No, at 38 you are not old. I'm 53 and I developed upper back pain within the past 6 weeks that nothing seemed to help. Finally went to a chiropractor and he said that my rapid weight loss caused my center of gravity to be different causing me to walk/stand differently. I have had a few adjustments, but really need to concentrate on better posture. Also just started a water aerobics class to help strengthen my back and core muscles.

My personal trainer has noted a similar reason to moesmemories. Strengthening your core and large muscle groups will also help to decrease this pain and improve your body mechanics. Maybe your doctor could suggest someone to see, or you could contact an area health club to see a certified personal trainer. If not, there are on-line exercises to address back pain.

I hope this improves for you.

Getting older is better than not getting older...but I agree with others, it's not your age, it's probably old body habits vs. new body size...I would try the exercise and stretching route first, does you doc's practice have an exercise physiologist on board? But in case it's something else, keep a doctor visit in the back of your mind.

I am older (by a lot!) and I still have pain from the days of hustling at top speed on concrete floors and carrying 150 pounds of excess weight while I did it. It is much better than when I started this journey though. When I reach goal I will settle for about 6 months to see how I feel and if necessary I will go for joint therapy and/or possible surgery if that doesn't work. I want my knees, hips, and ankles to be happy again!

yep thats pretty much it rbd74...your over the hill lol
JK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
;-)
i dont ache...but i get "stove up" as the old timers say if i sit for a long time..or when i first wake up.
my wife says i walk like an old man when im like that lol
hell im only 58...that aint old right???
dont feel the need to answer that lol
i'll just bet though its your bod getting all the stuff back into the right places when your excess weight moved it around

I agree the excess weight cushioned everything and realigned alot, as it comes off things that were out of place are now trying to find their place of normalcy so the realignment process has to take place. Now remember (or at least my doctors said this up front). If you are already arthritic or suffer with muscle pains, etc., WLS is not a quick fix. You will still have aches and pains so pain management will be essential to your weight loss regimen. The reduction in weight will help to a certain degree but it will not stop it. So like the others i suggest you talk to your doctor and let them place you on some kind of regimen. I heard that water aerobics works wonders, look into it. I wish you all the best. 38 is fairly young but young people suffer with pain too so I don't take what your experiencing lightly. After all who likes pain, the only good part about it is that it's a constant reminder that you are alive and able to feel it - lol, blessings, my dear.

You might consider Pilates... It is a WONDERFUL workout for strengthening your core and back. I went for about 5 or 6 terms and even regained an inch of height (better posture!) and I felt soooo strong. Less hurts even being 300 lbs... Then I didn't go for 2 terms, and I can so tell! I miss it! So, next term I hope to take the class again. :)

I am still preop, but am trying like heck to get my body and muscles in the best order possible prior to surgery in hopes it will help after. Today and yesterday my biceps and triceps are sore from lifting weights! LOL!

Carrying more than 100 lb. of excess weight really, really stresses the joints.

I suggest that you start to see a massage therapist. I saw an orthopedic massage therapist for several months during my meltdown. That really helped my body adjust to the change. It helped my posture, and it also eliminated some of the joint pain that I experienced.

However, I had damaged knees, and massage won't change that. If you continue to experience joint pain, as your PCP for a referral to an orthopedic MD who can determine the cause and advise you on what can or should be done about it. :)

thanks so much for all your responses.

looks like i am going to have to do more than my multi-tasking exercises!

i have a pilates video so looks like i'll be trying that.

if it doesn't help i will seek dr.

thanks again,
rochelle

I know its sad but I'm only 23 and have tremendous strain on my joints and back...seems to be hurting MORE as the weight comes off.

I agree with all of the prior suggestions - it takes the body a while to adjust. You could also try glucosomine which is for joint health. It might help in conjunction with the excercise. On really bad days - i take Tylenol to help too.

38 is light years from being old! I love all this information! I am 56, down 102.5 lbs and have middle of the back pain that I never had before. It is better if I concentrate and sit/stand up straight, but old habits are hard to break.