Question:
My concern is the energy level after surgery. My surgery is in one week, October 6
2008. I have heard that around the second to fourth week after surgery there is a tremendous lack of energy. Is there any way to bypass this and how can the lack of energy be described, passing out or just needing to rest a lot. By the way, I am having Lap RNY. — MadameSiewe (posted on September 28, 2008)
September 28, 2008
I think most people, including me, went through feeling tired, kind of
weak, but never to the point of passing out or anything like that.... I
was tired for several months, but am feeling much better. I suspect at
least part of the cause is recovering from surgery, plus getting used to
less caloric intake. Be sure to get plenty plenty plenty of fluids, take
multi-vitamins, B-Complex (sublingual or B_complex injections, not pills),
and get in our protein (once you're advanced through the appropriate food
stages). You should recover faster than I did, as mine was open RNY.
Congrats and welcome to the Loser's Bench!
— Gina S.
September 28, 2008
Most experience a feeling of being tired and weak from lack of caloric
intake and from recovering from major surgery. If you hear of someone
actually passing out, it is usually because their blood pressure is low or
blood sugar is low from their weight loss and they need their meds adjusted
or stopped. Dehydration can sometimes occur and this causes weakness and
if it is bad enough, you could pass out. A general lack of energy is
normal.
Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
— DawnVic
September 28, 2008
I attend 3 support meeting a month, and your complaint is a common one.
Your body is readjusting to a "starvation mode" after surgery. It
takes time to get yoiur energy back up to normal again. It may tak 6-8 wks.
I'd suggest you begin to exercise as soon as possible. Walking is fine. If
you are unable to walk, do pool or chair exercises. Exercise will help to
boost your energy and andlo help in your wt loss a minimize muscle mass
loss. Make sure you get you daily allotment of 70 grams or so of protein,
primarily from protein shakes during the first few months. DAVE
— Dave Chambers
September 28, 2008
I am 3 mts out and energy is still something I struggle with. I am a high
school teacher and it takes everything I have to get through my last class
of the day. I even have a protien drink before that class and get about 80
g total a day. My dr told me sometimes it takes 6mts to get it back. But as
everything I am sure it depends on the person.
— shackett0426
September 28, 2008
week 2 especially I did actually feel like passing out more than a few
times, I never did, but when i would stand up, i would get light
headed....and at times, i was very week....like in the arms....like lifting
a brush to brush my hair even. But it got better. I was eating around 200
calories a day for the first week or so....i'm 5 weeks out now...and i'm
eating around 450 calories a day. I no longer feel like passing out now.
It got better fairly fast...probably a week of feeling that way. Somedays
i have a lot of energy and then some days i feel tired easy. I'm 39....I
started out at 264.5 and now i'm 229.
Good luck to you!
Donna
— Donna H.
September 28, 2008
Hi Pamela
My doc told me this would be the case but I could move ahead with no
restrictions after one week. I tried going to the gym, and I tried
returning to work - I needed three weeks to be peppy enough to return. I
think it was recovering from the anaesthetic! It was just a very tired
feeling and not to the extreme of feeling ill at all.
Best wishes - I can tell you it was the best choice I have ever made. I am
6 months out and have lost 84 pounds. Was sick only once and it was because
I didn't follow the rules. I have 22 to go and find that it is okay to be
one who eats out of need and not for pleasure! Good luck..
Carol
— [Deactivated Member]
September 28, 2008
it's an individual thing -- i never had a lack of energy -- once the weight
started coming off the energy level went up -- i also think that part of
that is the level of enthusiasm went up and the self image went up -- but
personally i never had a lack of energy -- good luck
— RCassety
September 28, 2008
Pam...everyone is different, but I personally have never had an issue with
energy. Two things (if you aren't doing these already, please
consider)...be sure you are getting in a minimun of 60 grams of protein a
day (possibly track for a few days to ensure)...and try to get some
exercise in each day (on a consistent basis...one or two miles at least 4
days at week, more if you can handle it...and if you aren't doing any now,
then build up as you go...you might want to consider journeling this with
your protein intake for a week or two until you get a routine going). I do
have a couple of friends who have had the surgery who complain about their
energy levels "sapping" them in the afternoons around 3 each
day...neither of them have been consistent on the exercise (and really not
the protein either). Good luck!
— BrendaMS
September 29, 2008
I had so much energy after surgery! I felt almost immediately restored! I
only suggest staying hydrated, taking your protein supps and vitamins and
getting exercise and work on muscle building. I didn't feel bad til I was
low on my vit levels....Or if I was not getting enough proein which was a
constant worry for me being lactose intolerant and gagging on every single
whey product I tried! Follow the rules...make sure your nutrition is
good...Don't try to cut out all carbs...Complex carbs give you
energy...It's okay to eat a little oatmeal! Or a whole grain cracker...or
mashed potatoes now and then... or fruits and nuts. These things are carbs
true...but they do give you good energy and keep you from feeling very weak
and frail. But you still need protein first and 50% of your meal should be
protein...The rest should be complex carbs as veggies/ fruits and grains.
We all react differently to this surgery...It amazes me how people go from
one extreme to the other...Then again my doc started us on food immediately
after surgery and so many have liquids to do for a few weeks...I don't get
it or relate to that at all. I did do the 5 day pouch test where 2 days
were liquids only and I thought I'd just pass out. So maybe it's just the
liquid phase that so many of you are required to do. It's a short time, for
many so hopefully it's a short phase for you too... Good luck with your
surgery and whatever rules your doc has for you!
— .Anita R.
September 29, 2008
Hi, Pamela! Congratulations on your decision. It is not one lightly made.
Like many others, I really had no energy issues, in fact, the opposite. I
needed more sleep following surgery, but I really feel like it is a better
quality of sleep (no more sleep apnea) probably due to exercising. Before
I'd say I'd sleep perhaps 5-6 hours per night. Now I seem to need 6-8.
Actually (and I thought I'd never say this), I think the longer sleep has
been healthier for me. That's hard to admit, coming from a workaholic. :)
Bottom line: energy was/is not an issue for me. It is for some others. I
just don't think you can predict \how you will react. I feel very
fortunate. dana
— jujuprof
September 29, 2008
Just take a power nap when you need it. If you work, take on on your
lunch. It does not last long.
— Carlyn M.
September 29, 2008
A good "liquid" vitamin / mineral supplement like VEMMA will help
with the "energy" problem along with lots of liquids, B-12
complex, and protein. Go to www.TrySomeVemma.com
— [Deactivated Member]
September 29, 2008
I never ever felt tired or weak. When I got home from the hospital I had so
much energy and as the weight came off more and more my energy levels
increased more and more. it is a great feeling. Please dont let others let
you think you wont have energy. everyone is different. And you alos will be
having major surgeyr so I am sure you may be tired for a couple days.
— Joanc
September 30, 2008
I had RNY on 9/10 for the 1st week you'll want to take it easy don't rush
anything sleep when you feel like sleeping and go for a walk when you feel
you can even if it's to your corner and back. There is no lifting anything
over 10 lbs no going up and down stairs and no driving for at least 2
weeks. In my opinion the hardest part of the whole process is the 1st week
after surgery the clear liquid stage you will have so much broth and jello
by the end of the week just the thought of eating jello or drinking broth
will make you sick. I probably will never eat jello ever again. Just a
suggestion use ckn or beef boullion cubes it taste better than the broth in
a can.Good Luck and keep us updated.
— Denise R.
September 30, 2008
I forgot to add I'm down 24 lbs in 20 days and I feel wonderful and full of
energy. Once again Good Luck.
— Denise R.
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