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I also have RA and am taking injectable Methotrexate and plaquinel. I am currently in the process of getting my surgery but the plan is for me to get RNY.
The best thing to do is ask each doctor why they want you to have the specific procedure they want. I personally did a lot of research on all the procedures and almost immediately ruled out the band, so it came down to the sleeve and the RNY, one thing to really consider with RNY is the fact that you can no longer take NSAIDS. On all three surgeries you can take oral meds so that shouldn't be a problem that being said I think after you find out everything about the surgeries you should decide which one is right for you, don't be afraid to disagree with the surgeon or your Rheumatologist, speak up and advocate for yourself.
I had the sleeve and I am very happy with it!
I was diagnosed with RA in 2008, I began taking MTX pills and plaquenil back then. I stopped taking the meds a month before surgery per drs orders and was told to begin taking them a month after. I had surgery in November, since then I have only taken MTX once and that was the end of November, I only took it because I was beginning to feel stiff but i haven't taken it since. I still take plaquenil. I am losing weight and feel good, I believe my diet has helped me stay away from MTX. I pretty much have a gluten free diet!
I forgot to tell u to look into supplements. Ask your doc if u can take Osteo-Biflex or a supplement with Collagen number 2. I know we already take lots of vits but after a while...what's one more? It becomes like second nature. I'm starting mine next week, hoping it will help!
5'5" HW/327 SW/314 CW/270 GW/140
Virgin DS on 12/19/12 - Dr. Michael Hill, NY
Hi there. I had a DS done at the end of December. I was also told I could not take NSAIDs. Some doctors say u cant and others say u can if u have the sleeve or DS...its split opinions there. I personally cant cuz it just messes with my stomach. Until I follow up with Rheumy all I have for pain is narcotics. Yes, Tylenol is junk when it comes to our joints. I have fibro too and since surgery I been with ZERO energy so exercise is out of the question. I however, started doing gentle yoga. Its not vigorous that it will exhaust me but enough to stretch out my joints and get some relief. I only do the poses I can tolerate and modify them with pillows where needed. Make sure u have clearance from doc before starting. There's all kinds of videos online and on youtube teaching how to yoga. I even started meditating when the pain is intense and it does help. It very refreshing and liberating! Hope u get some relief soon! :)
5'5" HW/327 SW/314 CW/270 GW/140
Virgin DS on 12/19/12 - Dr. Michael Hill, NY
I am six weeks post op from VSG, weight loss is going well, arthritis control is not. I am on Remicade with infusions every 6 weeks. Per my surgeon's orders I cannot take NSAIDS. My rheumatologist says to take Tylenol, which is worthless. Has anyone tried any natural remedies or acupuncture? Or does anyone have any thoughts or experience with this? I have been trying to exercise and the pain is getting too intense.
I'm not sure if you have tried Ultram (Tramadol) but it is stronger than Tylenol and not a narcotic.
I'm pre-op but both my surgeon and my Rheumatologist are comfortable with me using Utram for pain relief after my RNY. It is not an NSAID.
Hi...My Rheumatologist has recommended Weight loss surgery, and I have attended a seminar and had my initial consult with my surgeon. My RD wants the band, the surgeon wants a RNY and I would prefer the sleeve. Any thoughts from those of you who have had WLS and also have RA on which direction to go? I currently take injectable Methortrexate and injectable Cimzia...but I don't want to rule out the options for oral meds again at some point if possible....
thanks in advance...Marianne
Thanks so much Connie, Best of luck on your weight loss surgery. I am having my hip replacement in May I am hoping to be down between 90-100 pounds. I will still have a way to my goal weight but I will be in much better shape than prior to surgery.
Congratulations Debra on your weight loss. I had a hip replacement at 302 lbs because I broke it. It was a very long recovery for me and it still does hurt. When I tell the doctor that it still hurts, he ignores me and says it is my weight. They put in a DePuy Pinnacle (metal on metal) hip in me. The Depuy ASR (very similar to the Pinnacle) has been recalled because patients are complaining of hip pain. One leg is 1-1/8" longer than the other one now and it causes me problems with walking and stability. I am having gastric sleeve done hopefully next month. Both knees have no cartilage and will need to be replaced, but my Orthopaedic doc wants me to wait until I have had a significant weight loss. He told me that my different leg lengths and weight would make it very hard for me at the weight I am now. I am in quite a bit of pain with my knees, but I guess that will be incentive enough to stay on my diet plan after the sleeve surgery. Research the type of hip that your doc plans to use. Info is always good and you can then ask questions. Best of luck to you.
I don't believe that Sjogren's would be a comorbidity as it is caused by an autoimmune disorder and not from obesity.
