Question:
Feel very very weak after 4 days; very discouraged.

I'm on clear liquids and am sipping protein 25 grams a day. I feel so discouraged. I've never felt this weak before. I have an acute pain only sometimes in the left portion of my chest. occurs when i eat or drink anything. I swallowed a large pill today and i'm wondering if that bruised my esophagus? any insight would help me. thanks, Mary H.    — Mary H. (posted on July 28, 2003)

July 28, 2003
I haven't had surgery yet (August 11), but can tell you if you are only taking in 25 gm of protein a day that is the reason why you are very weak. I have been told to get in at least 65 gm of protein per day. Protein gives you energy. Without energy you are not able to feel like exercising which is very important for your physical as well as mental health.
   — Checker B.

July 28, 2003
For the first week after surgery, it was all I was able to do to walk to the bathroom and back. You do need to increase your protien, but this early out it is hard to get that much protein in, much less the 64 oz minimum you are supposed to have. Your body has been thru a MAJOR surgery, and it takes time to recuperate. On my fourth day, I was getting up every 4 hrs at least, and walking from one end of my mother in law's drive to the other. (She has a circular drive), and by the time I got half way around, my husband was half carrying me. By the time we walked all the way around, he was 3/4 carrying me. The importaint thing this soon out, is to walk as much as possible, and do your best to stay hydrated. This soon out, you do run the risk of dehydration. As for taking the large pill, it probably did bruise you. I'm 13.5 weeks out, and still can't take a pill unless I break it up or crush it. You should talk to the doctor and get a liquid, or get a pill crusher. I was told no pills for at least 6 mos. I made the same mistake 4 weeks out. I had the flu, and the doc recommended to take immodium to stop the dirreah. I took the pill w/o crushing it. I hurt for 3 days. As to the getting discouraged part, I know it doens't help now, but it will get easier, and your energy level will skyrocket. For the first month, I kept thinking, I can't believe I did this to myself. At 13.5 weeks out, and down 62 lbs the last weigh in, I know why I did it. I still regret it on very few occasions, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. Your in our prayers, and God bless.
   — mellyhudel

July 28, 2003
Mary: I don't about the pain, but I identify with your weakness. I'm now two weeks post op and feel stronger today. But several days during the last two weeks, I was extremely weak. I found a good protein shake at GNC, Myoplex, that I believe helped restore some of my strengh. -Pat
   — Pat D.

July 28, 2003
Hello Mary, You sound just like I did my first week after leaving the hospital. This seems to be a typical emotion many of us go through early on. I was so miserable the first few days after surgery, I regreted my choice to have the surgery, but after reading so many of the other post and talking with several people from this site and friends that had the surgery, I realized that the weakness and the feelings of loss and doubt usually subside in time. As you know we've all had major surgery and besides needing the time off from work so that your body can heal, your energy level has deminished because its not receiving all the nutrients that it once did, so weakness is to be expected. Each person recoups at different stages, so please try not to be too discouraged, even if you take longer to regain your strength. It's still very early in your recovery process. I myself have my good days and my days when I still wonder if I could have tried one more thing besides surgery. But I know with my history, that wasn't likely. Stick around here read many of the postings in the post op health section of the site and hopefully you will feel the support from the people on this site and also gain confidence, in time, that having the surgery was the right thing to do for a healthier future. Take care and I wish you the best.
   — Rosa F.

July 28, 2003
This is all so the norm those first few weeks out. I too started out on clear liquids and then slowly moved to full liquids. I think that way is easier on your new stomach, but it takes it's toll on your energy level. Be sure you are taking the proper vitamins. B-12 sublinguals are a MUST! I did Flintstone chewable multi-vitamins and a tiny iron tablet and Tums EX at the beginning. I am almost 9 months out now and I am able to take those darn Citracal horse pills (two in the morning and two at night) AND a Centrum. Things do get better in time. Hang in there. I found my energy level resurrecting when I started my scrambled eggs and cooked cereal (soft and pureed foods). Open RNY 10/30/02 down 177 lbs.
   — Ginger M.

July 28, 2003
Mary, I am a week post-op. from open RNY and very weak still. But, you know what? I get stronger every single day. Honestly! Hang in there! We've got to keep telling ourselves that it just gets better from here! As for taking a pill, my surgeon will not allow that for many months. Try to avoid that-- find chewable or liquid form of medicine or vitamin. I had to open capsule and mix with water for one of my prescriptions.
   — Wendy T.

July 28, 2003
You are ONLY 4 days out from a MAJOR SURGERY. You are going to be weak at first. Give yourself permission to let your body heal. You will feel better. Get your fluids up to 64 oz minimum, take sublingual B-12, NO PILLS, get a chewable multi-vitamin or crush it and get calciul citrate and get at least 65 grams of protein a day. What a difference that will make. The protein helps with healing and boosts/repairs your immune system. Give yourself a chance to heal - you've made a courageous decision to take charge of your body and your health by means of this surgery. Sending lots of prayers and good wishes your way and hoping you feel better real soon. Take care!
   — Deborah F.