How long before I feel normal?

Hello Everyone, I had my surgery one week ago today and I am not feeling normal yet.  I still get very tired and have a pulling pain still when I cough or laugh or move too fast.  I can only drink 4oz of SF Carnation instant breakfast at a time and I am having a hard time getting my fluids in (maybe 30oz a day ontop of the 12oz SF CIB).  I also feel weak.  Today is the best I have felt, I actually went to work to visit with one of my friends.  It was a 1/2 hour drive there, I visited for an hour and a 1/2 hour drive home and by the time I got home I was ready for a nap.  I guess I'm just wondering if this is normal?   Thanks

Julie, I can't speak from experience, but having just poured over the Black WLS Bible we ghot at EMMC, it sounds like you are right on track. Some folks may feel better sooner, but I believe you fall right in the normal category. Take a few minutes and reread that part and I think you will feel better about what is normal and what is not. You may (according to them) have driven a bit too early and that may be why it exhausted you. Breathe deep and be patient and you will improve. We're all rooting for you.

Thanks Terri,  I probably should have mentioned that my husband drove me.  There is no way I could have drove myself the way I feel.  I am just so ready to be able to do things again without feeling exhausted even just go to the grocery store with my husband.  Maybe I have cabin fever from being in the house too long!

Girl!  You had major surgery a week ago!  I didn't feel normal probably for 3 to 4 weeks.  And I didn't have any complications. Don't worry, you will get there!   Just keep drinking and doing the best you can with your protein.  And make sure you are moving around. This is completely normal. 

Julie, I agree with Kathy, relax, sit back and enjoy.  before you know it you'll be up doing laundry, dishes and cooking supper, don't ru**** you've heard of one step foward and two steps back,  THis is soooo true for many many things.  recovery, financial, weight loss,  you'll get there... takecare, cheryl

It gets a little better every day Julie. DO the best you can to get your fluids in but sleep if you need to too you are healing. I still get tired easy but I don't think I am getting enough calories in a day. Try to walk as much as you can just in the house it helps honestly.

Yup, it's normal. I'm still not feeling 100% 5 weeks out.

i will be three weeks out monday and today i'm feeling the best yet. i've had good days but tire easily and need an afternoon nap. don't pu**** it's major surgery. just because we don't have huge scars doesn't mean we haven't done something major. your body is telling you to relax. i went back to work monday after two weeks and have only been able to do 3 to 4 hours and then i go home. take it easy and listen to you body. the fluids will come with time. i'm up to 48 oz. a day now and trying to increase. just sip as much as you can. it gets better but i remember feeling the same way a week or so ago. right now it sucks for you but it does get better. take your pain meds too. it will help you sleep better.

Thanks for all the support!  I know it will come with time, I'm just a little anxious.