Question:
I have been so exhausted since my surgery, has anyone experienced this feeling.

Or am I expected to much. My surgery was January 8th. Any comments would be welcome. Thanks.    — Cathy J. (posted on January 26, 2002)

January 26, 2002
Hi Cathy.... I think you are expecting too much!!! You are 20 DAYS post op... you had a MAJOR surgery!!! Not to mention the anestesia... which takes a good little while to get out of your body.... What I did to help the energy level was to make sure that I did a walk/exercise of some kind... make SURE I got plenty of water...and plenty of protein.... I would say FOR ME it was week three into week 4 that I was feeling good for long periods of time.. like whole days... I never really felt bad.. just yukkie!!! If I had been working I most likely could have gone back to work after 3 weeks.. I had surgery 11/15/01 - OPEN RNY revision. So give yourself a big pat on the back... and my best to you!!!!!
   — Pamela W.

January 26, 2002
Hi! I know exactly what you are talking about. I had an open rny on January 10th and most days I nap at least 2 hours. If I don't nap all I want to do is sit in my bed. My surgeon says it's normal and it should get better. Tracy
   — tracyr

January 26, 2002
Most likely it is because it's so soon after your surgery; however, later on it may be attributed to low B12 levels. Several months out you should have specific blood work done and if it's B12 then you will most likely need shots. It's not so bad...I take them once every 3 to 4 weeks.
   — Sharon R.

January 26, 2002
Yes, I believe the fatigue you are feeling is very normal. I remember post op right after my surgery I just wanted to lay around. My body craved the rest and I felt it was well deserved after working all my life like a dog. Just be sure to get some walking in to avoid blood clots, but also enjoy the rest while you can, cause you'll be back to the routine in no time. Also, the mood swings are normal. You're just beginning this very exciting journey. It gets better every day. Promise.
   — Annie H.

January 28, 2002
I too was exhausted after surgery. Remember this is MAJOR surgery and your body has been through alot. I started to feel good after about 3-3 1/2 weeks. I am now 7 weeks post op and feel FANTASTIC. Give yourself some time ok! HUGS
   — Terri H.

January 28, 2002
Hi, Cathy! This is another Cathy that had surgery the day before you did. I am also exhausted so it must be normal! :) Our bodies have been through alot and we are eating drastically less than we did before surgery. I am trying to be gentle with myself and give myself time to heal and recover. EVERYONE says this is O.K. and NORMAL. I just remind myself that this is temporary and try to listen to my body. I have done something that is going to give me new energy....in time. But for now, let's be good to ourselves with as much rest as our bodies need. Here's to our new bodies and our new futures! Best Wishes! Cathy Cooke
   — Cathy C.

August 9, 2002
I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & went from 145 to 311 as the disease progressed over 14 years. I had the surgery in hopes that I would get more energy. Unfortunately I have less. Since June 20, I have been unable to work. So I can very much understand the exhaustion you are feeling. I had my surgery December 17 of last year. I've heard from someone at work that this is common - she heard it on a talk show. Once we get to our "normal" weight (good God that could be a long time), and stop losing - we are supposed to get energy again. I guess it makes sense - I imagine constantly losing weight would be hard on a body. Although it's wonderful losing weight, I'm really bummed about not feeling better. I'd put all my eggs in one basket only to find out the basket has a hole in it! I still have to say though - I'd do the surgery again. It sure is nice having lost 90 pounds, and I haven't been starving myself on a diet & I love fitting in smaller clothes and having a better self image. All in all, I'm definitely going to be much healthier and not in as many risks of health complications. I'd had symptoms of a stroke when I carried groceries to my 2nd story apartment - my hands and arms were numb & I couldn't catch my breath. I thought I was going to die (literally). I also am not needing to take Prilosac for acid reflux anymore. I guess we just have to look at the positives. Of course, it's easier for me to say that because I had the fatigue BEFORE the surgery. I like to hear from people who have stopped loosing weight - if they have more energy. Also if the talk show is true - that fatigue is common among post surgery patients.
   — Joanie C.

September 22, 2002
YES! I can relate! I am 4 weeks post op and tired almost all the time. I don't believe I'm getting in enough protein and boy oh boy do I feel it. I am getting stronger. I just take it day by day. Some days good, some, well lets just say I moved at a snails pace. Good luck to all of us! Our bodies deserve 6 to 7 weeks of rest after such a major event.
   — Rochelle B.