Bariatric Surgery, Knee Pain, and Me: A Guide to Joint Pain and Weight Loss

When you think of weight-related health conditions, what comes to mind? Type 2 Diabetes? Cardiac problems?

Although it might not immediately come to mind, arthritis and joint pain are common for people suffering from obesity and overweight. However, there is hope: gaining weight may lead to these conditions, but living healthier – especially through bariatric surgery – can alleviate them as well.

Don’t wait to learn more; read on!

Arthritis in America

The two most common types of pain caused by obesity are joint pain and arthritis. Their differences may be subtle and easy to miss, but an easy way to tell them apart are

Joint Pain: An umbrella term that can mean discomfort, pain, or inflammation arising from any part of the joint.
Arthritis: An inflammation of the joints.

Arthritis is not an uncommon condition in the United States as 1 out of every 4 Americans (over 54 million people) has some form of joint pain. The number only gets higher when viewed in the context of excess weight: 1 in every 3 people suffering from obesity also experiences arthritis.

The most common type of arthritis in the country is osteoarthritis (OA) – it affects 27 million people. People suffering from OA experience a breakdown of cartilage or the tough, flexible tissue at the ends of their joints.

Obesity in America

Obesity is a medical condition occurring when a person has excess weight or body fat that negatively affects their overall health. Someone is considered to be suffering from obesity when their Body Mass Index (BMI) reaches 30. The severity of obesity increases at higher BMIs.

Obesity and overweight have not always been a major problem for adults in the U.S. However, since the 1990s, these conditions have become commonplace and their prevalence has only increased since. As of 2019, 1 out of every 3 adults is affected by obesity.

How Obesity Affects the Body

Unfortunately, for most people suffering from obesity, excess weight is just the start of their troubles. In addition to joint pain and arthritis, obesity can cause:

Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Hormonal cancers
Sleep apnea
COPD
Liver disease
Heart problems
and more

Joint Pain

One of the most common physical ailments brought on by excess weight is joint pain — frequently affecting the knees. This pain is caused by the extra strain the joint experiences because of the person’s heavier weight. Every pound of weight we gain translates to four pounds of pressure on our knees. That means, if we were to gain 15 pounds, our knees would be “carrying” 60 pounds!

Osteoarthritis

The wear and tear caused by this added pressure to joints can worsen and become OA. However, it’s not just the added weight that causes damage. Fat is an active tissue that is consistently creating and releasing chemicals. Upon breaking down, these chemicals can cause swelling in joints, thus OA. This problem only gets worse at heavier weights because more fat leads to more chemical decomposition which creates a higher risk for inflammation and OA.

What Can Weight-Loss Surgery Do?

Although obesity can lead to a variety of joint-related problems, there is a solution: weight-loss surgery!

Bariatric procedures are the best way to lose weight and keep it off long-term. These tools provide you with the knowledge and resources needed to develop new lifestyle habits that promote better health.

With procedures like the gastric sleeve, patients can lose anywhere from 50 to 70% of their excess weight. These types of results are not uncommon, meaning that joint pain will all but disappear. For example, say someone with 100 pounds of excess weight loses 65 pounds with the gastric sleeve. That means they will relieve 260 pounds of pressure from their knees!

Along with the weight loss, bariatric surgery promotes fat loss. With less fat present, the body does not produce as many inflammation-promoting chemicals. These two factors, when combined, are a proven case study for bariatric surgery’s ability to alleviate joint pain and arthritis related to obesity.

Don’t wait to live better; learn more about our procedures today!

COME TO NYBG.

When it’s time to start a successful weight-loss journey, it’s time to call NYBG! We’re the most advanced practice offering the most up-to-date procedures and our numbers prove it:

13 skilled surgeons who are leaders in bariatrics
15,000 successful procedures performed with more every day
The #1 gastric balloon practice by volume – most balloons placed in the United States
24/7 access to online seminars
100s of videos for patients explaining procedures, answering common questions, and showcasing previous patients
Multiple offices located in three states; NY, NJ, CT
Since 2000, we boast 18 years of success!

Our commitment to patient success and excellence has earned us accreditation from the Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). This prestigious achievement recognizes only the top bariatric practices. Stop waiting; start achieving better health today.

Back to blog Schedule a Consultation

Sign Up

Back to Blog

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

5.0

Everybody treated me like a king. The day of surgery, I was excited. The hospital couldn’t be any nicer. I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man. My recovery was awesome. I was out of bed that day. My wife and kids were my motivation on getting this surgery. They are my whole life. I’m happy I’m going to be around for them.

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

5.0

I had the gastric bypass. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I wanted to gain control of my sugar. I hit my goal weight in about 5 and half months and I feel fabulous. The procedure has completely changed my life for the better because it has empowered me as a middle aged woman that I can really do everything and anything that I want to do. I don't put an age on anything. I don't say I'm too old for something.

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

5.0

I knew if I didn't change something soon, I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The consultation process was a lot easier than I expected. I was met with open arms. I was treated like I was the only patient here. Not only did they answer all of my questions, they had questions for me to make sure I was the right candidate for the surgery. After surgery and that weight started dropping off, my life started changing for the better.

I feel like a completely different person.

5.0

I had the gastric sleeve procedure. The driving factor behind me getting this procedure was my health. I didn't feel good physically or mentally. I had joint pains, even standing was difficult sometimes. Emotionally, this surgery completely turned my life around. I have so much more confidence. So much more happiness. I feel like a completely different person. I feel stronger. I feel able to accomplish more.

It saved my life.

5.0

The driving factor behind me getting my procedure was that I couldn't get up off the floor with my granddaughter. That was my why. That was my big reason for having this surgery done. After surgery, it was a little bit of a struggle with what to eat. What you put in your mouth that you don't even think about. You don't think about what you're eating or how you're eating and portion size. It's what I do now every single day. The procedure has changed my life in so many ways. It saved my life.

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

5.0

I think I always grew up identifying myself as less than other people because I was fat. I decided to tackle that and just live my life. I had a sleeve gastrectomy. It changed how I view myself. How I communicate with people. I'm able to be much more of myself and live the life I always thought I should have been living. I am totally comfortable in my own skin. You have the tools you need to succeed here.

I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before.

5.0

I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy because I had just become diabetic, and I had hypertension for many years. I lost a total of 157 pounds in 11 months. I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before. Everyone at New York Bariatric Group has been wonderful. They are kind. They are understanding. They make you feel comfortable. They will guide you every step of the way on your journey so that you can be successful.