Question:
Has anyone had a shin split from walking after RNY surgery?

My leg is killing me and people have told me it is a shin split. I walk 3 miles a day and I have to walk to get the maximum weight loss afer surgery (9 months out-145 pounds). How long will I not be able to walk?    — Judy W. (posted on April 17, 2003)

April 17, 2003
Just a suggestion - but.....I would check with a sports medicine doc to find out for sure what is actually wrong. There are so many options for Tx - from physical therapy to changing walking shoes. They deal with these types of injury all of the time and would offer you the best choices. I hope you heal quickly.......:)
   — Judy K.

April 17, 2003
Make sure you are stretching before and AFTER you are doing your walking. I had shin splint a while back. I recovered by icing it, not walking for about 2-3 days, and I took Motrin (I was pre-op at the time -- check with your doctor about what to take for the inflamation and pain). Someone very athletic at work told me about stretching before and after exercise and I haven't had a problem since.
   — Yolanda J.

April 18, 2003
I have been bothered by shin splints for years, while overweight and not overweight. Stretching is the best thing to avoid them, and many of us do not do enough stretching of that area before walking. When walking if you feel the slightest twinge or burn, stop! I have pushed it before, and then not been able to walk again for weeks. Check with a fitness trainer or physical therapist (your PCP can refer you) to get the best exercises to prevent shin splints.
   — Cindy R.

April 18, 2003
Well, here's the problem I have. I have lost 132 lbs and have this AMAZING energy. Soooooo, I take off on my walks like I was Tinker Bell or something. I still have a lot of weight to lose and I just think this is still hard on my body. But I won't stop. I try to walk 'easier'. Going a bit slower and not clomping down hard. Good shoes and stretching or 'warming up' are all sensible things to do. Open RNY 10/30/02
   — Ginger M.