Question:
8 days post-op and no energy!

I am weak, tired, a little dizzy and no energy. I had laproscopic bypass, it this normal to feel this way, do I need more protein? The smell and taste of protein drinks make me nauseous. When can I start string cheese? Thanks y'all Deanna    — Believe (posted on March 6, 2006)

March 6, 2006
No you need rest. Just because you had your surgery LAP doesnt mean you didnt have major surgery - it takes TIME to heal - 3 -4 weeks for lap; up to 6 weeks for open. I wouldnt start string cheese yet until your surgeon approves you for solid foods.
   — star .

March 6, 2006
No I did not feel that way at all. I can not stand the taste of protein dranks. However I found somthing called Profect www.Protica.com Taste good and is only 2.9 oz. it has 25g protein in it. Are you taking your vitamins? that is important too. You should call your Dr. Just to let him know how you are feeling. Good luck and god bless
   — bntfive

March 6, 2006
Don't worry too much about the protein for a few more days. Right now just sip on fluids constantly. Also do not forget you just had major surgery and had your insides cut and moved all around. The body needs time to heal and clear out the anesthesia, which will take a couple of weeks at least. For now, gets tons of rest and drink lots of fluids. Shelly
   — scharlier

March 6, 2006
Hi Deanna- the anesthesia is still in your system, and it will be slowly leaving, and until it is gone, you are going to be less active than your normal. Besides major surgerey, its a given- however some post ops sail through this without feeling exhausted, while others just want to sleep etc. As far as string cheese, please, consult your surgeon and or Nut, none of us can say go ahead and have string cheese, only your professionals can do that- as far as protein drinks, have you tried the Isopure Dutch chocolate- i have used it daily for nearly 2 years, every day, and its been my one staple, and never tastes bad, no smells bad. remember things have made very big changes in your system, what you tolerated before surgery, sometimes will really bother you now. Just get in ALL of your liquids if possible, that and take your supplements of your surgeon has you started on them already. Keeping hydrated right now is super important. Give it time Deanna, you have had all your furniture rearranged inside, and it will be weeks before you feel like taking on the world. I hope this doesnt last long for you, so you can begin to really enjoy losing the weight and learning new habits. Congrats and Huggs Cindi - 219#
   — DollyDoodles

March 6, 2006
Deanna, Hi. I am 2 weeks post op and I can tell you I felt JUST LIKE YOU. I too had the LAP GBP and I just felt so weak and tired so much of the time. Some days I left like I could take on the world and others I felt like I was just going backwards. My Dr. had me on the Clear Liquids Diet for two weeks and I think that added to it. I take vitamins every day and I have sustained on broth, lots of water and sugar free popsicles. They told me that I could have Crystal Light, but it is SO strongly sweet and the smell does me in. I used to tolerate it fine...but not now. The lemonade about ate my stomach up. So for me its lots of water. I know that I always feel worse when I have not had enough to drink. You will definitely know if you are getting dehydrated. Your skin will be SERIOUSLY dry, your feet will get all dry and cracked, etc. Mine did right out of the hospital. 64 fl oz a day was not enough for me and I find that I often push for more because of how I feel on less. Please do not rush food! if your doctor says you are good, go for it, but I cannot imagine anyone telling you to eat solid food at only 8 days out. I know how terribly hard it can be. Every time my family would sit down to eat something the smell of food was killing me. The liquid diet is the hardest thing I have ever done! I am now on the full liquid diet, so there is variety. I had my first cup of hot tomato soup tonight and let me tell you, it was heaven. I was worried how I would tolerate it, but it has been great. Tomorrow I am starting Carnation Instant Breakfast (no sugar added), so I will see if I can tolerate milk still. I have had 1 protein shake so far, but it was not tolerated well. Don't rush things because of hunger or stressing over lack of dietary change. Too much too soon can really set you back. If you were to eat solid food right now you could end up in the hospital. It is very serious that you follow Dr's orders to the letter, no matter how hard. Getting enough excercise is also essential. As hard as it was to get up and want to do ANYTHING, I always felt better after walking, no matter how hard it was. Really. This will also help prevent blood clots to the legs which can travel to your lungs and cause an embolism...which can be very serious. The more you walk, the more weight you will lose also. Make sure you get plenty of rest, make fluids a top priority, and do not hesitate for one minute to contact your Dr. if you feel something is amiss. Mine is great, and he is always glad that I came to see him, rather than keep something to myself that could have proven to be serious. I hope this helps you some. If you would like to talk, feel free to email me. My addy is in my profile. Good luck hun, and take care of yourself! Lee L.
   — GingerGRL