Question:
Help?! Why so fatigued? and What excercises to start with?

I am a recent post-op (9/19). I have felt so WEAK! I almost can't explain it. I have been working with my surgeon's NP and they took me off almost all of my prior medications which has helped some, but I just feel like everything is such an effort. I had more energy and ability to excercise I think before I had this surgery. Please tell me this gets better! What excercises did you do post-op? What did you start out with? I am so afraid I won't lose as much as I should if I can't get with it. I have had some post op complications and been back in the hospital for dehydration because of diarrhea and vomiting...I caught the flu after my surgery...thank kids, lol. I really dont feel like I've even had the surgery except for the extreme fatigue. Has anyone else experienced this? Thank you! ~Tomi    — Tomi D. (posted on October 5, 2007)

October 5, 2007
Hi Tomi, you just had major surgery so dont expect to much out of yourself just yet. Best exercise is walking, if you feel you cannot walk sit in a chair and raise each leg as though you were walking. You will feel better. Remember do NOT lift anything over 5 pounds for the first 3 months I was told. Best Wishes, Mickey.........
   — MCraig3

October 5, 2007
As the other poster said, you just had MAJOR surgery!!!!! Your body NEEDS to heal! The first month you will be really tired! As for exercise, I wasn't cleared for it (besides walking) until a full month after. REST, relax, kick your feet up, and walk at least once every day. Don't forget to get in your protein and drink water and more water and more water! Enjoy this first month of rest because after you are cleared to exercise, you won't want to or feel the need to rest! God bless, good luck and welcome to the losing side!
   — crystalsno

October 5, 2007
I am post-op on 10-2-07. I was told to get moving about an hour after I got to my hospital room from surgery. Every day it seems to get easier. I was told not to lift more than 10 pounds for the first two weeks, but otherwise to stay as active as possible. I have had no complications. I know when I am low on water I feel beat though. Keep up the hydration and vitimins and move as much as you can.
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 5, 2007
I had the same problem and got a B-12 shot. My Dr also told me to take B-12 sublingual tablets and they have worked wonders!
   — cherryj

October 5, 2007
Hi Tomi! I am 4 1/2 months post lap-RNY, but about after a month out was feeling terrible. Weak, tired, and my muscles began to hurt. I was lacking Vit. B-12. The day after I gave my self that first shot, I felt a hundred times better. That might be what you need. Also be faithful with the rest of your vitamins and iron. Drink lots of water, crystal light, and even diluted gatorate my doctor and nutritionist said it was good (it has electrolytes in it which your body needs!) As far as exercise, walking is the best at first. They had me start walking after I got to hospital room and woke up from the surgery. Hope you start to feel better soon! If you are having problems with getting all your protein in Vitamin World sells Whey Liquid protein. I buy the one that has 42 grams of protein in 3 oz.!! Tastes like a very concentrated liquid jello shot, very sweet but no sugar. Not too bad in flavor and is very little what you have to swallow for all those grams of protein! Hope this helps and get well soon!! I would do it again in a heart beat!!
   — cedonato

October 8, 2007
You're a couple of weeks post-op and your body is adjusting to a radically reduced caloric intake. Gee, that could be contributing to your fatigue (it takes your body time to acclimate). Also, if you are B-12 deficient, fatigue will also be indicated (as you was suggested, start on a sublingual B-12 tablet). And, don't forget that being dehydrated also saps your strength as does having the freakin' flu. Honestly, I'd be more concerned if you said that you lots of energy after recounting the struggles you've had the first few weeks. For me, I had lots of fatigue after catching a head cold that I couldn't shake when I was only out a couple of weeks--- with all the nasal congestion, I had post-nasal drip that was filing my pouch with mucus and causing me to upchuck constantly (yeah, fun). I was always on the verge of dehydration and had little energy after losing over 90 pounds the first month. But, then I started to fixate on protein and worked toward 80-100 grams per day while constantly sipping (lots of Isopure Zero Carb to get in the protein while staying hydrated). Also, I forced myself to take little walks and to keep my mind active (tried not to watch lots of t.v, but instead tried to do things with my daughters). Having little things to look forward to helped stave off a depression that could have easily resulted from the post-op complications and the physical limitations of not having lots of energy. Hope this helps.
   — SteveColarossi

October 9, 2007
As many posters have mentioned, your body has been through some major stress. You've had surgery and had to deal with the flu and dehydration. You have also suddenly and drastically reduced the amount of calories you eat in a day. Your body needs time to adjust. I have a couple of suggestions for you... first of all, keep track of what you are eating (fitday.com is great). It is possible that you are not eating enough calories to sustain yourself. Find out from your surgeon or nutritionist how many calories you should be eating. Second, see your surgeon or doctor and ask that they do some labwork. You may not be getting (or absorbing) vitamins or minerals... this will definitely slow you down. As far as exercising, walking, swimming, or biking are good ways to exercise. Start out slow... walking for 5 or 10 minutes is better than not exercising at all. When it gets easy, add another five minutes and eventually you will be able to do 30 or 45 minutes (or more) at a time. You don't even have to do it all at once.... three 10 minute walks is the same as one 30 minute walk. Hope some of this is helpful. Good luck to you.
   — mrsidknee

October 9, 2007
Hi Tomi I also had dehydration problem postop.. Surg 8/06 i was hospitalized 3 times September and October. I couldnt keep any solid food down till Thanksgiving, I really does get better. I didnt start any real hard excercise program till march. I only walked 30 minutes s few days per days per week because i was so extremely fatigued. now i still only walk 30 min per day. when i do more than that i get too tired and feel sick.Even a year post op it till happens... So now i eat a higher calorie and fat food to help counteract the ectivity I plan on doing,,,, I eat a 1/2 south beach meal bar befoe i do water arobics. I eat a snack before any excercise I do. Especially being a Diabetic...... I have lost 147 pounds in 14 months.. pre & post op.....best of luck with your venture & keep the fluids going ...Barbara
   — babs810