Question:
I'm unable to do any exercise now...
Because of Nueropathy in my legs, Fibromyalgia pain, and arthritis pain. Just walking causes my back and neck to hurt, any length of walking and my legs give out on me. I'm scheduled for gastric bypass in 12 days and wanna know if anybody else has experienced what I have. I'm Wondering if getting the surgery and eating right will help me to lose the weight that I need too, to get outta this pain. Or Will I have to add in the exercise in order for it to work? I wish I could exercise right now But just five minutes of walking truly takes me hours to recover from. I'm getting the surgery Not only because I wanna be healthier But becuase my Rhematologist said that losing weigt would help with all my pain. Thank you for reading this and Thanks in advance for any Answers I get. Jennifer — JenWoods (posted on February 21, 2008)
February 21, 2008
Hi neighbor...(Stafford) I used to walk with a cane at 315 lbs with severe
pain from athristis in my knees. I too could not exercise. The first month
of healing I had lost so much weight that the pain began to subside and I
had so much more energy. I did not exercise as much as I wanted to, but I
can run now and only have mild pain in my knees on rainy days! I don't know
about your other problems...but the weight comes off fast enough to get you
to a point that you should be able to do some sort of exercise to maintain
a good loss! Even if you just stretch...Good luck!
— .Anita R.
February 21, 2008
I am pre-op so I don't know if I am really one to offer any suggestions,
but what about some type of exercises you might be able to do while
sitting? I watched Big Medicine last night and they had a woman doing
simple leg lifts and such as she sat in a chair or on the side of the bed.
Just a suggestion, I am not good about exercising either because of my
knees and hip right now, but I am sure once I get to losing it will make it
that much easier...I am hoping! Good luck!
Suz
— txsweits73
February 21, 2008
Hi Jennifer,
I am a 62 year old male and had RNY WLS on December 5th. I lost 60 Lbs
following surgery and 20 before for a total of 80 Lbs so far. I have had
dibetic Nueropathy in both my legs and my left arm for many years. I was
using two canes and had to use a electric cart in the stores to get
arround. My Doctor wanted me to start after 6 weeks with a personal
trainer in the pool after 6 weeks, which I did and the heated pool was very
easy, After two weeks, my trainer wanted to to try a few things in the gym
and I was able to do more than I though I could. Less than 3 months from
WLS and I don't use a cane any longer, I work out at the gym 1-1/2 hours
per day and I attend a streaching class and a Pilates class and keep up
with the others that have been in these classes a long time. Now I park at
the far end of the parking lot, don't use my Handicap tags and wall the
isles in the stores without a problem. Yes, I still have some pain, but
nothing like before. They also did a ligth treatment of some kind on my
legs following surgery that was to help the nueropathy, but I don't even
have that treatment any longer. Your joints are going to feel so much
better as the weight comes off. I never have ahd so much engery. Best of
luck to you and write me and let me know how you are doing following your
WLS.
— William (Bill) wmil
February 21, 2008
Hello, In 2002 after my 4th child was born I got in a car accident and laid
in bed for almost 7 years. My top weight was 307lb. My Doctor told me I
would need to take this weight of if I had a chance at a normal life. On
Sept 04,2007 I got gastric bypass. I now weight 219lb and I feel GREAT. I
take 125mg of oxy, 12 norco a day and flex 8 tabs a day. I now take 40mg of
oxy 40 norco from 280 month. I want to tell you your pain will never fully
go away but it will get %80 better. My mom did the gastric too and she has
a bad case of fib. So chin up ur life will only get better from here.
— aluvzu2
February 21, 2008
Hi,
I have been told I have fibromyalgia, then told I don't. I am pre -op and
weigh 222 pounds and when I use an eliptical machine at the gym, both my
legs go numb - neurologist tests everything and I am told I am
healthy----BUT I have not always been overweight and still had some
numbness in my foot while exercising- in 2004 when I weighed 120 Lbs. Then
I worked out every day, and then walked an hour at least 5 times a week.
Sometimes I would walk the whole hour with hip pain....but I really believe
it is better than if I did not exercise.
