Question:
When do I get all of this great energy?

I read where everyone has so much more energy than before. I went back to work yesterday and had to sleep in this morning to regain myself. Of course I said I was being lazy! When does this wealth of energy hit you? I need it bad?    — Sharon B. (posted on May 28, 2003)

May 27, 2003
Sharon, you didn't say how far post op you are. I am two weeks post op lap RNY, and I went back to work part of a day yesterday too, and I am also staying home today. I hear there is about a three week period called the hybernation period where we are healing and protecting what energy we do have. I also hear the more we start doing, the more energy we have. Don't push it... do what you can and let your body heal. Remember, if you still have unhealed wounds on the outside, you are sure to have them inside. Respect that and let yourself rest if necessary. I feel good, but my energy is not up to par either but I expect it will come.
   — Happy I.

May 28, 2003
Sharon, I see you are 2 weeks post-op, congratulations. I, too, went back to work 2 weeks after surgery and it was very difficult. I am now 7 weeks post-op and although I DO have more energy, I fatigue easily. I find that I fatigue easier immediately after eating. I am seeing improvement every week. I saw a marked improvement after I started exercising more last week also.
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 28, 2003
For me, my energy came back at around 6-8 weeks. Its different for everyone, but it will happen. Hang in there, it will get better.
   — Cindy R.

May 28, 2003
I had the same question you did earlier on. I even had my doctor check my iron and B12 levels at four weeks because I was so draggy. I'm now 8 weeks post-op and just starting to return to the energy level I had pre-op. It's been getting better every week, and I suspect it will continue to do so as I heal, and drop some of this excess weight I've been carrying around. Also, my dietician suggested that I build a few more healthy carbs into my almost-exclusively-protein diet, especially on days that I'm feeling drained. I don't know if that works with your meal plan or not, but I have found that a baby nino banana as a late afternoon snack will get me through the rest of the day pretty well.
   — Vespa R.

May 28, 2003
I had ZERO energy for 3 full months...than all of a sudde...BLAM...it just hit me! It will happen, just be patient and drink your water...it makes a HUGE difference!
   — pam29922

May 29, 2003
You are too new post-op to have tons of energy. I had a LOT but it didn't last every day. It's similar to pre-op when you have good days and bad, but the good outnumber the bad. I'm 6 wks out and find that I do fatigue easily but force myself to not let it get me down. I also know that my fatigue is from my lack of eating & drinking (just don't want anything). Everyday is a challenge, but unlike pre-op...these challenges are do-able. I just got back from a checkup with the nutritionist and sure enough, she told me the same thing. The first 3-4 mnths post-op are times of big adjustments and lots of maneuvering schedules. Please do NOT be like me...make sure you eat and get the protein in. It's good habits and one I'm struggling with. It DOES make a BIG difference in how fast you lose and your overall health while doing so. Take care!
   — Diane S.