Need to walk, but my back... GEEZ!!!
I am trying to learn to walk more for several reasons: (1) My surgeon wants me to as part of my pre-op weight reduction, (2) I understand it's a MAJOR part of post-op therapy, and (3) the family is going on a long-planned vacation in a month (it's the reason I put off surgery until 8/22), and there will be LOTS of walking / sightseeing involved. So what's the problem? I am so pathetically out of shape and heavy, that after a quarter-mile or so, my back is killing me!!! Not sharp pains. It just feels like my entire lower back is cramping up. The only relief is stopping and hunching over, or getting down on my haunches, or sitting down. I can break up my exercise walks, I suppose, but I really need to be able to go more than a quarter-mile without a back-break. I know this will get better once my weight comes off, but do you guys have any suggestions for the next 6 weeks? TIA.
After surgury I started having back pain due to the change in my center of gravity. It went away as the back muscles strengthened, but it was miserable until then. You might want to try wearing a back brace while you walk. I wore the elastic band from surgery while I walked and it REALLY helped.
Just remember to walk as much as you CAN, not what you think you should be doing.
Yep, I’d also say do what you CAN, but don’t go overboard. Immediately following surgery, the "Walking" that is always talked about, Is just enough to keep your blood circulating and preventing blood-clots. Not "Exercise" per se, but more like "Activity." Even 20 yards every 3 hours will do the trick. 50 yards or so is even more helpful as it aids peristalsis (swallowing-worm-like contractions of the intestinal muscles) and helps gas and bowel contents to move on through, Thus easing any "trapped gas" feelings and discomfort. Once you CAN walk more, then increase the "Activity" to the point of "Exercise." That’ll be an easy way to transition to full out exercise as the gravity continues to drop. Follow? Pre-op, any exercise than causes the heart rate to increase and the body to pump up the blood flow is good for getting the Blood oxygen levels up. Pumping some small dumb-bells, and any type of aerobic exercise at all for a few weeks prior to surgery. Higher Blood Oxygen levels on the day of surgery means faster healing time, less risk of complications, etc… Take care of that back. Although most have remarkable, astounding improvements for their backs (typical muscle strains) after WLS as the weight goes away, Any actual "Damage" done pre-op, won’t "fix itself" later. Best Wishes- Dx