RA and Surgery

Question
If I have reactive arthritis already, and am taking Humira every other week-- could i still be a candidate for bariatric surgery? (assuming i meet other criteria)

Answer
Peggy,
From my perspective, neither a history of arthritis nor a need for Humira is a 'show-stopper' for Bariatric surgery. Most surgeons including myself are very nervous about anti-inflammatory med in the aspirin or 'NSAID' family in the setting of Gastric Bypass because they are very likely to cause ulcers. We are also a little nervous about Sleeve, though the Sleeve seems a bit more tolerant of the anti-inflammatory meds.

My short answer - I would definitely would not think that evaluation of Bariatric surgery would be a waste of time.

Best wishes!
Dr JP

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