Is it normal post-op to be tired after exercise?

[deedee 5]

This morning I attended my first jazzercise class in over 14 months. I didn't (couldn't) do any of the routines full out, but I worked up a great sweat and had some heavy breathing going on. I then went out for lunch and had some scrambled eggs, on the way home I laid the seat back some and just felt so exhausted. I even sat in the car when we first got home because I was so tired.

I used to jazzercise and dance 4-6 times per week and remember I always felt so energized. Even had some trouble falling asleep if I had taken a couple of weeks off because my body would feel so energized and was not used to it. So I guess my question is, is the tiredness a normal thing for some people after they exercise? I've taken all my Vitamins (except Calcium, which I have to take later). Did I do too much maybe? Thanks for any insight you might have.

[Tiffykins 672]

I get worn out very easily. I'm not sure if it's lack of calories, or just that my body is not used to a lot of activity. I was restricted for so long, and now being released, I think I try to do too much too fast. I get all "gung ho" and then afterwards, I am so exhausted.

[cajun 46]

After surgery and anesthesia it is normal to take some time to get energy back, and on top of that you are eating less ...so there is less fuel available for energy. So I'd expect some unusual fatigue, even without exercising.

[Malaika 50]

I am almost 3 months out and JUST in the last couple of weeks do I feel as though my energy level is (almost) back to normal -- there were times when it was all I could do to stay awake until 9 and then had to force myself to get up at 6 (and I used to go to bed at midnight and be up at 5:30) ... I literally could (and did) fall asleep sitting up -- I think it is normal - you've been thorugh major surgery and your body needs time to adjust, plus you're taking in less calories, so less energy reserve.

[learned2bskinny 81]

I'm so glad you asked that question. I'm 7 weeks post op and I can barely do 5 minutes on my elliptical. I've been thinking about starting Jazzercise. I know I need to exercise but I'm always so tired. I guess I should just do what I can handle and eventually my body will work out the kinks, right?

[deedee 5]

Thank you for the replies. I guess this is normal for me right now, so I'll just have to deal and do the best I can. I'm still planning on continuing with Jazzercise, and this Thursday night will be my first dance class in over 4 years. I don't start my Water running class until the end of the month, so hopefully by then I'll have a bit more energy. I'm thinking if I can do better with my Protein intake each day, that might help.

Thanks again, it's nice to know that others are in a similar place and I don't have something seriously wrong.

[Jachut 487]

I know its what docs recommend but I am baffled by the requirement for 800 calories a day or so - I run for an hour daily and I need to eat about 1800 yes 1800 to maintain my weight and have the energy to perform well at it - AND I need to eat carbs like wholegrain bread etc or I just cant function. I also lost weight steadily and well on 1500 a day right down to a bmi of 21.

I'd say when you're eating that little, its entirely normal, absolutely normal, to be exhausted after any physical exertion.

But its not insurmountable. As you get fitter, you'll be able to do it more easily.

[MacMadame 81]

When I started working out more, my surgeon had me up my Protein from 70-90 g a day to 100 g and that gave me a ton of energy.

However, it's normal to be tired in the first month or so after surgery pretty much no matter what you eat. Your body is healing and just walking around the block can sometimes be exhausting.