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I have been lurking here a long time. I have read all of Dr. McDougalls books, but have not switched my eating over to all vegan. I've just been eating vegetarian for about 15 years. Anyway I am a nurse working 3 12's on a busy floor and I have all these plans for when I quit working in about a year-to finally take the time to switch to vegan, start exercising, start playing tennis, lose the 100 pounds I need to, etc. Anyway I went to the ortho doctor yesterday and he says I need a full knee replacement now. I am really devastated because of the life long restrictions of this. I am 51 and am just now getting ready to focus on being more active, tennis, snowskiing and running, all things I used to enjoy and from what I understand that is all over with a knee replacement. He showed my the X ray and I can clearly see where it is bone on bone and because of ACL instability also he says I will need the full replacement. My question is: Is it too late for changes in diet to make a difference? I know Dr. McDougalls plan can help with the arthritis, but if is is already bone to bone is there anything to be done except have this surgery? Thanks so much for any advice, help, etc.

Of course it's not too late. But if you need the replacement, get it--NO WOE can correct bone-on-bone.

The fact is, though, that you HAVE to lose weight or the knee replacement won't work. It's the extra weight that tore the knee up--as a nurse you KNOW that extra weight = extra wear and tear on joints. If you get on this plan and lose the weight--try to get to a LOW normal BMI if possible b/c that will put the least strain on your joints--you will stand a much better chance of gaining as much benefit from the knee replacement as possible, having it "work" for the longest possible time, and avoid having to replace the other one, too.

I know someone who got both knees replaced but never lost the 100+ pounds she needed to lose. In fact, I think she's gained some more. And she is no better off than she was with her old knees. Not surprising. Until you get that extra weight off your joints things just aren't gonna work right.

Don't forget, as well, that this WOE will protect your heart, prevent you from getting diabetes, etc. etc. etc.

So just DO IT NOW. No excuses! We're here for you!

I haven't been overweight for years. I had to have a knee replacement 2 years ago, probably because of an injury long ago. the new knee is fine for walking and housework. I didn't jog or play tennis, anyway.

you most likely can't count on exercise alone to help you lose the weight so exercises that may be too much for a new knee may not be that important. most important is this diet. to really be on it you have to cut out all oil and any fat that doesn't occur in food naturally.

of course you know it's essential to have a good doctor who does lots of knee replacement.

I'd get a second opinion for any elective surgery. If you're working as a nurse, you must know your own limitations for movement. Do the diet, if you will. Lose the weight and get the surgery.

Knee replacement surgery isn't an emergency, unless the dr's bank account is depleted:-)

On the other hand if irreparable damage will be done if you don't have it done RIGHT NOW, then reassess. Get a second or third opinion.

Also ask this on "The Lounge" for more answers from those who've had knee replacements already. I don't have knee problems, but you're wise to question it all.

Good Luck!

Thanks all for the comments and suggestions. I definitely plan to get on the diet and lose weight to help with both knees and hopefully save my other knee from ever needing a replacement. It is going to be a challenge, because my family is not supportive of the McDougall diet at all, or any type vegan or vegetarian diet for that matter. I have tried to get them to read books, watch videos anything with no results. My husband takes $250 worth of vitamins every month because he believes that is the best way. Anyway, I know what I believe and what medical science has proven, so I'm ready to go vegan instead of just vegetarian. I also have the new book and think that will be where I will start in planning out my diet.
Also I agree with getting a second opinion. That is where I will start on Monday and do more research!
Thanks again.

CAM,

I agree with the importance of getting a second opinion. I have had bone on bone arthritis in my right knee for years, and was headed for knee replacement, but I kept putting it off.

Ironically, now that I have lost 80 pounds, my doctor isn't encouraging knee replacement. I still have about 50 pounds to lose, but his opinion is that if I'm not in pain and I'm able to walk well, then there's no reason for knee replacement.

Years of adapting my gait for my bad knees has caused problems with the way I walk, but I'll try physical therapy before surgery. (And continue the weight loss!)

Good luck to you,

Pat

Long before I was eating this way, my Ortho said my bone on bone knees would never let me run again. He was just plain wrong!

I would definitely let pain be your guide. If you can put it off, do so. But definitely start this diet right away. It may work really fast for you, though it may not.

I'm at Day 40 right now. My hands are completely normal but my knees are being stubborn and I'm still on drugs for RA. Dr. McD said it could take 4 months.

Also, I had zero family support. This was super depressing at first. Eventually I got over it but it took a while. So unfair that you have to feel all alone.

And remember that vegan isn't enough. I was unhealthy vegan and then I was what i thought was healthy vegan. The low fat aspect is key!! That made all the difference instantly! As soon as I knocked off oils, nuts etc, my hands took 10 days to become normal.

I would not get a knee replacement until after:

1. Thoroughly studying the opening chapters of Pete Egoscue's book, Pain Free. If you don't correct the causes of the injury, you will continue to need replacement after replacement.

2. Correcting all posture problems, using Egoscue's book or another source.

3. Becoming very lean.