Question:
have you had WLS? and has it decreased the pain from fibromyalgia

i have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia--with the excess weight, i have tremendous amounts of pain in my back, legs and shoulders(to name a few). Has surgery helped?    — Valerie G. (posted on July 7, 2004)

July 7, 2004
h=Hi I'm on the same rollercoaster with you & the Fibro.I've had it for about 15 years or so.the added weight has been hard on me,I'm awaiting insurance approval,trying 2 be patient!! My Doctor told me that it should help greatly to loose the excess weight. Do you have a supportive family to lean on?? A lot of people think were just a chronic complainer!! I've also been told that the hormones change while being pregnant and sometimes never have the pain again!! Oh my mother bought me a matress topper,"Memory Foam" and I no longer wake up half as stiff and sore as I did!!!! I'm only 34 and I would wake up feeling 90!!!! I hope this helps ya,Brittany.
   — red

July 7, 2004
Hi Valerie, I wish I could say that WLS has helped with the pain of fibromyalgia. I have lost 130 pounds so far(50 since surgery in February). It seems the pain in the trigger points of my pelvis have gotten worse as I have lost the padding on my bottom. My PCP has had to increase my pain medication due to our absoption problems. She has started me on the duragesic patch which seems to be helping somewhat. I am more than happy with my weight loss that started with my breaking a hip 2 years ago. I never would have been able to continue the weight loss without the surgery. Every day I thank God that he made this tool available to me. I have had fibromyalgia over 35 years and though the pain continues I am a much happier camper pyschologically with my weight loss. Paula
   — Paula A.

July 7, 2004
I have had fibro for 8 years. I have lost 105 pounds since being diagnosed with fibro and it HAS helped my pain. I still have trigger points but my 24/7 pain has decreased. I no longer take pain meds or muscle relaxers. Believe it or not 400mg of motrin helps my headaches when I used to take 2 darvocets (or vicodin) and stay in bed all day. Having lost the weight has decreased the frequecy of my headaches and has relieved my lower back pain and neck pain. I am 1 yr. 1 mon. post op and able to more everyday. Best of luck to you.
   — adeas

July 7, 2004
My fibro has not improved at all since i have lost 100 lbs but the regular arthritis has from getting the weight off my joints.
   — Delores S.

July 11, 2004
The weightloss has helped with the joint pain but not the all over pain.
   — jennifer A.