Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

Before surgery, I have had an issue with low back pain for several years...no structural problems. I first put it down to my weight, then my poor posture, then my mattress (got a new one). I would get massages and had a few chiro adjustments and they would give a little temporary relief. I tried rolling on that noodle thing and it would help if my back "popped."

HERE IS THE WEIRD PART. After I had my gastric sleeve on March 16th and I went home, I had NO back pain. NONE! I was over-the-moon. I could not believe it. I was walking around like I was 25. I felt wonderful. I realized how happy having that pain gone made me.

Fast forward two weeks and the back pain has gradually come back. Now it is back where it was. I am trying to figure out if it is the frequent sitting (i'm in school and doing homework most of the day), the type of chair, the low-ish seat height on my sofa or something else (maybe a med)? I am so bummed out about this.

I mean I expected that my back pain would improve after I lost weight, but never expected it to be completely gone so soon after surgery. Someone asked if it was mental that my pain was gone after surgery, but I don't think so because that was not something I was expecting, it was just gone.

Has this happened to anyone else? Any suggestions, comments, experiences are appreciated.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi there! So as a person with chronic back pain I'm going to say that the reoccurrence is probably from the chair/sofa you are sitting in. It could also be the height of the desk you are using compared to the height of your seat. I know this sounds funny but when I adjusted my chair to be a bit lower(it takes some getting used to) I found I wasn't leaning forward, or semi-hunched over my keyboard. I didn't even realize I was doing it(that is how subtle of a hunch it was), but I was straining my lower back. Since I've made that change I haven't had any flare ups.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Before surgery, I have had an issue with low back pain for several years...no structural problems. I first put it down to my weight, then my poor posture, then my mattress (got a new one). I would get massages and had a few chiro adjustments and they would give a little temporary relief. I tried rolling on that noodle thing and it would help if my back "popped."

HERE IS THE WEIRD PART. After I had my gastric sleeve on March 16th and I went home, I had NO back pain. NONE! I was over-the-moon. I could not believe it. I was walking around like I was 25. I felt wonderful. I realized how happy having that pain gone made me.

Fast forward two weeks and the back pain has gradually come back. Now it is back where it was. I am trying to figure out if it is the frequent sitting (i'm in school and doing homework most of the day), the type of chair, the low-ish seat height on my sofa or something else (maybe a med)? I am so bummed out about this.

I mean I expected that my back pain would improve after I lost weight, but never expected it to be completely gone so soon after surgery. Someone asked if it was mental that my pain was gone after surgery, but I don't think so because that was not something I was expecting, it was just gone.

Has this happened to anyone else? Any suggestions, comments, experiences are appreciated.

I was given a steroid shot while asleep in surgery and experienced something similar.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I will try the seat adjustment, christinamo7. It's probably a multitude of things that are contributing. It's an interesting thought about the steroid shot during surgery, I'll have to ask my surgeon because if so, I want another one of those! Lol

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I herniated T-12 disc 13 months ago.

The MRI's and x-rays showed arthritis, stenosis and even where I'd broken a bone in my spine and it had healed. Funny....I knew when it happened....but never realized I'd done damage like that. Hunting accident...fall.

The pain from that herniated disc is what tipped me over the fence into the bariatric world. I had sleeve surgery 6.5 months ago. Just prior to sleeve surgery, I had another round of steroid injections in my back. This, combined with whatever I was given in the hospital for sleeve surgery found me coming home and feeling great in all aspects.

The back issues have returned, but nowhere near as bad. I'll feel them developing, too. I will begin to get shooting pains and know that the spasms will return if I don't take corrective action....which in my case is two-fold: 1) quit sleeping on the new tempurpedic bedding which I freaking hate but bought because my wife fell in love with it.....horrible mattress choice for me at 478.....and now at 296....horrible choice 2) get on the floor and do my stretches on a daily basis. Learned these in physical therapy and they work to keep things loose and in the right place.

I should add that it's a compounded problem as in I become less active when it flares up. Inactivity is not good. It can allow it to stiffen and ache. Frequent walking is the key for me.

I will be so damn glad to get my abdominal hernia repaired again (4th time doing so) and letting it heal....so I can finally do some direct muscle training on my abs. Core strength is going to be key.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I also had a debilitating back pain prior to surgery.. 4 pregnancies, 9 years as a gymnast, 6 years in cheer, massive weight gain after said pregnancies.. Also, my posture is terrible after the weight gain. My back didn't stop hurting when I got my RNY.. And it seems to be consistent with where it was before. If I stand up completely straight, my right side of my abdomen has a searing pain- so it's difficult to make adjustment.. Hope you figure out the problem, & you're able to fix it! Hopefully weight loss and exercise will aid.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

cat.jackson89, that is my hope too.

I have been trying out a different bed in our house for the past 4 nights. Hubbie and I got one of those fancy split frame, memory foam beds where the mattresses bend like a hospital bed. He likes all the fancy gadgets, but I have often wondered if that bed it part of the problem. Since I have been sleeping in the other bed (it also has a new mattress, but not memory foam), my back pain has diminished. It is still achy in the morning, but not painful and I get up with more speed and no stiffness. I think I am going to have to change the mattress on my side of the bed and forego the fancy mechanics on my side.

I am also going to get a new office chair because I think that may be aggravating it later in the day.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×