Question:
Cure for extreme fatigue?

I am 1 year post op, only down 80lbs and nothing for 3 months. I am experiencing EXTREME fatigue, can barely get out of bed to get to work and sleep away the weekends. I have been having problems eating and drinking lately - nausea and pain in the middle of my belly. Went to PCP Monday because it was so bad so I am now waiting for the blood work to see if it could be my thyroid meds need to be increased or what. (I have fibromyalgia too.) Have never been able to get to 1000 calories without protein drink and bars - food has lost all interest and taste. Does anyone have any ideas what this might be or any advise? I am really depressed about the lack of weight loss and the fatigue/sickness. Thanks.    — Dianne C. (posted on April 3, 2003)

April 3, 2003
The weight loss stall could be because you are not eating enough. At 1 year post-op, your calorie intake should be more like 1200 calories a day. I know eating is tough for you right now, but try increasing the calories. If your body thinks that you aren't feeding it enough, it will hoard what weight is left and not let it go. Also, if you are so fatigued you probably aren't exercising. Exercise is truly the key at this stage to get the weight loss moving again. I would think that the lab work would tell you something. It is not normal at 1 year post-op to lose your interest in food and to be so fatigued. Since you have Fibromyalgia, which is often the cause of extreme fatigue, could it be that? If the labs do not reveal an iron or B-12 deficiency, or some other medical reason, it may be the fibro. I'm sorry that you are going thru this, and don't be depressed over an 80 pound loss-that is 80 pounds less than what you were a year ago and that is quite an accomplishment!
   — Cindy R.

April 3, 2003
It's gonna sound funny, especially if you don't even have the energy to get out of bed sometimes, but have you tried exercising? I have been plagued with fatigue for years, and it got worse after surgery (I'm almost 11 months post-op) But I started exercising- going to the gym- a few months ago and feel much better. DOn't get me wrong, I had to force myself to get there 4 times a week- but it has really helped. And it's hard for me, too, I have a few chronic illnesses that I deal with, so it makes me not want to do anything, but I have more energy and don't sleep as much. Maybe you can just try walking? Goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.

April 3, 2003
Need to check with your Doctor about this. But my guess would be either anemia or depression. Have you had a blood work-up recently to check your Iron and B12? <p>Take Care, Be Well, Be Happy!
   — John T.

April 3, 2003
This is why we have to keep up with our bloodwork. I hope your doc is testing for all of your levels. You should ask for a b12 shot right away, no matter what the test results say. There is no way you can overdose on b12, There are so many possible causes, but taking supplements is for life. If you are not doing this, watch out.
   — faybay

April 4, 2003
I'm 10 weeks post-op. At 7 weeks I couldn't do anything. I lost 28 pounds and 3 weeks and then stopped. I concentrated on protein and water but still nothing. Made sure I had my vitamins and calcium and b12 shots. I would feel a little better with the shots but not alot better. All I wanted to do was sit in my chair or sleep. I wasn't interested in doing much of nothing. I'm self employed so that made it that much worse. It was horrible. I had severe knee problems and cannot walk and I finally got approval to go to a theraputic pool. The first day, Friday, was a bit rough but the second day, Monday, I could hardly drive home. From then on, I was just washed out. Had a B12 shot but it didn't seem to help much. Went to thyroid Dr but it was fine. He sent me to a dr that Blue Cross lists as "Psychological Care". She said that the anti-depressent I was on before my surgery wasn't enough so she increase my Lexapro from 10 mg to 20 mg a day. I had hit a plateau and she put me on a seizure medication that helps with weight loss and ups one's motabilism (sp ?), it's called Topomax. In fact, my thyroid dr told me to tell her to put me on it and that people are having great results with it. I have been on both now for 3 weeks. I've lost 9 pounds since I've been on them. It's great seeing the weight come off. I went to another town to work a couple of my accounts. Had it all set up but then I got there the accounts decided that they wanted to cancel. Long story short, I was happy because I didn't have the energy to see the people I need to see and the house I needed to work. I was staying with Mom and Dad so I told my husband I was working and just hung around with Mom and Dad. They were a bit on the sick side too so we all just hung out together. Mom and I are shoppers and we hardly shopped at all. It was just too much effort!! I got up yesterday actually with some energy. I said, wow, to get up without feeling half dead was great. I even cooked dinner last night, that was the first since my surgery. You may want to ask your physician about the Lexapro and Topomax. I don't feel quite as good as I did yesterday but my sleep got messed up last night and I'm nevery quite as good the next day when my sleep night gets messed up. One thing too, I have changed the way I take my thyroid. I use to take it with my other meds. I now take it as soon as I get up and then I don't take any other meds for about an hour. I started this about a week ago. This may have helped also. I know I was certainly reaching out for help too. I hope this helps you.
   — Sharon M.

April 5, 2003
Could it be a complication to your fibromyalgia? I've read that many FM sufferers have chronic fatigue syndrome. Good luck and God bless.
   — Christine L.

April 6, 2003
I agree with Lezlie, try hard to exercise. I am only 12 weeks out from an open RNY, but I've had fibromyalgia for at least 13 years. All the current research says that exercise is the best way to help the fatigue that often is part of the syndrome. Exercise should not be strenuous; you should start with short walks-- even 10 minutes at a time. If you can't walk for longer, try to walk more than once a day. Add light weight lifting when you are able. <br> Good luck. I hope that helps.
   — Beth S.