Question:
Will I REALLY have more energy after WLS?

I'm 29 years old and a mother of four (including one with special needs). I hear so many people say that they want to be able to "play" with their children once they lose the weight. That too is my number one goal; however; I want to know if it really happens. We had a great snowfall here today and my children are all home from school; except I couldn't go outside and play with them because of my asthma. I feel like I've been soooo tired for sooo long that it won't change just because I lost weight. OH, I do hope so. If you could just send a few encouraging thoughts this way...I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advance. Don't know what I'd do with you all.    — denisel (posted on February 7, 2003)

February 7, 2003
IT'S TRUE! I've lost 33 pounds so far, and even now, I have TONS more energy than I used to have! I don't need to nap half the day, and I can take a looong walk with the kids. I even RAN the other day. Not far, but it's a start! I find myself doing things that I thought I couldn't do because I would be too tired, or covered in sweat before it was over. I even went down the water slide at the health club, chasing after my kids! You'll see... and you won't believe it! :)
   — Diana L.

February 7, 2003
IT'S TRUE! I'm down 78 pounds in 4 months and can't believe how much energy I have now. It's amazing how good you feel! Best wishes - your kids are going to love their "new and improved" Mom!
   — Christina W.

February 7, 2003
Yes, yes, yes. I take it so much for granted now, I hardly notice it, but it's the one thing my dh comments about the most... more than how I look or anything else, he's amazed at how much energy I have.
   — mom2jtx3

February 7, 2003
Hi! Original poster here: First I'd like to thank everyone for their encouragement. I'm so excited! 42 more days!!!!! I can't wait. Thanks again! P.S. I mean I wouldn't know what I'd do with"OUT" you all! OOPS!
   — denisel

February 7, 2003
Being only 23 and feeling like I could barely catch my breath when I walked down the hall, I know how you feel. 4 months later and 74 lbs. gone, the first snowfall here I wrestled with hubby in the snow, built a snowman with my daughter, and made atleast 6 snowangels with them. My energy level is how I remember it being when I was thinner and healthier. I'm so glad to be rid of that old body. I know for a fact you'll get a huge rush of energy. My daughter is constantly telling me how much fun I am!! By the way, last month we went down a plastic slide together. It will get better sweetie. I wish you nothing but the best of luck!!
   — Heather B.

February 7, 2003
Just to let you know how much energy you can have, I have a daughter older than you. I have a grandaughter that's 10. I just turned 48 years old and I have never in my life had this much energy. It's so amazing and so much fun. My 2 year post-op anniversary is coming up I've lost 175 lbs and this last year has been one of the best of my life. You are so young and will have a long healthy life ahead of you with your children. My grandaughter complained about how hard it was to keep up with me, but she loves every minute too. Good luck and it's a new beginning for you and your loved ones.
   — Janie C.

February 7, 2003
I don't have any children of my own, but after 2 months out I had enough energy to take care of 2-9 year old girls and a 5 year old boy overnight. We had a ball, played soccer for three hours, went to a fall jamboree, and the next day went to a special program the Animal Planet was having at our mall. I would never have dreamt of doing that before surgery. 5 months postop 371/245
   — Jennifer E.

February 7, 2003
Yes yes yes yes YES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
   — Debby M.

February 7, 2003
hi there :) very new post op as you are healing, youll probably be low energy, maybe even for the first couple months until you have began to heal and youve got your new routine of getting nutrition it etc.everyones different so the low energy thing may not even happen, give yourself a good 8 , 9 weeks and even longer and youll feel like the energizer bunny! :)
   — carrie M.

February 7, 2003
Hi there, Denise! It is very true. After my first month as a post op, I had so much more energy. Today, 4 and a 1/2 months later, I went out with my husband and his best friend to shop for clothes, 5 months ago, I would have sat in the car for most of the stores because I would have been too winded going from the curb to the store, that's where I used to make my husband drop me off. But today, we went from store to store to store and left the car in the parking lot, I still had energy after they were done! Now, we don't have any biological kids, but we have 4 cats who are very active and to be able to chase them around and play with them is the best feeling and I would have never experienced without wls. Vi open RNY 9/23/02 down 101 lbs.
   — Vi F.

February 7, 2003
I used to sleep 12 hours a day. Now, I have so much energy I'm bouncing off the walls! I'm almost 3 months out (-45 out of 100)and it's amazing! It can't all be due to my weight loss - I swear it has to do with the vitamins. Plus, my self confidence is lifting, and I WANT to go out and do more things, which increases my energy and helps me lose weight!
   — jengrz

February 10, 2003
Denise, I am pre-op (waiting on date) but can imagine that the energy level would increase dramatically for several reasons. First of all, you'll be carrying less weight so you won't be as tired. Imagine carrying in a 20 lb bag of groceries over and over and over and over and over again. Now, make the same trip without the groceries. Is it as tiring? It shouldn't be. Secondly, the self-esteem would soar. That in itself can make someone more energetic. We are both going to do great!
   — Diane S.

February 10, 2003
Hi! Yes it's true you will have much more energy once some of the excess weight comes off, BUT keep in mind the first few weeks after surgery will be difficult, ie you may feel droopy, cause you just can't get much in. However, once you start on solids you should be okay. Enjoy the snow!
   — rebeccamayhew

February 10, 2003
Denise again! Wow! So many responses. This is great. Thank you so much. I'm real excited. 39 days to go! WOOHOO. Congrats on everyones amazing weight loss and new found energy level! Pre-ops...your in my prayers and we are all going to do great. P.S. Snowed again today!
   — denisel

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