Hi Tori-I have had severe rheumatoid arthritis since I was 12 yrs old in my knees-after I had RNY back in 2003 I was told I could take my arthritis meds as long as I took protonix to coat my pouch. Not all surgeons agree with this though-so be sure to ask yours about it. Also be sure to tell your rheumatologist about your upcoming surgery so they are aware of it. Best wishes to you!

Yes, please do post on the main board.  It sounds very complex.  Focus on what you CAN do, and keep loving him no matter what.  If he is used to snacking through the day, and then comes to you for a weekend, it is not surprising that he is hungry.  His body demands it.  It may be that the craving built up results in even more eating when he goes back to his mother.  I have no clue how I would handle this - except it seems that it is family issue and not just about your little boy.  Maybe if you prepared ahead of time, before he comes for a visit... and have all kinds of fresh food choices with delicious no fat dips so on an so forth that he can have at any time.  Join him!  I think professional help for you and your spouse in how to deal with this could be very useful.  Good luck!

Definitely a good idea to see a good rheumatolist (arthritis doc).

There are a few different types of spinal arthritis and there are some pretty good treatments for the pain. I agree it is a good idea to pursue this before WLS, although as you lose weight it will probabaly help some just from carrying less weight around.

Swimming or "swim-workouts" are usually reccommended for people with arthritis since the boyancy in water takes strain off of the joints.

Good Luck!
-lazer

Tori,

I have psoriatic arthritis which is in the RA family.  I have had RNY.  The big problem is that you can't take NSAIDS.  But thats not all that bad.  The thing is they have so many other kinds of therapy now.  The problem is that that medication reduced the function of your immune system. 

Keep the Rheumatologist in the loop.  I could not take any of my medications immediately before or after my RNY.  But then I went back on them.  My Arthritis was terrible in my feet, knees and hips, as well as my hands.  Losing the weight has made a huge difference in how my weight bearing joints feel.  I no longer use a wheelchair or a walker. 

You just have consider that you have more than one health interest going on  and you have too keep all of your doctors talking to each other as you proceed....

You'll do fine.  Good Luck,,

Kelly

I just had a sleeve gastrectomy 2 weeks ago, and my surgeon wants me on prilosec or another acid reducer for life.  But I take remicade for my arthritis.  I could swear I have read that you shouldn't take prilosec with remicade, but I can't find the information sheet where I read it.  Does anyone know what I'm talking about?  Is there a safe acid reducer for use with remicade?  What about prevacid, or something like that?