Hi. My name is Talitha and I'm a 21 year old university student having a gastric sleeve done soon. I'm tentatively booked for June 26th.

Yesterday I took what will be my last shot of my arthritis medication (Cosentyx) for 2 months as I had to have my last pre-op dose one month before surgery and I won't be able to restart until 1 month post-op.

I also take an anti-inflammatory (Celebrex), my surgeon said he wants me off that 5 days pre-op and likely 1-2 months post-op depending how I am healing.

I'm just curious how other people have dealt with being off medications for issues like arthritis... any advice on what you experienced / tips of things that helped would be appreciated

I am arthritic, have been , both major kinds since age 25.
I have been blessed that I have had no major flares recently. The few I have had Tylenol or Norco has handled. Funny it never really worked for me before surgery.
My joints arthritis destroyed will never be perfect again, I have 2 knew replacements, had metal plates in right arm, now removed, from a FX of the humerusc9 years ago, and had to have joint at base of my right thumb removed. Now I am recovering from rotator cuff surgery. But I move smoother and at a quicker rate of speed than before my surgery. And the 165+ pounds since highest weight and 119 since surgery, both wonderful occurances in my life!.
Do I regret SURGERY even with a history of Arthritis? NO NO--- A THOUSAND TIMES--- NO! Without it I potentially would be much more crippled and was not too far from being Wheelchair bound. I am sorry I cannot go full tilt at gym exercises but those my body will permit I do faithfully, water therapy is a blessing, I bike ride although I will never qualify for Pelatonia, support them from the sidelines, and do that to honor the cancer people in my family, living and dead. I can still pass out water, help in these minor ways, cheer them on! They routed through my county last year, I live 50 miles from Columbus, if they choose to come here again I will be there cheering my lungs out in sincerity!
I haven't had to visit my rheumatologist, my PCP has been able to handle me. I thank my surgeon for my surgery, my PCP and other doctors for standing with me through this all and I would now feel a success story still in the making. God Bless and Watch over YOU.

@Frustr8 Thank you for sharing and the encouragement ❤️

I know I won't regret having surgery but have just been nervous about dealing with any potential flares while off my arthritis medications.

I have read a bunch of study's done that talk about medications being more effective post bariatric surgery but so great to hear you've experienced that yourself!

Edited June 25, 20197 yr by talithaf