Question:
Post-op RNY bypass energy

I am 5 days pre-op for the rny bypass. I wanted to know if anyone has had energy issues in th first and second week post-op. I am going to school on-line and will not have to get up to go to a "class-room" but I will have aprox 4 chapters a week to read and papers to right with quizes to take. Since I don't have to get up and "do" anything am I going to have enough energy to keep up?    — phyllismmay (posted on August 23, 2008)

August 23, 2008
First, good luck and my prayers are with you. After my surgery, I was tired a lot and sat in my comfy recliner watching of all things, the Food Network. That was my favorite show for like the first month, ha. But I was doing a lot of reading too so I'd say it differs among us but you should be able to keep up with your course work. You may not be able to do it all at once, but take breaks and you should be ok. Again, good luck. God Bless.
   — PAWLLA L.

August 23, 2008
Good luck with your exams. Your surgeon should have been "up front with you" explaining that fatigue or lack of energy is very common during the first few weeks as a post op. I attend support groups, and this is stressed to those pre ops in attendance, and the fatigue is a common topic that is spoken about by the post ops when they speak at these meetings. Some patients take 4 weeks off of work to recover, some 6 weeks. Some patients with sedimentary jobs, have returned to work in a week or two. But I would imagine, they'd probably almost collapse when returning home from work. DAVE
   — Dave Chambers

August 23, 2008
I had energy issues as well, and I am going to school online. I set myself up in the recliner with my laptop and did my school work that way. I read when I felt like it, did the work when I was ready, and that was it. It does really stink having to jump right back into it and my school knew that I was having surgery so they gave me a week off when the course ended(i had 2 wks left when I had the surgery). You will be able to do it, you just have to get your mind set for it, that is what I had to do. Good luck!! See if maybe you can get a break if you need to though, that week break I got was awesome for me, it helped me clear my mind and it also gave me some free time to walk a little more outside. I go to UoP so I am not sure how your online school works(unless it is the same) but just talk to your advisor if need be! Hugs and you can do it ;) good luck with it all!
   — dawnie28

August 23, 2008
You will need a good "liquid" vitamin / mineral supplement like VEMMA. Don't waste your time with "pills". Go to www.TrySomeVemma.com Good "liquid" supplement will give you some energy. Vemma also has 1000 IU of vit. D3, very important. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 24, 2008
I'm working on my PhD online so I understand your questions. I had no problem sitting in a comfortable chair doing homework. I was very tired the first week or two, so if possible schedule your surgery for between classes. Also, you never know if you have to stay in the hospital longer than they originally thought so plan for that as well. Good luck in your studies and surgery!
   — irish4girl

August 24, 2008
First of all congrats on your new life. I took a few weeks off from school before having to worry about school work. When I started school back up again, I had enough energy to complete my studies and feel as if my grades were never better. Good luck with your journey in weight loss
   — cdombi37

August 25, 2008
Phyllis, I work full time as a nurse and am taking 7 hours (2 classes ) online starting 2 weeks after my surgery. I went back to work after 2 weeks but really should have waited until 3 weeks.
   — nancycarle

August 26, 2008
I had RNY on March 31, 2008, and I am 66 years old. I never had a problem with lack of energy--in fact just the opposite. I have "excess" energy since the day I came home from the hospital. I'm almost like the Energy Bunny--just keep going and going. Good luck--hope you'll be able to do the same!
   — ShirleyF