Long term physical considerations

[Fiddleman 4,376]

Most WLS post ops lose 100 # and more. This changes the body's sense of balance and posture. The way we hold our body is not the same as before and this can result in physical strain, especially in the shoulders, back, hips and knees. What are some strategies that you have re-learned in terms of sitting, standing and walking? I believe this topic is not posted about much so any ideas would be helpful to post in this thread. For example, I have lost 180 # and have a totally different muscle composition from head to toe. And I am still working on how to hold myself differently at almost 2 years post op. I am sure this is a problem for other folks too.

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

Yeah, I am going to physical therapy...come to find I am pretty messed up. Uneven muscling, flat lower back etc.

[Andrew0929 1,101]

Interesting topic. After losing 100+ pounds my wife pointed out that I was walking funny. Upon paying attention to this I realized that i was walking hunched over. I think I was continuing to compensate for my (former) large belly.

Now I make a point of walking with my back straight but I have to think about it.

[macman 603]

I am having occasional balance issues which the Doctors relate to my weight loss. I am down about 115 pounds, and I also walk with a bit of a slouch. I have to remind myself about keeping my back straight. For me, a lot of weight has come off my upper body, shoulders, chest and stomach. In addition my feet are narrower than before. I guess it makes sense that balance could be a concern. Any idea how long this unfamiliarity will last?

[Fiddleman 4,376]

I do not know how long these muscle balance issues will last. I am almost of the opinion they will not fix themselves and we must work on re-training the mind/body psychosomatic connections. I did physical therapy for months and it did not really help. That being said, I am starting to feel what it means to have a more relaxed back. I still have a lot of muscle imbalances to work on. I have found exercises that force good ligament alignments are helping with some very tight muscles. It will take time for new muscle configurations to develop and become natural. I still have to think about my upper back and shoulders constantly or they get seriously tight and very uncomfortable.

Edited May 18, 2014 by Fiddleman

[McButterpants 2,846]

I'm at just under 70 pounds from my high weight - my husband said I'm carrying myself differently, but in a good way. I walk much taller than I did before and I'm "more athletic" than I have been in years. I haven't found balance to be an issue.

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

can result in physical strain, especially in the shoulders, back, hips and knees.

@@Fiddleman

i was/am terrified that i will have one of those stupid "humps" on my back

i have bone scan every two years - its not the greatest, but i am a worry wart

thats why i've always been very mindful of my walking straight and tall

i always held my head, thus my back - staight up

kindof like a broom was sticking up my asssssss

stood/walked very erect

therefore my shoulders et al are/were never affected

now after losing 105 lbs - i am walking/standing even taller

kathy

Edited May 18, 2014 by proudgrammy

[Fiddleman 4,376]

Thanks proud Grammy. You have stated some pragmatic suggestions, and for that, I am pleased. I think what helps me is to pull my belly button towards my spine, pull my shoulders back, relax the traps and relax the rhomboids. I do lots of yoga stretches. I mean alot! I focus on squaring up my shoulders and eliminating tightness from between shoulder blades. My lower back is naturally concave, but I will be darned if that is helping or hurting. Superman's, bananas and boats are helping to strengthen core. I think I have so many issues with my upper back because my core is not strong enough, not providing the right type of support. So the little muscles in the upper back work way to hard and get really stressed and tight. I do try and stand like a marine (tall, chest puffed out), if you know what I mean.

[LipstickLady 25,682]

I have found that I need to relearn ALL my martial arts kicks and stances. I used to do all my spinning and jumping kicks with a lot of compensation for 100+ more pounds and now I when I do them with those same compensations, I am finding myself falling flat on my ass, missing my target all together and way over jumping/spinning. It's really quite funny now that I've figured out WHY I'm so clumsy.

I would highly recommend Pilates @@Fiddleman, if you aren't already doing it. It's all core exercise and focuses on posture, strengthening your lower back and abs, and balance. I think that I was in pretty good shape at 264 pounds because I always did pilates and yoga and those forms of exercise always kept my posture and flexibility good. It's fun and relaxing, too!

[Chelenka 827]

My upper back and shoulders have been a problem for me too. I have a bone spur in my right shoulder and have been doing a lot of stretching of the pectorals and trapezoids which helps. Also do yoga stretches and haven't done Pilates in a while but agree w/ LL that it would be helpful. The interesting thing for me really is how the weight loss has affected my singing coordination. Singing opera is quite physical. You have to produce enough sound to be heard over an orchestra and there's no amplification. It takes a lot of breath and the core muscles are very involved in the support of the breath. The breath has to move though your tiny larynx at just the right level of pressure in order to carry the sound and allow your vocal folds to vibrate freely on the pitch. Of course you can't think about all that while you are actually singing. You just do it! However, since dropping 100 #s my coordination is all confused. I keep overblowing, using more air and force than neccessary. This tires my voice very quickly and doesn't produce the desired sound. It's not just my core too, it's my throat. I think I must have had some cushion of fat around my larynx as well that provided a bit of resistance. It's as though my voice is thinner too. I'm not sure if I like it but I'm starting to get a handle on things. it's quite frustrating at times to struggle with what was so easy and natural to me.

[swimbikerun 1,045]

I had to relearn to swim all over again. I do mean ALL over again with a coach. Running was confusing too. I didn't know when to start or stop.

I was ok walking because I was all over the place so much so that my knees hurt after surgery.

[suejersey 263]

This is a very interesting topic.

I have noticed when I walk for long periods of time I get a lot of pain in my shoulders. I couldn't figure out why, and now I think it is because I am slouched over, my shoulders are curving in.

I second pilates and yoga. I know there are specific exercises to help with posture, as well. I didn't think this was a big deal, but I am beginning to see it now.

Also my tailbone kills me all.the.time. I do transcription and sit at my desk for hours and hours at a time. I can literally feel the bone right under my skin. I sit on a "donut" and it still kills. Trying to strengthen my glutes with the hopes it will help. Glute bridges, single leg dead lift, squats.

[moonlitestarbrite 902]

i have been seeing my wonderful chiropractor regularly since the surgery. this is helping a lot. but really yoga has helped the most. since it really helps with "feeling" my body. i have been practicing yoga on and off for 20 years. i was doing it regularly before the surgery and i had to relearn what the heck i was doing in basic poses like down dog. it's been weird, but exciting at the same time.

great topic, since its something only people who have gone through this talk about it, not the medicos.

[swimbikerun 1,045]

I have a massage lady who is fabulous! I'm glad you are having the same great time with your chiro.

Yes, if the healthcare profession would be a little more honest about these things, I would be quite happy. I'm concerned because they blew off my comments about the gastroparesis and said it would be fine, and with still mildly delayed emptying, with other things, yes it is a problem.

The lack of after care is horrendous, especially if you aren't just out of surgery. They dont' want anything to do with you.

[moonlitestarbrite 902]

i think they just dont know. allopathic medicine is so compartmentalized, they are just clueless.

why i went and got acupuncture for my stomach emptying issues. (got off the reglan btw, had no idea it was for short term only, no one told me)