Question:
I am 5 weeks post op and I have just developed lower back pain. I have lost 43 pds

and I didn't have lower back pain before surgery. Has anyone else had lower back pain AFTER surgery and can anyone give me suggestions what is causing it? Thanks, Judy    — Judy W. (posted on August 19, 2002)

August 19, 2002
I have had 2 bladder infections since surgery. They always start out with lower back pain. Is it possible you have a bladder or kidney infection?
   — Jeri P.

August 19, 2002
I agree that it could be a possibility that you may be developing a bladder/kidney infection. However, keep this in mind: your body is changing it's shape. To put it bluntly, if you had a rather large "backside" prior to any weight loss, chances are you have lost about a 1/4 of 43+ pounds from that region. Your vertebrae are more than likely adusting to not having as much weight there as before. I have had chronic sciatica (pinching of the sciatic nerve going down either leg) for almost ten years now. Some of my weight gain was gradual, whereas the last of the weight gain occurred rather quickly. Once my body got use to being large, the pinching lessened. Now that I am on the flip side of that, losing weight quickly, I have had some low back issues again. But as my body is getting use to being smaller, the pinching is occurring less and less. Just know that it will get better with time. You may even need to seek chiropractic care. Congratulations on the 43+ pounds you have lost so far!
   — Becky S.

August 19, 2002
As we lose weight our center of gravity will change. This can result in back pain or you could possibly have a pinched nerve. To help with this, if it doesn't happen to be a kidney infection, start developing your abdominal muscles by doing stomach strenghtening exercises. If you belong to a gym or end up joining one, a trainer can show you the best exercises to improve your abs and help to improve posture so that your center of gravity is balanced as you continue to lose. Also you might want to talk to a Chiropracter. I speak from experience when I say I have had to deal with back pain, sciatica and center of gravity changes and I have many friends that have experienced the same. I hope you find what ails you and a a quick solution! Tracey
   — Tracey W.

August 20, 2002
I'm so sorry to hear of your pain. My lower back pain started at about 4 weeks post-op and I didn't have pain before surgery either. If you want the details, it's all in my profile. It's not a happy story and I don't want to discourage you. I'm now 4 1/2 months post-op and my pain continues. They STILL don't know what's causing the pain. I sure hope your pain doesn't end up like mine. A few thoughts: ulcer, gallbladder problems, kidney infection, and pancreatitus. I wish you LOTS of luck that this turns out to be nothing and goes away soon! God Bless!
   — Christine L.