Obesity is connected to so many health problems, and joint pain is one side effect that can severely affect a person’s quality of life. The body’s joints are responsible for movement, and even a small amount of excess weight can inhibit joint function. In fact, people with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) tend to develop arthritis at an earlier age, often leading to joint replacement surgery (which also has a higher complication rate for obese individuals).
Obesity can be especially damaging on the knees, as they bear the full force of a person’s weight: Obese men and women have a four to five times greater risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee joints than people with a healthy weight. Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that women who achieve a weight loss of just 11 pounds decrease their risk of developing knee arthritis by 50%!
If you have experienced joint pain, you understand how it can make even the simplest movements feel overwhelming and painful. The good news is: Even moderate weight loss can help alleviate joint pain, reduce inflammation, and help you become more mobile and active. Because LAP-BAND® is a large-volume weight loss procedure, LAP-BAND® patients often experience dramatic relief from joint pain. While LAP-BAND® surgery won’t reverse joint damage, alleviating the burden of extra weight from damaged or stressed joints can do wonders for mobility and overall quality of life. Weight loss patients have more freedom and can exercise without the pain and soreness that were once a part of everyday life.
To view an actual study that tracks the progress of LAP-BAND® patients and highlights improvements in conditions like joint pain, read the article in Obesity Research entitled “Quality of Life after Lap-Band Placement: Influence of Time, Weight Loss, and Comorbidities.”
Obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. Osteoarthritis affects more than 20 million Americans and is one of the leading causes of disability. If you are obese, consider the joint-health improvement that LAP-BAND® surgery can deliver. And remember that significant weight loss can also improve blood pressure, cholesterol, heart attack risk, sleep apnea, acid reflux, and many other conditions.
Learn more about how LAP-BAND® can change your life and help you take control of your health. Contact Lap Band Rockies today to discuss why you should consider weight loss surgery with our experienced LAP-BAND® surgeon.
—Lindsey Kesel, Bariatric Surgery Consultant
