Always exhausted

Hi all. I had my VSG about 27 months ago, and I lost about 115.

Problem is, that I'm always always always tired. I admit that I completely fell back into old habits and that it's something I'm working on. I stopped drinking soda, and replaced drinks with protein shakes and water (which I NEVER drank before). I am working on building up with more protein rather than chips and quick snacks.

I am exercising about 2-3 times a week (mostly weights, and walking around the building on lunch, etc). I take multi-vitamins daily.

I just can't get with it. Each day when I get home, all I want to do is sit on the couch. I never want to do anything on the weekends, and never feel like I get enough rest, even though I get between 6-8 hours of sleep a night.

My blood tests have been normal, so I'm not sure why I'm so exhausted. Anyone have any suggestions other than what I'm currently doing?

Are you experiencing any depression? That can make you just want to do nothing. Have you been checked for sleep apnea? Even thin people can have that. Maybe check those things out with your doctor.

If you want to try to tackle it without going to a doctor than maybe you need a little boost when you get home. Something like spirulina powder mixed with apple juice is a good energy boosting shot.

Did your blood tests include vitamin checks?

Not sure what your blood work was checking for but make sure they check your thyroid too. I am super vitamin D lacking and I can tell when it is getting really low again, all I want to do is sleep

What is your iron level currently at? It's absolutely possible to be anemic with numbers that are considered within "normal" range.

Previously, it was at a 9. I brought it up to 13 though!

13 could still be considered "mild anemia" and could definitely explain why you feel so tired! It's difficult to bring your numbers up with just supplements when you're that low. Plenty of people here on OH have had iron infusions to help get their numbers up, and I've seen lots of reports that they've helped.

Honestly, I'm in the same boat-- my last bloodwork had me at a 6, I'm up to 11.4 after changing my supplements, and I'm still exhausted. My doctor wants me to start infusions, which he says are no big deal and will have me feeling worlds better.

What blood tests have you had and what were the results?

I'm 8 weeks out and I take a multivitamin, vitamin d3, and sublingual vitamin b12. It doesn't help right away, but I feel way less tired than I used to...also as someone else said above..are you experiencing any depression or added stressors. That can cause the exhaustion as well.

Thank you for all of the responses!

To answer some:

General bloodwork. Thyroid checked out fine, iron was low, but I was able to bring it up with supplements. Vitamin D is ALWAYS low. I take a vitamin D every other day. I'll definitely look into the apnea thing as well!

As far as the depression, that may be an option. I'm seeing a counselor for the first time tomorrow morning. I'm hoping to get a referral if needed to see if that's what it may be!

Increasing your vitamin D seems like an easy one.

How about B12? You should have that checked. MCV, HCT, and hemoglobin? Transferrin and ferritin? Anemia just means low blood oxygen and while iron deficiency is the most common there are others that could be at play.