I am 2 weeks post op and got clearance from surgeon to start doing things physically. I bought a 3 wheel bicycle last week and rode it a few times but today I really went for a 12 minute fast ride. Now, I feel like I could take a nap....ugh

Is this normal...to be so fatigued in the beginning? If you were and you felt like napping, did you nap??

Yes, I know its going to take time to build up but god....I am really tired. I have not been active in many years....

I'm just looking for some words of wisdom and someone who's been there...

Thanks,

Meg

Wow--2 weeks? My doc made me wait 6 weeks!! It sounds like a little too soon to be exercising. Your body just went through a ton of trauma with the surgery, so it needs to heal. Not only that, you aren't taking in enough calories to be able to do any kind of major exercise (except walking). That is probably the reason you are so exhausted. Heck, I needed a nap 2 weeks post op just because I woke up that morning LOL!

I would try to give yourself more time. You could always go for a short walk to get some exercise. You need to listen to your body and allow yourself to heal properly so there are no complications. Rest and relax--believe me, the time will come soon enough when you need to kick in to high gear :-)!!

I was cleared at two weeks to exercise as long as I listened to my body-- so be sure to not push beyond what is comfortable.

It's perfectly natural to be fatigued after a hard exercise bout . Particularly if your calorie intake is low, as I assume yours is. AND-- if you are really low on carbs (your body's preferred source of energy for exercise), you will feel even more fatigued.

You said you haven't been active in a long while-- so aside from just the activity from your legs pedalling hard, your lungs are working harder, your heart is working harder- and I don't know where youlive, but here it was 85 degrees.. if its hot out, EVERYTHING works harder!

In addition- for your own safety- be sure to cool down with some easy activity after a hard effort like your fast bike ride. Your body needs a chance to reduce its hard working systems before you shut it down by sitting or stopping. Walk for 5-10 minutes to let your body systems come back to normal. This may help to reduce your fatigue as well (a little.) It's also *especially* important if you have any blood pressure issues.

My guess is that you just pushed it a little too hard today. Back off and try a more moderate speed. When that feels easy, go a little further OR a little harder (not both). Drink some Water then have a small snack. Napping is not a bad thing, IMO! :thumbup: Also, give your legs a little stretch.

2 weeks???? You need to take at least a month before you start trying to do a lot of activity. Everyone is different but I don't think its unusual for you to be tired. I was tired for the first 5 weeks! Let your body heal, it has been through trauma not to mention you are on far fewer calories than you are used to. Your body needs time to adjust, plus you have to get your head into it too :thumbup:.

I appreciate yalls comments but as I said in my first post...I was cleared to exercise....I was cleared to do anything except the 20 pound lifting for 2 more weeks. I was feeling like napping, but Im not sure if thats the "old habbits" or real. Before the pre op process and surgery itself, I would take a nap everyday. Sometimes because of depression, fatigue or boredom.

Now, I just feel like i have more energy, and I want to become active instead of sedentary. I am listening to my body and the bike ride ( during it ) just felt so good. I live in Florida where it is getting warmer. I will be better about pacing myself and cooling down....so thanks for that info.

I guess old habits die hard. The daily napping is not needed anymore, everyday, but yes sometimes it would be good for me to nap while still recovering.

If I keep active maybe I wont need my sleeping pills anymore...I would just be wore out and able to sleep...:thumbup:

Take Care,

Meg

I, too, was cleared for cardio immediately postop. I was permitted to walk or bike (or whatever) to my tolerance, with encouragement to push myself a little.

I was not cleared for weight lifting until after my 4-week check.

Meg, yes--it's very normal to get very tired, very quickly. You're incisions may be tiny, but your body has been through a lot.

Your endurance will increase with time.