Anyone with fibromyalgia that's had the lap band ?

[ShrinkyDink 0]

I'm right there with you. I still have the pain and fatigue but it does seem to be somewhat better after some weight loss. I'm not sleeping any better and the brain fog still comes and goes, but I have high hopes that the lessened stress on my body will help the fibro.

I'm certain the fibro is the reason for my slow-ish weight loss, it's pretty hard for me to exercise without a lot of pain. I was doing well when I could swim every day but now that it's too cold for the pool I'm not getting nearly enough exercise.

[twiggysmiff 0]

OK...I have created a social group called Fibromyalgia Bandsters. The problem is that I can't figure out an easy way to find it so here's how to get there....

Click on the blue Forum tab at the top of the page

Scroll down until you see LapBand Social groups

Under that, you'll see a little link that says join

scroll through the groups until you see Fibromyalgia Bandsters. Click join. :rolleyes2:

See you all there. If you can find an easier way to get there, please share!

[9pdmnm5 0]

I too, have Fibromyalgia. I am only 7 wks. post-op and have not noticed a big difference as of yet. Even though, I will say I haven't had a "flare-up" w/the aches and pains but still have fatigue. I am able to exercise on most days but its a struggle due to the fatigue I feel on a daily basis. Its comforting to know there are other ppl who know how I feel. Did anyone ever try Cymbalta for the Fibro? Just curious.:rolleyes2:

[taz 2]

I've had fibro about 10 years. It was trigered when I hurt my back. For 3 months after I was banded I wasn't bothered by fibro. This past month I was able to half my Lipitor. I was surpried how much better I felt.

Is everyone on medication? Elavil gave me the most relief. I tried Cymbalta. It didn't do much for me. I take various meds throughout the day. I now also take Lyrica. It took about a month for the dizziness to get better but it helps. I've also noticed shots or taking blood doesn't hurt as much. Strange, isn't it.

I've found stretching exercises help the most. Just bending over and letting gravity stretch you is easy and helps. Accupuncture helps too. I would be interested in hearing how others handle there pain.

[Thegirlnextdoor 0]

I to have fibromylagia, I have found that exercise, even during flare ups is the best medicine. I do take naproxen twice daily for the swelling and pain. Even on the days when I ache so bad I don't want to get out of bed I move. There were nights in the beginning of my weight loss that I exercised during the day and couldn't sleep at night because of the pain. Them instances have definately decrease. I don't have the flare ups as often anymore and are better able to cope with them when I do. Good Luck and Keep Moving.

This is great encouragment ,thank you :thumbup: !! I definately feel better once i've exercised!!

[terilynn112 1]

I can't find the group. I'm also diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.

teri

[cookiebaby 0]

I found this thread while searching and thought I'd bring it back. Wouldn't it be nice if weight loss cured Fibromyalgia? I hardly think so. I imagine that some of our aches that are due to being overweight will go away. I also think that when we eat better, we will feel better. I was hoping for surgery shock to magically help some symptoms but that didn't happen either.

My main problem is the Lyrica - both miracle as far as pain help and terrible as far as weight problems. I just took a dose after not doing it for two days just so I could lose a pound.

Anyone with help on this subject, PLEASE post. I think it does more than make us hungry. I had a friend go off of it and lose 10 pounds in one week and she wasn't that big. And yes, all the weight I gained from it was in my upper stomach.

[ShrinkyDink 0]

Is anybody having luck with Lyrica? My doctor said he has yet to get anybody to a therapeutic dose because it's too sedating, nobody can tolerate taking enough of it to help. I'm working up slowly, up to 150mg at bedtime now but I don't notice a single bit of help yet.

[cookiebaby 0]

It has been a complete miracle for me. I am taking 450 mgs each day. Each capsule has 150 mgs so I spread them out during the day. My only bad side effect has been the weight gain which lead me to this surgery.

Before Lyrica, I spent a great deal of time laying in bed watching TV - I was in too much pain and too exhausted to do much of anything. I would say it cut 40 percent of the pain. I have been able to reduce my pain medicine and go on walks with my dog - sometimes two or three each day. Of course, I'm nowhere near being back to "normal" but I can function. I would love to be able to go back to work someday - that is my dream.

[taz 2]

I take 100 mg of Lyrica 3 times a day. I have had some success with it. I've noticed other areas of pain reduction too. When I've had blood taken the pain isn't as intense. The problem I have the most is not being able to remember things.

Another area that has helped is reducing my Lipitor. That is definitely an area losing weight could help. I would love to get off it entirely. My quality of life has really improved.

[ShrinkyDink 0]

Wow I'm so torn, I'm so thrilled to finally be losing my weight that I can't stand the thought of gaining it back, but the idea of my pain being gone is a dream come true. Which is better, thin and in pain or fat without pain? I didn't realize weight gain was such a common side effect, but now that I've read this I'm wondering if my slow loss the last couple months is because of the Lyrica. Arg what to do!!!

[jms462001 9]

I to have fibromylagia, I have found that exercise, even during flare ups is the best medicine. I do take naproxen twice daily for the swelling and pain. Even on the days when I ache so bad I don't want to get out of bed I move. There were nights in the beginning of my weight loss that I exercised during the day and couldn't sleep at night because of the pain. Them instances have definately decrease. I don't have the flare ups as often anymore and are better able to cope with them when I do. Good Luck and Keep Moving.

Is naproxen safer for the band than ibuprofen? I have 800 mg ibuprofen prescribed for my spinal disease and really need it many days, but do not take it often for fear of it hurting the band. Do you know if it's ok to take?

[jms462001 9]

Wow I'm so torn, I'm so thrilled to finally be losing my weight that I can't stand the thought of gaining it back, but the idea of my pain being gone is a dream come true. Which is better, thin and in pain or fat without pain? I didn't realize weight gain was such a common side effect, but now that I've read this I'm wondering if my slow loss the last couple months is because of the Lyrica. Arg what to do!!!

OMG, I have not read this entire thread, but Lyrica is poison in my book. I took it for 10 months and gained 40 pounds and then needed knee replacement on top of my needed spinal surgery. Not to mention the side effects that came after awhile. Not to mention the horrible withdrawal symptoms I had when I went off it.......just like a full blown drug addict. I get so angry every time I hear the word Lyrica.

[jms462001 9]

I'm right there with you. I still have the pain and fatigue but it does seem to be somewhat better after some weight loss. I'm not sleeping any better and the brain fog still comes and goes, but I have high hopes that the lessened stress on my body will help the fibro.

I'm certain the fibro is the reason for my slow-ish weight loss, it's pretty hard for me to exercise without a lot of pain. I was doing well when I could swim every day but now that it's too cold for the pool I'm not getting nearly enough exercise.

Where do you get the swelling when you have flare ups?

[ShrinkyDink 0]

I don't get swelling, my worst pain is primarily in my collar bone and shoulder, and also in the backs of my arms. I get generalized pain all over though and serious brain fog and insomnia. The only benefit I've seen from the Lyrica so far is improved sleep, but I'm only up to 150mg per day at bedtime. Doc was building me up slowly to watch for side effects, but I think I've decided to stop it at least for now. Might try it again when I've hit my goal weight.