Help deciding to do hip replacement

[mark9765]

I am 52 yrs old and weigh 375 lbs. I am scheduled to have a hip replacement in 4 weeks and I am having second thoughts. I need opinions from people who have gone through the surgery. I still get aroung fairly well but moderate activity leave me with a dull pain for about 2 days. I am about 3-4 months away from getting bariatric surgery (2 months left on 6 month supervised diet for insurance). Should I wait until after the bariatric surgery to get the hip replaced? It is a catch 22, I need to exercise to lose weight but exercise is limited due to hip. Opinions please!

 

[JudyS]

I was 51 lst year when I got my hip replaced. I was not in constant pain, just very annoying. I had had a hip scope which revealed severe arthritis. So I thought why wait.
It is awesome surgery, you will be so happy you did it, you will feel better and wantt to exercise.
If you get your hip done in one month, then will it be 2-3 months later for your bariatric surgery? At 3 months I was back to doing everything I wanted (except running) so it should be a good place for you.

I would do the hip first, it is so successful.
Welcome
judy

 

[Jamie]

Hi, Mark. Welcome to the forum.

Is your hip surgeon aware that you plan to have bariatric surgery 3-4 months after the hip replacement? Sometimes there is an issue with having another major surgical procedure so close after joint replacement. If you have not discussed this with your surgeon, you need to.

If the surgeon agrees it's okay, my opinion would be to have the hip replacement first. It will give you such increased mobility that you may not need the bariatric surgery after all. You will be able to move so much better than you imagine. And even if you do decide to have the bariatric surgery, you'll have the bonus of being able to exercise properly to lose and keep the weight off more easily.

 

[Troweltalk]

Also 52 and I attribute my gaining 50lbs over 3 years to my hip problem; I was weighing in at around 275lbs at just under 6ft. I too was able to "get around" but anything strenuous left me in pain for days and taking handfulls of over the counter pain meds. Sleeping was a chronic issue and it got to the point I could not sleep w/o perscription pain meds.

About 5 months now AFTER my surgery I have dropped 20lbs, partly from eating BETTER, not eating less, and I can now exercise; I am walking at least 1 - 2 miles every day and I couldn't tell you when the last time I popped a pain pill.

Follow your doctor's advice, but wouldn't it be nice to be able to drop that weight without surgery and be able to do A LOT more than just "get around"?

 

[mark9765]

Thanks for the input. Those were my thoughts. Mudpro you described my symtoms exacatly. I have given up golf, which I used to play 2-3 time a week. My family Dr and the hip surgon know about the bariatric surgery but since Blue Cross hasn't signed off yet who knows really when that can happen.

 

[Judles]

Welcome Mark! For me, the pain in my
hip came on so suddenly and painfully! I just wanted to do the hip surgery to get relief! You will feel so much better once you DO have your hip replacement! You'll have a whole new lease on life!

 

[mdakota]

mark, hi welcome
if surgeon is good with it. i think you need the hip done first because the bariatric surgery can cause some trouble with protein metabolism and anemia you'll need all the nutrients you can get to help heal. plus after the other your going to start dropping pounds/kilos ( for my uk friends) fast. my coworker had gastric bypass this time last year and has lost almost 200 lbs and is now looking at a tummy tuck. she is like a different person.

 

[Josephine]

Yep, I'm with everyone else, Mark. Hip first and then see what happens. Good for you to be planning ahead.

 

[mark9765]

Thanks everyone for the support.

 

[TBONE]

Mark--I have to concur with others here. My weight was not as high as yours, but everything is relative, right? The best thing I did before the surgery was to go back into the gym for about 4-6 weeks to gain a little bit of muscle tone. I went on prescription pain meds, Celebrex, for this and it helped a great deal. I didn't really lose weight, but just a little exercise toned my muscles enough so that the early PT exercises were doable and easier.
Since the surgery, and now at 6 weeks, I've lost about 10 pounds, not by dieting, but because I'm naturally burning more calories due to increased activity. The increased metabolism has been a much welcomed surprise.

 

[aussie]

Hi Mark,

I had sudden severe pain, finally had a hip replacement at 48. Have never looked back, best wishes.

 

[pharman]

I'm 53 and was approx. 280 lbs when I had my surgery last Nov. I'm now 268 lbs. I had two bad hips and we did the right one. I'm waiting for a date for the second one. My new hip is totally pain free. The un-operated one still hurts so I still have limited mobility. But, now that I've done the one and I know what it feels like, I can't wait to do the other one! I'm really looking forward to walking without the cane and without pain! And I'll be able to move more and lose the rest of the weight. I whole-heartedly advise getting the surgery. You won't regret it!!

 

[Judles]

You sure WON'T regret it! And the sooner you go for it, the sooner you'll feel better!

 

[mdakota]

mark, i wish you the best. youre going to be an new man altogether. that is fantastic.

 

[Texas]

Hi Mark How are you doing, Habe you made your decision on the surgery. I to think you will feel so much better and want to get out there and go. Give Tiger W, and the rest a run for there money !!!!!!!!!!Just kidding.......Hope you feel better soon.....Kim

 

[kangaroo]

What are the infection risks post bariatric surgery? My concern would be infection in the new joint so soon after the replacement surgery? , I'm just asking the question because if I was in that situation I would be wondering it? Certainly there is logic to doing the hip , thus allowing for more exercise and mobility and consequently weight loss....Just a question
R

 

[Josephine]

Shouldn't be a problem at all, kanga. About 99.8% of surgeries are not a problem.

 

[mark9765]

Decided to do hip replacement

I have decided to do the hip surgery. My surgery date is scheduled for June 11. Thanks for all the support. I will let you know how things turn out after the surgery.
Mark

 

[Jamie]

Good for you, Mark!!! If you have any questions or concerns as you get closer to your date, be sure and post. And, of course, we want to hear from you AFTERWARDS!!! You won't regret it one bit.

 

[Judles]

Well done, Mark!!! The countdown to less pain has begun!