Question:
I have severe fibromyalgia also and am seriously considering surgery.

I take a lot of pain medicine for this and would love to be able to cut back. Any info on this topic would be appreciated.    — Janice S. (posted on October 29, 2001)

October 29, 2001
Hello Janice...I'm right there with you, girl! I also have a pretty severe case of fibromyalgia as well. One of my docs and her nurse practitioner (who also has fibro) have said all along that it would do my fibro good to "get as lean as you can be". I feel the surgery can only help me. The weight loss will at least get a lot of pain and pressure off my major joints...and many are so close to the Tender Points. So I'm sure less "referred pain" will impact the fibro some. I fully expect to still take my Tylenol 3 after surgery, and other meds for sleep, etc. I know the WLS will not "cure" the fibro...there's no cure as you know. But I think once I get some of this weight off I'll be able to exercise more easily, and that will certainly help the fibromyalgia tremendously. I have a fibro website if you'd like to take a look. It's at: http://www.plaidrabbit.com/fms/index.html Good luck on your journey! Hugs (gentle ones!), Joy - open RnY to be done Jan-Feb 2002.
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 29, 2001
I too have/had fibromyalgia. Since this surgery and losing weight I have really seen such an improvement. My knees dont hurt I dont get that horrible stiff feeling anymore. Im really in zero pain. Now I didnt have a severe case but none the less I did suffer and now Im WONDERFUL. Good luck!
   — Melissa S.

October 30, 2001
I have fibromyalgia. I am just over a year and 1/2 postop RNY. I've lost my extra weight. I used to have a cane and a handicap parking permit. I am 45 years old. Now I use neither the cane nor the parking permit. I can actually jog! I can shop whenever I want for as long as I want. Before, I'd drive to the store and sometimes decide not to even go in because of the pain. Now, I can park way out in the parking lot and shop for an hour with no side effects of pain. I no longer take medication to get to sleep or to stay asleep at night. I rarely ever take any pain meds at all. This surgery is a miracle and a major answer to prayer. I cannot believe it, even to this day. I feel like a young lady again! Best wishes to you!
   — Cindy H.

April 2, 2002
I have severe fibromyalgia like you and considering a revision from a VBG 6/89 to RNY. My weight never dropped below 220 and I'm back up to 280. My height is 5'6. Dr. Al Franco in Riverside, Ca is famous for his successful treatment of fibromyalgia. You can check out his website at: www.arthritiscenter.com If anyone has had a revision from VBG to RNY, I'd sure like to hear how your story. Melony Dervin
   — Melony D.