Back Pain After Gastric Sleeve
Gastric sleeve surgery causes a person to lose a significant amount of weight over a short period of time. Though this can come with a few complications, the health problems associated with this type of weight loss are far fewer and less severe than those that can evolve due to a lifetime of obesity.
One surprising body change that can happen when you lose weight is that you may experience lower back pain. You may expect your back pain to go away after you lose weight but unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.
Here’s why back pain can happen after gastric sleeve surgery, and what to do if it’s affecting you.
Why back pain after gastric sleeve?
People who are obese will have an increased risk of experiencing many types of muscle and joint pain simply because of the excess weight they are carrying. Lower back pain, in particular, is common because surplus abdominal fat is pulling on and weakening the abdomen. This persistent strain is forcing your back to work harder to hold you upright and stay balanced.
Gastric surgery leads to weight loss in the stomach region, which then means your whole core area will need to work less hard to hold you up. Pain after weight loss results from the back muscles continuing to be tense as your entire body tries to adjust to a lower weight.
Pain in the lower back may also arise because you will lose the fat on your actual back. This fat can have the effect of cushioning and supporting the bones and ligaments in that area. When the vertebrae have less support, they are more prone to moving, and this can lead to pain or injury.
You may also be more prone to back problems just because you are moving around more. Your body may be struggling to adjust to your naturally changing center of gravity as you lose weight. Thus, you should be careful not to make too many sudden movements or exercise to the point of straining yourself. Keep your motions fluid and controlled, especially during the first year when weight loss will likely be the most extreme.
RELATED: Gastric sleeve complications
Treat and prevent back pain after gastric sleeve surgery
As you lose weight post-surgery, you will be expected to be on a strict diet regimen. At the same time, you should be paying attention to the rest of your body and how it is responding to weight loss.
Body changes of various types will occur. The positive change will be that the more weight you lose, the more mobile you will become. But along with fat, you risk losing muscle with the lower caloric and nutritional intake. Even though your portion sizes are restricted, you need to make sure you’re consuming a balanced diet that is including lean proteins, proteins shakes, or supplements.
You must also incorporate strength training into your wellness regimen to maintain and build muscle after the gastric sleeve procedure. Take a particular focus on your core. Strengthening the muscles in this area will relieve some of the pressure on your back.
Even though the weight loss is rapid, your body will take time to adjust to the many changes. Reduce the stress you’re putting on your lower back by being careful in your movements, eating healthy proteins, and following a safe but challenging exercise routine once you’ve recovered.
Book your gastric sleeve at Jet Medical Tourism®
If you would like to learn more about Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Mexico, please contact our bariatric surgery center today. Our expert weight loss surgeons are more than happy to answer all questions that you may have about the gastric sleeve procedure.
