Fibromyalgia and WLS

Thursday, 02 June 2011 11:25

Fibromyalgia is a common syndrome that affects an estimated 10 million people in the United States. Research shows that being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk of fibromyalgia, especially among people who exercise less than one hour a week or do not exercise at all. WLS patients who do not wish to control their fibromyalgia symptoms with medication may benefit from certain diet and lifestyle changes.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread body pain along with fatigue, sleep problems, headaches, and depression. The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but triggers may include physical or emotional trauma, illness, or infection. Fibromyalgia also tends to run in families, so you may be more susceptible to the condition if you have a family history of fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia treatment

Though there is no cure for fibromyalgia, certain lifestyle factors can help make your pain more manageable. Your doctor may recommend hydrotherapy, which is the use of water treatments such as saunas or baths. However, if you find that the cost of hydrotherapy is prohibitive, you may experience similar results with water aerobics classes. Check with your local YMCA, which may offer water aerobics classes geared towards people with arthritis.

Certain medications may also help with fibromyalgia, but because these medications may also lead to weight gain, many WLS patients choose to avoid medications in favor of diet and lifestyle changes. Check with your doctor before taking any type of over-the-counter pain reliever, as aspirin can erode your gastric band.

Diet and lifestyle changes

Many WLS patients report that cutting refined carbohydrates from their diet improves their pain levels. Focus your diet on sources of lean protein and complex carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables, and limit your intake of bread, pasta, and other refined foods.

Identifying and avoiding your triggers can also help. Keep a diary of symptoms and see if you notice any triggers that cause your condition to flare up. Many people experience an increase in pain when they are experiencing high levels of stress.

Exercise and fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia patients who undergo WLS often have difficulty finding a form of exercise that they can tolerate. Aside from water aerobics, try gentle, low-impact exercises such as yoga, wall push-ups, or even riding a stationary bike. As you begin to lose weight, you will likely find that your pain becomes more manageable and that you are able to tolerate other forms of exercise. If possible, try to work more movement into your daily routine or your daily chores. Simply starting a regular walking routine can also be hugely beneficial for all WLS patients.