530 lbs. just had open-RNY HELP
Before the surgery, my legs hurt so bad, to the point where I had to use a wheelchair. They were so weak and I had very heavy breathing.
Question- Anyone else this bad prior to RNY and does the pain and weakness in legs get better with weight loss????????
Right now I am 4 days out. Having a really rough day. Just want to know that I am not alone...
Question- Anyone else this bad prior to RNY and does the pain and weakness in legs get better with weight loss????????
Right now I am 4 days out. Having a really rough day. Just want to know that I am not alone...
I was 360lbs before WLS and although I didn't have it as bad as you, I was bad enough that when I had to walk the length of the parking lot at my job, my feet would swell and hurt so bad that when I'd wake up at night to go to the bathroom, I had to hold on to my dresser in order to stand.
My knees would also hurt, but since losing over a hundred pounds, I can go on hour long walks, and even do some running and sprinting. I was walking from the begining and in the first few months after the operation, I'd get tendonitis in my feet, but now, no knee pain and no foot pain at all.
You may actually find the effects more dramatic as your weight comes off because you're starting from a higher point. I know everyone is different and I can't guarantee that you'll be 100 percent pain free, because I don't know your underlying condtions, but taking the weight off of your joints can only help and I'm sure as you start to shed the pounds you will find relief.
Erica
My knees would also hurt, but since losing over a hundred pounds, I can go on hour long walks, and even do some running and sprinting. I was walking from the begining and in the first few months after the operation, I'd get tendonitis in my feet, but now, no knee pain and no foot pain at all.
You may actually find the effects more dramatic as your weight comes off because you're starting from a higher point. I know everyone is different and I can't guarantee that you'll be 100 percent pain free, because I don't know your underlying condtions, but taking the weight off of your joints can only help and I'm sure as you start to shed the pounds you will find relief.
Erica
Hi,
I had VSG not RNY and fortunately mine was not open, but I did have terrible pain in my legs and feet before surgery, not to mention a few other nasties. I have lost about 100lbs over the past 5 months and I am so much better. Hold that thought, I did strain a hamstring the other day exercising so right now I do have a bit of pain....lol I guess I pushed myself too much...I did an hour in the gym and 40laps of the pool. I could never have done that 5 months ago.
I started my journey at 426lbs, there was so much I could not do....and horrible things I had to do just to do normal things in life.....like having to be a contortionist to wipe my bottom when I went to the loo and then not sure it was 100% wiped, so I would have to shower and then to make sure I was clean in my pink bits I invented a washing implement....don't ask me to describe it. Well now, I don't have to contort, and the implement has been thrown in the bin....yippee!
I can tell you that everyday you will get a little better and the weight will fall off, one day you will get up and realise you are so much better and all those things you could not do you can and on that day you realise everything you are going through right now is worth it.
Big hugs, you will get there.
Anne
I had VSG not RNY and fortunately mine was not open, but I did have terrible pain in my legs and feet before surgery, not to mention a few other nasties. I have lost about 100lbs over the past 5 months and I am so much better. Hold that thought, I did strain a hamstring the other day exercising so right now I do have a bit of pain....lol I guess I pushed myself too much...I did an hour in the gym and 40laps of the pool. I could never have done that 5 months ago.
I started my journey at 426lbs, there was so much I could not do....and horrible things I had to do just to do normal things in life.....like having to be a contortionist to wipe my bottom when I went to the loo and then not sure it was 100% wiped, so I would have to shower and then to make sure I was clean in my pink bits I invented a washing implement....don't ask me to describe it. Well now, I don't have to contort, and the implement has been thrown in the bin....yippee!
I can tell you that everyday you will get a little better and the weight will fall off, one day you will get up and realise you are so much better and all those things you could not do you can and on that day you realise everything you are going through right now is worth it.
Big hugs, you will get there.
Anne
10,000 steps walking challenge coordinator to register; http://10000steps.org.au/ and then pm me your email and I will link you to the challenge.
Sorry to hear that you are having a rough time so far. I am just a little over 1 month out. I went in at 434 and left at 454 because of water weight. It does get better---my advice-----don't give up. Try to move as best you can. The more I moved the better off I was-----it was no picnic at first, but boy that is what made my recovery so much better.
As far as my legs, I didn't have any real issues---but once the weight starting coming off, just the normal aches and pains got better in my feet and ankles.
