When will my energy increase?

So I'm 6 weeks post-op and struggle everyday with low energy. I could probably sleep all day if I allowed myself to. I'm going back to work soon and am worried because I'm on my feet all day at work and I don't know how I'm going to manage. I've also been experiencing dizziness which is something I never experienced pre-surgery. Has anyone else experienced this or is this abnormal? I think my nutrition is pretty good; I get about 65 grams of protein and between 15-30 grams of carbs per day and around 550 calories although some days it's as low as 400. I struggle with fluids though and I have yet to reach 64 oz in a day consistently. Could I be dehydrated or on my way to becoming dehydrated? I never drank much water before surgery and am finding it really hard to increase my intake now but I know I need to do better. I hope someone has some advice for me because everyone around me keeps telling me I'm not eating enough and need to increase my calories but these people have no experience with weight loss surgery. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

You really need to drink more. The average person needs 64 ounces. You are also burning excess fat, processing a high protein diet, and healing from surgery. Each one of those things requires even more water. Drink like it's your job.

Is your dizziness happening all the time, or when you stand up after sitting or lying down? If it's the latter, look up orthostatic hypotension. It's a low blood pressure condition, and is common after WLS. Regardless, more water is the solution.

You had major surgery. It takes a while to feel 100% again. You'll get there.

Thank you for the words of wisdom, Grimm. It definitely sounds like I'm experiencing orthostatic hypotension since the dizziness only occurs when I stand up after sitting or lying down. I'm glad to see it can be improved by drinking more water. I really do need to make drinking my priority now. For the past few weeks I have been super focused on my eating and I guess I pushed drinking to the side but now that I have my eating mostly figured out, I will focus on drinking as well. I knew that I would be low energy while recovering from surgery and getting used to my post-op diet but I figured by six weeks out I'd be doing a bit better. I will try to be patient though, which is not always easy for me. Thanks again, Grimm!

My docs had me add more salt to my diet too. Are you on BP meds still?

The test for orthostatic hypotension is easy. Take your blood pressure lying down, then immediately after standing. It will drop if you have orthostatic hypotension. Then, do your BP while sitting, then after standing. 

Be careful. I passed out a couple of times, and I was getting 120 ounces of water at the time.

Your veins were used to doing their job for a much bigger body. They'll catch up. But I spent much of that first year getting sporadic dizzy spells if I wasn't careful.

No, I've never been on BP meds because I've never had problems with my BP before. I probably don't get much in the way of salt at all so maybe I should try adding some to my diet. My dad has a BP machine so I'll borrow it tomorrow and do the test for orthostatic hypotension. I'm interested in seeing what the results will be. Can I ask, how the heck did you manage to drink 120 ounces of water in a day?! It's pretty pathetic that I can't even get down 64! I just need to force it down, even when I'm not thirsty (which I rarely am). Hopefully I can develop a habit of drinking it after a short while. Thanks for the above advice, Grimm, I appreciate it!

I drink often. For the last couple of years I usually get 200 ounces a day.

For some of us, it takes a long time to get our energy back. It took me six months to get my energy back. Hang in there!!

I'm glad to know that I'm not abnormal! Thanks Laura!

It took me a long time to get my energy back.  I remember at 5 months, I was still taking regular naps.  It did get better, but it was a slow process over months.  Hang in there.  It will happen with time.

Carol

Thanks for the encouragement Carol; I'll try my best to be patient.