Overweight and knee replacement surgery

[Piplette]

My mum has been waiting for knee surgery for a while and had finally been given a appointment just before Christmas.

I have some concerns regarding recovery. My mum is very overweight - I'd say about 6 stone heavier than her healthy weight. She has various health issues that significantly affect her mobility combined with medications that make weight loss difficult although she does try to intermittently lose weight. She's been dealing with these health issues since her 20’s and the knee is just the latest in a long line of problems - I expect exacerbated by her weight.

I'm really worried about what this means for her recovery as from doing some reading the NHS won't restrict tkr due to weight but recognise it poses more challenges for recovery. It looks like in other countries being overweight is a barrier to receiving the surgery.

Does anyone have any tips for recovery in this sort of situation? Unfortunately the knee is only one element of her mobility issues so it's not a miracle cure. I worry she won't manage the physio (or will just not do it as I know what she's like) and will be left suffering for a long time for very limited benefit.

Is your mother competent to make medical decisions regarding herself?

Are you being expected to look after her during her recovery or beyond?

Unless she is incapable of making medical decisions and/or you are being expected to care for her then I am not sure why you are asking for tips for her recovery as she will get expert medical advice on this which is far more useful than random people on the Internet offering tips

It sounds more like you just want to bitch about your mum being fat and start a bun fight over whether over weight people should be treated under the NHS

The best thing for anyone to do following a tkr (irrespective of weight) is to get up and mobilising as soon as able, usually day 0 -,although ward staff will guide. Following physiotherapy instructions is also a must. Of course there are increased risks associated with obesity but these will be discussed with your mum and she will ultimately make the decision regarding whether to proceed.

My Mum was the same. Had her knees done, lost two stone as she could move without extreme pain. Hope same for your Mum.