement.  I am a little concerned because an orthoperic surgeon told me that I should wait as much as possible before getting a replacement due to the fact that they only last 10 to 15 years.   I will get several opionions come next year.

Amy:

Thanks for your answer.  After I loose the weight and reach my goal, I will go to the specialist and see what my options are.  I want to delay surgery as much as I can. 

I've been in PT for the past two months and that combined with losing some weight does seem to be making a difference. I am in no way saying I have a new hip~but have been at least able to climb a ladder, ride a bike, etc.

My surgeon is looking to get approval from my insurance company to use a trial of Synvisc in my hip. Right now it is only labeled for knees, so not sure if the insurance company will agree for the hip. But he said that it is worth a shot and might buy another few years if they work. Might be something for you to look into....

Amy

Well...I tried the synvisc injection last month and didn't make a difference at all. I had a follow up with the ortho about two weeks ago and he said that I just need to get it replaced and stop messing around with it.  He said he does an anterior approach and the surgery is only about 90 minutes and I would be up, around and released from his care within 2 months. Now I just need to be able to schedule it around work!  Thanks again for the encouragement.