Question:
Why are my legs weak?

I could do 3 sets of 10 leg lifts before surgery and now I feel like I am lucky to make it up the steps. My legs are weak and when I do climb the steps at work I feel slightly "lightheaded". What is this? Will I get stronger any time soon? Am I trying to do more exercise than I should? 3 weeks Post-Op and down 24 lbs.    — Eleanore Davis (posted on August 20, 2003)

August 20, 2003
Are you eating enough. If you are not eating and burning calories through exercise, that is not good. Also make sure you get at least 64 oz of water in. Make sure your vitamin B level is high. I tale a liquid Vitamin B everday plus chewables. I had a deficiency in 199 and that is no fun. PLease make sure you get checked by a dr also.
   — snicklefritz

August 20, 2003
I had the same light headed problem after surgery. Come to find out, I wasn't drinking enough protein. I was only doing 2 shakes a day. Once I upped it to 5 like I was suppose to, I felt a lot better.
   — TLLessor

August 20, 2003
Lightheadedness and weakness are also signs of dehydration. The previous poster also mentioned B vitamins, lack of B12 can make your muscles weak, so can a lack of iron or magnesium. You are 3 weeks post op, you could be over doing it and your body may be asking you to slow down and let it heal a little further. Everyone is different. You may want to call your surgeon's office and mention the problem. If it is a chemical problem they could identify it with some lab work.
   — M B.

August 20, 2003
I had the same problem. I could walk fine, but when I climbed stairs my legs felt like jello and I thought I was going to fall. The doctor said it sounded like peripheral neuropathy. Cause was a lack of vitamin b12. I was taking b 12 once a week, but apparently this wasn't enough. I now take a liquid b12 every other day. Once I increased the b12, my legs are fine now.
   — suzcar51

August 20, 2003
Hey, cut yourself some slack--you're only 3 weeks post-op! I was still feeling week and tired at that point after my surgery. Do make sure you're getting enough water & that your labs are good, but fatigue after major surgery isn't that unusual. And congrats on losing 24 pounds!!
   — Maggie T.