Question:
I am about 3 months post-op RNY and have about a 55 pound weight loss.

Has anyone experienced muscle pain or over all aches and pains, fatigue? I am wondering if I am experiencing muscle loss due to not enough protein.    — lieutenant-ed (posted on August 31, 2009)

August 31, 2009
I am only 6 weeks out and experiencing the same thing... My nutritionist told me that this might happen b/c I am not getting in enough protein/food. Only the average only about 300 calories a day.... trying but can't seem to get it in. I have to take at least 2 naps a day, and still tired.
   — wendy-s

August 31, 2009
You have got to get your protein in no matter what. If you have to drink several protein drinks for breakfast or lunch. If you add one scoop of protein podwer to an Atkins Advantage drink or whatever protein drink you can you will have met about 1/2 of your daily protein. The first 6 weeks, that is what I had to do. If you don't get the protein in, the body will start using your muscles and guess what, the heart is a muscle. You need to push it. I eat a lot of shrimp. 3 oz's has 19 protein. You are going to have to step it up. You will not be hungry so you need to set your phone, clock whatever, and eat something with protein every 3 hours. You will not lose weight unless you step this up. Don't mean to sound mean but you had this surgery so you could get healthy so now you have to do your part.
   — Kathy Thomas

August 31, 2009
I am 8 wks postop. I have had some pain in my hips area and thought it might be the same type thing. I started taking a liquid vitamin which has helped me immensely with the energy. I also give myself B12shots weekly. Kathy has good info and I appreciate all the words of advise that seasoned Postopers give us! They truly are a blessing and help us along the way! I know im going for some more protein tonite before I go to bed. Even if it is a small glass of milk. 8gr protein in that alone. take care of you! Its the only you you have!!!
   — Cindy W.

August 31, 2009
Hi Edward...I agree with the other posters that you MUST get in all your protein...but something no one else mentioned is that you also have to exercise. It can turn into a vicious cycle if you don't do both. You don't get in enough protein, so you begin to lose muscle instead of fat, and you're not building that muscle up by exercising, which in turn makes you feel better and gives you MUCH more energy. I know....I suffer from severe lumbar spinal stenosis and arthritis, and I could barely walk, much less exercise after my surgery in March. By May, I was using the handicapped cart to do my shopping, and my PCP had given me a handicapped placard for my car, and I had to use a walker just to get back and forth to the bathroom from the bedroom, or I wouldn't have made it in time. And, I had stopped losing weight. I finally found a back doctor who set up a game plan for me, the first and most important part of which was to get me in for a series of epidural pain shots. I tell you, I can't believe the difference in me 24 hours later! I was absolutely pain-free. I even began going to the gym with my daughter. Now, I have my own two year membership to 24 Hour Fitness, and I work out 4 - 5 days per week. I'm usually at the gym for 2.5 hours. I do over an hour of cardio - stationary bike, elliptical and treadmill... then strength training on the machines for my legs (I had to give up the upper body stuff for a little while, because I fell and broke my wrist on July 5th and it was casted for a month, and is now in a brace for another month). The rest of the time, I am doing my physical therapy exercises, which can actually be done at home, but why not just do them at the gym while I'm there? Anyway, to sum things up....make sure you're getting your protein and exercising. And you also need to make sure you're getting in at least some carbs, preferably from fruits and vegetables first, and then from whole grain breads or pastas last. My nutritionist has given me these guidelines - at LEAST 85 - 100 grams protein for a man, UNDER 120 grams of carbs, and UNDER 25 grams fat per day. If you can't get in all the protein, I recommend having a protein shake. I get mine from BariatricEating.com - their Inspire Peanut Butter Cookie and Caramel Latte and Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge protein shakes are delicious and very low in calories, fat and carbs, and very high in protein. Or, you can add protein powder to puddings, cottage cheese, oatmeal, etc. I hope this helps. Good luck, and let us know when you're feeling better.
   — Erica Alikchihoo

August 31, 2009
Hi! And congrats on losing so much so far!! I did experience muscle aches and I started walking an hour a day and went to curves and did the machines. I was afradi I was losing muscle ( my body taking from them for whatever reason) and so I exercised alot. I don't have a lotof sagging skin either, so it was a plus for me.. Today I am 14 months out and feel great. Have lots of energy these days..actually that started about 75 lbs out. I was getting enough protein and always have gotten more than 65 grams in a day and liquids were 70 ounces. So its not entirely that. But who knows for sure. Best of luck to you! and congrats!! hugs n God Bless, Kim
   — gpcmist

September 1, 2009
Edward, Do you feel like you are achy like when you have the flu? Check out Fibromyalgia symptoms. I noticed my muscles were achy and they felt like they were deteriorating and weak, and I was very fatigued. I got diagnoised with this condition. I thought mine was lack of protein at first too. But how do you know. You have blood taken and your dr can tell if you have enough protein in your body. Hope this helps. Look into the symptoms of Fibromyalgia.
   — Kristy