Question:
why is there back pain with the open or even with the ry surgury ?

   — Alice D. (posted on October 7, 2003)

October 7, 2003
I had a surgery, not WLS, and my back hurt more than anything else. I figured out it was because I was totally flat on my back on a hard surface for a very long time. Normally, if I lay down it's on the bed that is soft. If I lay on the Doctor's office table, I always bend my knees. The stress from arching my back by laying flat is what caused the backache. Big butt + big back = arched back. I know to ask that they put pillows under my knees during surgery now.
   — Marrilee M.

October 7, 2003
Just Post-Op: My mom and Sister (both nurses) said that in many cases they have to use a special lift for MO people to get them off the surgery table, gurney and onto a bed. Sometimes you get twisted or moved awkwardly which places stress on those muscles. I have had back pain PO because I have a pinched sciatic nerve which was formerly buffered by my fat. The orthopedist has been able to help me solve the problem.
   — M B.

October 7, 2003
Well for me it was that damn bariatric bed,,,,,,,THE WORST!!!!
   — Saxbyd

October 7, 2003
I had a lot of back pain after my C-sections and found out it was because for many abdominal surgeries they keep your legs flat and tip the bed so you are more head down. I explained the problem to my WLS surgeon and he had them put rolled blankets under my knees to take the pressure off my lower back. Very minimal back pain postop!
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 7, 2003
My surgeon told me it was due to the tilting of the rib cage for better access to the organs. My back ached for months after the incision pain was gone and it was across the lower portion of the rib cage.
   — LLinderman

October 8, 2003
Another reason is they cut through your abs leaving your back to pick up the slack.
   — mrsmyranow