Positive Outcomes Of Arthritis Post-Bariatric Surgery
Millions of people around the world are suffering from arthritis, a prevalent chronic disease that can cause joint pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. Because of the added strain on joints that bear your body weight, arthritis may become even more harmful for those who are obese. However, for individuals who choose to have bariatric surgery to deal with their obesity concerns, there is, still some hope over arthritis as well.
Bariatric surgery is known for its positive effect on obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and heart diseases. In addition, recent studies reveal that weight loss resulting from bariatric surgery can significantly improve arthritis symptoms and enhance joint mobility. The studies highlight the numerous benefits of bariatric surgery and show how it can be used to treat problems associated with arthritis along with obesity-related conditions.
By shedding excess weight, individuals can experience notable improvements in their arthritis symptoms, leading to enhanced mobility and a better quality of life. We’ll look into the encouraging benefits that people with arthritis can enjoy after deciding to get bariatric surgery in this blog. The post-surgical journey presents a promising path towards improved joint health, reduced pain, increased mobility, and a more fulfilling and enjoyable daily existence.
How does weight affect your joints?
If your arthritis problem is due to excess weight, a highly effective approach to alleviating arthritic pain is by losing excess weight. The existence of excess weight intensifies the stress levels on your joints, including the knees, hips, and ankles, with every single step you take.
Dr Venugopal Pareek, the best bariatric surgeon in Hyderabad, highlights the substantial impact of weight on our joints during everyday activities. When walking, climbing stairs, sitting down or standing up, our joints bear three to five times our body weight, and sometimes even more. He explains that being overweight by 50 pounds translates to approximately 250 pounds of additional stress on the knees and hips. This highlights the significant load of excess weight placed on our joints, making us understand the importance of weight management to alleviate stress and reduce joint-related discomfort.
Over time, the presence of excess weight significantly increases the likelihood of developing arthritis and accelerates its progression.
By addressing and reducing excess weight through weight loss, individuals can potentially minimize the risk and severity of arthritis, promoting better long-term joint health and reducing the associated pain and discomfort. Setting up weight management as a top priority offers a strong and practical solution to manage symptoms of arthritis, improve joint health, and enhance your overall well-being.
Note: However, weight loss might not be able to reverse the existing damage caused by arthritis in your joints, but it offers exceptional benefits in terms of pain reduction and potentially slowing down the progression of the disease. A study highlighted that obese men who achieved the necessary weight loss experienced a 21.5% decrease in knee osteoarthritis, while women have seen a reduction of 31%.
The best way suggested by any doctor to lose extra weight is to eat less, eat healthy foods, and exercise more. People with arthritis can begin to change their dietary habits, in the same way like people without the disease can, but having arthritis makes exercise a little more complicated.
According to experts, the most effective approach for losing extra weight is by consuming less calorie food, adopting a new healthy diet, and increasing physical activity. However, individuals with arthritis may face some challenges when it comes to regular exercise. While adjusting eating habits can be similar for individuals with or without arthritis, the presence of arthritis adds complexity while including exercise in their routine.
Expert doctors warn against engaging in high-impact exercises such as running, jogging, and aerobics for people with arthritis as they put excessive stress on the joints. Dr. V Pareek highlights that these activities can accelerate the progression of arthritis and lead to potential injuries. Instead, healthcare professionals recommend low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and walking, that are beneficial without placing the joints under excessive strain.
The impact of arthritis on joint health requires thorough care while choosing suitable exercises that reduce strain and discomfort. Meeting healthcare experts can provide valuable guidance on creating an exercise plan tailored to accommodate arthritis limitations and promote weight loss effectively.
While diet and exercise alone make it difficult or takes longer to achieve desired weight loss goals. Bariatric procedures like laparoscopic or open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) can help you lose weight and have a positive impact over arthritis as well.
For more detailed information and whether you are a suitable candidate for a bariatric procedure, consult Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the best laparoscopic and bariatric surgeons in Hyderabad. He has nearly two decades of experience in the field which made him the best and most experienced bariatric surgeon in Hyderabad. For booking an appointment you can call us at +91 91-777-77715.