This is a great opportunity that we all have to try to get our health back where it needs to be. Try to stay positive throughout your experience(even if you think you made a mistake at times!) Just think of the long-term benefits that are on the way. I still tell myself this.
Finally, tell the doctor as things feel wrong--I did have a few complications, so you want them to take the very best care of you along the way.
Good Vibes---Wishes for Good Health--and Speedy Recovery---coming your way!!!
Best of Luck
Christa
As far as my legs, I didn't have any real issues---but once the weight starting coming off, just the normal aches and pains got better in my feet and ankles.
This is a great opportunity that we all have to try to get our health back where it needs to be. Try to stay positive throughout your experience(even if you think you made a mistake at times!) Just think of the long-term benefits that are on the way. I still tell myself this.
Finally, tell the doctor as things feel wrong--I did have a few complications, so you want them to take the very best care of you along the way.
Good Vibes---Wishes for Good Health--and Speedy Recovery---coming your way!!!
Best of Luck
Christa
I weighed 487 at my highest wt.
YES!!!! It will get bttr. You'll notc you feel lighter soon and then suddenly you'll be moving so much better...it will suprise you. Hang in there IT WILL HAPPEN. It takes time but you are going to get there. I was barely walking at my highest. I had RNY (Laproscopic) on June 3rd at 406 and it was hard to recover but I wouldn't trade any of that pain. It got me where I am now and I am so happy
You can do this, It'll be OK ~Stella
YES!!!! It will get bttr. You'll notc you feel lighter soon and then suddenly you'll be moving so much better...it will suprise you. Hang in there IT WILL HAPPEN. It takes time but you are going to get there. I was barely walking at my highest. I had RNY (Laproscopic) on June 3rd at 406 and it was hard to recover but I wouldn't trade any of that pain. It got me where I am now and I am so happy
You can do this, It'll be OK
~Stella Start: 487 lbs (8/07) Lost 81 lbs pre op on South Beach. 406 lbs at surgery (6/08). 179 post op, by 2011. I lost 308 lbs. Gained 98 while pregnant (2012-13) lost all but 25. My goal is to be 179 again!
Two years after that....
I could not be happier.
Hi There,
Just wanted to chime in with my experience. I weighed 440 when I had surgery on 12/17/07...today I weigh 251. In responding to your post, please understand that I really try to refrain from giving advice - I just share my own experience and what worked for me; take what you want and leave the rest.
One of the reasons why I decided to have WLS was my knees. My knees had been bone on bone for years and the pain increased every year with every additional pound. It was to the point where I couldn't walk across a small parking lot without so much pain that I broke out in a sweat. Stairs? Forget it. Standing more than a minute? Nope. I stopped going to the grocery store, let alone a WalMart, because it was just TOO much. I checked with orthopedic surgeons and not a single one would touch me at 440.
While the pain did get better after losing 100 lbs or so, it was still painful. (Now that made a lot of sense, didn't it?!?!?! LOL) Let me put it this way - before losing the weight, the pain was white-hot, 24/7, relentless. After losing some weight, the pain backed off to more of a 'dull roar' - not so much in your face, I want to die right here type of pain. I could handle small parking lots and I could handle a very short trip to the grocery store by myself.
In August 2008, weighing around 300, I had my right knee totally replaced. I cannot begin to tell you the 10,000% difference it has made. Oh, physical therapy was HELL and I at least whined every step of the way - but I plan on doing it all over again with my left knee very soon! I would do WLS and knee surgery 100 times again if I had to.
At 4 days out, I know I was living in pure hell. I swear WLS and knee surgery are two surgeries that you go into feeling at least okay and come out feeling like you've been hit by a fleet of trucks! I was pissed that my food was gone, it was Christmas time and everyone was eating (except me!), and I swore every other commercial on TV was either a feel good Hallmark squishy family commercial or FOOD! I spent my time either raging at the world, crying my eyes out, or sleeping. I couldn't imagine living until the next week, let alone being here a year later.
However, a year later - I can stand for periods of time without breaking out in a sweat. I can walk without searing pain. At Halloween I took our 6 year old trick and treating for the first time - we were gone over two hours, walked about 1 1/2 miles and I didn't sit down!! I've been to the mall and actually shopped. I'm LIVING again. I notice that I fit into a crowd now - I don't stand out because I'm the fat one, I'm just one of the masses. (And I'm thrilled to just blend in!)
