Hibernation syndrome

 I am just over 3 weeks out from surgery and have spent the last 4 days napping at every given opportunity.  In the guidebook my doctor gave me, he wrote about Hibernation Syndrome.  I googled it and learned more about it.  Your body slows down in response to the low caloric intake.  It is thought to be from "caveman" days when famine was often and real.  Soon I will switch to "hunter" mode and I will have more energy.  According to caveman theory this is when my body utilizes fat stores as energy to allow me to hunt for food and not starve to death.  I never thought I would be looking forward to "hunting season".   

Today is my first day of working while feeling this tired.  I have a pretty demanding job, so I'm a little concerned at how my performance will be affected.  Luckily, I have Tuesdays off for school.  I work 4-10 hour shifts.  Did you experience this?  How did you deal with it?

Interesting. Makes sense. I hope today goes well.

--g

I was lucky, working from home, I could do what I needed to but not have to keep to a schedule.  I was 6 weeks out when I went to the World Equestrain games and was "working" 10 hr days.  The only other thing I did that week was sleep.  I slept from the time I got back in the motel room until time to get up to work the next day. 

Interesting concept.  I just figured it was due to all the healing and the reduced intake.  Plus for me, my Vit D was low.

I was surprised at my lack of stamina post surgery. I had no energy and just couldnt even walk too far. I had worked out prior to surgery too. The nurse I worked with reminded me that the tiredness can also be due to the anathesia. I was able to get back to the gym 3 weeks post surgery but only went 3X week for awhile. Biggest advice I can give is rest when you can and you will be able to make it through work. I also have a busy job in a hospital so I know how it was in the beginning. On the weekend s I still often sleep 12 hrs....I figure my body needs it. It does get better!!!!

~~Jennifer

I mentioned before that I didn't feel good for a couple of months but I think you will start feeling better since you finally got your protein drinks. Even at the age of 58 I have more energy now than I have had for years.  Some days my 30-34 yr. old DD's can't keep up to me. 

Rest as much as you can.  Even a short nap will help.

I wish I could help you on this one but I have felt like this since 1994 when I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalia.  I am exhausted all the time and sleep atleast 14hours per day and sometimes more - it is terrible - then add hypothyroid, chronic infections and low iron, and I am wiped all the time

I took 6 weeks off, because I had the time available and wanted to give myself time to get into new habits. I napped as needed, walked a lot and napped some more.

The hibernation syndrome sounds a lot like the switch from carb burning to ketosis and fat burning while doing Atkins. Although Atkins identified it took 3 - 4 days for the fat burning engine to kick in, after depleting the carb stores. Still that sleepy stage and then a burst of energy when it kicks over.