Question:
I am 3 weeks post=op. I seem to be so tired and haven't the energy I was expecting

to have by this time. In the past, I noticed other post-ops complaining of over-tiredness. Enlighten me. How long does it last? Should I be taking iron? Is this just normal at this post-op stage? Just sign me Dragging, SEC    — Sandy C. (posted on April 3, 2000)

April 3, 2000
I am 7 months post op. I too, until about the 5-6 weeks post op mark, was very tired all the time. I couldn't make it more than 5 hours and had to take a nap. This is normal. Your body just went through major surgery. Each day will get better and soon you will be back to normal with a whole lot more energy, because you will be pounds less too. Take it easy and if your body needs to rest, let it rest. Ask your doctor first about starting supplements. I know that I went to the Bariatric Treatment Center and they draw blood every three months to see if we are deficient on anything before we start a new supplement besides our normal multi vitamin a day. They want to see if you are naturally getting it from diet first. If not, then start the supplements. What you are going through is normal. Keep up the good work. You will be doing cartwheels in a few months. LOL
   — Laura L.

April 3, 2000
Hello Sandy, Sandy I recommend you go buy Iron vitamins, Or get the multivitamins. This is natural I was that way. but you have to lift yourself up and walk exercise. & get some Iron in you. Find out from your doctor about a vitamin B-12 level test to find out how much you have in your system. I do pray the best for you. Happy new you Diana Brevan [email protected] [email protected]
   — Diana B.

April 4, 2000
Hi Sandy, I too was very, very tired in the beginning and my surgeon explained to me that I needed the rest. This was my body's way of telling me it needed the time to heal. You just went through major surgery and it will be a few months before really begin to feel less tired. Also, you may need to start taking iron, if you are anemic, that will make you fatigued as well. Give your body the rest it well deserves and go with it. If you need a nap take one, you will probably feel much better afterwards. Good Luck...Marni
   — Marni

April 4, 2000
Hey Sandy: I am six months post-op and I still lay down for about 20 min. every other day or so. In the beginning, I was exhausted. I took a nap daily (1 hour or so). Give your body this time to heal. Also, I began to take iron supplements as well as B-12 and B Complex vitamiins. These are along with my multivitamin. It is always a good idea to check in with your Doc. to see if he/she wants to test you. I hope you feel better soon. Proximal LAP RNY 9/22/99 - 76lbs. lost!!
   — Dot W.

April 4, 2000
Yes I think you should be taking iron. How about b-12? My dr. recommended both along with a multivitamin and vit E. It is common though to be a little tired after 3 weeks though You should be able to walk a little right now. The more you walk the more the energy you will get. Continue to do what the dr. tells you and you should be okay.
   — chris M.

April 4, 2000
Please don't be taking any extra vitamins w/o consent from your doctor, you should be careful with taking iron w/o dr. concent; you can O.D. on iron as well as it can cause terrible constipation. (your dr. can run blood tests and can see whats going wrong with your body--if anything) You should remember your body is adjusting to having a major surgery, as well as your body is trying to get rid of all that anathesthia that you had during your stay at the hospital. I was still pretty tired at my 3 week time, I could do some things while others just wore me out pretty fast. Give yourself a break... and relax and just think of all the neat stuff you have to look forward to.
   — Jamie T.