Has anyone else needed physical therapy after gastric bypass surgery to regain their strength. My mom had surgery 1 weeks ago. She went into the surgery with existing back problems and the pain Meds masked the back pain. Now that it’s worn off her back is starting to hurt. She says her legs are weak and she’s unable to put pressure on her legs and can only walk short distances. She mainly lays in the bed because it helps her back and stomach not to hurt. I Don’t know if the weakness is due to effects of surgery or her back problems. She needs to be able to walk to help her heal and get rid of gas and prevent blood clots. Think it would be a good idea to have PT come in the house to help her regain her strength? Thanks

Your mom needs to work at getting her calories in. Takes time, but she'll get there. Starvation level calorie intake can exacerbate existing weakness. Encourage her to walk short distances frequently and rest as needed. Also encourage her to get her protein shakes in. Four ounces per hour, if you're awake 16 hours per day (8 hours sleep) allows you to get in up to 64 ounces of fluids per day. Encourage her to set a goal of drinking one little medicine cup full (of either clear liquid or protein drink) ..an ounce...every 15 minutes. The more she drinks, the easier drinking will become for her.

She needs to walk frequently to prevent blood clots. My group recommends two small walks every hour (even just a small walk around the house, to the bathroom, etc).

While blood clots occur more frequently 2-10 days after surgery, you're at risk for them for up to three months and need to keep moving to prevent them.

Also, she should mention this weakness at her first post surgical check up. They might want to do a complete blood count, test her for anemia, and make sure the weakness isn't related to internal bleeding.

Take it seriously and follow up with the doctor. She shouldn't be significantly weaker than she was pre-surgically at this point.

Edited January 5, 20188 yr by Creekimp13

Might be worth following up with her Doctor