What I KNOW is that exercise can be done in small amounts - like 10 minutes
several times a day, some is always better than none, and you can be
creative-- i realized the other day at Walmart that I had walked the
entire square of the store twice pushing a cart full of stuff and walking
quickly--about 20 minutes right there!
I also remember when I first started working out, I was really so out of
touch with the feeling of my body exercising, it took a lot of little steps
to get to a point where I felt okay. Literally 10 minutes on an exercise
bike at the lowest level.
I would imagine the rapid weight loss will help and I would suggest that
you prepare yourself to walk through the pain, it seems that with rapid
weight loss, taking small steps at a time in adding exercise to your
lifestyle will really change your life.
I have just come to accept whatever my weight that at times, something will
hurt. And I believe walking through it is better than letting it stop me.
I look forward to hearing about your success!
Best-
— KaileighATara
February 21, 2008
I am six months out and have lost 98 pounds. Before surgery I had
"stocking" neuropathy in both legs where I could not feel
anything below my knees. Now I only have two small spots on each of my big
toes where it is still numb. I also used to get shooting pains from the
neuropathy into my feet and this, too, has disappeared. I walked when and
how much I could manage and am now going to start a program to begin
running; what a difference for me and my health. In the beginning, go to a
Physical Therapist to help you finding the exercises that will work for
you; most hospitals have some sort of rehabilitation program and your
nutritionist or surgeon's office shoul be able to point you in the right
direction. A lot of my other pain from osteoarthritis has diminished a
great deal as well. Good luck with your surgery; you are doing yourself a
great service in working toward a healthier and more pain free life. Elaine
— Elaine L.
February 21, 2008
Hi there, I will be 4 years post op in late March- lost a total of 230
lbs and am keeping it off. I had the RNY because I needed a total hip, rt
knee, and right shoulder replacement. Prior to WLS i had servere pain,
used a wheelchair when i left the house, took a minimum of pain meds, in
normal doses. You are going to get so many different answers, because our
bodies are so different. I will tell you, after WLS you will have
approximately 80 % malabsorption- this means what you normally take in
medications, pain pills, birth controll etc, each single pill you take will
only work approx 20%. Now to the pain. Some patients experience amazing
change of pain to the point of no pain depending on their conditions.
Others, with the cushion of fat gone, like from the knees etc, experience
pain, but differently. I had mild neuropathy of the left foot prior to
WLS, now its at least 5 times worse, but still livable. I was unable to
get out and exercise, there was no 10 thous steps a day then, and there is
still no 10 k steps today since the replacements have not been performed.
You can drop the weight and keep it off if u follow the rules to a T. I do
go to the market, take a shopping cart and walk around the store for 30
minutes, even if i am not grocery shopping. That and living upstairs (24
of them)- but i have been able to ditch the wheelchair and after nearly 4
years of not driving, can do so again. As I said, each patient is
different, you will just have to take one day at a time. Good luck on your
journey, God Bless Cindi - 230 lbs
WLS
— DollyDoodles
February 21, 2008
YOU WILL BE JUST FINE THE WIEGHT COMES OFF FAST AND THE MORE YOU LOSE THE
MORE YOU'LL BEABLE TO MOVE.I HAVE ARTHRIS REALLY BAD,61/2 MO OUT & I'M
MOVING RIGHT ALONG.JUST TAKE BABY STEPS.YOU ARE ABOUT TO START THIS AMAZING
JOUNREY.ENJOY THE RIDE.GOOD LUCK&GOD BLESS&KEEP IN TOUCH. LEHIGH
— lehigh
February 21, 2008
I have had just about the same as you before I had surgery. It has been 6
months since my surgery and I feel great. I no longer take any meds for
anything and I can walk without pain and I too have r-arthritis. You should
start feeling better after losing 25 pounds. I know I did. I lost 95 pounds
so far. I will keep you in my prayers.
Pattie
— maskipaski
February 21, 2008
Hi I have lost a total of 181 pounds in 11 and a half months.
I weighed 376 at the beginning and was not able to hardly walk or anything.
