[Young Grasshopper]

Hi P38......been following your posts. Congrads on the surg! I read that you have back issues and I'm wondering how your getting around between the back and a healing stomach? Right now doc is talking about WLS for me due to a bad back. I've got trouble getting out of bed now...and I remember the pain from a gallbladder removal. Don't know how I'll deal with both. Was just curious and thought I'd post.

Deb

[P-38]

Hi Deb,

I'm getting along very nicely. If it weren't for the infected open incision (not common) I'd be doing great.

If you choose to go forward with the WLS you may want to look at the Laproscopic preocedure. That way you wouldn't have to deal with the big incision. The areas whaere they started the Lap procedure have healed fast and are not painful at all.

I am hoping that as I lose more weight I will eventually be able to discontinue all pain meds for my back. Keep us posted as to what you decide.

[Young Grasshopper]

Thanks for getting back to me P38. I've got a list of books to read before seeing the doc. Lap band seems the safer route. Just wonder if I can have it done laprscopically if I've already had a similar procedure (gall bladder) - wish I could have had them put the band on when they took the gallbladder out.

Another question: Do you take increased calcium to help your back? Read a post from Jiffy about calcium loss after WLS. Wondering if that's an added concern when you have a back problem? I've always worried about the steriods and whatnot I've taken my back and it's effect on bone loss over the long run.

Thanks for answering!

Deb

[mistyseas]

Hi Young Grasshopper, I had my gallbladder and one of my kidneys removed and they were able to do the gastric bypass surgery on me laprscopically. (My gallbladder was done lap, but I was cut for my kidney.) Good luck to you!

[jiffypop]

deb... the condition of your bones depends on A LOT of factors.. on the one hand, sex hormones keep your bones strong, but as we age, both sexes become more susceptible to osteoporosis, but on the other hand, some steroids DO increase the risk of bone problems, but on the OTHER other hand [let's see if we can make an octopus here!!!!] being overweight can actually help your bones by increasing the load that they have to bear [of course, overdoing that excess weight thing leads to joint problems.

the best thing i can suggest is to talk to your doc, and ask about a bone density test. depending on your age, you might be ready for one anyway. and if the steroid use really is a worry, your doc needs to know the condition of your bones..

[davoswoman]

Definitely try for the laproscopic if at all possible. I had mine done in January 2001. I was only out of work for a little over a week. I had a desk job though so be careful.

I still have some back problems because of my large breasts but most of my lower back problems are gone. Good luck!!

[Young Grasshopper]

Man, I put up a post and it stills getting answers.....Confuscious say, "Young Grasshopper, follow up on your posts for new answers!" Am I out of it or what? Great advice on the bone density test, Jiffy. I want to make sure all my bases are covered when I do this. I know that I'm not in perfect health, if I was I wouldn't be thinking of this surg, but I'd like to know what to expect and to limit suprises.

Davoswoman brings up another thing. How much weight have you guys lost in your breasts? I've heard that they're usually the first thing to go. Not to mention the excess skin problem and sagging. Sorry for any guys reading this post. Well, I know there's no real answer here......other than making sure I have a really good bra I don't think there's much I can do.

Deb

[jiffypop]

deb honey.. let's just tackle one issue at a time. right now, it's the bone density and surgery. the breast tissue can wait. and no matter what happens, you'll have to get new bras anyway!!!!!

there's SO much to think about with this surgery, and if we actually worried about what COULD happen 2 years down the road, we'd never get out of bed!!!!!

so take it in small steps.. it's sooo much easier to handle.

[Young Grasshopper]

Thanks Jiffy!