Layken

My favorite pre-made Protein Shake so far has been Premier Protein. I really like the Caramel, Strawberries & Cream, and the new Peanut Butter chocolate.

For powders, I've been using Bowmar Nutrition. They have TONS of flavors and I've really liked each one I tried.

Question for anyone: are you guys counting your Protein Shakes as part of your caloric intake with tracking apps? I'm about 7 months out now and am focusing now more on calorie intake to try and get over these stalls 😶

On 10/10/2020 at 5:51 AM, Lanie992 said:

That is one of the best things that happened to me once I lost weight --- finally dumping one of my blood pressure medicine. Even WITH my blood pressure medicine - sometimes it would still be a little high prior to surgery.

I won't be completely free of them because I use one of them for Migraine prevention (propranolol), but at least I got the other one knocked out.

Congratulations! It is such a freeing feeling - not having to take that pill.

Yes! It is so awesome to be off of most medications. I’ll take Vitamins over them any day! And I feel you on the mental energy. 2020 period has been draining

On 10/10/2020 at 11:15 AM, It's time. said:

I hope you aren't reducing medications without dr. approval or based on one reading? I'm reducing slowly per Dr. instructions. Taking two weeks worth of am and pm readings then reporting into her before we reduce further.

This is something that my doctor told me was okay to do! My surgeon had me stop taking 2/3 bp meds right before surgery and I pretty much have to self monitor now. Of course, I call my dr with my bp readings, but my surgeons office didn’t do much with medication monitoring.

17 minutes ago, ms.sss said:

Me too! My extra battery power actually started about 4-5 days into my 2 week pre-op diet and it's still around at almost 2 years post-op.

I actually sleep longer/more soundly now though. I sleep about 6 hours straight uninterrupted on average, and am fully awake and energized throughout the day. I used to sleep maybe 1-2 hours at at time over an 8 hour period, and would be often be tired during the day and would need a nap sometimes. Quite annoying.

To the OP, as GT said above, a B12 of Vit D deficiency can contribute to low energy levels. Have you had your labs done recently?

I have not have them done post op yet but have an appointment coming up at the end of the months! Hopefully I will get some answers then. Never had any thyroid issues but have had low Vitamin D levels in the past.

Soooo I didn’t think of it until yesterday but I was on 3 blood pressure meds before surgery and went down to half of one after. I checked my bp today and it was 128/78 so I’m going completely off of the last one to see if that helps.

21 hours ago, AZhiker said:

I had just the opposite experience. I was like the energizer bunny on steroids. I only slept about 4 hours a night, and couldn't get in enough exercise. I thought it must be some weird metabolic unbalance or that my thyroid was going crazy, but then learned that it was most likely the effects of ketosis from rapid weight loss. It was actually quite euphoric. I completed my first triathlon and finished a 53 mile bike race that first year. I know others have had the same reaction, and I sure don't know why some people get the energy and others have a hard time finding any at all. I know I did start walking my 10,000 steps by the end of week one, just like my surgeon said. That may have jump started the energy surge.

That’s awesome!! Congrats on the triathlon!!!

On 10/8/2020 at 4:43 PM, Lanie992 said:

I am able to do a lot of cardio at the gym each day (around 1 hr 30 minutes - every day besides Sunday), but my energy levels are down too.

I had been off caffeine for 2 years before the sleeve, but now I am back on it. (My doc is fine with caffeine -- I know some aren't though)... I need it otherwise I get so tired. I put it down to the lack of carbs and sugar. I am hoping that once I reach my goal I can weave some "healthy" carbs into my routine.

That’s awesome that you get that much cardio in everyday! I’ve experimented with some healthy carbs like baked plantains and avocado but haven’t noticed much of a difference.

2 hours ago, GreenTealael said:

Your team may require labs soon (if they haven't already) to get an idea of vitamin/mineral levels.

Some of the more common vitamin/mineral deficiencies that can cause excessive low energy andake you feel pretty run down are A, B's (B1 & B12 in particular) D, potassium & Iron.

But can also be chronic low level dehydration and just overall lack of cals.

These all usually have easy remedies

Hoping you feel better soon ❤️

Thats true! I have been trying my best to keep up with my Vitamin regimen and Water intake but who knows if it is spot-on.

12 minutes ago, The Greater Fool said:

Activity breeds energy.

Tek

But what breeds activity? 🧐 jk! thanks for your input

I had the vertical gastric sleeve about 3 months ago and I STILL have not noticed an increase in energy levels. About 4 weeks post-op after I started feeling somewhat normal I was able to get in a few 30min walks a day, but then my energy just went away after that. I'm sure its a mixture of COVID (not working) and my body adjusting but I thought with a 50lb weight loss that I would feel way more energetic than I do. Any others have issues like this post-op?

Same thing happened to me around week 3-4 and again this week at week 9-10!! The first stall was because I actually wasn't getting in enough Protein or calories (crazy right) and my nutritionist says that stalls and fluctuations are common and normal, due to Water weight, retention, etc.

I am also SUPER afraid of this happening. Getting back into old habits, cravings, overeating, etc. So far, so good, but only about 3 months post op.

Soooo I noticed that us both laying on our sides worked well. For some reason sex has been kind of painful lately, but we also haven’t been doing it as often.