I have spine deterorating disease and had spinal fusion 6 years ago. I
thought I would never be able to exercise and just two days ago I joined
the YMCA and have begun working out on the treadmill, bike, 2 arms
machines, and a leg lift machine. In a few weeks, I'll start water
areobics to firm up all this loose skin. It will get better Jennifer and
your life will improve. Sure I still have alot of pain and may have to have
more surgery for my back but now no doctor can look at me and say well ya
know if it wasn't for being so overweight you'd do better. Now they say
you'll do fine and yes I will. Good luck on everything and my prayers are
with you.
— TrevaDeck150
February 21, 2008
Hi Jennifer - OMG reading your question...sounded just like me. I also
have fibromyalgia and arthritis in my lower back and neck and I too HAD
been in constant pain. The good news is I've lost 113 lbs I am 16 mos out
and I feel awesome. I didn't think I would ever be without pain I have
degenerative disc disease in lower back and neck and since I've lost the
weight I feel sooooo much better. I do have my days especially when the
bad weather comes around but no where near what I use to be. I also had
high blood pressure and was on 3 pills a day, borderline diabetic now no
longer on blood pressure meds Blood pressure is normal and no sign of
diabeties. Fybromyalgia is under control. I should have done this long
time ago. All the years I spent suffering with the pain. There is a light
at the end of the tunnel.
Best of luck to you
— niecie54
February 21, 2008
I would absolutely look into water therapy/water exercise. The buoyancy of
the water definitely helps take the pressure off of your joints to help
with the arthritis pain. If you can do it in a warm water pool it will
help with the nueropathy and the fibro/arth pain. Then after you are
healed from your surgery and get the okay from your doc definitely try to
get back into the pool. It's a nice non-stressful exercise that can also
be relaxing. I would definitely prefer to spend hours in the pool to even
10 minutes on the treadmill!!
On the sidenote.. I'm on sparkpeople.com and just got this article emailed
to me and I thought some others may find it useful.
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=584
It's titled 'think you're too heavy to exercise' it has some good ideas in
it.
— USNavyProde
February 21, 2008
Jennifer,
I was in the same shape as you. had the bypass surgery and now 202#
lighter. still 30-40# to go, but feeling just great. the foot and leg
nueropathy are still there, but with less weight to carry, i am able to
exercise. Dont forget to do the upper body lifting, and sit-down bike too.
Your life truly changes as the weight drops off. be encouraged and do
what you can when you can. it will all be better later :):)
— shalmar
February 21, 2008
Hi Jennifer, Yes I experience those same symptoms. You are right, it makes
it very difficult to walk without pain, weakness and eventual numbness and
inability to stay standing. I have to use my grocery cart as a walker
basically and take many sit breaks just to get through a walmart . Yes we
do still have to exercise but it will be easier after dropping some weight.
For now I use the stationary bicycle and I prefer the recumbent style over
the traditional seated version. You can purchase one for home or use the
ones at the gym. If you have access to a pool or the YMCA water exercise
classes, consider that. Just walking in the water is really much easier
due to the support the water provides to your weight and reduced prerssure
on the joints. There are also video exercise programs you can use for
chair-only exercising. I hope you keep me posted on your progress after
surgery. Only 12 days to go! Best of luck to you for a safe and
successful surgery. ~Jennifer H.
