Question:
How do your feet feel after surgery?

My mom is trying to get this surgery. I had it 6 months ago. A year ago she went on work comp, because she got plantar faciitis on the job. The doctor has tried everything, and it's worse. He wants to do surgery on her foot, but it'll be a waste of time with all that weight on it. Did any of you guys have Plantar Faciitis before surgery? How is it now? And has anyone had Vocational Rehab pay for their surgery? Thanks.    — Abby R. (posted on September 20, 2001)

September 19, 2001
I had plantar fasciitis, complicated by a large bone spur on one heel, before my WLS 18 months ago. I had had repeated cortisone injections, wore special shoes or heel supports, and was taking maximum doses of anti-inflammatories. The orthopedic surgeon recommended surgery as a last resort, and was very open that this type of surgery was only effective in approximately 30% of cases. I am happy to report that all the symptoms of the fasciitis have disappeared since my WLS and subsequent loss of 145 lbs. I guess I'll never be sure that there won't be a recurrence, but I have to attribute the lack of symptoms to the weight loss....no more pain, no more "special shoes" (I'm loving those 2" heels now!!), no more pain medications or anti-inflammatories. Good luck to your mom!
   — Diana T.

September 19, 2001
I too had the foot surgery about two years ago, then lap rny just six days ago. First the planter facioutomy surgery was the best thing I ever did. My foot pain went totally away about 30 days post op even though I was still heavy. Now possible the best surgery ever was my lap rny. Four hours after surgery the nurses were walking me down the halls and at the end of my second day post op, they kicked me out, said go home you are doing great. Now six days post op I drove my kids to school this morning, walking twice per day and even ate half of a poached egg this morning. The worse part is the protein drinks, even though I have several types, they are getting real sickening in a hurry. Well enough rambling, if you have any specific questions you can email me at this email address until Monday then use the one on my wls page. [email protected] (home) [email protected] (office) ps I will be going back to work tomorrow for half day, horray as I cannot stand staying home.
   — MICHAEL Z.

September 20, 2001
I also had plantar fasciitis and had surgery to correct it. The problem I originally had with my foot (forefoot) was a mystery to the docs, never really thinking it could be my weight. I went in to a physical therapist and was treated for this pain, which gave me severe plantar fasciitis! I was too heavy for the exercises they gave me. So, after many cortisone shots and surgery for my foot, the pain in the front of my foot was still there -- I decided that the only way to get rid of it was to have WLS. I had it July 12, and am currently pain free. I had foot problems for over 3 years, and within a month after my surgery and a weight loss of 30 lbs I was able to walk 2 miles per day. My starting weight was 257 at 5' 6", I am now 205. I am very pleased with the results and that I have my mobility back. I really do believe that weight will create plantar fasciitis or exacerbate the condition. I think the biggest risk for the plantar surgery is that you will become sedentary for a long time (several months to a year for full recovery) which will pack on more weight, also that it's no fun being heavy and trying to walk on crutches or standing and sitting using only one leg for support! I cried from the pain and frustration after I got that surgery, I didn't after I got WLS.
   — arebella