Lacking energy, any suggestions???

Hi everyone, I am guilty of lurking and not much participation but have learned so much form all of you. I am 7 weeks out, down 33 lbs and doing pretty well overall. I am getting in all of my vitamins religiously, protein is well over 75 grams a day thanks to my morning protein shake and 42 gram protein bullets. I am working on upping my water because I am a little low. However, I am exhausted all the time. I am back to work full time and after 3 hours at work I am worn out. I have been getting to the gym on my lunch hour daily and getting in about 45 minutes on the treadmill averaging a 3.4 mph pace at a max 5.0 incline. I know I need more to make the most of my new tool I just don't have the energy. I don't drink coffee or tea and avoid all caffeine so, it's not a caffeine burn out. I have also been suffering tension headaches later in the day. Like I said I can't come up with any rhyme or reason and it's not really serious enough to call the surgeon. Did anyone else feel like this 7 weeks out from surgery? And if so, how did you handle it? I know I should listen to my body but this is ridiculous, I really want to up my exercise.
Thank you for any suggestions you mayhave.

Hi Heather, welcome to the Cali board and congrats on the weightloss so far. As far as the energy, it will come back in time. Your body is still healing and may take a little longer for your energy to bounch back. Good luck in your weightloss journey. =)

Thank you for the encouragement. I am so guilty of comparing myself to others and read about experiences of others that are training for marathons and I'm like how is that possible? I feel like I am barely making it through a normal day. It's nice to hear that I'm not out of the norm.

I would suggest that you increase your protein daily by adding another shake.  With all the exercise you are doing, you need it.  I would shoot for 100 grams protein.  Don't forget we malabsorb.  I know you mentioned vitamins, hopefully that includes your iron too.  Afternoon headaches can be dehydration (water) or protein.

Hi there,

I understand what you are talking about the tired all the time.  I didn't take ALL my vitamins for the first 18 months and I now paid for it dearly.  Make sure you are taking 2 multi vitamins a day, one in the morning, one later in the afternoon, make sure you are getting in Vit D with at least 1500 mg of Calicum, an iron pill at night, never take it with your Calicum and a b12, once or twice a week.  Now take it easy too.  Don't be killing yourself all in your first 8 weeks.  The exercise will be there.  Take it slower, give your body time to heal, just because you are exercising, you could be doing your body more harm than good, maybe you are doing too much.  Sounds like you are pushing yourself.  Just try slowing down on the exercise for a week and see if that doesn't help a little.  Also as Leann says, up the protein some.  Also try eating too, don't just get it all from shakes.  Also anything that is different than what you had before surgery, IE your headache, hey call the doc and talk to him.  Calling him is a good idea.  You need to keep a good relationship going with him too, give em a shout and see if they can help you out some with the headaches and maybe the tiredness.  Trust me tho, it took me alot longer than 7 weeks to feel better, we are all different.

Good luck, Diane

Aloha Heather-
First of all- that burst of energy everyone describes but that evaded me- did not make an appearance til 2 months post op. You are asking your body to heal- on limited nutrition and full time work- from major surgery, anesthetic, drugs, diet changes- and no caffeine. And some of us had pre op liquid diets to contend with- that also factors in to the long term picture.
Up your water, any way you can. You really should be drinking a minimum of 64 oz per day- afternoon headaches and lethargy can be attributed to this. It's good for your kidneys, your joints, your blood flow, your colon- if you are only behind a few glasses a day it adds up quickly.
Get your vitamins- especially B12 ( 2500 mcg 2-3 X weekly) and a Bcomplex ( every day) along with your multivite and calcium. Vite B's  cause some people to feel energized, so much so that they can't take them at night.
You can up the exercise when you've healed completely- maybe for now try a non cardio exercise increase- like weight lifting or core work.
Be well- congratulations on the success- you will feel better! XOLori

RED BULLS!!!!  Just kidding....Exercise does make a huge difference.  Really...I exercise about 6 times a week and there are days that I feel slugish....but for the most part, my energy level is just go go go go!  Good luck!

I attend 3 support meetings a month. From these meetings and my own person RNY experience:

Lack of energy is common for about 3-4 months post op.  Make sure your labs indicate good levels of vitamins, etc in their results. Correct any deficiencies. I felt better taking a 5000 IU dry D3 three times daily with my calcium, as my knees felt week. Hopefully you're drinking enough water and getting enough sleep. You might consider upping yoiur protein intake, or varying your exercise. Normally, exercise will "perk up" your energy levels.  Try to do something besides just the treadmill. DAVE

Thank you all so much for the encouragement and suggestions. I really appreciate it.
 
For my protein intake I am at about 100 grams of protein a day. With the AM shake (27 g) turkey chili at lunch (21 g) dinner varies but always consists of almost complete protein (tuna, salmon, chicken or turkey) for another 20 g. or so. And everyday I sip on a 42 g protein bullet (I have heard a body can only process a certain amount at a time, don't want to waste any).

I am also dedicated to my vitamins, all from bariatric advantage, 2 multi's, 3 calcium, 1 B12 and 1 iron plus my 3 potassium. So, I really believe I am on target for all of my requirements which is why I am frustrated.

Leanne - I think you may have a point with the water. I am only at about 48 oz. or so a day. I had no idea dehydration could have that effect. I am definitely going to pu**** starting today.

Diane & Lori - Thank you so much for reminding me that I did just have major abdominal surgery and am still healing. I need to remember to listen to my body and just do what I can. I have some resistance tubes I think I am going to try some resistance training in the evening to get in a little extra.

Gus - Thanks for the push. Your right exercise definitely gives you an extra energy push which is why I go at lunch. It's what gets me through my work day.

Dave - Thank you for the suggestions. And congratulations on your amazing success.

I appreciate all the wonderful support here on OH. Thank you all.