I have had 3 surgerys on my lower back.. and he wanted to do a fusion but I have been doing exercize and getting shots.. I have a fragment of a disc on a nerve root and scar tissue

I am hoping the banding will get out of some of this pain.. I just hate back surgegy and don't want it again..

has anyone had bad back problems that got better with weight loss? just wanted a perspective... I need light at the end of my tunnel...

I think it depends on where the disk problems are. I have a herniated disk in my neck (C5, C6). If the disk problem is lower back, I feel very certain that getting excess weight off will help a great deal. I need to get the weight off, but that will not help future problems in my neck. I did PT and had the epidural procedure and have been pain free (knock wood) for over two years. If I were you, I would not have the back surgery, continue your exercise, have the lap band surgery, and feel pretty confident that the weight loss will alleviate some or most of your lower back pain. I personally would not have back surgery unless I were unable to walk without it. PT can do wonderful things. A good physical therapist is priceless! Good luck to you.

Carrying around 70+ less pounds on my 5'6 frame has definitely helped my back -- and my feet! I didn't have any serious problems before, but my back would get really tight if I walked around all day, and my feet would just throb in pain! I used to get cracked heels, could barely stand to wear high heels, and would wake up with foot pain. All of that is gone now, and my back is totally fine if I walk around all day, or go for a run, etc.

I can't imagine that losing weight won't help your back. Just another thing to look forward to!

Catherine