I have arthritis in spine and knee trouble and lupus. havent noticed any improvement in my pain yet although only 5 weeks out and have only lost 20 lbs :-(

Yes I have Lupus and RH, have been diag. for 17 yrs. Taking loads of steriods and finally regulated with infution treatments of Remicade, and every 4 yrs or so Humaria along with many other oral meds. I was asked by my Dr. if I would ever consider GBP, well heck ya and thats what got the ball rolling for me.(I Have not had the surgery yet) Both my Ruematiod Dr and Reg Phy both agreed that I should get the weight off and would feel so much better. I am heading for hip replacement on my right side if this doesn't work. I am bone on bone and hoping that it will relieve alot of the joint stress. I am very active now walking 3 miles a day at the beach and working out at the gym. My issues are from the steriods that I had been on for about the first 10 yrs. Blew up like a marshmellow. Now I stay away from all NSAIDS! I was told that more over weight RH patients are turning to GBS and are very successful!!!
(just my two-cents) Good luck to you and feel free to write me anytime!

I have arthritis in my lower back, and I had the surgery on August 6. I lost 40lbs. so far and already feel relief. Yes, if I do real strenuous work it does still bother me, but Doc says the more I loose the better my back will be.
Get the surgery, you will get some relief!
Write if you want at brokeback.mum@gmail.com.

Hugs,
Margaret

I don't have RA but I do have osteoarthritis in both my knees. I had a very difficult time when I was over 300lbs. Today at 170 pounds later, my knees are wonderful. I have not had any pain or discomfort. It's a beautiful thing. Any weight loss will help with any arthritis to what degree is different in everyone. For me it was wonderous.

I have an inflammatory condition related to RA. Hypertension, diabetes, and high choleterol are also inflammatory conditions, and I had those too. My rheumatologist has always preached anything you can do to combat inflammatory factors in your body will improve your symptoms. The low-carb diet we are on after GBS along with the weight loss and a good low-impact exercise routine are shown to greatly benefit all inflammatory conditions. I have no doubt you will see major improvements in the coming months.