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Thread: Back Issues

  1. #1
    Gastric Sleeve Member TxMom4's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
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    Default Back Issues

    Is anyone else having back issues? I have had back problems for a few years now. That is one of the reasons I wanted to have the surgery to help lose weight. However, the pain is different now. It doesn't feel like a pinched nerve anymore. When I stand up, I literally have to stop and stand up straight or bend my shoulders backwards to line my spine up again. If not, I feel like I am in a "S" shape. It's hard to explain, but I'm in constant pain. I was able to walk it out for a while, but now it hurts more the longer I walk, or the longer I sit (which is a lot since I have a desk job). I read on another blog here that it's due to the rapid weight loss and my body over compensating, or not changing the way I carry my frame with the weight gone. I also read that it could be from weak muscles since I might not be getting the right nutriets so soon after surgery. Any other thoughts? Do you think a Chiropractor could help?



    Highest weight after having kids was 306

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  3. #2
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
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    Default Re: Back Issues

    Txmom,
    Wow, it is very distressing for me to hear about your post operative back problem. I think I understand what you are going through. About how you have to distort your back to ease the pain now. I had a huge spine surgery myself 8 years ago, and the outcome was poor, it's considered a "failed back". I've been in chronic, severe pain all this time, living on pain meds and unable to walk far enough to get through the grocery store without filpping out from the pain. So the weight just climbed on me. The more sedentary I became, the more I gained. And tragically, exercising is nearly impossible, due to my spine being so unstable. The whole reason for my sleeve, which I'm having with Dr. Almanza on the 14th, is to take some of the weight burden off my back and hopefully lessen the pain. Probably much the same reason you did it. So, I get it, I understand perfectly what your hopes were. But now you have this strange problem and I am afraid I will too. I think our spines are deformed for good now, from us carrying ourselves slightly differently before to minimize pain. I know my spine has changed since my back surgery, I walk a bit hunched over and seldom stand up perfectly straight cuz it hurts too much. So it makes sense that the new weight redistribution from losing pounds is causing your pain, ditto the weak muscles. I don't think nutritional deficits would cause pain, but who knows. I hadn't thought about this before, that the rapid weight loss might actually make things worse. Crap, more to worry about, hey? I don't think a Chiropractor can help at this point. Your spine is probably fused like that. What might help is a custom fitted brace to help realign the spine. And exercise to build the core muscles back up, assuming you can exercise. I hope you continue to post your experiences, I will feel better if I know you have improved. Back pain absolutely ruins your life, doesn't it? I regret this surgery so much and I truly caution anyone consdering it. If you think you have pain now, just know it can get a whole lot worse. The surgeon just swept me under the carpet too, and sent me to pain management. You can't revise a spine surgery, what's done is done. Good luck to you, and I really hope this problem resolves itself.



  4. #3
    Gastric Sleeve Member TxMom4's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
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    Lisa M.
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    Default Re: Back Issues

    I didn't mean to scare you! I know that walking and exerscising can strengthen those muscles around my spine and it will get better after time. I need a fix for now though. It is a constant pain that I would like to help ease if there is something that can be done soon. I never had back surgery, but did have to go in for a steroid shot in my back once. That did wonders for me years ago.



    Highest weight after having kids was 306

  5. #4
    Gastric Sleeve Member michelleb's Avatar
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    Default Re: Back Issues

    It can't harm to see a chiropractor. Maybe all you need is an adjustment. Exercise will also definitely help to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine. Keep us updated and hope you find some relief soon.



  6. #5
    Gastric Sleeve Member Jersey John's Avatar
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    Default Re: Back Issues

    Chiropractors can do tremendous things for back pain/discomfort. It does seem normal that you had some back issues, and the weightloss/posture changes are causing additional discomfort. I work with a lot of chiropractors professionally, and my family had a chiropractor we have used (mom, sister, etc..) and trust. I highly recommend finding a good one. Chiropractors are also trained in Physical Therapy which would help your posture and muscular issues.

    Having said that, I can tell you I am probably one of the leading (unbiased non chiropractor) experts on understanding chiropractic, and I warn you to find a GOOD one. (I have had an article on Understanding Chiropractic Fraud published in a national online professional journal) Ask your friends and co workers. You want a chiropractor that believes in solving your pain issue and making you better within a reasonable time (6-12 weeks maybe longer depending on how bad and how long you will continue to lose weight). Some schools of chiropractic teach that you need to have your spine adjusted from "cradle to grave". They believe you need to always be adjusted forever in order to have maximum health forever. You need one who will make you better and dismiss you from care until you need him again. If they start talking annual payment plans or 6 months of care then run...lol
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    Highest weight: 450+ lbs
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  8. #6
    Gastric Sleeve Member
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    Default Re: Back Issues

    I started to have back aches at my top weight (380) and just recently (300) I've been getting a pulling in the back. My back was always arched forward because of my gut, so I've been wondering what would happen to my spine which is used to an odd curve when it didn't need the curve.

    I'm not sure if it's because I haven't really been to the gym in 3 months, that it went from 80 degrees at night to 50 degrees at night, etc.

