Question:
Please advise on Ultra Metabolife/energy suppliments

I have been extreemly tired and fatigued I have NO energy whats so ever and have even seen a specialist for this, my blood work is normal with a low amount of iron but not low enough to worry about at this point, however, my b levels were not checked so I am going to call my pcp to have them evualuated, in the mean time, prior to my seeing the specialist I was taking phentermine for energy and it helped with the energy but its too expensive and it gave me headaches, so I stopped taking that and got metabolife ultra this dosnt seem to really work of course I only take 2 in the morning and every now and then a couple in the afternoon but not often it just seems to be a waste of my time, since my sole purpose is to gain energy till i can regain it myself, i even went to the store and got b-complex and started taking that and also slow e iron pill (i cannot take the big ones the gastric dr gave me), i still have NO energy and im soo tired. What can I do, are we not able to absorb the metabolife? because it dosnt give me a boost of energy like i have read in the archives. What can i take for energy, i dont need lectures just advise please. I am 3+ yrs out of wls and one year post partum, i am pretty much at goal i fluctuate between 5/7 pnds ..gosh i would just love to have some energy so i can funtion through the day its hard with a child to be soo fatigued. Help please! also if you need more info about me, i have a profile or you can ask thank you so much in advance for your input!    — Deanna Wise (posted on June 8, 2005)


June 8, 2005
Do you take B supplements? I recommend sublingual from GNC. My levels are in the normal range, but the supplements still help with the energy when I need an extra push. However, I think its probably your iron since you said it was low. It may not be low enough for medical concern and still leave you drained of energy ya know? I suggest carbonyl (sp?) iron. If you don't want to be to straining on your system just take one a day, it will help after a couple of weeks. A final note, there are two other things that affect energy levels that my nutritionist pointed out: water and protein. The first sign that you aren't getting enough water is a drained feeling. Same for insufficient protein. Hope you feel better soon. Jenny
   — Jennifer R.

June 8, 2005
Jennifer, thank you for your reply. I am currently taking 2 multi vitamines chewables every single day, 2 follic acids every day, a b-12 subligual 3 x's a week, 2 tums everyday, syntroid everyday, now taking the b-complex sublingueal liquid everyday and slow fe slow release iron...I have to agree that my water intake is crap i just cant stand drinking a large amount of water and never have been able too no matter how hard I try, and my protien level isnt as much as it should be but i do eat protien...I even took up drinking diet coke and I gave up caffien years ago but i am soo tired that i was doing what ever i could to keep up with my baby boy..he is very active gosh i wish i had his energy! thank you again i will try to drink more water and eat more protien but im hoping the b complex and iron will help some too ...
   — Deanna Wise

June 8, 2005
I don't have an answer for the lack of energy. I do want to address the calcium -- I think you said you took two Tums per day. That is NOT the right kind of calcium. We need calcium citrate since it is easier to absorb. Tums are calcium carbonate. Please check with your nutritionist.
   — ** Judy **

June 9, 2005
Hi Deanna-- Are you sure your MD is ordering the correct blood tests for iron? A serum (blood) iron level is nearly useless for detecting an iron deficiency-- it will only tell you what the iron level is in the blood at that time. However, a ferritin level will tell you and the MD how much iron you have stored in your body --- and that's the level you want to watch. If you have not had a ferritin level done, it may be something to think about doing. Best of luck to you!
   — lizinPA

June 9, 2005
You also might want to get your thyroid checked out. My doctor always checks that first when I start feeling really tired and fatigued.
   — mrsidknee

June 9, 2005
If all your levels are fine (do haver your Dr. check further) then it's time to look at WATER. The very first sign of dehydration in FATIGUE!!!! Double (at least) your liquid intake every day. And- get some exercise, it will increase your energy level. You might try Yoga- which is very helpful for energy.
   — LMCLILLY

June 10, 2005
If all your levels are fine (do haver your Dr. check further) then it's time to look at WATER. The very first sign of dehydration in FATIGUE!!!! Double (at least) your liquid intake every day. And- get some exercise, it will increase your energy level. You might try Yoga- which is very helpful for energy.
   — LMCLILLY

June 10, 2005
have your testostrone and cortisol levels checked, i was very tired could 't get enough sleep. not only did i have sleep disorder, but my testos levels were in the toilet. you can't loose weight with out it it is you metabolisim!!!
   — wayne K.

June 10, 2005
I am about 2 years post-op and I take zero supplements, I find that when my energy is in need of a serious boost (I know this isn't what you want to hear...but....) it usualy means I need to get to the gym and start exercising on a regular basis. I find hydration and exercise are the 2 things that affect my energy level the most. I was on sort of a hiatus at the gym due to a foot injury and before I could get back to it I felt tired all the time and couldn't wait to get back, now if I miss more than 3 days in a row I feel like a total slug.
   — Sarah S.

June 10, 2005
Even persons with "normal" digestive systems should take SOME supplements. IMO, it's imperitive that WE take even more. I would suggest that anyone over 1 year post op go to the Graduate_OSSG group.
   — SJP

June 11, 2005
Thank you all for your support and opinions. I have been feeling a little better since I been taking the b-complex not all the way energetic but at least Im getting through the day without feeling like i want to be a couch potato! I will check with my PCP on the other tests that should be checked also..thanks again
   — Deanna Wise

June 11, 2005
We've talked about ferritin and calcium, and you're addressing your B's. I still don't see iron addressed. Slow fe is not the kind that works for us. There are palatable chewable ones out there. Being low in iron can lead to heart issues, among other things. Iron is always taken with vit C, not with dairy, caffeine, eggs, whole grains or any other vites, minerals or meds. Alone together for one hour.
   — vitalady




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