ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum - View Single Post - About to Start my Gastric Bypass Journey..

Claire-in-Texas · 10-18-2007, 06:39 AM

Hi! Welcome to the TT forum!

I, too, had spinal stenosis combined with slipping disks, and it was very painful for many years. It escalated about a year ago, and it was my pain management doctor who suggested to me what you know to be true - that being overweight increases the severity of this condition. He suggested I get physical therapy after I lost about 50 lbs.

At this point I had been spending a lot of time in a wheel chair (where walking was necessary), and I couldn't walk across a room with increasing debilitating pain. I had PT for 4 weeks, 3 times a week at that point. After those 4 weeks, I was totally pain free (totally miraculous), and with continued loss of weight and increased activity and mobility, my back feels normal!

My signature line reflects my journey.

Start with a determination of what surgeon your primary care physician recommends. Make sure he/she is someone who has done tons of these particular surgeries. Go to a seminar given by this surgeon, and do lots of research - there is much to learn. Also, there is a great book that has become my best resource - it's called Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies, and it will take you through every stage, including the ne you are in now.

My very best wishes to you!