A pilates instructor came to one of our support group meetings. She talked about, and I'm not sure I'm saying this right, the changes that would take place with regard to the way we walk. I think it had to do with the way it (weight) was distributed, and how that changes as we lose.

I've been feeling slightly off balance, I don't know how else to describe it, and was wondering if anyone else experienced anything similar.

Debbie

Before losing weight I slumped due to the upper body weight. I also sort of waddled, not severely but a little, due to the weight bearing on my lower body. And my balance wasn't great. All of that has resolved itself with weight loss, I walk straighter and stronger and my balance is really good... although I still need a little more work on my posture after slouching all those years, but there has been an improvement.

That is interesting and I never thought about it before. I didnt notice a big change much more than better posture and a new spring in my step from the extra energy from eating healthy and exercising regularly.

However, I am noticing that pregnancy has an even bigger effect on walking.

Perhaps it is somewhat dependent on how your weight is distributed.

Good point Heather. I carried most of my weight in my stomach and breasts...much like a pregnant woman would.

Interesting thread. I have had a similar problem with MID-back pain since November. (not lower). I've had xrays, scans, etc. Went to the chiropractor and got the feel good treatments that helped for a few hours.

Finally got referred to a good Physical therapist. He asked me if I had recently lost a lot of weight. I told him I had lost about 70 lbs since last May. He said that makes sense then. He said when you are over weight your ligments, etc are stretched to accommodate the heaviness. With a big weight loss those ligaments are now trying to deal with the "unstretching" and are confused so to speak. He gave me back exercises for strengthening and I can now feel a vast improvement.

So, I guess what Im saying is, your body can respond in various ways with such a big weight loss.

Thank you all very much.

Jodi and Heather, my stomach is definitely where I carry all my weight, though people say that I'm solid, so it's fairly evenly distributed, to them, anyway. I'm a pianist, and have always had pretty good posture, but my back bothered me more as I gained weight. Now that I'm losing it, I don't have that problem so much. Hopefully that will improve.

Mel, thank you, too, for sharing what the physical therapist said. I'm going to try to remember that as my ligaments try to adjust. Interesting stuff!

Debbie

Just wanted to mention that a physical therapist can also help with balance problems. if your insurance covered your surgery they will mosl likely cover some pt to help get back your balance and help your pasture for your new body...also your insurance may cover it evn if they didnt cover your sugery

Wii fit exercises also try to help with the balance and posture....

There is an exercise program connected with the hospital where I had my surgery, and they will focus on patients who had bariatric surgery. Apparently, there is a whole team of people, which may or may not include a physical therapist, I can't remember. I'm not sure if my insurance covers it, but I'm definitely going to check it out.

Debbie