I'm 47 and I too had the same problems and 2 very bad knees that are bone on bone.  I had my RNY gastric bypass on 11/13/08 and have lost 72 lbs in 4.5 months.  The weight coming off has made a difference.  Not being on the NSAIDS , I was prescribed Norco which is like Lortab - Hyrocodone but with lower dosage of Tylenol.  I  get the epidurals - it only pinches for a few seconds but you get 6 months of relief.  I highly recommend it.


With the extra weight off I can walk a little bit better - not far but I use a cane instead of a walker.
I still use the handicapped carts at the grocery and have the placard.  The pain in my knees is o****il 4 am when it wakes me up and I have to take a pill.   I am down to 3 Norco's a day now.

I do water aerobic exercises in a bariatric exercise program at our local healthplex -- its a gym connected to the hospital.  They have a warm water therapy pool that I can do exercises in too.
This exercise 3 times a week has helped me too.

Life is possible without NSAIDS -- I hope the surgery helps and exercise too.  Follow what the Physical Therapist/Pain Mgmt Doctor tells you - there are some exercises that strengthen those back musles that help with the pain too.

Good luck and give us an update.

I agree with the post about the physical therapist.  I have psoriatic arthritis that is in my hands and knees.  My sister is a physical therapist and she has helped me greatly.  They can give you ideas to strengthen your legs without putting to much pressure on the joints.  I would really recommend a PT as well.

I also have had  DDD for 17 years now.  Been through it all, water therapy, physical therapy, pain management, epidurals, injections, and finally a trial stimulator where you shoot electrical charges to the nerves.  Found the stimulator gave a shock at a green light while driving.  So did not have it implanted.   Pain causes stress, and stress causes pain.  Get rid of the stress and you will find some relief.  Depression is also a part of the pain.  I have been on medicine for the last 17 years.  My WLS is scheduled for April 9th. 

were you not able to have VSG revision instead?

I was diagnosed with RA 3 months after RNY gastric bypass surgery. I have had RA for years but it was mis-diagnosed as gout and regular arthritis because of my weight. I take methotrexate (6 pills or 15mg) once a week and 2 plaquenil pills daily. After months of the medication the RA has gotten much better. My rheumatologist has me taking two pills an hour for three hours (methotrexate) instead of all pills at one time because of my pouch. I know this may not answer you r questions; however, I really just wanted to share my experience with RA and weight loss surgery.