Yay for you, Spine! I know you are feeling the discomforts of all the prodding and poking during the surgery and no doubt your body is pretty PO'd...... but you're gonna do just great. I could tell by reading your 1st post in this thread.
I know it'll take awhile for your legs to gain strength, but it WILL happen.
How exciting to know you are getting a quality of LIFE back again!!

Thank you Besidemyself - for sharing about the Topamax. I would be interested in talking to my Dr about trying it for the breakthru neuropathy I battle. And boy do I know exactly what you mean about that rapid weight gain! It's very alarming, especially becoming short of breath and everything else that comes with the extra weight. My story is very similar to yours except the culprit in my case was Lyrica!
I can't believe your Dr actually told you it was because your appetite increased is why you gained the weight. Good Lord!
Well, I'm happy to know you are back down to your ideal weight. It sure took awhile but so am I.

Rae