Question:
Do I really need to exercise pre-op? I am just so tired all the time!

I know I should be walking, etc. to get my lungs and heart in shape for my upcoming surgery, but I have zero engergy. By the time I get home from school, I just feel like I want to sleep. I barely even have the energy to study, and my grades are suffering because of this. Should I be worried that I can't seem to make myself exercise before my surgery? How long after surgery will I have to wait until I don't feel like I am a zombie all day? I hope so much that losing maybe 30lbs. will give me the energy I need to get into an exercise routine.    — Jennifer Y. (posted on March 12, 2002)

March 12, 2002
Believe it or not exercise actually gives me energy. It is a natural appetite surpressant also. Try just a little bit, like walking 100 feet or less down the street and back to your house. Eventually you will be able to do more. Try that for a week and then increase it a little. Start out slow and you will surprise yourself with how it will energize you.
   — ChristineB

March 12, 2002
Has your sleep apnea been diagnosed/treated yet? Before you start any exercise program, you want to clear it with a doc and make sure you actually have enough oxygen on board to manage it. Your description of your exhaustion reminded me of my own before my apnea was dx. I was in bed about 20 hrs/day & the more I "slept", the more tired I got. Well, DUH, oxygen deprivation can KILL people! The more I "slept", the more oxygen I was not getting. It's amazing I could stay away long enough to feed my family before falling asleep in my own food! Misery.
   — vitalady

March 12, 2002
I didn't exercise one bit before surgery. I couldn't. I have a herniated disc in my back and just getting around the house was labor. And even considering the lack of exercise, my surgery was a breeze. I was never in pain (combo of lap and morphine probably), and recovery was smooth. After losing the first 25 lbs. I had a spring in my step and enjoyed getting out and walking. I still have the bad disc, but rarely feel the pain, the weight-loss has been a miracle for me. You too will feel so much better after taking off the first 10-20% of your weight. You have a lot to look forward to!!
   — Cheri M.