Question:
Why am I so tired????
Hi! I am 3 1/2 weeks post-op and I am extremely tired in the afternoons. So much so, I have to lay down for about 30 mins. before I even began supper for the family. (and I haven't even returned to work yet-that will happen this Monday :) I take my vitamins faithfully everyday, so I don't think that is the problem. Could someone please offer some insight on this? Thanks so much! — katia H. (posted on March 26, 2003)
March 26, 2003
This is normal. I was very tired for the first 6 weeks. Your body is
healing and going through some big changes, plus your not eating alot. Take
it easy and have your family help you more( if possible) I use to have my
husband wait outside the bathroom door because when I took a shower I was
so tired and felt faint. It's normal. It does get better.
— [Deactivated Member]
March 26, 2003
Hi Katia. I feel you. I went through the exact same thing and to be
honest I am still going through it. I had my open RNY surgery Nov. 21,
2002. I stayed out of work for 6 weeks. Went back and ended up coming
home for another week because I was so sick and so weak. Went back again
and started feeling better but noticed that by 2:30 I was exhausted. I am
a teacher and also run the after school program. My hours before surgery
were from 8 AM-7 PM. Nowadays it isn't like that. But with time, I know,
it will pass and it will get better for you too. Good luck to you.
— Regina C.
March 26, 2003
you just had major surgery!!! your body is healing from trauma!! go
easy on yourself!! talk to your dr and tell him/her what is going on. it
might be perfectly normal or maybe it is time to be looked at, labs,
etc....
while i was home recovering i found a power nap in the afternoon to be a
wonderful thing. i returned to work 2 weeks post op a nap was not an
option so i began talking a short walk for some fresh air. it is a great
help. good luck!
— nan K.
March 26, 2003
You get up to make dinner? You are doing pretty well! Hee hee, just
kidding! At 3 weeks I was also very tired and had to nap daily. You really
need it to heal (rest that is) It gets better and by 8 weeks you should
feel much more normal. At 10 weeks I feel great but my stamina is
surprisingly low. I tire easily when I exercise but at least I can do it.
— Carol S.
March 26, 2003
I had open RNY on 1/27/03 and was worried that I was SO tired for a long
time. But, I can tell you I started to get my energy back gradually and by
6 weeks it was a significant difference. Now, at 8 weeks, I work out 6
times a week and am feeling great.
So, in the meantime, pamper yourself, take naps and give your body time to
heal. ;->
— barbdeane
March 26, 2003
Hi Katia,
I was told by my surgeon that you need to allow 1 week of recovery for
every 1 hr. you were in surgery. Remember, your body just went thru major
surgery. It's also adjusting to what it considers trauma being done to it.
Not including the anesthesia that's working it's way thru your system. Take
the naps and listen to your body. As long as you're taking your vitamins
and doing what you need to so will your body!
best wishes and continued success
— Linda M.
March 27, 2003
I hit one helluva tired phase at 3 weeks it lasted for only 2 weeks. I was
told to increase protein and double my vitamins. All I can say is this too
will pass. I feel great now!
— Kimmie C.
March 27, 2003
At seven weeks I was complaining to the surgeon how tired I was and he told
me to hang in there, it would get better. One week later, it was like
turning on a light, the energy returned. I'm lucky that my husband does
most of the cooking at our house (early in our relationship I made
something and his reaction was "I'm so glad you have a good
job!"). Empower others to take care of you and themselves, it will
help their self esteem. Good luck and hang in there.
— Sunny S.
March 27, 2003
hi Katia. :) I felt exactly the same way during my first month. Added to
what everyone else has said (general post-op fatigue, anesthesia, healing,
less food, etc.), I was so tired because of anemia. so my surgeon
prescribed an iron supplement for me which has helped immensely. i take
this in addition to my other vitamins. my surgeon prescribes the iron
supplement (Foltrin, or Trinsicon) to all of his female patients "of
child-bearing age" (or those of us who still have regular periods).
it helped me a lot. i wonder if this could help you? i'm pretty sure you
can buy iron tablets at the drug store, but check with your Dr first. Make
sure you get lots of rest though, and don't over-do it. you will be just
fine. :)
— maurer_power
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