Question:
I am nearly 1 month post-op lap RNY,a nd am so TIRED all the time.

Can any of you offer some suggestions? I know that exercise is something I need to do, but you might as well ask me to run a marathon as to suggest that I take a 10-minute walk around the block! I've also read about b-12 shots. For those of you who have received these, did you get them through your surgeon, or your PCP? Other than my fatigue, I'm feeling terrific, getting in lots of protein and some carbs, vitamins, etc. Just can't get motivated to move this tired body. It sweeps over me like a cloud, and I feel almost like I've been drugged! Help? Anyone?    — Kathy M. (posted on May 28, 2003)


May 28, 2003
I would suggest you take Iron...I hear women need much more then a man does...Also it takes about 8 weeks to really start feeling near 100%. Your body has just gone through surgery and is now changing. Give your body time to catch up with the new diet, and life style. Patience...and try to get more exercise.
   — Jon S.

May 28, 2003
Are you using milk or real juice or things like applesauce? In other words, stuff with hidden sugars? I'm wondering if the carbs all run over you at once. Are you doing any protein shakes (no milk)?
   — vitalady

May 28, 2003
Have you mentioned this to your surgeon??? Definitely discuss it with him/her and see what they recommend for you.
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 28, 2003
I agree with Jon. I was feeling really wiped out and my surgeon told me to start taking iron and what a difference it made.
   — jerzeygirl71

May 28, 2003
exercise permotes energy. give it a shot. you will lose weight faster. but one month out!!! i was exhausted till abot the 2nd month. So all i did was walk a few blocks.
   — Jackiis

May 28, 2003
Being the stubborn person I am, resistant to that nasty E word, I spent the first 6 months post-op really tired, just feeling blah. Jacqueline is right...exercise does promote energy. Ever since I started walking again (was faithful during months 3 and 4, stopped due to a busy temp job)...I have energy galore! I started out very slow, walking just a few blocks. Now my dog and I walk a brisk mile every night after I get out of work. Plus I cook dinner, do dishes, laundry, you name it! This is AFTER a day at work! My house is even cleaner. It's always been reasonably clean but I now find myself doing more "spring cleaning." Believe me -- the walking WILL help...it also helps you to not feel depressed or blue. :) - Anna LAP RNY 7/3/02 -126lbs.
   — Anna L.

May 29, 2003
My PCP provides the monthly B-12 shots, but it may also be your iron. The others are right, exercise actually does give you more energy-even if you can only push yourself to walk for 5 minutes, just do it. I didn't quite get my energy back until the 2nd month, and especially didn't have energy until I was on solid foods. So, get your B-12 and iron checked first, then exercise, even if its just walking.
   — Cindy R.

May 29, 2003
I understand your aversion to exercise, but exercise is the key to energy. I hate walking because it is SO BORING! So I go shopping. Grocery, Wal-Mart, CostCo, Sams, Book Stores, Malls, Swapmeets, whatever. These are excercise also.
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 29, 2003
I'm 6 weeks post and the others have given you perfect advice. Exercise really is the key. Yes, it sounds dreadful but it's a must. A walk around the block will do wonders. Besides...the fresh air is great for getting any residual anesthesia(sp) out of your system. I was wondering if maybe this is the first time you've had major surgery and the anesthesia took it's toll. Shopping is a great way to get your walking in and you can push a cart for support. Good luck!
   — Diane S.

May 29, 2003
Join the club. I am 4 week post and I have been taking B-12 sublingual tablets once a week from the first week. I have now upped it to 2 times a week. I have noticed a hugh change in my activity and energy. Maybe you could try the sublinguals instead of the shots.
   — jovialkiki

May 29, 2003
I felt like that until about 6 weeks. I felt that just getting out of bed in the morning and moving about was a chore. I napped a lot and had no energy to take even the shortest walk. I tried to exercise and felt like I had narcolepsy and feared I would just fall down on the gym floor and start sleeping. I had trouble doing much of anything and wondered what the heck I had done to myself because I felt so fatigued all the time--but it went away right after 6 weeks. All of a sudden I woke up one day with lots of energy and looking forward to the gym.
   — susanje




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