Weight loss and knee replacement

CrazyMermaid1

Over the course of a decade, I lost 40 lbs from my all time high. I knew the extra weight was hard on my knees but didn’t realize the extent. I had my right knee replaced after losing the 40 lbs, then a month ago (after losing another 10 lbs) I had my left knee replaced. What a difference that 10 lbs makes in my recovery! I had no idea! I’m going up and down the stairs now, balance is better, stamina is better. My recovery rate is way faster now even though I’m 5 years older. Wish I had known this years ago.

AnnPT77

Agreed. It was looking like knee surgery was imminent for me (maybe some cartilage clean-up first, but replacement upcoming for sure - I have at least one torn meniscus, maybe both, plus knee osteoarthritis). I had one steroid shot to my knee, some physical therapy (to learn to walk and especially climb stairs in ways that would reduce knee stress going forward). That helped.

Then I lost 50-some pounds. Knee discomfort went from routine to infrequent, and actual pain from regularly recurring to genuinely rare. It's stayed rare since, several years now at a healthy weight. I'm able to be very active, though I admittedly do choose activity types/dosage with my knees' well-being in mind.

There have been quite a few quality of life improvements from weight loss, but this is one of the biggies. I wouldn't have guessed the effect would've been this big.

I do assume I'll need knee replacement eventually, but - absent some dramatic change - it's gone from imminent to "someday", IMO.

I'm glad yours is working out well for you, and that your recent recovery is so much more effective. (That doesn't surprise me.)

tomcustombuilder

Like my Knee Surgeon told me before my replacement, it’s best to get a replacement when you’re in complete agony. And not before.