    I just felt so healthy always getting up easily off of our low couch (legs off so animals can't get under it), now I'm back to supporting my arms on my knees when I get up.



  9. #7
    Gastric Sleeve Member FlowerGalTX's Avatar
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    Default Re: Back Issues

    The day before surgery I visited my chiropractor and I am so glad I did. I would definitely check into a chiropractor when you can. During surgery our bodies can be positioned in such a way to cause subluxations. Couple that with our natural tendency to guard the area by compensating with another muscle group we can easily throw our vertebrae out of alignment.

    If you don't already have a chiropractor really do your research. I've always had good experiences in this area but have had friends who have not. I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with John as I DO believe in maintenance treatments and know exactly based upon feeling and range of movement when I am due for an adjustment. I have a chronic back condition that tends to generate acute painful conditions at times and my chiropractor has been my best doctor in my book.

    In addition to a visit to the chiropractor I would check into getting some physical therapy and/or personal training to teach you core strengthening / core building exercises. That has really been helpful to me throughout the years in controlling pain and reducing aches/pains and fatigue.
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  10. #8
    Gastric Sleeve Member melanie0941's Avatar
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    Default Re: Back Issues

    So where exactly is your back pain? I had a good bit of back pain after surgery and it was primarily located on the right side mid torso. It was the same pain I had when I previously had a stomach ulcer... so I know that my pain was stomach related. My doc put me on both Prevacid AND Carafate following surgery. The carafate coats the stomach and lessens the pain related to irritation of the stomach lining. My pain is much reduced right now but for a few days after surgery, it was quite painful.

    If your back pain is elsewhere (left side... or lumbar region), it may be a separate issue...

    Good luck on getting to the bottom of the back problem...

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  11. #9
    Gastric Sleeve Member TxMom4's Avatar
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    Lisa M.
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    Default Re: Back Issues

    I called the doctor today that did my surgery and he suggested I call my PCP or a chiropractor as well. He didn't think the surgery had anything to do with my pain. I think I'll take everyones suggestions and find a good chiropractor for an alignment. Thanks guys!!



    Highest weight after having kids was 306

  12. #10
    Gastric Sleeve Member Jersey John's Avatar
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    Default Re: Back Issues

    Quote Originally Posted by FlowerGalTX View Post
    The day before surgery I visited my chiropractor and I am so glad I did. I would definitely check into a chiropractor when you can. During surgery our bodies can be positioned in such a way to cause subluxations. Couple that with our natural tendency to guard the area by compensating with another muscle group we can easily throw our vertebrae out of alignment.

    If you don't already have a chiropractor really do your research. I've always had good experiences in this area but have had friends who have not. I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with John as I DO believe in maintenance treatments and know exactly based upon feeling and range of movement when I am due for an adjustment. I have a chronic back condition that tends to generate acute painful conditions at times and my chiropractor has been my best doctor in my book.

    In addition to a visit to the chiropractor I would check into getting some physical therapy and/or personal training to teach you core strengthening / core building exercises. That has really been helpful to me throughout the years in controlling pain and reducing aches/pains and fatigue.
    Sorry if I implied maintenance, especially for a chronic condition, was not good care.......I was strictly referring to preventative weekly adjustments for life, or possibly monthly for an asymptomatic patient. Any discernable loss in range of motion, pain, or kind of "feeling" like you are anything but 100% warrants a visit to a good chiropractor IMHO.
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    Highest weight: 450+ lbs
    Weight before beginning diet 90 days before surgery: 410 lbs.

  13. #11
    Gastric Sleeve Member
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    Default Re: Back Issues

    I am noticing new back pain too. If I stand too long, I get it in my upper back. If I clean too much my lower back hurts. Not sure what's going on.



  14. #12
    Gastric Sleeve Member viviki's Avatar
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    Default Re: Back Issues

    I am also having the back pain. I have been sleeping on a heating pad for weeks now. aside form the ne wback pain I have a soreness in my chest that I can't explain.


  15. #13
    Gastric Sleeve Member Kylady1975's Avatar
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    Default Re: Back Issues

    Would it might be some trapped gas still? I know this is a long shot but I know it can stay around a bit. I hate hearing everyone is feeling bad but you all are doing so great on your loss. I have surgery the 29. I hope I do as great.


  16. #14
    Gastric Sleeve Member Allisharb's Avatar
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    Default Re: Back Issues

    I have some hip and lower back "soreness" that borders on pain sometimes, I have been using acupuncture, and have had 3 sessions with really positive results.


  17. #15
    Gastric Sleeve Member TxMom4's Avatar
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    Default Re: Back Issues

    I went to the chiropractor yesterday. All of the therapy and massages felt wonderful!! On the other side, my X-rays showed I have a curved spine, bone spurs on my spine, L4 and L5 are trying to fuse together and I have arthritis in both of my hips. I have to get an MRI this week to see if a disk is out of place and will get a steroid shot to help with the inflammation. He is hopeful that we caught it before the spine fused together but needs to be corrected soon before permanent damage is done. Oh, he also said that surgery did not cause this problem. He said that since I did already have back issues, the sudden weight lost just aggravated it. I am so glad I went to a chiropractor and am very happy with the one I chose.



    Highest weight after having kids was 306

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