When you live with chronic pain, just existing can feel like a full-time job. That was the reality for Audrey, who endured years of hip pain and loss of mobility until she needed a walker just to get through daily life.
But when she finally found the courage to seek surgical help, she was met with another obstacle—one that had nothing to do with her joint health.
“I was told my BMI made me too risky for surgery. They wouldn’t even consider it until I lost 80 to 100 pounds,” Audrey recalls.
For patients with a high BMI, it’s not uncommon to be denied surgery outright—regardless of how much pain they’re in. Audrey’s experience highlights the unfortunate weight bias that still exists in healthcare*.
But it also led her to someone who could actually help.
After her initial orthopedic consultation at a large clinic in Orlando, Audrey was told that unless her BMI dropped below 40, she would not qualify for hip surgery. The team encouraged her to consider bariatric surgery instead—something Audrey wasn’t comfortable with due to the additional risks involved.
“I knew I needed help, but I also knew surgery to lose weight wasn’t right for me. So, I put in the painful work—diet, exercise, and physical therapy—for over a year.”
During her year of weight loss, Audrey also researched her options and learned about the anterior hip replacement approach—a technique that avoids cutting through muscle, allowing for faster recovery and less post-op pain.
After months of progress, Audrey returned to the clinic excited to schedule surgery. Instead, she was told she still hadn’t lost enough weight.
“I was devastated. I had done everything they asked and more. And then they told me they’d only decide on the surgical approach the day of surgery? That’s when I started questioning their integrity.”
That’s when Audrey got a second opinion—and everything changed.
“Meeting Dr. Hudanich was like a breath of fresh air,” says Audrey. “He was honest, forthright, and actually treated me like a human being—not just a number on a scale.”
Unlike her previous provider, Dr. Ronald Hudanich didn’t let BMI overshadow his medical judgment. He evaluated Audrey’s condition, respected the hard work she’d done, and took the time to explain the best options for her body.
“I knew right away I was switching to him. He listened. He didn’t judge. And he had a clear plan for my surgery.”
Just weeks after her first appointment with Dr. Hudanich, Audrey had her anterior hip replacement surgery in February 2025. By the following month, she was walking without a cane or walker—pain-free and with her confidence fully restored.
“I was treated with great care and respect. The pain was gone immediately after surgery. I should’ve done this years ago.”
Today, Audrey is back to enjoying life—walking unassisted and feeling hopeful again. She credits not only the surgical success but also Dr. Hudanich’s empathy and communication.
“My experience with Dr. Hudanich and his staff was exceptional. The surgery, recovery, and my outlook on life have all exceeded my expectations.”
Dr. Hudanich, based at Greater Orlando Orthopedic Group, is known for combining technical expertise in hip replacement with a rare level of emotional intelligence.
“Way to go, Dr. Hudanich. You didn’t just fix my hip—you gave me my life back. Thank you for seeing me, not just my weight.”
His reputation is built not just on skillful surgeries, but on his ability to truly listen to his patients—especially those who have been dismissed or denied care elsewhere.
Weight bias is a real issue in medicine—but it doesn’t have to stand in the way of your healing. At Greater Orlando Orthopedic Group, Dr. Hudanich and his team focus on the individual, not arbitrary BMI cutoffs.
Whether you’re dealing with severe arthritis, hip pain, or limited mobility, don’t settle for a provider who makes you feel like less. You deserve a surgeon who sees your potential—not just your number.
At Greater Orlando Orthopedic Group, Dr. Hudanich combines cutting-edge orthopedic techniques with a personalized, patient-first approach to help individuals like Audrey get back to doing what they love—pain-free. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hudanich call (407) 977-4130.
Learn more about Dr. Hudanich here: https://hudanichorthopedics.com/
Learn more about hip surgery options: https://greaterorlandoorthopedicgroup.com/hip-conditions/#procedures
*Disclaimer: It should be noted that some surgery centers, hospitals and health insurance plans do have strict BMI requirements for surgery. It is best to come in for a consultation to determine your exact situation.
