Howdy everyone !

I want to pick the brains of our veteran WLS folks.

I'm quite sure that I"ll experience much relief from knee and back arthritis after I'm 12-24 months post op. I'm very encouraged about this and am counting on it as one of the many benefits.

My question is that for times when the pain does return and I don't want to address with prescription pills....is there a topical medication that you've experienced success with ?

My doc gave me Voltaren. It's a gel you run on. I don't use it as often as I should. Maybe someone else can speak to its effectiveness.

The only thing that gives me some relief topically is BioFreeze roll on. I have severe arthritis in my spine. In fact I just had a 3 level cervical fusion 8 weeks ago. I take Tylenol and following bypass surgery, it actually helps.

Unfortunately my weight loss has actually caused my back to be more painful. My doctors tell me this is pretty common post weight loss because all the fat was actually providing support. Also you carry yourself different and your more active.

On a good note, ankles and knees are much better.

Good luck!

Thanks Blue.

I'm sorry to hear that DJ. Losing 115 lbs would hopefully provide relief from pain.....that is tough on a whole different level. I hope your recovery goes well.

Pennsaid 2% is the same drug as voltaren but stronger and is usually free for most insurances (not Medicaid or Medicare). It's ordered through a mail order pharmacy (or at least it was when it first came out). I've used it and it works. None of the over the counter gels have worked for me. Pennsaid and voltaren are NSAIDs.