Question:
How many days after open RNY, before you start to feel better, and get your strength?

Please reply [email protected]    — Kathy O. (posted on November 2, 2001)

November 2, 2001
Baring that you have not have any complications you can expect to start feeling better about 4 to 6 weeks. For me the issue of strength is a work in progress. I had my surgery on 8/2/01 Open RNY and am still working on my strength/indurance. I suppose a lot of it has to do with your age and getting the proper nutrition everyday. Focus on the exercising each day, that will diffently help. Good luck and god bless.
   — taryncarrol

November 2, 2001
I think it all depends on your physical heath and well-being prior to the surgery. With the exception of some pain when I coughed or laughed, due to the incision and staples, I was feeling good day 4. By the end of week 1, I was in the gym, going out with friends, and feeling fantastic. My only issue was that for the first week or two, I slept in a recliner because laying down hurt too much...due to being uncomfortable and sleepless nights my only energy loss has been that I am tired...and that isn't due to the surgery, but my sleep habits. I think everyone is different, I also think it depends on how motivated you are to get well. In the hospital, I got up and walked the halls over, and over again. I think walking and moving has to do a lot with healing. may want to look for yourself. Hope this is helpful
   — Kim M.

November 2, 2001
Well....I have to start by saying I agree with what the other people have stated. For me I starting feeling really good at about 1 month. Now I am 2 1/2 months out and feel like Im the energizer bunny. I have trouble sitting still and mind you before I was a couch potatoe. *LOL* I just cant believe the weight is coming off and how much enery that has given me. Im sure in not time you will feel like the energizer bunny....just make sure to eat your protein and drink your H2O.....Good Luck!
   — Melissa S.

November 3, 2001
I felt great within days of my surgery... see my Profile, page 3 for details! I could have gone back to work 1 week after my surgery if I had to, but I didn't need to, so I relaxed for quite a while. :-) I slept in my bed from day 1, though with a foam wedge for the first week or so. I went back to the gym two weeks post-op (I waited until after I had my staples out). I had a really hard time getting in enough water at the start but that's getting better. Losing 16 lbs that first week is what really propelled me forward. I felt so much freer, and my knees stopped hurting almost right away. Have a positive attitude; expect pain for the first week; and then spring forward into your wonderful new life! :-)
   — Julia M.

November 3, 2001
It was nine or ten days before I started feeling better (pain wise). But as far as having strength, I'm almost 6 months post op and I still don't have any!. I'm down 107 pounds but STILL have NO energy. I haven't had an surgical complications but do have many problems with Potassium and B-12. I finally talked my doctor (not surgeon) into B-12 shots twice a month instead of one. I hope that will do the trick for the energy. I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired... or at least being "tired". ;
   — Danmark

November 3, 2001
I am 18 days post-op and getting better each day. I have to say, though, that I get tired, but found that if I force myself to get out and walk, etc., it actually helps me feel more energized. The doc told me you go into "ketosis" and that makes you tired.
   — Anita J.

November 3, 2001
I'm with Daniel ... I'm 9 mos. post-op RNY and I'm still tired and I'm tired of being tired. I finally went to my PCP to have my blood checked yesterday. I don't know if it's stress at work, the surgery, or I'm just plain lazy. But every chance I get, especially on the weekend ... I'm flaked out on the sofa.
   — Betty Todd

November 3, 2001
I'm 3 months post op and feel like I was hit by a bus every day energy wise, No pain really, just tired and weary, I think the best way to approach it is you won't feel like it's worth it in energy terms till about a year out. But if you talk to anyone who has had any major abdominal surgery, WLS or not the body really needs time to heal and adjust to it's changes.
   — [Anonymous]