One week post-op and my back is killing me!

[jessyM 2]

when i stand up and move around for too long i start to get an ache around the center of my back. it's driving me nuts! i am supposed to be ready to go back to work by now, arent i!? and i still have this terrible pain on my left front side... apparently there is some tubing there that needs to be more "in place" and walking will help with that? anyone else heard of this? i'd appreciate any help with the situation. i talked to someone in my surgeon's office and she was basically no help

[Hungrybetty 0]

Your sure it's not gas? Gas gives me a horrible back ache, but if your passing gas regularly maybe it s just your organs getting back into position since they seem to be pushed and pulled around during surgery. Watch a lap band procedure on youtube, it really puts things in perspective!

[akri 0]

I'm with betty, it may be gas pains as they can strike in the oddest places! Most common, i believe is the neck and back. I certainly had back pain aswell as neck pain. Also, it could be something to do with your posture. When i was banded, for about a week or more I noticed that i was walking almost like a pregnant lady and because of the port being sewn into my muscle, i couldn't tense my tummy muscles as normal and thus my belly was sticking out a lot more than normal, meaning i was walking different-unable to fully support myself standing up and walking around for too long. I remember I had to fly back home 4 days post op and just walking through the airport to the terminal was awful! By the end my back was killing me and I was just plain fed up!!

Keep in mind also that some surgeons aren't especially 'gentle' when they're in there and alot of aches and pains afterwards can be attributed to the surgeon poking about.

Tbh, all that really helped me in the end was making sure i was able to pass gas (i cant tell you how many times i burped in the first week!!!) and holding an ice pack to my by every couple of hours. Also not slumping in chairs, making sure you sleep in a sensible position and getting up and walking around little and often.

Eventually my muscles got used to it, i was able to hold my belly in as normal and managed to stand up straight and better support myself. But it takes time. Don't rush it or you'll put your recovery back.

Hope at least some of that was relevant to you!

[gd;dagjlkg 0]

I totally know what you are talking about. I had my surgery on the 16th. Part of my issue (I think) is that while I was walking after surgery, I wasn't walking as much as my Dr told me I should. Now I am making sure I'm walking a lot more and gas release is better. Also, when I'm just sitting on the couch I sometimes stretch out my legs or arms a few times, or try to stretch my back, anything to just get things flowing. It was really hard at first because my back hurt, but now it is getting better.

Also, my mom has a round little vibrating pillow she uses (she broke her tailbone as a child). She uses it on her back to relieve pain. I've borrowed it and it is working wonders. I hold it to my stomach or put it behind my lower back when sitting down. The vibrations really help. If you have anything like that you can use, I'd recommend trying it!

Good luch

[jessyM 2]

thanks everyone for the help! i actually have been using a massager and walking around a lot and FINALLY last night i turned a corner and the pain is almost nearly gone! excitement! now i'm just generally a bit sore around my belly button but that is nothing compared to what i was feeling. so glad to be on the mend! now if i can just make it to mushy stage on monday, then i'll be golden. woo!

[jboo518 1]

we have to remember that we had surgery in the center of our core, your tummy. Your core is what supports your back or spine and us not using it or babying it will cause some discomfort for awhile for some ppl. Atrong core equals a strong back!