Question:
Can lumbar disk removal (diskectomy) be combined w/ WLS?

Facing lumbar disk removal and would like to know if it is possible to have WLS at the same time? With long recovery period for diskectomy...why not recover from WLS too?!?    — leighsme (posted on March 15, 2002)

March 14, 2002
I am no doctor but I can't imagine any reputable doctor doing both of these VERY serious surgeries at the same time. The surgery would not even be in the same area of the body. My oldest daughter had a disk removed a few years ago, and I have had the WLS. I can't even think that any doctor would do these together if only for the time that you would have to be under anesthesia. Also, is it possible that after WLs you might not need this disk surgery? I know that the pain and the problems from this are more pronounced with more weight on the body. I think that each surgery itself has many risks and therefore should not be done with the other. Good luck and hope that your back is better soon.
   — Barbara H.

March 14, 2002
That is a good question, and one I thought of too while waiting for my WLS. I figured that since an ortho or neuro surgeon performs the back surgery, and a bariatric surgeon does the other that it wouldn't be done. But let me tell you that my disc problems have improved drastically since taking off 66 lbs. I am 38 lbs. to goal and rarely have any back pain. I had a hard time just getting around the house previous to WLS. I feel free now, and have a spring in my step. I don't feel like I have to walk on egg shells in fear of hurting my back and being 'laid up' for a week. Only a couple times in almost 5 months have I had SOME pain, and nothing like before. I am no longer looking at back surgery. I had my first lumbar laminectomy when I was 22, L5-S1, and to know that I don't have to go through that again really pleases me! I hope you have just as much success!
   — Cheri M.

March 14, 2002
NO WAY! The recovery from each surgery is totally different. After my last back surgery (3 1/2 years ago) I had to be in bed (except to the bathroom)for 3 weeks. After WLS, you need to be walking as much as possible. Then there are all the other things that the other posters have already mentioned.
   — livnliter

March 15, 2002
I have severe back pain and my ortho surgeon suggested back surgery. He also suggested losing A LOT of weight. In my opinion, by having wls first, I can possibly have only one surgery since losing a lot of weight will significantly improve the stress on your back. Since the surgeries are on opposite sides of your body, I don't see how they could possibly be done at the same time. You'd be healing one wound and hurting the other whenever you moved around. Also, since the wls makes your abdominal muscles weak at first, you'll need whatever strength you have in your back to heal, and vice versa. Good luck.
   — cjabates