Question:
I'm so often fatigued at 3 months post op....

I am three months post op (open rny) and still experiencing alot of fatigue with even moderate exertion. I get my protien in daily, doing pretty well with water and take 2 centrum chewables a day (adult). I started on B12 supplements just yesterday, I don't know how long it takes for them to kick in. My surgeon doesn't do labs until 6 months postop, but I'm considering asking my pcp to do a lab work up. I didn't expect to be this tired this at this stage. I'm walking between 2 and 3 miles a day, and practically collapse when I come home. Is this normal and how long does it last? Thanks for any advice.    — Donna L. (posted on March 16, 2002)

March 16, 2002
How much in protein supps are you taking? And calcium citrate? I WOULD get labs ASAP. If your iron or B12 is low, it can be easily corrected if you catch it early. But if it really gets low, it can require some fancy footwork before it picks back up again.
   — vitalady

March 16, 2002
I suspect it is B-12. And it does take along time to kick in. I was the walking dead for the first 6 months post op. I had to get twice a month B-12 shots and it still took a couple of months to work. You may have low iron as well. And do have blood tests to check for both of them, PLUS check for Potassium. I went through hell (and emergency room IV treatments) because of low potassium which may cause a heart attack. Do have regular blood tests for the first 6 months at least.
   — Danmark

March 16, 2002
Hello: I am 7 mos post op and am still exhausted at the end of the day. If someone said to exercise or shoot me, I'm afraid they'd have to shoot me..I am THAT TIRED....Dr. says my bloods are absolutely awsome..no defeciencies what so ever..he says that everyone is different and that some just take longer than others to come back from surgery. I get almost lethargic(sp) also when it is around my time of the month because my vits drop so low. Just keep up the high protein..I now eat hardly anything BUT protein and really feel the difference. Good Luck....
   — Joi G.

March 17, 2002
Iam about 13 weeks out and I don't get tired like that. My problem is leg muscles!! Oh my God!! I have no strength in my legs. Can't run or walk up hill. I am starting to be concern about this and wonder if Iam going to need some physcial theraphy to build up my leg muscles.
   — Laura G.

March 17, 2002
My PCP wants to see me every month. I am 9 weeks post op and have had blood work twice. She wants to make sure I am getting enough iron, protein etc. If I were you I would go see your PCP i'm sure he/she would like to keep an eye on your weight loss. Good Luck
   — Bonnie S.