Question:
Why can't I sleep?

I am 3 wks post-op Open RNY (8/15) today, and I CANNOT sleep. I have been off pain meds since I left the hospital and have not gone to bed prior to 4 am (then wake @ 11am)since leaving the hospital. I am getting exercise and NOT napping. What is going on....Last night, I went to bed at 6am this morning...HELP? (NOTE: I never had problems sleeping before or had sleep apnea. The only thing I could figure is I'm not tired enough or I am fearing 9/11 as I work 2 blks form the WTC)? Any suggestions.    — heathercross (posted on September 5, 2002)

September 5, 2002
My surgeon gave me Ambien and it works wonders. I have fibromyalgia and problems sleeping at the best of times. I like the Ambien better then the previous sleeping pills as I don't wake up feeling drugged. I have been taking them since April and apart from when I don't take them (usually Fridays and Saturdays) rarely have problems sleeping. Maybe your doctor could prescribe some for you for a few days. Congrats on your surgery.
   — Dianne C.

September 5, 2002
This same thing happened to my friend, who had the surgery a few months ago. She was exercising in the evenings. When she switched to mornings, she was able to sleep. Also, we heard that taking vitamins too late in the day might cause sleep problems. At least you could try those two things.
   — jm3218

September 5, 2002
I went through the same thing. I was up into the wee hours of the AM, then up at a reasonable hour, not really getting much sleep. I had soooo much energy it was unreal, it was also annoying! I just waited until I 'grew out of it' and now sleep like a baby, and get up feeling refreshed. You are still a 'newbie'. Give it a little time. In the meantime, you can take that time to get some things done.
   — Cheri M.

September 5, 2002
Yep, same problem for me. Before my surgery, I slept like a baby, but since I started losing weight, I have had so much nervous energy I haven't been able to sleep without a sleep aide! I dunno what to tell you, except doesn't it feel great to have all this energy???
   — Terissa R.

September 5, 2002
I had the same thing happen to me. I think it is from the stress from having surgery, learning how to eat again, and probably while you are sleeping, you are feeling little aches and pains that wake you. I finally couldn't take it anymore cause sleep and rest are an important part of healing. I told my doctor about it and he gave me a perscription of RESTORIL. Really helped me get back on the sleeping track again. Maybe you might want to ask your surgeon if he would give you something. Getting your rest is very important.
   — Kim B.

September 5, 2002
Heather, I had the exact same problem. I finally became so exhausted I would collapse on the bed, nap and have horrific nightmares. My surgeon said it was a combination of the stress of the surgery (primarily the anesthesia) and the sudden change in metabolism. Once the anesthesia gets out of your system and you are able to get some exercise your sleep patterns will start to return to normal. I know mine did, without the use of sleep aids.
   — LLinderman

September 6, 2002
I agree with Mary D. Adults shouldn't need to sleep any more than 6-9 hours in a 24 hour period. You're just mixed up. And we all need to remember that, even though our bodies and minds need that sleep time, your metabloism is slowed way down when sleeping. It's true that if you sit in a chair, not moving, fully conscious, say reading a book, for an hour you'll 'burn' more calories than if you sat there asleep for the same amount of time. SLEEPING almost continuosly for about a year after my mom died was what got my serious weight started in the first place. So, if you don't feel mentally slow or wrung out,, 7 hours sleep is probably just what your body needs...with a little 'time' adjustment. Good luck.
   — Georgianne Faith W.

September 7, 2002
I can't tell you why, but I experienced the EXACT SAME THING at about that same time. I couldn't figure out why, but I couldn't fall asleep until 4 or 6am. It did pass though. It lasted about 2 weeks and then I was fine. I didn't consciously feel nervous about anything...just couldn't sleep. So, no answers as to why, but it happens to others and it WILL go away. Some blame it on the anesthesia after-effects???
   — emilyfink