Post Op Exhaustion??

So now that my surgery is less than 3 weeks away, I'm getting a little nervous.   My parents are coming for 2 weeks to help out when I have surgery.  I've heard that due to the drastic cut in calories that I will be exhausted for several weeks after surgery.  How exhausted are we talking?  I live alone with my 4 yr old and am concerned about what my energy level will be.  A friend had this surgery several years ago.  She went back to work part time after 3 weeks but said in retrospect it was too soon.  She recommends taking a full 6 weeks off.  That seems a little drastic to me not to mention that as a single mom, 6 weeks really isn't an option. 

I had lap rny and could have worked a desk job after one week, anything strenuous after two or three weeks.  I think 6 isn't necessary unless you are open, then it's a little long recovery.  I was exhausted after surgery, but that was at about a month out.  It's very tiring, but you'll still be able to keep up with your 4 year old.  You just might have to let some housework go for a week or so.  Dust keeps... Take care and I hope all goes well. Ellen

I can only speak from my own experience.  I was exhausted long after surgery.  I went back to work after 3 weeks and I could barely make it.  My job is strenuous so needless to say, I kept having to sit down.  Everyone was kind and patient with me.  In retrospect, I needed a full 6 weeks, but my surgeon said "no."

Blessings,

Diane

It totally varies from person to person.  I've heard many say they were raring to go after 1 week.  I personally, was really exhausted for a good 5 weeks, plus.  I'm sure you'll manage to do what you need to, but you'll sleep really well at night!  :)  Good luck!

I am a week out from surgery and wish I could go back on Monday. I feel great. My Doc however would like for me to take another week off. I have a sedentary , stressful job and the risk of blood clots without alot of moving around is a possiblity. I am so bored at home.  I live by myself and my 3 dogs and am doing fine. My family came and stayed with me the week of my surgery and left this past Wed. and I am doing great. Keep the walking, protein and sip, sip, sip and when you think you can't sip anymore sip.  You will do just fine. We are all behind you.  Good luck, stay positive everyone is different.

Thanks y'all for all the information.  I was really confident until I spoke to my co-worker about her experience.  I did really well after my c-section so I feel that I'll do good.  With my daughter I was in labor from Tuesday to Friday morning then had an emergency c-section.  I took my daughter and went back to work the following Thursday (6 days later) so surely this can't be any worse.  

I was exhausted for a good 6 weeks... absolutely NO stamina!  We are all different and our bodies react differenly to the big stress and shock surgery puts upon it...  It's not just the drastic reduction of calories that will exhaust you. The anesthesia is also part of that and will slow you down until that has fully worked its way out of you.  And also, it's hard to remember, but you HAVE to... just because you start feeling better and rare'n to go, your innards are still heaing in there.  Just think how damp and dark it is in there and how it takes longer to heal inside.  I failed to take that into account a few years ago when I had my hysterectomy and after about 3 weeks I thought and felt as good as new so I resumed life full speed ahead a few weeks before my doctor told me to, and I paid the price and ended up having a setback because of it. Even thogh we have to listen to our body, we also have to "push" ourselves a little to get back into the groove.  The more you walk and start getting physically active, the better you will feel (sooner).  This surgery is a major jolt to our bodies.  Pay attention to what your body is telling you as well as your doc, and you'll be back full speed when YOUR bod is ready.

Its not only the drastic cut in calories but having surgery and anesthesia also makes you very tired. Anesthesia is the biggest - everybody is effected differently... for me it makes me super exhausted so I struggled with low energy for quite some time. Many people after the surgery get a surge of energy like they never had before! Just one of those things you wont know until you do it :-) 6 weeks off? I would have gone crazy!!! I had surgery Tuesday, out of the hospital Thursday back to work Monday - first week I worked 9-2, after that my normal 8-5. Honestly would have been nice to have a week off, anything over that I would have gone stir crazy!

I am 3 weeks out and I am one of those that had that burst of energy from the beginning but now, I am WHIPPED.  I just don't know what is going on this past week.  I just changed over to pureed food and I am eating it but it is not doing too well sitting in the new stomach.   I personally am taking 6 weeks because I have that much on my insurance policy at work.  I took it upon myself to make sure I'm doing what I can to make this journey 100% successful, so my short term policy allowed for 5 weeks for surgery.  I just decided to take another week of Personal Time.  Yes, there are days that I go insane (especially during that energy boost!).  But it is Christmas and there are tons to do and it has been soooo nice to enjoy some slow time to myself and reflect on how wonderful I feel.   I think the Anesthesia is also very slow leaving my body.  Or maybe I'm just tired this week.  I guess its hard to be tired when you have felt sooo good after surgery.   If you can take the time, I reccommend it.  it does your body good to refresh yourself.  You will deserve it too.   Just my two cents- Connie