Kickas.org Forums Treatments, Drugs and Alternatives Alternatives and ALCHEMISTS Gastric Bypass

Hey everyone,
I was wondering if anyone out there has considered or had gastric bypass?

I have recently turned my medical care over to my GP because my rhuemy didn't seem to like having a patient with opinions about their care. My GP is wanting me to give Methotrexate a try. NSAIDS haven't seemed to do much. I am in severe pain most of the time and both doctors have stated that my AS is progressive and severe. I have a lot of problems with these major drugs because i know of several people who after long term use have kidney failure and problems with liver function. I am only 30 soon 31 so I know i would be looking at long term use of these drugs.

I am overweight and have been most of my life. I have lost weight in the past but it always creeps back on. My GP mentioned Gastric Bypass as an option because even though it would not cure my disease it sure would make it easier on my damaged joints not to carry around so much weight. Just wondering if anyone has any input or advice.

Thanks, Randi

Hi randy!

I don't know much about this bypass but I feel like strongly not recommending it. It won't solve your problem, you know, and that would be the AS.
You may find as well, with time, that you are losing weight because of AS itself or even because of some of the treatments like No Starch Diet (highly recommended on KickAS) or Yoga (highly recommended by me).
A bit of a cliché, but AS has a good virtue - It teaches you to take charge of your life.
Hope I'm of assistance,
All the best,
Oded.

randi,
Hi. I understand your concern aobut the weight on your joints. I have three siblings who have had the surgery you mentioned. My sister has had this 3 times. The surgery works if it makes you sick enough, which is a problem with strong medication. All three of my siblings, gained all or most of the weight back. I know how hard it is to lose weight, but the self control to not eat and exercise are a big plus in the war against AS.
You may do just fine. but I suggest some caution! Because you will lose the ability to absorb the needed nutrients that you need so badly to fight AS.
Lon

Thanks guys for the input. I want to let you know that I am not one to make a spur of the moment decision. I am giving this alot of thought, researching the procedures and the results of several individuals who have had this done. My problem is that all the drugs used to actually treat this disease have very dangerous possible side effects. The people I have spoken to that have had the GB surgery have had excellent results. I have been overweight since childhood and dieting has never been successful for the long term. I know that if I choose to have the GB surgery it is not a cure for the disease, I am going to have this the rest of my life, but I know that the excess weight is not helping my pain or my mobility. The risk that are involved with the surgery seem alot less scary than the medications. I am only 30 and once I start the medication I will be on it for life. I have a personal friend who has lupus and has taken similar immune suppressant drugs and is having horrible health problems that are related to the drugs and not the disease. I can't help but think that this may be a good place to start as far as making my pain and mobility more managable. It is ironic that they list weight loss as a symptom of AS but that is the only symptom I don't have. Thanks again for the input. You are in my prayers!
Randi