Hello friends,

I am 14 days post op and extremely tired. Some people say it's just my body responding to anesthesia/surgery/etc and some blame it on not enough protein. I do have a h*ck of a time getting protein in. I spent five days preop drinking protein shakes and now 14 days postop. I have been eating other stuff too. Like soup broths, SF jello, SF freezies and cream soups. Quite frankly I am sick of protein shakes. I used to like them but now....blech...they even leave a funky taste in my mouth. I'm lucky if I can get one in during the day. Perhaps I've had some tastebud changes due to ketosis or whatever. I have lost, what I think is, significant weight. 23lbs. Although I haven't lost in two days...but I'm not worried about that. I am very worried and bothered by not having energy and want to know everyone's opinion on this situation. Is this fatigue from my body healing, or not enough protein or both?

Here is my recipe for a fruit smoothie. You can add a half of a scoop of UN-flavored protein powder without it affecting the taste much at all. You can get the fruit prepackaged in the frozen section of the grocery store. You can make your own portion size bags also. Get the frozen whole strawberries and fresh bananas. Peel and cut the bananas in half then cut the halves into slices. Mix your strawberries and 1/2 banana in your portion size freezer bags and you are ready to freeze. To make your smoothie, just put the frozen fruit into your blender and cover with apple juice. No need for ice because the fruit is frozen. If you add some Rum you have an awesome Frozen Daiquiri too just leave out the protein powder :-)

Are you ready for the next food stage? How about trying some soft cheese or cottage cheese in the blender? I also bought some flavored greek yogurt and sugar free yogurts. I feel better now that I'm getting "real food" in. I was also feeling pretty tired too.....

Hope you feel better soon!

I'm 13 days post of and I've never been so exhausted in my whole life. I'm only gettinga about 400 calories and maybe 20-25 grams of protein. It's getting a little better and cottage cheese is my new best friend.

Thanks ladies for your suggestions and support!

bikerchick, I'm a biker too, I can't wait to ride next summer with a new riding jacket. Previously, I couldn't find one that was stylish and fit my wide midsection. But next year.....I will have all the choices in the world. These are the things I try to focus on when I start to get feeling low about having no energy right now. I contacted my nurse from MX and she said I really need to get at least 70g protein every day and have my labs checked by my local doctor. However, I am in total agreement...this is the most fatigue I have ever felt!

Stay in touch!

I am 11 days out and I'm hardly getting in any protein. I tried a shake I loved prior to surgery, but now...it is awful!. I have tasteless unjury and I put a little in my broth and applesauce, but that's not much. I tried a powered shake and it comes across as being very thick.....which also turns me off. I know it's only almost 2 weeks, but I am feeling a little week, so I know I've got to figure this out. Perhaps during my week 3 once I can have eggs, all will be right with the world. I'm also looking forward to having grits with a little unjury added. Like I keep saying, this is really a process. Blessings2u--bj

I had to do the Protein shakes, 3 of them daily, for 2 weeks prior to surgery. I was sleeved on 11/18 and am sick and tired of them - I liked them before. My taste has changed quite a bit since last Friday. What makes it easier for me is to start the day with a Protein shake, 30g, so I at least have one of them out of the way. Also, a BIG help was going to Jamba juice and ordering a shake with 2 scoops of whey protein, 24g. I concentrate on the protein before the Water, since so much of it has lots of water in them anyway.

I'm a newbie compared to you, but do feel your dislike for these darn boring shakes.

I'm 11 days post op and I was having a hard time with my protein. My new best friend is SF hot chocolate mixed with one scoop of unflavored protein powder. I mix it all up in my shaker and then heat it up in the microwave. I use a little extra water to cut down on the richness of it.

I am so glad to have all of your support! Thank you.

Over the weekend I decided to tried ground meats and chew them REALLY good. SUCCESS!! I can eat about 2 oz of meat so that helps with Protein intake. I might actually get all my protein in today!! I'm using one your suggestions...starting the day with a shake(11g proteins). Then I'm eating a meat at my next meal(13g). Sipping Herbalife Beverage Drink mix throughout the day(15g protein). With other meat protein based meals. My fatigue is so bad that I feel intense urgency to figure out how to work in the protein/calories each day. I hate feeling so wiped out! I may need to take a day or two off of work just to rest up. I'm one of those people who don't miss much work. I had surgery on a Wednesday and went back to work on that Monday. So maybe I just haven't given my body enough time to heal. Us nurses sometimes are the most non compliant patients. LOL