Hunger and Fatigue

Hi Everyone,

I just passed my six month post-op mark.  For the most part I feel fantastic.  I am only about 10 pounds from my goal weight and I am still losing. 

I have an appointment in 2 weeks with Dr. P. for my six month check-up. 

Lately, I have been really hungry.  I can't decide if this is actual hunger or if old habits are trying to reassert themselves.  I don't over eat and I am sticking to my eating schedule.  I take my prescirbed vitamins every day like clock work.  Does this happen to everyone else?

Here is the second thing (which I am planning on discussing with Dr. P).  I have been feeling pretty fatigued for the last week or two.  Not a fatigue like I am coming down with something but more of a general, overall feeling.  I am still exercising every day and doing what I am supposed to do, but just feel that general tiredness.  It really comes out when I am exercising.  I will be on the treadmill and about half way through my usual work out I just start to feel really tired. 

Does anyone have any suggestions for me?

Just FYI: I take 1000 mcg B12 sublingual daily, 100 mg (I think this is the dosage) B1, multi-vitamin, calcium and magnesium.  I have also added some probiotics for some female things.  I am still on the Urso Forte but should finish that up around the time of my appt. with Dr P.  No other medications (woo-hoo!!!). 

Thanks in advance for your help.  You always have great, supportive answers!

Joylyn

Great job on the weight loss!!

Your stomach is getting to a point where it can hold a bit more now. How much are you eating at a sitting? What's a typical day like? Are you getting in all of your protein and fluids?

I would have your B12 checked as well as your iron - all of which I am sure is standard for Dr P's 6 month check up. When my B12 gets low I feel the same way. And I take 5000mcg a day to keep my self  "in range".

GOod luck with the appt and keep us posted!

Liz

Hi Liz,

Thanks for your quick response.  By the way, I make your recipes all the time.  Thanks for posting such great menu items!!!

My goals for the day are 84 g of protein, 64 oz water, less than 49 g fat. I really try to stick to the 1/2 cup max of food at a time (which is difficult with things like salad.  I feel like I get one lettuce leaf, one piece of cucumber and some chicken...

I would have to say that most days I make these goals.  Occasionally I have trouble with getting in the fuids, but even on those days I am pretty close. 

I typically eat 6 times a day.  I eat approx. every 2.5 hours and I would say I average 200 calories per meal/snack.  My goal is about 15 g of protein per meal which puts me around 90 grams per day.  I also try to sneak in some fruits and veggies with my snacks so I get more nutirents. 

I was thinking I may be having some B12 issues.  I am curious about what my numbers are going to be this time. 

Thanks!

You could probably be eating a bit more then 1/2 a cup of food for your meals - maybe more like 3/4 but ask the NUT when you see them. ESPECIALLY with things like salad - things that really condense when I chew I can eat a lot more of - for example I can eat probably 2 cups of salad greens in addition to maybe 2 oz of protein.

I would have those vit levels checked first and go from there - sounds like you are doing great!

Your welcome :) Glad that they come into good use!

Are you taking iron supplements at all? I get SUPER tired when my iron is lacking. I take iron supplements daily (though I've had a different surgery). You might want to talk to your Dr. about it first.

I also find I get tired when I'm not getting enough water.

I am not taking iron right now.  Dr. P said not to.  Before surgery my hematocrit and hemoglobin were always high.  It is definitely something I want to look at based on the blood levels, I suppose my levels could be dropping. 

Thanks for the info!

I was gonna suggest the same basic things - hopefully lab work will answer some of your issues.  Perhaps something is low such as your vitamins, H/H, Iron....something.

Asf far as feeling hungry - you may be able to up your amount at this point.  But, I would up it with denser things such as protein and not with stuff like lettuce and stuff.  Because the lettuce condenses down to almost nothing, like Liz said, and therefore, doesn't keep you satisfied for as long.  You may be able to add in some whole grains and what not - but of course you have to be careful with the whole carb thing - as many find these a trigger of sort.

Good luck, I hope you are able to get more answers with Dr. P and the nut!

Thanks everyone!  Great advice, as always.

Hi Joylyn,
You look wonderful. Sorry to hear about the fatigue. U already have some good advice from others. I will just add that I get a B12 shot at my PCP once a month. I think I feel better than taking the sublingual. 
Tammy

Hi Tammy,

Thanks for your message.  I will definitely bring that up with the dr and see what she suggests.  I appreciate the help!

Joylyn