Question:
Should I still feel fatigued after 6 weeks?

I am 51 years old. I am almost 6 weeks since lap RNY and I am still so tired. Had some complications after surgery and was advised I could go back to work on Feb 24. I consume about 60 ozs of water per day with two 23.7 fl ozs of Propel a day for water and I use one Real Meals per day which is 60 grams of protein plus other protein and some carbs. I haven't been able to walk much because of a torn menicus in my knee. I started going to a pool exercise class on Friday and today I was exausted when I got home. I feel like I should be feeling better by now. I have healed up well. I am self-employed and it's been very hard for me to get anything done. I've lost 32 pounds so far. Has anyone else had a problem with getting enough energy to get back to work? My mind says I'm just being lazy but my body says, I'm still recovering. Any ideas?    — Sharon M. (posted on March 3, 2003)

March 3, 2003
I forgot to say that I take one Flintstone vitamin a day and 2 Calcium +D a day. I also had a B12 shot two weeks ago. I was taking B12 shots once a month before my surgery.
   — Sharon M.

March 3, 2003
I was very fatigued in the beginning and also very weak. I could barely hold my arms up just to braid my hair. I didn't feel really good until I was 8 or 9 weeks out. Are you taking your vitamins? I was to take chewable until I was 6-8 weeks out, then I switched to prenatals. Also started taking sublingual B12 and Citracal plus vitamin D around the same time and that helped tremendously. I now just get B12 injections once a month instead of taking it orally. I hope that helps. It does take quite a while for some people to heal. Don't be too hard on yourself. You are doing great! Good luck!
   — Laurel C.

March 3, 2003
I guess I didn't read your post about the vitamins, sorry. I think you should remember that some heal faster than others. You are definately on the right track. I do however take 5 Citracal + D as instructed by my nutritionist. You said you only took 2. Not sure if that would make a difference in the energy level though, but I think you should be taking more each day regardless. Good luck!
   — Laurel C.

March 3, 2003
My PCP's office said that it takes a body nearly 6 months to fully recover from major surgery. That said, I am 5 1/2 months out from an Open RNY and I can truthfully say that I have experienced a major increase in energy for about the last 3 weeks. I can do much more before I feel tired.
   — Kathy B.

March 3, 2003
Sharon, I too was fatigued for the first few months and had a complication requiring a 2nd surgery 5 days after the first. I think sometimes it does take the body a while to recover, and for others, much less time. I do know that once I was on solid food, and committed to walking every day (and it was exhausting at first), the energy came back. Also, have your iron and B-12 checked, as there could be another reason for your fatigue too, but if that is eliminated, then just take the rest you need, eat well, and force the exercise and you'll be well before you know it.
   — Cindy R.

March 3, 2003
I was EXHAUSTED for about 9 weeks. I did find that when I started to walk on a treadmill, I had more energy. However, I still have bouts being very tired and I'm 16 months post-op. My blood levels are fine so I know it's not a defiency anywhere. There doesn't seem to be any explanation for it.
   — Patty H.

March 3, 2003
I'm 22 months post op (open rny) and have been taking twice a month b-12 shots. I've felt like the walking dead. Finally about two months ago I talked them into once a week shots. Man I feel so much better. I dread going back to twice a month as it does'nt cut it for me. Check for b-12 and amenia. (I have both problems).
   — Danmark

March 4, 2003
I am 9 months post op and just want to tell you that from about week 4 through week 9 or 10 I was the most tired that I have ever been. It did pass with out adding extra vitamins or meds. My Dr. seemed to think that it was just a natural process after this surgery. Good luck to you.
   — Sandy T.