Our Summary

This study aimed to look at the effect of prior bariatric surgery (a surgery to help lose weight) on the outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (replacement) in obese patients. The researchers used data from two Swedish registries to identify patients who had knee replacement surgery for osteoarthritis between 2009 and 2019. They compared those who had undergone weight loss surgery within two years before the knee replacement with those who hadn’t.

Patients were asked about their knee pain and their ability to carry out daily activities before the operation and one year after. They also rated their satisfaction with the operation after a year.

The study found no significant difference in pain, ability to do daily activities, or satisfaction between the two groups one year after the operation. This suggests that whether or not a patient had weight loss surgery before their knee replacement doesn’t affect these outcomes a year later.

FAQs

  1. Does having bariatric surgery prior to knee replacement surgery affect the outcome of the knee surgery?
  2. Does weight loss surgery influence a patient’s ability to carry out daily activities or their level of knee pain after knee replacement surgery?
  3. Does having weight loss surgery prior to knee replacement surgery affect the patient’s satisfaction with the knee operation?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip that a doctor might give to a patient considering obesity surgery is to make sure they have realistic expectations about the outcomes. While weight loss surgery can be a powerful tool for improving health and quality of life, it is not a quick fix and requires long-term commitment to lifestyle changes. Patients should be prepared to follow a strict post-operative diet and exercise regimen to maximize the benefits of the surgery. Additionally, patients should be aware of potential risks and complications associated with obesity surgery and discuss these thoroughly with their healthcare team before making a decision.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended obesity surgery are those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health issues such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. These patients have often tried other weight loss methods without success and are at a high risk for obesity-related health complications.

Timeline

Before obesity surgery:

  • Patient consults with a healthcare provider to discuss options for weight loss surgery
  • Patient undergoes evaluations and tests to determine if they are a good candidate for surgery
  • Patient attends pre-surgery counseling and education sessions to prepare for the procedure
  • Patient follows a specific pre-surgery diet and exercise plan to optimize outcomes
  • Patient undergoes the bariatric surgery procedure

After obesity surgery:

  • Patient is closely monitored in the hospital for any complications or side effects
  • Patient follows post-operative instructions for diet, exercise, and medication to support recovery
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to track progress and address any concerns
  • Patient may experience weight loss and improvements in comorbid conditions related to obesity
  • Patient may need to make long-term lifestyle changes to maintain weight loss and overall health

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about obesity surgery before undergoing knee replacement surgery include:

  1. How will my prior weight loss surgery impact my recovery from knee replacement surgery?
  2. Are there any specific considerations or precautions that need to be taken during the knee replacement surgery due to my prior weight loss surgery?
  3. Will my weight loss surgery affect the success rate of the knee replacement surgery?
  4. Are there any potential complications or risks associated with having had weight loss surgery before undergoing knee replacement surgery?
  5. Will I need any special post-operative care or physical therapy due to my prior weight loss surgery?
  6. How will my weight loss surgery impact my pain management and rehabilitation after knee replacement surgery?
  7. Are there any specific dietary or lifestyle recommendations I should follow after knee replacement surgery, considering my history of weight loss surgery?
  8. Will my weight loss surgery impact the longevity or durability of the knee replacement implant?
  9. Are there any specific factors related to my weight loss surgery that could affect the outcome of the knee replacement surgery?
  10. Are there any additional resources or support services available to help me navigate the process of undergoing knee replacement surgery after having had weight loss surgery?

Reference

Authors: Ighani Arani P, Wretenberg P, Ottosson J, W-Dahl A. Journal: Obes Surg. 2022 Apr;32(4):1164-1169. doi: 10.1007/s11695-022-05912-5. Epub 2022 Jan 27. PMID: 35084610