Back problems and WLS
I've noticed that in the last few weeks my mid back hurts if I sit or stand straight for any length of time. Sitting in straight-back chairs is the worst. Could the loss of fat, etc. play a role?
I walk 3 or 4 days a week and lift weights 3 days and have been working on developing core muscles, back, etc. since well begore surgery. This discomfort does not seem to related to any lifting, twisting, or reaching pull or stretch.
Got any advice. similar experiences?
Oh, one other, possibly related thing, my "sitting height" has shrunk, due, no doubt, to the mysterious disappearance of my manly pre-op haunches. My wife has gleefully noted, "You look shorter sitting in the car!" the last few days. Guess it's time to buy a cushion.
Doug
If we're treading on thin ice we might as well dance.--Jesse Winchester
I am aware of your back problems, but hadn't remembered- the info about the shifting center of gravity. That may be part of my problem. And getting old, too.
I hope the IF device works for you.
Strange journey we're on, but far better than the old, pre-WLS way of problems PLUS being MO.
Doug
If we're treading on thin ice we might as well dance.--Jesse Winchester
Doug, I had a host of back issues but those were due to absent abdominal muscles. Once I got my "Frankenstein-Re-Build" I had to do a good bit of Physical Therapy to strengthen sides and core muscles in back. If it is becoming an ongoing pain/nuisance, have your doc prescribe Physical Therapy. For my back, the Physical Therapist started me doing "Ball-Squats." Those big (2 ½ foot diameter) balls at the gym? Go to a clear wall, stand about 2 to 3 feet out from the wall, facing away From the wall and put the Ball in the small of your back and Lean back on it. Not too far out from the wall, just enough so that The Ball is holding about half of your weight. Keeping the torso straight up or "Parallel to the wall," Then bending at the knees, squat just a little, letting your back Roll the Ball down the wall behind you. Don’t squat too deep, Just about 1 to 2 feet, then back up. These should be slow movements Rather than a bounce up and down. I started doing 10 of these and worked up to 30, then break and do A different exercise, the go back and do another 30, and break, And so on until I was doing 5 sets of 30. Great for building butt muscle, thighs, and lower back. These helped me transition from needing a walker To standing on my own, fairly quickly. I had NO abdominal muscles to help hold me aright So I had to rely on my back and sides to provide stability. By staying with this exercise and building the numbers over time- As a result – NO loose thigh or butt skin! I recommend the "Ball Squat" Big Time. I used to Joke with my Physical Therapist, who came 4 days a week- "I just want to be able to Walk, I’m not looking to have Jane Fonda’s Butt Here!"
Oh, and those Balls at the Gym cost a ridiculous amount, but I got one of those big balls from the toy section at Wal-Mart, You know that big bin with the 2 foot diameter "bouncy balls?" It works just fine and they sell for $1.89. (I’m so cheep, I’d stand in line at a sign for-- "FREE Kick in the Crotch!") Hope your back makes the "adjustment" to less Doug, And clears up soon! Best Wishes- Dx
The ball squats sound just awful enough to work. I'll give 'em a try. And the "NO loose thigh or butt skin!" possibility is --I confess--almost stronger motivator than physical well-being.
Ah, "vanity of vanities," thy name is,
Doug
If we're treading on thin ice we might as well dance.--Jesse Winchester
Do I assume that exit88 refers to a freeway? We're not exactly neighbors, but some folks do consider San Francisco "northern" California. I know I used to until I discovered hundreds of miles more of the Golden State on my first trip from SoCal to up past Shast Lake.
Hope your new doc has some solutions.
Doug
If we're treading on thin ice we might as well dance.--Jesse Winchester