Bottom line, I encourage you to hang in there. You are not alone. I know that for me, I found a home here on this board. People who understand, who care about each other. We share a lot of our lives; the good, the bad and the ugly - and I have found only acceptance, a quiet understanding. Please keep coming back - feel free to vent, scream, laugh and cry. We've been there, we understand. Feel free to email me if I can help in any way.
Peace and Love,
Jana
Just wanted to chime in with my experience. I weighed 440 when I had surgery on 12/17/07...today I weigh 251. In responding to your post, please understand that I really try to refrain from giving advice - I just share my own experience and what worked for me; take what you want and leave the rest.
One of the reasons why I decided to have WLS was my knees. My knees had been bone on bone for years and the pain increased every year with every additional pound. It was to the point where I couldn't walk across a small parking lot without so much pain that I broke out in a sweat. Stairs? Forget it. Standing more than a minute? Nope. I stopped going to the grocery store, let alone a WalMart, because it was just TOO much. I checked with orthopedic surgeons and not a single one would touch me at 440.
While the pain did get better after losing 100 lbs or so, it was still painful. (Now that made a lot of sense, didn't it?!?!?! LOL) Let me put it this way - before losing the weight, the pain was white-hot, 24/7, relentless. After losing some weight, the pain backed off to more of a 'dull roar' - not so much in your face, I want to die right here type of pain. I could handle small parking lots and I could handle a very short trip to the grocery store by myself.
In August 2008, weighing around 300, I had my right knee totally replaced. I cannot begin to tell you the 10,000% difference it has made. Oh, physical therapy was HELL and I at least whined every step of the way - but I plan on doing it all over again with my left knee very soon! I would do WLS and knee surgery 100 times again if I had to.
At 4 days out, I know I was living in pure hell. I swear WLS and knee surgery are two surgeries that you go into feeling at least okay and come out feeling like you've been hit by a fleet of trucks! I was pissed that my food was gone, it was Christmas time and everyone was eating (except me!), and I swore every other commercial on TV was either a feel good Hallmark squishy family commercial or FOOD! I spent my time either raging at the world, crying my eyes out, or sleeping. I couldn't imagine living until the next week, let alone being here a year later.
However, a year later - I can stand for periods of time without breaking out in a sweat. I can walk without searing pain. At Halloween I took our 6 year old trick and treating for the first time - we were gone over two hours, walked about 1 1/2 miles and I didn't sit down!! I've been to the mall and actually shopped. I'm LIVING again. I notice that I fit into a crowd now - I don't stand out because I'm the fat one, I'm just one of the masses. (And I'm thrilled to just blend in!)
Bottom line, I encourage you to hang in there. You are not alone. I know that for me, I found a home here on this board. People who understand, who care about each other. We share a lot of our lives; the good, the bad and the ugly - and I have found only acceptance, a quiet understanding. Please keep coming back - feel free to vent, scream, laugh and cry. We've been there, we understand. Feel free to email me if I can help in any way.
Peace and Love,
Jana
I didnt have that much problems walking but i was getting there and stairs were torture I am only 7 weeks out but with my pre surgery lose i am down 78 pounds already and let me tell you I am feeling so much better I can get up and down on furniture with out a struggle, I even got down in teh floor yesterday to play with my baby cousins and got up without a huge effort or a crane which is what I used to feel that it would take. I have congenital hip displacement, and sever deteration in my lower lumbar that will be with me and yes still acts up in the really cold weather but I am not living in constant pain from it like I was last year at this time. I can't wait to see what the next year brings as more weight falls off and I learn to live again. I remember laying at my moms when I came hoem and I was lucky to have the lap RNY and thinking OMFG what the H*LL have I done to myself. And yes again a couple of weeks later when I caught the nasty nasty tummy bug that desimated my kids school I was terrififed I would rip something and cried when I had to start back at the liquid stage again to let my new tummy recover. I wondered if I would ever be able to do anything but drink again. Good news though it does get better and you will be so happy everytime you see that scale go down!
Isn't having the flu after surgery just the worst? I got it when I was about 3-5 months out. DD came home from school with it and was vomiting her toenails up and sure enough, within 24 hours I had diarrhea from hell. I called my surgeon and he put me back on liquids, too. However, I was far enough out that it didn't bother me...that much. LOL I really missed not having flat 7-UP though.
Jana
Jana
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