Question:
I know that I am supposed to be walking, walking, walking. I am nearly

4 weeks post-op, but I feel so tired and weak that I can barely walk and do the things that I have to do. I feel something must be individually wrong with me to be this far behind. I just don't have the energy to put on walking shoes and get out on the street and walk a couple of blocks. I am doing lots of stuff in the house, i.e., light housework, cooking, light cleaning, taking care of pets, etc., but as for regimented walking exercise, I just don't have the energy. Or am I just lazy? Help!    — Sandy C. (posted on April 9, 2000)

April 9, 2000
Sandy you aren't lazy! Everyone heals and regains strength differently. I had 2 c-sections, one when I was 27 years old and one when I was 31. I recovered much faster from the first on than the second one. So, when I had wls at 49 and didn't feel like walking more than a block until I was about 6 weeks post op I wasn't really surprised. I was a little frustrated that I was moving so slowly but day by day I got a little stronger and now at 5
   — kaydeeb16

April 9, 2000
Sandy you aren't lazy! Sorry my first post got cut off, I was typing and the next thing I know the screen said the answer had been processed. Here it is again: Everyone heals and regains strength differently. I had 2 c-sections, one when I was 27 years old and one when I was 31. I recovered much faster from the first on than the second one. So, when I had wls at 49 and didn't feel like walking more than a block until I was about 6 weeks post op I wasn't really surprised. I was a little frustrated that I was moving so slowly but day by day I got a little stronger and now at 5 1/2 months post op my family has a hard time keeping up with me! Just do the best you can and you will be fine.
   — kaydeeb16

April 9, 2000
Hi, I am having somewhat of the same problem. I am lacking energy and what energy I do have is used up by work around the house. I have been walking some everyday. I can walk a mile now outside, We live in the country so it is easy to find a place to walk. I do have to force myself to do it and I think the reason is that before my surgery I was in such bad shape that it has really been a long time since I have really gotten any exercise, and I have grown lazy. So just try to get out a little every day I am sure that if you walk some every day for two weeks, and do some deep breathing while you walk, your energy level will improve. That is what I am trying to do and I have faith it will work. Jeanie
   — Jeanie W.

April 9, 2000
How much protein supplement are you taking? Does your doc automatically put you on a starter dose of iron? Are you getting PLENTY of water? It took me a LONG time to get re-energized after my surgery. Once I got my protein supp boosted up, though, I was feeling GOOD...
   — vitalady

April 10, 2000
First I would assess I was getting all of my dr-recommended supplements. Then, I would get a walkman with tapes or cd's which motivate you. It gets me out the door. Also, do some creative visualization. Really picture yourself at your goal weight looking the way you want to look. Walk just 15 minutes a day every day. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

April 10, 2000
(personally) this energy thing is an individual thing... you should not worry about what others can do... this energy thing could be an issue that can be resolved from getting a blood test from your dr. to get your "levels" checked out; also from your above statement you are doing "light" house work... what does that mean? You could be using a lot of your daily energy by doing your housework. But... if you feel you could be doing more... start slow, and above all, you will need to force yourself to get motivated! Excersise for anyone does not come easy... but as you keep up the workouts it does get easier, not easy I doubt it'll ever get "easy" I took it very slow at the beginning and walked when I could. I have thus far lost 125lbs. I started at 400lbs!!! I started working out with a regiment by my 5 week mark. Just take it easy and tell yourself why you wanted this surgery in the first place, and then you will start to feel better and the drive will come.
   — Jamie T.