Hi All,

I am just beginning to look into lap band surgery. I have RA, was diagnosed at 19 and I'm 30 now. I have had periods of moderate weight loss, only to gain it back, plus some.

I'm hoping to learn about the surgery, especially experiences from those with RA who have had it.

I don't have RA, but I do suffer from osteo-arthritis in my knees, which is a direct result of my weight. So, I would think that even though your disease

Is auto- immune, it would still benefit you greatly to take the stress off of your knees, hips, thighs. Have you spoken to your rheumatologist or a bariatric surgeon yet? My surgery is scheduled for this Wednesday, the 12 th, and I am looking forward to feeling better with the weight off of my poor knees. They've taken a beating for 20 years. Lol. Good luck to you. Do your research and I'm sure you'll come up with the right decision for you.

I don't have RA, but I do suffer from osteo-arthritis in my knees, which is a direct result of my weight. So, I would think that even though your disease

Is auto- immune, it would still benefit you greatly to take the stress off of your knees, hips, thighs. Have you spoken to your rheumatologist or a bariatric surgeon yet? My surgery is scheduled for this Wednesday, the 12 th, and I am looking forward to feeling better with the weight off of my poor knees. They've taken a beating for 20 years. Lol. Good luck to you. Do your research and I'm sure you'll come up with the right decision for you.

Thanks so much for the reply! My hips are the main reason I'm looking into this. I have never had trouble with them until recently, and like you, I think getting this extra weight off would help tremendously. And yes, the things we put our bodies through sometimes.. oi vey!! lol

I haven't talked to my rheumatologist or a surgeon yet, but I am going to a lap band seminar this Thursday, the 13th. I am kind of just going to have a starting point and see if I'm even a candidate for the surgery. My BMI is at 41 right now, so technically, I should be.

Again, thanks so much for the encouraging reply!