Question:
Does anybody feel lack of energy after wls

After I had weight loss surgery, I have no energy. Alot of people I have spoke with said after surgery and losing some weight they have a lot more energy. I have lost 40lbs and its been one month after surgery and I'm still tired. I just feel like at work and cant even keep my head up. Has anyone else feel this way?    — barfiep01 (posted on February 20, 2007)


February 20, 2007
Hi Patricia, That happened to me too, but after losing 130 lbs, and about 13 months later, try having your B-12 and your iron levels checked.. thats what was wrong with me.. I have been getting a B-12 shot and taking an iron supplement every day, good luck, April
   — April

February 20, 2007
Hi, I am almost 6 mos out. It was 3 months before I got my spring back in my step. You should be having labs done about now. I felt that way, but my hormone levels were way off, since that was adjusted there is not stopping me and I am 86 lbs down. My six month anniversary is in 2 weeks. Good luck to you and welcome to the losing side!! Next month the doc is checking my iron and b-12 levels, so we shall see!! I am so happy for you!
   — dessary316

February 20, 2007
I am exactly 5 days post-op.....and am still recooperating from surgery. My support group suggested the following things: get your B-12/Iron levels checked for sure, make sure you are getting in your protein daily, get plenty of sleep 7-9 hours as you are still only a month out, so your body is still healing and your body is still getting used to the new you. Most of the ladies in my support group say they started back with a pep in their step about 3 months out. They said the key is to keep your protein up and when you feel tired to eat some cottage cheese or something else high in protein for a pick me up. Keep positive and it will come around. I will be right behind you.....Jammie
   — jammerz

February 20, 2007
After surgery I had serious weakness. I found that I had seriously low iron. A change in the vitamins and I have been good ever since. Good luck, best wishes, Chris
   — CChappell

February 20, 2007
Everyone is different and it takes time to recuperate- it took me 3 or so months before all I wanted to do when I got home after 8 hours of work to not want to just go to bed. I am now 10 mo post op and for the most part am doing super except for the 'cold' feelings- but it has certainly been cold this year in Colorado anyway. Hang it it should turn around. Donna 286/145
   — dabby

February 20, 2007
patricia, i felt exactly like you do during my early recovery. i'm now 6 months out and feeling like myself again. stay hydrated, get your protein and vitamins in and follow your doc & nut's advice. you'll feel better each week, and soon you'll be yourself again.
   — Fluffy W.

February 20, 2007
I really can't say any more than the other responses you have already received. Have your levels checked and work the program. It will get better. God Bless
   — njkbutton

February 20, 2007
I felt the same way until about 6-7 weeks out. I thought it was because I was not getting all my protein, but it could be just the time it takes for the body to heal. Don't worry, you"ll feel better soon. Try to get in your protein, water and vitamins. I also added b-12(under the tongue kind) and chewable iron to my vitamins. Hope you're feeling better soon!
   — robinmarra

February 20, 2007
This is perfectly normal at this stage. I work with an RN who told me that people always underestimate the time it takes the body to heal, especially after major surgery. On top of this, your body is dealing with a much lower calorie intake than it needs to maintain your current weight. I have a desk job and went back to work after three weeks and was surprised at how exhausted I was the first week. It will get better as your body finishes recovering from the surgery. If you think you might need additional protein or supplements, I would suggest you call your doctor's office.
   — packrat

February 20, 2007
a few questions you have to ask yourself -- are you getting in your vitamins?? protein?? water?? correct foods?? then i would have my blood levels checked to see about anemia -- being anemic can make you very tired and make your muscles ache -- good luck :)
   — RCassety

February 21, 2007
I am 10 weeks out and have lost 60 pounds, and I am JUST NOW starting to get back into my normal pre surgery routine. I had no energy to even get up in the morning. But, everyone else is right. Make sure that you are getting enough of your vitamins, water, and protein. I am finally able to eat a little more at a time and take larger gulps of water, so it's becoming a bit easier.
   — Cheriehott

February 21, 2007
Hi Patricia, thanks for your question. There are a few things I want to encourage you in. One is to check with your doctor, maybe they will want to check you blood levels and be sure they are alright. The other is you said you are 4 weeks out, and you are back at work? Perhaps you haven't taken time to fully recover from the surgery? Was it lap or open? I was lap, and even though I heard of people going back to work in a very short time, I took 6 weeks and was very glad I did. Your body will be going through a lot while it loses weight. I don't know that I ever had "more" energy after surgery, and I am 3 years out now. I do feel much better, but sometimes age is a factor (for me, I am 46), and sometimes it is a health issue. But you can also contribute by doing too much too soon. Be sure your vitamins and fluids (water) are up, exercise is good for stamina, and check with your doctor to be sure. Be sure you are getting enough rest and spend a few weeks, perhaps upto 6 weeks getting some rest and letting your body catch up with the serious surgery you just went through. Weight loss doesn't produce more enengy if you are stressing your body and not letting it recover. Best to you. Patricia P
   — Patricia P

February 21, 2007
Low Iron or you need b12
   — Katrina B.

February 21, 2007
I was already a train wreck before my first surgery so I can't compare that. But when I had my revision, I weighed under 130, and spent 4 months doing 180g or more of protien supplement, specifically building up my iron and B12 levels. I told my doc I was so healthy we could so my revision "drive-thru"! Still, it kicked my patootie! So, as much as I was nutritionally sound as I could be, I STILL had to take naps for 6 weeks. I think anesthesia is much harder on some of us than others. I've had subsequent surgeries (foot, etc, not WLS-realted) and I had a rough ride with the anesthesia on all of them.
   — vitalady

February 22, 2007
I am 8 weeks post op and still get tired later in the day, but slowly am getting more energy. I am very careful to have my protein shake in the morning and make sure I take all my vitamins. When I get really run down I drink an Isopur protein drink (in the bottle @ GNC about $3.00/ bottle) and it really perks me up. Hope I helped! Hang in there, it's all going to be worth it!!! Aaryn
   — airbear762000

February 25, 2007
I have zero energy.
   — Novashannon

February 25, 2007
I WENT THREW THE SAME THING AND STILL DO FROM TIME TO TIME BUT I FOUND THAT IF I TAKE MY VIT. AND MY B-12 AND IRON THE WAY THE DR. SAYS I FEEL BETTER WITH IN MINS: BUT I TEND TO FOR GET THEM ALOT SO I DO GET VERY TIRED ALOT BUT YOU HAVE TO REMBER YOU ARE JUST 1 MONTH OUT SO YOU WILL BE TIRED ALOT RIGHT NOW YOU WILL GET BETTER . TAKE IT SLOWW AND TAKE YOUR MEDS EVERY DAY BEST TO CARING THEM IN YOUR POURSE WITH YOU.
   — Vicky Rice




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