One week post OP - Where is my energy???

Hello to everyone! To those with whom I've been exchanging emails, those I met at the PMRI meeting last Saturday (5/1) (Rob and Lucy), and Vee who had surgery the same day as I did, my room-mate, and now good friend, thanks for all the support and well wishes. It's hard to believe it's been a week since the surgery. I feel great for the most part, except that since yesterday I feel as though someone has unplugged me from the electric socket, if you know what I mean. What happened to all the energy I had when I came home from the hospital? I'm soooo tired all the time now. I'm doing well with the protein - probably much better than I thought I would be, but I feel absolutely exhausted. I know I'm anemic, I know my iron is low, and I HATE the liquid iron Dr. Irgau prescribed (only time I'm been violently sick was after taking the iron for the first time - not taking it any more - sorry!! don't want to be sick again!) Is anyone taking a pill form of the iron? If so, which one and where can I get some? I have iron absorption problems, but I figure if I can get some iron in me, it will do me good. By the way, 14.5 lbs gone since surgery!! Liana

Linda, How long was your hospital stay? Climbing steps or sleeping in bed a problem for you the first week? I am scheduled for June 30th and would like to get insight from everyone that has had the procedure done. Congratulations on your weight loss. I hope your energy returns soon.

Debbie, Both Vee and I were in the hospital two nights. We were out by 12 noon on the third day. I think the shorter the hospital stay, the better. You do rest more at home, and I you'll be more comfortable, too!

HELLO MY DEAR FRIEND AND ROOM -MATE IN HOSPITAL! MY ENERGY IS GOOD AS OF RIGHT NOW,BUT I DO LAY DOWN DURING THE DAY. AND ABOUT THE LIQUID IRON! I WAS TAKING THE PILL,BUT DECIDED TO TAKE THE LIQUID BECAUSE I FELT I COULD GET IT DOWN MORE EASILY.... CRUSHING THE PILL HAD A VERY BAD TASTE FOR ME,EVEN WHEN I WOULD PUT IT IN MY APPLESAUCE. SO LIQUID IS WORKING OUT BETTER FOR ME. LIANA" I WAS SO VERY BLESSED TO HAVE SHARED A ROOM WITH YOU AFTER SURGERY. YOUR FAMILY ARE SUCH WONDERFUL PEOPLE....... I LOVE YA, AND KEEP UP THE WONDERFUL WORK VEE ~ (VM)

Hey sweetie! Well, you know me, every time we've talked on the phone, I've been up and around all over the place - really haven't rested much, and I have yet to take a nap. The only day I took a nap was the day we came home from the hospital. Besides, if I do nap, then I don't have time to drink all that darn water!! Vee, I feel the same - I was blessed to have shared this experience with you. My family thinks the world of you, and your mommie and dad are just great. Can't wait until we can both eat regular food, and hubby can make gormet meals for us! Hugs, Liana

i had open rny and it took me 2 months to stop having to take naps.

Your body is playing catch up with you... Your energy will come back in time. It DOES get better, hang in there! So, take those cat naps as needed for now. Take it easy, don't over do it -124 lbs 9/11/02

Liana, Congrats on your surgery! Remember, this is major surgery, and we're off work 4-6 weeks for recovery.. that means you won't be totally yourself in a week. Some people more quickly than others, but your body needs time to heal. I didn't start to feel better until 5 weeks out, I was weak and dizzy all the time. Listen to your body, follow your docs instructions, and it will all fall into place in time. Good luck!

Hi Liana, Congrats on your surgery and weight loss so far. As far as the unplugged sensation goes ... I had it also. Full of energy one week and then suddenly it caught up with me. Dr Irgau told me to expect it, but after feeling so good the first week out, I thought I was one of the lucky ones who would not have it ... Wrong again! Take your time to heal and get plenty of rest. Of course keep up with your walking but don't hesiate to sneak a nap in ... I had to take one for quite a while before I was back up to par. Check with the doc to see what else you may be able to do for the iron, perhaps they have another idea? I was not allowed any pills other than my BP meds without crushing them until I was one month out. But perhaps Dr Irgau will allow you to do so. Best wishes on your continued success! Hugs, Tammy

Liana, lots of people get that unplugged feeling. It does pass. To help with your iron, this is what I suggest - the vitamin shoppe has a chewable iron - I think around 8 or 11 dollars. It is not bad tasting at all other then beign on the sweet side. It is strawberry flavored I think?? I don't know where you live but I have a bottle in my kitchen if you want to try before you buy.