Question:
Did anyone experience extreme fatigue in the first few weeks after surgery?

I am so utterly exhausted by simple things like showering or walking through the house that my legs tremble and I have to lay down. There is no way I can get hour a day in walking. I can't even go to the store. I am taking my vitamins and iron, I am up to 64 oz of water and I try to add more each day. I started soft proteins on 9/5. I'm out of ideas.    — Joanna J. (posted on September 9, 2007)

September 9, 2007
I was extremely exhausted simple tasks made me want to go and lie down. But believe me it gets better keep doing the vitamins and iron I was anemic after surgery and still am I am 2 months out. The B-12 sublingual seemed to help too. Check with your Dr. Your body just had some major changes done to it give it time to adjust and rest up!! Don't try to overdo anything if it's not done leave it be (i.e. cooking cleaning etc.)As far as the walking I didnt walk the first few weeks either everybody is different when it comes to this surgery take it day by day and when you start to feel like yourself again start out ten minutes and gradually increase it. You'll be fine just give it time....Good Luck!!!!!
   — MsGriff07

September 9, 2007
Fatigue is the only problem I have had post-RNY but it has been debilitating. I am 7 weeks out now and think it is beginning to lift a little. Christine
   — Christine M.

September 9, 2007
What you are experiencing is normal. Many of us went through the first couple of weeks of exhaustion. For me I was great the first 5 days when I was in Puerto Vallarta. Once I got home I was like a walking zombie. Tired, lethargic. I started taking B 50 and going to acupuncture. Exactly two weeks after my surgery I was feeling much better. Its really important to get enough protein and fluids.....sip..sip....sip...I am sure you will start to feel better soon. If not and you are following your diet properly then best see your Dr. Good luck.
   — mariamahoa

September 9, 2007
I had this problem a couple of weeks out and was told that it was NOT normal to experience this much fatigue. I can't really compare what I felt to what you're feeling....but I was told to meet my surgeon at the emergency room and found out that I had developed an infection. It was easily taken care of...but if you haven't talked to your doctor about this yet, I would call him...today!
   — cburky911

September 9, 2007
I hear ya. I was the same way. I think we all were at some point. I would take frequent naps and before I had to do something (walk, shower, shop, etc.) I would take a shot of juice or milk - it helped with the shakes and got me through. It will get better as you progress through the steps. Hang in there and push yourself a bit more everyday. You will get it back and will have too much energy at one point.
   — jammerz

September 9, 2007
What does your doctor say?? If I were that weak I would wonder if I was washing away all my vitamins with too much water. 64oz seems excessive. I try to get the most nutritional bang for my buck. Densely nutritious foods and juices low in sugar, high in fiber. Do they sell Odwalha juice near you? I hope you feel stronger soon. Love, Lisa http://TheSkinnyOnline.blogspot.com
   — belovedideas

September 9, 2007
I went through the same thing, my Doc told me it was normal. It does get better. Just relax and go with it. If you feel tired lay down, if you feel dizzy sit down. It is your bodies way of telling you it needs a break. Good luck.
   — AllieT

September 10, 2007
I felt this way for six months. I finally asked my doctor can I start doing b-12 shots. once i started the b-12 shots, Im still tired some, but have alot more energy.
   — barfiep01

September 10, 2007
Please please please get in touch with your surgeon and/or primary care provider. This amount of exhaustion does not sound normal. You did not mention how much you are eating... you may need to increase your overall food intake or add some carbs. If you haven't already, it might be helpful to get a nutrition consultation to find out how many calories you are eating, how many you should be eating, and how to make up the difference. Whatever you do, please see a doctor. This does not sound like normal post-op exhaustion. Best wishes.
   — mrsidknee

September 12, 2007
Hi there, I'm a little late in responding. And I'm sure people have responded to how your feeling. But just in case I for one am here to tell you give yourself time. You just been threw a life changing surgery. I had mine on April 11th 2007 yes a few months ago and I thought what the heck is wrong with me. I couldn't figure out why I couldn't just pop right back into the swing of things. Where was all this new found energy I was suppose to have....lol... I'm sure you have a long with many other wondered the same thing. We all go threw it. Some of us it just takes longer. Now being 5 mo. out I'm just barely feeling somewhat normal again. And I still have my days where I get so tired I just need a nap. So don't be so hard on yourself take the time your body is telling you it needs. Everyone is different and requires their own time... Hope this helps a little to relieve your concerns....And good luck.
   — Marla N.

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