Question:
Has anybody had extreme fatique last longer than 6 weeks?

Hi! I searched the database under fatigue and found some good questions and answers, but none that fit me exactly. I am 6 weeks post op and I am EXTREMELY fatigued. I sleep until 11 or 12 everyday and still often want a nap. I try to force myself to get up, but it is almost impossible. I eat three mostly protein meals a day, 64 oz (most days) of liquid, 2 children's chewables a day, 1 cc of B12 (1000 mcg) by injection once a month. I go for follow up on Tuesday and will be sure to mention it, but I wanted to get some feedback from you guys. Thanks in advance for your input!!    — Sharon N. (posted on August 9, 2001)

August 9, 2001
I can relate! My fatigue lasted for about 10-12 weeks. I felt like a dish rag....I had no energy at all. I returned to work 6 weeks after my surgery. It's a good thing I have a private office and work independetly because for weeks, I did nothing. I didn't have the strenght. I just surfed the web (I spent hours on this website....) and stared into space. I kept complaining to my surgeon. He was very patient and explained that this happened to some people and I just had to wait it out. There was nothing to worry about. I'd say that by week 12, I was my chipper old self again.
   — [Anonymous]

August 9, 2001
I also have had this problem. I'm about 2.5 months and I've really just started to get my energy back and I'm surviving on 6 or 7 hours instead of 10 or more. So hang in there and good luck.
   — Lisa B.

August 9, 2001
It was six weeks before I "started" to get alittle energy. I'm 13 weeks post op, and still don't have much. I thought I was the only one this far along that felt this way. I get alot of sleep but I'm always tired anyway. I'm currently on disability, which is good as I don't think I would have enough energy to work now anyway. I was 319 pounds and as of yesterday I'm 248.5... it seems I should feel more energetic than this. My B12 is very low and I decided to try shots but it's to early to know if this is going to help. Also my potassim is very low and I ended up in the hospital getting two bags of it through an IV. I also have iron problems. Anyway you are NOT alone on the fatique.
   — Danmark

August 9, 2001
Hi Sharon, Boy, can I relate. I must admit I told the Dr. at my 3 wk check up how exhausted I was. He laughed, he reminded me that my body went thru major surgery. He said I need to allow at least 1 week for every hour under anesthesia.(7 hrs) Sure enough a little over 7 wks I started to feel better. He did start me on iron at 3 weeks and it helped. I'm now back to normal and sometimes longing for those 11 hr naps! Best wishes to you
   — Linda M.

August 9, 2001
You might want to try getting in some protein your body can process without effort. Also, so soon to be on 3 meals. Maybe 6 tiny ones would hold your blood sugar more steady & keep you afloat. 60g in protein supps & six 1-oz meals a day would probably increase your feeling of well being by quite a bit, as long as you're not taking in milk or sugars. That'd be real juices, yogurts, applesauces, baby foods---flip 'em over & read the label. Make sure the sugar content is single digit per serving. A constant flow of low sugar will make you drowsy & light headed, too.
   — vitalady

August 9, 2001
Yes. It took about 12 weeks for me to get better. Do a database search on Hibernation Syndrome on this site. You will find a wealth of information. Good luck in your recovery.
   — [Deactivated Member]