Question:
Anyone know what is causing this back pain??

Hello all...I was just wondering if someone could relate to this problem...I am starting to have a lot of pain in my back...two different areas...the first being under my right shoulder blade, like a "pinching"...and the second being on both sides of my back in the rib area... anyone have any suggestions as to why this might be happening? I am not a wuss by any means...lol... but this is starting to really get to me! Thanks in advance for your help! Love and light, Lisa ~ Open RNY 286/195/135    — medium (posted on October 31, 2003)

October 31, 2003
Lisa, I too have back problems post op- I did notice that I sleep different now. I used to use about 3 pillows at night, now only one and that helps. I also have some serious kidney stone problems that cause me great lower back pain. Try changing the firmness and number of pillows you use and see if that helps at all. Good luck!
   — casek

October 31, 2003
That is where I feel my ulcer pain. :( It is like a burning feeling.
   — RebeccaP

October 31, 2003
Lisa, I had a lot of back pain after surgery and after much testing it was found to be caused from muscle spasms. I'm no wuss either, but I ended up back in the hospital due to the pain. Once I was started on muscle relaxers, I have had no further back pain. Hope this helps. Shelby
   — Shelby *.

October 31, 2003
Hi Lisa and CONGRATULATIONS on your weightloss so far!!! I am almost 5 months out and have had some of those same back pains and have come to the conclusion that as I am losing weight, my body is shifting to the weight distribution is going to be different and it is going to be pulling in different places... one thing that has helped me when I first came home from the hospital and had pain under my ribs in the front was a heating pad (suggested by one of my doctors nurses) and that helped immensly. I have noticed that you have gotten alot of possible solutions to your problem. I would if it continues to bother you to have it checked out by your doctor first before trying anything to rule out any serious problems that might be going on. Continued success to you!! Hope you soon find a solution to your problem as we all have moments where we think that "oh it is just a little pain and I can handle it" you shouldn't just handle it, your body is sending you a message, and as I always tell myself... EVERYTHING happens for a reason... we may never know or right away WHY it is happening but it is happening for a reason. Take care and keep up the great work!!!
   — Barb K.

November 1, 2003
Hi Lisa, congratulations you've had great success so far!! I too had and sometimes still do have the same back pain. I was also told by my dr it was the weight shifting and using different muscles. I also bought a new **and may i mention,,smaller :)** bra,,which seems to help a lot. Hope you find your solution!! Wish you continued success!!
   — Denise W.

November 1, 2003
I am going to physical therapy for this! My PT told me it is because your muscles are used to supporting joints (the padding around the joints) that were much bigger and now they are struggling to figure out how to support the smaller joints. So the pulling is the wrong muscles trying to do the job of holding you upright. He has several WLS patients and they all have the same complaints. He told me that PT should be required for all post-ops so we can learn how to strengthen the muscles we have not been using. I have to do several exercises to help strengthen my muscles in my stomach and back to help support my boobs. I will have to do these for the rest of my life! But it is worth it to me! 325/184/???
   — Haziefrog

November 1, 2003
ORIGINAL POSTER HERE...Thank you all so very much for your response and suggestions, I know that in trying some of these things, I will find something that helps. I forgot to mention that I am a year post-op this month..(duh, Lisa) so this could very well be a "shifting of the ol' body" issue since losing weight. I dunno...but I am going after a heating pad for tonight and see if this makes a difference. Again, thank you all for taking the time to help me with this....all of you are very much appreciated! Love and light, Lisa
   — medium