— [Deactivated Member]
February 21, 2008
JENNIFER, I ALSO HAVE FIBROMYALGIA AND NUMEROUS OTHER PROBLEMS THAT MAKE
EXERCISE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. I AM 4 WEEKS POST-OP AND MY ADVICE IS TO FIND A
HEATED POOL TO USE. I STARTED THERE BEFORE SURGERY AND I AM BACK TO USING
IT NOW. EXERCISE IS SO EASY IN WATER AND BENEFITS YOUR WHOLE BODY. IT HAS
REALLY HELPED MY FIBRO AND THE WEIGHT LOSS. THE WARMTH IS COMFORTING. MY
RNY IS THE BEST THING I EVER DID FOR MEDICAL REASONS. EVERYTHING ALREADY
HAS IMPROVED. MARSHA
— tigerlil58
February 21, 2008
I have peripheral neuropathy in both feet -- into the ankles. I do not like
to walk for exercise because of increased pain for several hours afterward,
even for relatively short walks. I have found, however, that I do not have
the same problem with riding a bycycle so that's how I get most of my
exercise now. Since my RNY surgery, I ride bicycle (a REAL bike, not
stationary) for two hours or more with little or no increased pain during
or afterward. I also did aqua therapy in a heated (90 - 95 deg. F) for
several months prior to surgery. That is the ONLY thing that ever gave me
the feeling of DECREASED pain in my feet, but it doesn't last for very long
:-(. Peripheral neuropqathy in diabetics is the result of nerve damage due
to highly elevated blood sugar levels. Nerve cells, unlike muscle cells,
take in high amounts of glucose across the cell membrane when blood glucose
concentration is elevated, as with diabetics. The high concentration of
glucose INSIDE the nerve cells causes PERMANENT, irreversible damage. The
only hope I see for us victims of this painful malady is via stem cells.
No, NOT embryonic stem cells; there are other sources of stem cells
(including those that your own body produces -- even as an adult) that are
showing great promise in repairing/replacing damaged cells of all different
types. Ask your doctors if they are aware of research being done in this
area. Also, you can do periodic Web searches in the future since research
with stem cells (again, non-embryonic) is progressing these days at an
amazing rate.
— [Deactivated Member]
February 22, 2008
Jennifer, I had so many problems too. I not only have the nueropathy and
arthritis, I have a degenerative disc disease and 2 herniated discs in my
back along with arthritis there also. I was to the point that I couldn't do
anything. When I went to the store to do grocery shopping I had to use a
cart to do it. Now 4 and a half months out of surgery I have lost 72 pounds
and can shop on my own. I walk all over now and go to the Y and walk on the
treadmill for at least 45 minutes. You are going to feel so much better.
Your doctor is right, the surgery is going to help all the pain that you
have. Best of luck to you. You are going to feel like a totally different
person.
— Brenda R.
February 22, 2008
I suffer from Rheumatoid arthritis, lower lumbar deterioration and
neuropathy in my feet due to diabetes. I had wls to possibly get rid of the
pain and or the poor circulation in my feet and limbs. Yes it did to a
certain extent after surgery. But my flare up seem to be more frequent and
but the pain is less in my knees and joints. I had a total knee replacement
feb 2007 and now I have to limit my exercise due to my left knee is giving
me lots of mobility problems. I do exercise with limitation. I walk and
until I get to hurting too much and I stop and rest. I ride an imcumbant
bike, I got rid of my treadmil due to it was not wide enough and made my
leg and hip pain worse. On rainy days I walk in my house as many times as I
have to to get 10,000 steps. I do dance aerobics listening to my radio, I
do bed exercises like slow sit ups and leg lifts. I was 342 when I had my
consult and 326 the day of surgery. I am now 211 and yes have gained some
back. My lowest weight has been 195. I do as much exercise as my joints
will allow me to before they start to hurt bad enough for me to stop. I
exercise 5 days a week and weekends I rest. My RA dr told me that if I had
not had wls I would be in a wheel chair by now. The extra weight was
killing my joints and my back. I am glad I had wls. I am not where I want
to be in weight but am glad that I can still use my pouch to lose more if I
stick to eating healthy and get some sort of exercise in daily.
— mspisces
February 22, 2008
Hi Jennifer! I also have fibromyalgia and arthritis and I also have MS. I
am almost 4 months out from VSG and have lost 46 lbs and now weigh 166 and
am still losing. I would be lying if I said all the pain just magically
goes away. However it does get better and yes you must exercise. Bill had
a great idea about the pool exercises. It will take a little time to
recover some from the surgery but you Will be able to exercise little by
little. The more you lose and the more you exercise the better things will
become. I am really looking forward to hearing from you as time goes by.
You will be an inspiration to others with similar problems. Trust me! Pat
— pjennjr
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