Question:
Fibromyalgia and Recovery

I am curious to know how patients with Fibromyalgia have done in their WLS (LAP RNY) recovery? I am pre-op and this is one my largest concerns. Also, how long before you were able to return to work? I'm hoping not to be out more than a week or two- is this unrealistic? Thanks so much!    — A S. (posted on February 23, 2004)

February 23, 2004
I am four years post-op lap RNY. I had been diagnosed with moderately severe fibromyalgia approximately five years before my surgery. I noticed a remarkable improvement almost immediately post-op and that continued for the first three years. During that time, I was following an exercise program at a local gym and was leading a much more active lifestyle due to a 140 lb. weight loss. Most physicians who treat fibromyalgia patients encourage exercise as an important part of the treatment plan, but it is a very difficult thing for the majority of patients to accomplish because of the chronic pain. During this past year, I have had three orthopedic surgeries and, aside from prescribed physical therapy, have led a very sedentary lifestyle. I have also noticed a mild return of my fibromyalgia symptoms. This has proved to me the benefit of exercise in controlling the symptoms of this disorder and I am looking forward to resuming my program at the gym. As for returning to work, I returned to a full-time office position eight days post-op and had no problems at all, other than experiencing more fatigue than usual at the end of the day. That fatigue lasted for about two weeks and by the third post-op week I felt completely back to normal....in fact, better than I had felt in years. Best wishes!
   — Diana T.

February 23, 2004
Hi Amanda, I am 6 months post op and have lost 60 lbs so far. I hand the RNY surgery with incision. I have both fibromyalgia and osteo arthritis. Both of these improved a great deal following the surgery .. particularly notable after the first 4-6 weeks and a notable weightloss. I've had a couple of minor flares recently .. but nothing compared to pre op days. As far as returning to work, I was out a month. Although I know of people who went back sooner. The way it was explained to me by my surgeon was that two weeks following surgery I would be able to return to work, but it would be easier to adjust to the new eating pattern that first month at home before returning to work. He left the choice to me and I chose to stay out the four weeks. I hope this has been helpful
   — Marilyn B.

February 24, 2004
I had this surgery mainly for that reason...to try and improve the fibromyalgia because the heavier that I got the worse my symptoms got.Alot of my fibromyalgia symptoms have improved but it is definately still there.I've lost 110 pounds so moving around is alot easier.....sleep has definately improved.Although I have had a lot of flare ups.For me the rapid weightloss has been hard on the body emotionally and physically and I've been under some stress due to that which has probably been a facter in the flare ups.
   — jennifer A.