Gayle,  I was searching the boards to see if anyone started a topic on gout.  After a ton of pain and subsequent research on web md, I believe I may have gout.  I had lap band surgery about 1 year ago and am down about 70 lbs.  My daily diet consists of 4 slices of turkey bacon every morning with coffee, lunch is something light, maybe some nuts for a snack and dinner is 1 - 2 ounces of meat and a few bites of whatever else is on the table.  I discovered this turkey bacon just about 4 months ago and I love it.  Do you think that 4 slices is too much to eat and causing the gout pain?  Take into consideration my other foods, I really dont eat that much.  I live in Tarrant county but my rhuematologist is in Lewisville.  Who do you use?  Do you take Aleve?  What type of wls will you have done? 

Hi. I will be having my consult with the surgeon on October 30th. Until that time, I am trying to learn as much as I possibly can about my WLS. I have arthritis in my lower spine and right hip. About a year ago, I tripped over a student and speeded up the damage to my right hip. I have difficulty walking, even with NSAIDS, and the doctor says it is only a matter of time before I am in a wheelchair. So, I am also looking at a hip replacement in the near future. This is my question. I realize that I will need to be off NSAIDS for a period of time after WLS. As I read various posts, some people returned to them just following surgery while others needed to wait a year or more before taking them again. To me, dealing with the pain is worth it in order for me to return to a healthier lifestyle. I do, however, also know that exercise is a critical component of successful weighloss. I have been using a pool for my exercise during the warmer months as it is outside. Currently, I do not have access to an indoor pool. What are some low impact exercises I might be able to do to make sure I am meeting the adequate physical requirements? Thanks in advance for your help.

I have RA and Fibromyalgia and just started Lyrica a few days ago. I was switched from Neurontin. I haven't noticed any improvements yet and the side effects so far have been dry mouth and dizziness. I'll keep you posted.

Hi - This is Leone thanking you all for the replies. I'm learning, but there is so much to take in!  I'm not too crazy about the lap band - all the follow ups and fills seems like a never ending process. That's not to say it isn't good, it just doesn't seem like what I would want. I do like the VSG idea - it doesn't mess with the intestines. But the closest surgeon that does that is four hours away. We'll see. Anyway, thank you all and have a good night. Leone

I just found this board today. I am 60 yrs old and have fibro and arthritis in back and all over really have already had 2 toltal knee repleacements. I had my gastric bypass 9/26/06. I have lost about 165 lbs. Well my shoulders are killing me to move them at all. I go to chiropractor every week. I was thinking of maybe this Lyrica for my fibro but it says can cause dizziness and because of inner ear damage I am very susciptalble to dizziness. Any ideas on why shoulders could be hurting. I had Xrays and it showed no real bad arthritis in shoulders.