My father had gout for many years. I have never experienced any problem with it, or osteoarthritis either. However, I am on day 3 of the pre-op diet and using protein supplements. I've been stiff in the knees and hips and was awakened last night with sharp pain in my big toe. I was immediately wondering whether it was gout. I'm still going to do the lap-band surgery, because after I can eat again, I won't need the protein supplements. However, I think that gout could be causing this pain.

My surgeon put me on Mobic as it is supposed to be less bothersome to the stomach. I've not had any side effects with it. sue O.

I don't know about the cortizone, but I did have a series of injections of replacement synovial fluid in my right knee just before my WLS. The medication is sold under several names, Synvisc being one. It did WONDERFUL things for me, and I was told that as long as my last shot had been at least 2 weeks prior to surgery things would be fine. And just as an aside---what form of WLS are you having? I ask since you're diabetic, and 98+% of Type II diabetics who have the DS (duodenal switch) experience a 100% remission of symptoms, many within days after surgery. It's so effective in treating diabetes that surgeons in Europe have been doing the intestinal portion of the Ds even on non-obese patients for over ten years now! And since the DS leaves the patient with a fully-functional stomach (rather than a pouch and a stoma), taking arthritis meds like NSAIDs is still okay.

I had arthiritis in my knee before my WLS and since losing so much weight it has gotten better but I still have that feeling of being stiff from time to time as I'm on my feet with my job. More then likely you had it before your WLS and it just got worse over time. Donna

HI Sandra I am just courious how your DDD is now. I was denied the gastric bypass but instead was able to have a Panniculectomy. Which means they cut nearly 12 pounds off my lower stomach that was pulling my lower back inward. Since the surgery I have been able to walk like a normal human being (with the exception of the ankle of knee problems I have as well) I just wanted to let you know that the weight pulling from the stomach to the lower back completely relieved my back. I dont know it this would be an option for you or not but I did want to inform you of this information. I hope this letter finds you well. I hope you have a wonderful, safe and pain free life. Angel Hugs Kim MOndello AKA... Tegan Angel