I was recently told that because I have psoriatic arthritis and take Embrel that my VGS would be "more complicated"

Anyone have VGS and take Embrel?

I've had moderate to severe psoriatic arthritis for 7 years now. I am 29. When I was first investigating WLS a couple years ago, the doctor said I couldn't not have RNY because of the arthritis and that I was taking Remicade. More prone to infection and ulcers. He then suggested VGS.

I took Remicade for 6 years, then switched to Humira which only made my PsA worse. I was in so much pain and certainly put on weight during this time. I found a new rheumatologist that would listen and am finally on Embrel which has been a life saver. I am weary of the complications that this may cause and would love any feedback.

I am meeting w my doctor again this week to discuss it further but would love more information from all of you. Thank you!

Hi there....

I have psoriatic arthiritis and had my surgery on 8/5/13. I don't take Embrel, but was taking Indomethecine, Tramodol and Methotrexate. I had to go off of the Indomethecine before surgery because it's an anit inflammatory and there was the fear that it could cause irritation of my new little tummy or ulcers. My rheumatologist was one of my biggest advocates in getting this done. Yes, I am enjoying being a smaller size and fitting into smaller clothing, but I had the surgery because for the last 5 years I was getting increasingly immobile. Even worse when I had flares. We are in the process of reducing my methotrexate, which has to be done by taking a lower dose a month at at time.

Today, I'm down a total of 82 pounds and I no longer hurt. No, the arthritis won't go away and I still have some occassional aching, but the pain itself is gone. I'm no longer using my walker or cane and am actually back on the dance floor (I shag and line dance). I missed that more than anything. I can walk a lot further and longer than I have in years. I was getting stress fractures in my feet from limping so badly, and off course, the arthritis then sets in on those joints too. I still need to build up more stamina from being so sedintary for so long, but it's the best thing I could have done. I will probably still need knee surgery eventually, but I've bought myself a lot of time and hopefully, will be even smaller when I have to have it done. good luck!!!!