Hi. I will be having my consult with the surgeon on October 30th. Until that time, I am trying to learn as much as I possibly can about my WLS. I have arthritis in my lower spine and right hip. About a year ago, I tripped over a student and speeded up the damage to my right hip. I have difficulty walking, even with NSAIDS, and the doctor says it is only a matter of time before I am in a wheelchair. So, I am also looking at a hip replacement in the near future. This is my question. I realize that I will need to be off NSAIDS for a period of time after WLS. As I read various posts, some people returned to them just following surgery while others needed to wait a year or more before taking them again. To me, dealing with the pain is worth it in order for me to return to a healthier lifestyle. I do, however, also know that exercise is a critical component of successful weighloss. I have been using a pool for my exercise during the warmer months as it is outside. Currently, I do not have access to an indoor pool. What are some low impact exercises I might be able to do to make sure I am meeting the adequate physical requirements? Thanks in advance for your help.

I have RA and Fibromyalgia and just started Lyrica a few days ago. I was switched from Neurontin. I haven't noticed any improvements yet and the side effects so far have been dry mouth and dizziness. I'll keep you posted.

Hi - This is Leone thanking you all for the replies. I'm learning, but there is so much to take in!  I'm not too crazy about the lap band - all the follow ups and fills seems like a never ending process. That's not to say it isn't good, it just doesn't seem like what I would want. I do like the VSG idea - it doesn't mess with the intestines. But the closest surgeon that does that is four hours away. We'll see. Anyway, thank you all and have a good night. Leone

I just found this board today. I am 60 yrs old and have fibro and arthritis in back and all over really have already had 2 toltal knee repleacements. I had my gastric bypass 9/26/06. I have lost about 165 lbs. Well my shoulders are killing me to move them at all. I go to chiropractor every week. I was thinking of maybe this Lyrica for my fibro but it says can cause dizziness and because of inner ear damage I am very susciptalble to dizziness. Any ideas on why shoulders could be hurting. I had Xrays and it showed no real bad arthritis in shoulders.

I have been taking the Lyrica for about 2 weeks,  I have Lymphedema in my left arm as a result of a lumpdeckmy from breast cancer.  I have noticed that the deep down bone pain has gone away fromt his arm.  i also  have Fibromyalgia(have been diagnosed with that for about 8 years) I take a various medicines for the pain, daroset, lodine.  Like I said since adding the Lyrica the deep pains in my hip joints and legs do seem to be going away.  I have also have the weaight loss surgery and had gained weight back which I am working on to get rid of again. So I am well aware of any weight gain that I may have with the Lyrica.  I have not noticed any.  I am taking the 75 mg twice a day at the same time each day.  I work so I must deal with any side effects and go on.

Hopes this helps anyone considering adding Lycria.  I would recommend it as of now.