Gastric Bypass & RA | Arthritis Information

Has anyone here had Gastric Bypass surgery done after being dxd with RA?

Hiya, Lisa! Can't say I know of anyone who has. I would think it would be nearly impossible due to the medications we're on and how they slow down our healing process. I did have a friend who does not RA have the procedure done and it took her quite a while to recover. I remember she had problems with nutrient absorption and a heck of a time relearning how to eat. Her hair and skin suffered from the lack of nutrients as well. It took her a while to figure things out but she did lose a lot of the weight quickly. I guess it was about 6mos later that she figured out the proper vitamin cocktails to take and stuff like that. Hi Lisa, I asked my GP about this and she said there would be no point for me as the steroids I have been on for 7.5 years would make it very hard for me to lose weight and the fact that I can't exercise, you have to be able to exercise to help shift the weight, so she said no, hope this helps you. My friend has just had it done, he has lost lots of weight but he became very depressed and says he doesn't enjoy eating anymore!!! Good luck, Janie.

[QUOTE=janiefx]My friend has just had it done, he has lost lots of weight but he became very depressed and says he doesn't enjoy eating anymore!!![/QUOTE]

This is what is what is happening with a lot of GB patients. You get rid of the weight, but you don't deal with the problem at hand...Why is the person eating and gaining so much weight? Lots of GB patients are turning to other addictive behaviors...drinking, smoking or drugs.

But, this is how our society deals with mental health issues....quick fixes without dealing with the root of the problem.

I know two people that had GB surgery. For one it worked well, she lost a lot of weight and has kept it off for quite a few years now. The other lost some weight initially but put it back on. Neither has RA, so I guess it doesn't really help answer your question.I had a friend who had it done and she died about a year later. Was very
sad. She was 63 when she died. She should never have had it done.

This is a BAD surgery. I take care of people all the time who have nothing
but complications from it. Yes, there are success stories out ther but
statistics show that most of the people gain the weight back within 8 years.
So, there they are, back to square one but have a totally screwed up
digestive system to deal with.

I would NEVER do this if I was heavy enough to have it done.

Please don't do this - AI people do not absorb vitamins and minerals correctly. If we did, we probaly wouldn't be in this mess. If you mess up your digestive system...I shudder to think.

Pip

Don't think I will...just checking into it. Surgeon said I would have to be off Prednisone for nine months before procedure. I am concerned on how well my body would react to such a procedure.

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Lisa, I really hope you decide not to. I would hate for you to have to go through the complications of major surgery in addition to the madness of RA.

Please don't take offense for the next few things I say.

I know you probably don't want to hear it and I hope you're not cussing me over there: diet and exercise. I know, I know. You hear it all the time and it's so much easier said than done (especially when it's coming from a health nut who has 0% body fat and adds an extra hour to their countless hours spent at the gym after indulging in ONE chocolate cupcake.)

I'm not going to tell you to go out and join the nearest gym or hire a ball-busting trainer. What I do what to ask is, are you able to exercise at all or is it too painful? If you're able to walk comfortably, try adding a short evening walk after dinner. It helps you sleep better, too. I've also heard lots of good things about swimming.

I know being on Pred makes you want to eat more and more often (that was the case with me as well). Just be mindful of what you reach for. Fruits and veggies are the way to go, I think. Frozen fruits like blackberries and blueberries are an awesome sweet snack. Make sure you drink plenty of water as well. Sometimes we think we're hungry, but we're actually thirsty. If you drink a glass of water and 10-15mins later you still feeling hunger pangs, eat. Try to avoid soda and fast food if you can. Eating healthy is a little more costly, but it's well worth it.

I hope you have a superfantastic and comfortable day!!

Thanks MrsA...

I am not offended by any means. I was walking after dinner with my husband but I just can't anymore...it is just to painful on my feet!

Good deal!

Your hospital has a gym? That's too cool!! And the fact that they actually have aquatic and arthritis programs blows me away! I wonder if we have anything like that here? I'll have to do some looking. I'd really like to get into water aeorobics or something pool related. Synchronized swimming, perhaps?

Yeah, I think the bypass would be way too dangerous. It's a risky procedure on it's own when the patient doesn't have RA.