I had a RNY 7 years ago and was just diagnosed with RA. Has anyone here done the Paddison Program diet for RA? Before I pay for it I'd like to know that it's safe for post bariatric patients. It looks like a very promising way to manage flares and deal with RA but I think the diet limits Protein and you eat just meat and vegetables and fruit. I'd really appreciate any feedback!

@@meantforsunshine

Hi There,

Congratulations on having your surgery. So sorry that you now have this crappy diagnosis. I have Psoriatic Arthritis and my mother had Rheumatoid arthritis. Recently I started showing signs of Rheumatoid as well and I was tested for it when I was tested for Psoriatic and the tests were negative.

Not sure what the Paddison program is but I will tell you this. I have to limit my Protein because of kidney issues caused by years of medications for my arthritis and being overweight.

I have a strict no more than 65 grams of protein per day or it taxes my kidneys. I eat a diet mainly of meat, veggies and fruit.

I have noticed that my Psoriatic Arthritis has improved so much since my 152lb weight loss. My disease has been in remission and the only time it seems to kick up now is when they put me on oral or IV steroids so I avoid them unless it is life threatening which has not happened since 9 months post op.

In fact, I spoke with my doctor on tuesday and we have been weaning me off of cyclosporine which is a immuno suppressant and are even lowering my dose of Stelar which i get every 10 weeks now. It used to be 8 weeks and double the dose. There is even talk of removing me from it completely at some point.

So, I tell you all this because both my rheumatologist and my dermatologist are amazed at the transformation this surgery has done for my health. I suffered with Psoriatic Arthritis which is auto immune my whole adult life. I remember the onset began when the weight started piling in in my mid 20's.

Obviously with RA, the goal is always to get you on a biologic that stops the progression and the same is true of Psoriatic arthritis so i am nervous about taking me off of the thing that gave me my life back.

Anyway.....the diet you are speaking of meats, veggies and fruits are exactly what got me to the point that I am at. I did not have to pay for a special diet as this really is what the bariatric diet is centered around.

Not sure if this helps but it has been my personal experience and I could not be happier.

Djmohr,

Thank you so much for the encouragement. The Paddison Program is very radical. You cut out all meat for 90 days and then can only eat occasional small amounts of chicken and fish. I don't know if I can do it. Congratulations on your weight loss and on getting off meds! That's a huge deal and I hope you know you are setting a great example for all of us!

Ann