Question:
What exactly causes the extreme fatigue that some people get following Lap-Rny?

Reading a lot of profile, was curious what actually causes the extreme fatigue following wls. Is it because your body is pretty much "shutdown" (w/anesthesia)during the procedure, or what? Thank you.    — Miss G. (posted on July 8, 2001)

July 8, 2001
I had had four previous major abdominal surgeries before having my lap RNY. I experienced what I considered a normal level of fatigue after each surgery and attributed it to the general anesthesia, the period of time that it take for pain medication to "clear out" of the system, and the inactivity that takes place for several days or weeks following a major surgery. I will say however, that I recovered much more rapidly from the lap RNY than any other surgery I have had, and returned to full-time work 8 days post-op. Recognize your limitations, let your family and friends help you as much as possible, allow time for extra naps and earlier bedtimes, and let your body tell YOU when it's ready to do more. Everyone's metabolism and pain tolerances are different....some individuals bounce back in days and others require weeks....don't hold yourself to anyone else's standards. A whole new life is going to open up for you; relax and enjoy the trip :-)
   — Diana T.

July 8, 2001
First of all just pain alone can make you very weak. But, I use to work for a group of GI drs. And I had to have a lap gallbladder removal done while I was there. First time ever, for surgery. I had surgery on a Friday and was in church on Sunday. And, I went back to work after 2-3 weeks. But, I was still somewhat sore and very weak at times. Sometimes I would have to go home day afer work and lay down. Or sometimes just go home, period. One particular day, I was really hurting especially when I turned a certan way and also, very fatiqued. One of the GI Drs., ask me how I was feeling. I said the above and he explained to me how to think about the surgery. And it made more sense to me than anything. For one thing, I thought I should be much better and not still be dealing with all of this pain and fatique. He said that basically I had been stabbed. He said controlled stabs, but stabs none the less. I had never thought about it that way, it made perfect sense to me. From then on I cut myself alot of slack by relaxing. Good luck, and I hope this helps.
   — clbsgo

July 8, 2001
I am 6 mos (today) RNY proximal and I'm still tired, or maybe I'm just lazy. All I want to do is sleep. I don't know if I need iron ... will it make me constipated? or B-12 or what, I'd just like some energy.
   — Betty Todd