How long until I stop feeling like crap?

I'm currently about 5 weeks post-op and my energy levels are in the basement. It doesn't take a lot of exertion before I hit a wall and have to sit down and rest. I've been good with my vitamins, I usually get my 80 grams of protein, etc. Will this get better once I'm on soft foods?


Also, I hit the gym yesterday for the first time in years. I'm in a fair bit of muscle pain. What kind of non-narcotic pain killers can us post-oppers take?

Damn!!!!!!!!  5 wks out and you're not even on soft foods yet? Yeah, you ought to start feeling a lot better after you're able to eat some real foods. Some doctors are over cautious to the point foolishness in my humble opinion.

We can take acetaminophen aka Tylenol.  It's better than nothing, but not by much! I'm also astonished that you aren't on even soft foods yet.  No wonder you're pooped!  By 6 weeks out, I was regular food "as tolerated".  Perhaps you could discuss this with your NUT? /Steve

There is a metabolic syndrome some post-ops experience where metabolism slows in response to starvation.  Sounds to me like you need something to eat, but of course talk to your NUT or MD.  For pain I took liquid ibuprofin or tylenol on my doctors advice, but I was not on the regimen you are apparently on. Good luck -- don't get discouraged - it will definately get better. CB

I thought it was strict myself. My theory is that he's erring on the side of caution - a lot. Dr. Chebli's schedule goes something like this:

Day 1-5 Clear liquids
Day 6-60 Pureed foods
Day 61-120 Soft foods
Day 121+ Real food

Like others, I’m thinking- “5 weeks and still not on soft foods?!” You should feel a little better once you Get back to real food. Keeping your calories at a minimum of 1000 Helps with energy immensely. Tylenol for pain, and extra water to flush The lactic acid out of your muscles Should help with the aches from a work out. Hope you’re doing better each day. Best Wishes- Dx

Why would you hit the gym if you are not on food yet? I would only be walking only if I wasn't on any type of food yet. It will get better once you are allowed to eat food again.