Hi all! I had RNY on 11/15/15. HW: 349. SW:337. CW:217 (Down 132 lbs.) I got really into exercise around February of this year: HIIT strength training, cardio dance, spinning, etc. I was working out 6x a week and feeling so strong and healthy.

In mid-May I had emergency ovarian surgery. I was cleared to work out again one week later, so of course I hit the gym as hard as before. Three days later I was in agony with back pain.

I think the stress of abdominal surgery put more strain on my back, and my body is changing so quickly anyway, that it got to be too much for my goofy spine. I have DDD of the L4-S1 vertebrae, as so many of us do, with zero discs left in that region. The pain has been more intense and lingering than ever before and it's really affected me physically, mentally, and emotionally.

It's been a long road of stops and starts trying to get back to "normal." Here's what I'm doing now: physical therapy exercises to start my day, every day. My personal training (HIIT strength training) twice a week, avoiding "triggering" exercises. (My trainers know the limitations.) Just started restorative yoga 2x a week and felt amazing after the first session. Can't wait to go back. Walking a 20 minute mile for 2-3 miles at least 4x a week. Going to the chiropractor as needed for adjustments and massage. And of course I sleep on my back with a knee bolster. I would love to go back to my old training style and schedule but suspect that will be out of reach for a while.

For those of you out there also dealing with DDD, herniations, stenosis, etc - what works for you? Have any tips or tricks? Did you also experience worsening back pain after surgery?

I heard that we used to have more insulation around the spine, and weight loss naturally causes instability because of the lack of "cushion." Also, our back muscles get super strong because they're used to carrying around a lot of weight in front, so when we become lighter they're still in "flex mode" and prone to act up. I am not medical professional - does any of that make sense?! My chiro and ortho didn't really have theories on this.

Thanks for the information. I'll have to pick it up for my mom.

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