So...here's my question du jour

In 2 days, I will see a new surgeon, not the one who placed my Lap Band.  I am hoping and praying that he will agree to do a revision to either the sleeve or DS, soon.  However, I have severe arthritis thoughout my spine and body. Both knees have been replaced and entire spine is a mess.  I have been forced to be quite sedentary because of this and as I read so many of your posts on many of the boards, I have this question and am hoping for many positive answers.

Will I be able to become as physical as many of you, to run and do things I haven't been able to do in decades?

  I realize everyone is different and I have a lot to deal with that is hindering me.  I am being realistic and want realistic expectations.  But am also looking for hope that I can do more after revision and some weight loss. I want to be able to walk anywhere, for periods of time, to go shopping without al the pain, to hike maybe.  Just looking for some hope. 

I think that's a very hard question to answer, unfortunately. It's all going to depend on how much your weight is exacerbating the problems caused by the arthritis. But I think it's reasonable to think that losing the extra weight can only help your situation! Now, how much it may help, that's not clear. Perhaps your doctors could give you more specific information, do you see a specialist for the arthritis?

Sadly, from what you've said it doesn't seem reasonable to me to think that you may end up pain free, for example. But could you feel much, much better? I would certainly not give up hope on that!

Good luck to you, and I wish you the best possible results from your surgery.

This will be a question you'll need to ask the surgeon.  As someone who has spinal issues (DDD, Spondy, and a 3-level lumbar fusion), I'd say no, you won't be able to run and be extremely active.  I would imagine, however, that you might find walking and getting around easier.  I walk 3-5 miles a day/usually six days a week.  I bought a Fitbit in October and just got my 500 mile badge yesterday, meaning I've walked 500 miles since I got it, so about 100 miles a month.

I lost over 150lbs and weigh 130lbs and the only thing not helped was my arthrtiis, hip, neck, back.  There are things I just cannot ever due because of the damage 20 years of MO.

My arthritis is much improved with my weight loss and my daily walking and other exercise, but my arthritis wasn't that severe to begin with. I worked up gradually with the exercise and walking. So I'm one of the lucky ones.

But as you said, everyone is different- your mileage may vary.

Good luck with getting your other surgery!

Thanks so much for your posts, they are appreciated!

  It gives me hope even if I am not able to do a lot.  If I can just walk distances, I can lose weight faster.  My arthritis came on early, around 40 years old, and I have no thoughts of being pain free post surgery.  But the thought of moving easier, not lugging this weight around, sounds fantastic, even if walking is all I can do.  I want to be able to walk thru the farmers market, craft fairs, etc. I also make jewelry and would like to participate in more shows!  As I am now, I have been in a few of them and if my best friend had not been there to help me set up and take down, I couldn't have done it.  The pain is just too severe. 

I would like to get off the narcotic pain relievers and stay off...hopefully that might happen.  Yes, I will ask the surgeon but he probably cannot answer it for certain until after surgery.

The one thing I guess you can count on is feeling better after surgery.  I would think not carrying extra weight would help your situation a lot.  But time will tell!  Don't forget with RNY you can't take NSAIDs ever!  I know these are go to drugs for arthritis.  So if you want to get off stronger meds this is something to think about.

I was diagnosed with arthritis at 20. When I had my DS at 45, I was practically in a wheelchair. I couldn't shop anywhere that didn't have handicapped carts. Three months after my DS, I was working in the garden for hours at a time.

My level of pain is about the same as it was pre-op, but I'm able to actually DO things, instead of just sitting around and hurting. I find this quite acceptable.