The logical assumption may be that persons who are overweight or obese prior to surgery are more likely to lose weight following surgery. Because there is less pain and improved mobility, the impediments to increased activity and exercise are eased following surgery, and weight loss would logically follow," they observed.
However, that hasn't been the case.
Weight control efforts for patients having the surgery should therefore focus on long-term maintenance, they commented."
Observations of hundreds of Knee Replacement by Dr. Tarlow reinforce the conclusions in the study. Commonly heard in my office is "I can not lose weight because my knee is worn out". However, rarely will a patient lose significant weight or lead a more healthy, exercise focused life style despite successful knee surgery(less pain and improved mobility). In fact, most patients have gained noticeably more weight after knee surgery. Sometimes I wonder if I am just making it easier for people to walk to their refrigerator. I continue to counsel and encourage patients to address the serious medical condition of obesity with frustratingly little success. Without meaningful lifestyle change (dedication to exercise program and meal portion/choice control) people will not magically lose weight after joint replacement. When are American's going to be accountable for their own health and well being?. Your doctor or healthcare policy maker is not powerful enough to make you get healthy-you have to do it yourselves!


