Question:
What can she do 3 weeks post op to regain her energy?

I met a friend through this site and she is 3 weeks post op(open rny) and she is extremely weak. What can she do? The doctor gave her a b-12 shot and she is taking her vitamins but can not seem to regain her strength. She is schedule to return to work next week but doubts she can stand for her entire shift. She lost 21 pounds at her 2 week check-up but is worried that maybe she is not eating enough (although she is doing 3 meals and snacks). Is there any special foods, vitamins, or drink that will help?    — vesta D. (posted on January 22, 2003)

January 22, 2003
I had Open RNY it took me about 6 weeks to fully feel myself again. You have to realize this is major surgery, and with any major surgery you will probaly need 6-8 weeks to fully recover. Hope that helps..
   — HelpMeRhonda !!

January 22, 2003
What is her current regimen? Perhaps just tweaking it to fit will help her. I was very fatigued after my revision, but that meant naps. I wasn't "weak", as you describe.
   — vitalady

January 22, 2003
I did not get my energy back until 7 weeks post op. I went back to work my third week but after the first day I had to work 1/2 days for a week and do without the pay. When I left work around lunch time I would be freezing and I would go home, wrap up and sleep for two hours despite the fact I was getting about 8 hours of sleep a night. I cut out any activity that was not involved in work or getting my health better. I did not cook, clean, or really socialize much. I slept and watched a lot of tv and movies. I did anything that did not require that I walk, sit up, or stand a lot.I also went from working out 5 days a week to forcing myself to do three days. We just had major surgery. I decided and I hope that you do that I was worth babying myself and I cut down all my activity until I felt better. Week seven it was like magic. My need for extra sleep left, I actually felt like lifting my feet to walk, and I started exercising 60 minutes a day 5 days a week. I come home from work now and cook and clean. Hang in there it does get better. I have extra energy now.
   — Cherol F.

January 22, 2003
Is she eating enough protein???? I was back to work in 2 weeks and had my full energy back in 3 weeks. I ate ALOT of protein and started back to a simple workout in the pool once I got my stitches out and I truely think that is why I bounced back so fast. I hope she gets to feeling better!!!
   — Deanna_K

January 22, 2003
If she can take more time off to recuperate, she should. Our bodies whisper when they can, and shout when they need to. Extreme fatigue is her body telling her she has more healing to do. She needs rest.
   — Cara F.

January 22, 2003
Could you friend be depressed, maybe going back to work will actually help. She needs to take one day at a time, thats what I did and everything worked out. Has she been getting her protein in. Walking is one of the best things she can do to recover. Go to the mall, schools, colleges Wallmart etc and walk, she will feel so much better
   — debmi