Bariatric surgery pros and cons with RA

July 25, 2005

HI,

Went for my second opinion today with another rheumy. He pretty

much would treat me the same way except wean my Prednisone and up my

Methotrexate which I am totally fine with and am going to ask my

regular rheumy to do. I am not going to switch for now anyway. It

is nice to know I have that option though.

However, he recommended bariatric surgery. I know I need to lose

weight and I have gained more on the Prednisone, but I was hoping

some would come off when I got off that. I am scared to death of

this for two reasons, plain old complications and coming off all my

RA meds and having a flare to do this. I am just starting to feel

better on the Humira. Any thoughts? Has anyone else done this

after they were diagnosed with RA? I know Tess had it done, but I

was not sure which she had first, the surgery or the RA?? Any

feedback would be greatly appreciated. You can email me or post

whichever.

Thanks everyone.

Tracie

July 25, 2005

Hi Tracie.

Bariatric surgery is a personal decision that you're going to have to

make. Really consider the pros and cons and try and join a WLS

support group to find out more information. I had my surgery almost 2

years prior to developing RA, and was lucky enough to lose 160 pounds.

Within 6 weeks of being on Prednisone, I managed to gain back 30

pounds. Still....down 130 pounds from my previous weight is fine with

me. I could not imagine having RA at my old pre-op weight. The

increased pain on the joints is brutal.

You have to ask yourself this: Will my long-term health improve once

I've recovered from the surgery? Is the Bariatric Surgeon familiar with

your needs in relation to RA and Sjogren's??

I am part of a local bariatric surgery support group where I live and we

strongly recommend that people attend a meeting prior to making a

decision.

Good luck with whatever choice you make.

> HI,

>

> Went for my second opinion today with another rheumy. He pretty

> much would treat me the same way except wean my Prednisone and

up my

> Methotrexate which I am totally fine with and am going to ask my

> regular rheumy to do. I am not going to switch for now anyway. It

> is nice to know I have that option though.

>

> However, he recommended bariatric surgery. I know I need to lose

> weight and I have gained more on the Prednisone, but I was hoping

> some would come off when I got off that. I am scared to death of

> this for two reasons, plain old complications and coming off all my

> RA meds and having a flare to do this. I am just starting to feel

> better on the Humira. Any thoughts? Has anyone else done this

> after they were diagnosed with RA? I know Tess had it done, but I

> was not sure which she had first, the surgery or the RA?? Any

> feedback would be greatly appreciated. You can email me or post

> whichever.

>

> Thanks everyone.

>

> Tracie

July 25, 2005