Question:
How is fibromyalgia effected by weight loss??

In my first month of my 6 month diet & excersize program, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. One of the side effects of the medicine they put me on is weight gain, so I've actually gained 5 lbs!! Will this effect the docters decision/date to have my surgery?? Also, how will the weight loss effect the fibromyalgia?? (will it improve or lesson?)    — nellybelle (posted on December 26, 2007)

December 26, 2007
Hi, congratulations on deciding to have WLS. I too have fibromyalgia and am almost 5 months post gatric bypass. I am not on medication for my fibromyalgia because of allergies. I have not found, so far, any difference to my level of suffering. In fact, shortly after my op, it was worse. However, it depends upon how much stress there is in your life, as you well know, and my life, unfortunately, if filled with it (only exercise releases the stress). I have lost 90 lbs so far. I have had my fibro since I was very young and wasn't diagnosed till I was in my late 20's so I had been very ill. I hope that the med works for you. My fibro did not affect my doctor's decision regarding my eligibility for the op. Go ahead with your plans and try not to worry (we know how bad that is for us who suffer!). Maybe the WLS will help improve your situation. A positive outlook certainly can't hurt!! I wish you all the best.
   — cherub13

December 26, 2007
I am 5 mos. and I could have written Allison's response. I think I was much more tired and slower to regain energy than your average patient. I am much more comfortable with my 70 lb. lighter self. I would do this again in a heartbeat even though I had to have my gall bladder out last week. If you are given the option of having your gall bladder removed with WLS--take it! Christine
   — Christine M.

December 26, 2007
I also have fibro and my surgery was in August, I have since lost 100lbs. So first of all I can say that you will have to watch what type of meds you are put on, you can not be put on any meds that may eat your pouch check with your dr for that, anything with asprin in it you can not have, advil, ibroprophin (sp?), any medicine that helps with swelling is bad for our pouch it will create ulcers. My drs can not figure out pain meds for me, at this time. There are days where I do good, and there are days where...... well quiet honestly it hurts to even think. (today is one of them, there must be a storm coming through) Im very sensitive to the preasure change in the air. But since I have lost this much I can say I know exactly where the pain is, before I just hurt all over all the time. I also have digenerative disk disease (sp?) the weight off helps but like with my fibro, I have to take the good with the bad. It is easier with the weight off. I hope that helps, If you want to ask more please feel free to. Take care and many blessings to you. God bless you Paula
   — japaad

December 26, 2007
I have had fibro since the very early 80's. I am on disability for it as well as the chronic fatique and diabetes. I am 61. I have taken Lyrica for shoulder, neck nerve pain(pinched nerves). A very small dose of it, 25 mg daily. Almost immediately I began having gastric reflux because of it. It also makes my vision blurry. I took myself off of Lyrica and while others get good relief with higher does, I am not willing to risk it. I just keep moving slowly, use my naprosyn when the weather is bad or I flare. I have Oorphedadrine (Norflex) for a muscle relaxer and Tramadol for pain when needed. My internist says I will have MUCH less pain once I have my surgery and begin losing weight. It makes sense. The surgeon tells me the same. We are walking around with all this extra weight...the body will have to feel better with out us packing that 100+ pounds around. My niece had the by-pass on Oct 2. She has lost 80 pounds and says she feels so good that she is able to work two jobs back to back 14 hours a day, 7 days a week to help pay for what the insurance company did not cover. Her knees were VERY bad. Now she has no knee pain. Also if you drink cola's give them up....the dark cola's cause swelling and tenderness in joints and elsewhere. Many people drop 5-15 pounds when they give them up completely. I wish you well ;-)
   — Gena L.

December 27, 2007
I'm 7 1/2 yrs post. The first 10 weeks after surgery were horrible for me pain wise. I think it was the stress of surgery. I don't remember surgical pain...the fibro pain was so intense everywhere on my body. It finally eased up by 10 weeks...and the only difference I noticed was in the weight loss. It is going to help in the sense that you don't have the weight pulling on your muscles and tendons. Other than that...I am still on pain meds and muscle relaxers...and until they find the miracle cure...I guess I will remain on them. Regards~
   — Statuesque

January 6, 2008
I was diagnosed with fibro about the same time as I was accepted into the WLS program. My neurologist told me it's really important to let any physician know (i.i. surgeons, dentists, etc) that I have fibro because it may affect prescribing of pain medication.
   — obeseforever