post-op Tips for Post-op Energy during recovery?

[gamergirl 4,609]

It's 15 days today I think. I'm getting between 500-600 cals via full liquids, at least 80 gms of Protein, less than 50 of carbs, and drinking my Water. I'm taking Vitamins, Fiber, b-complex, omega-3. No pain, no complications, feeling lucky. Down 20 lbs, feeling incredulous about that. Just finished my cycle today, so apparently all is well with my innards.

And I am still SO tired. I thought by two weeks, I'd be up and about and at 'em! But I'm not able to do much without needing breaks. I am taking meetings lying in bed and after two, I'm tired. I'm used to 60 hour weeks, and now I couldn't be bothered to schedule meetings this week. Don't feel up to working which is weird. Can't focus on reading anything substantive so reading light novels, which is not normal.

All I do is lie around and read forum posts and occasionally get up and try to cook something, clean house a bit, or ride my stationary cycle for 10 minutes. THIS IS NOT THE REAL ME!

Is this "normal"? I need to be back to fighting speed next Monday. I can't be lying around in week 3--surely I won't need to, right?

More importantly what did you do during post-op recovery to get some energy into you?

[TwinsMama 483]

My Dr had me start b-12 (I take either liquid or the dissolving tablets) once a day. If I take it in the AM, I'm good literally all day.

I can certainly tell the days I miss my dose.

[gamergirl 4,609]

My Dr had me start b-12 (I take either liquid or the dissolving tablets) once a day. If I take it in the AM, I'm good literally all day.

I can certainly tell the days I miss my dose.

My b-complex gummies have 500% the RDA. You'd think that should work equally well, right?

[Skinny in Here 83]

It's 15 days today I think. I'm getting between 500-600 cals via full liquids' date=' at least 80 gms of Protein, less than 50 of carbs, and drinking my Water. I'm taking Vitamins, Fiber, b-complex, omega-3. No pain, no complications, feeling lucky. Down 20 lbs, feeling incredulous about that. Just finished my cycle today, so apparently all is well with my innards.

And I am still SO tired. I thought by two weeks, I'd be up and about and at 'em! But I'm not able to do much without needing breaks. I am taking meetings lying in bed and after two, I'm tired. I'm used to 60 hour weeks, and now I couldn't be bothered to schedule meetings this week. Don't feel up to working which is weird. Can't focus on reading anything substantive so reading light novels, which is not normal.

All I do is lie around and read forum posts and occasionally get up and try to cook something, clean house a bit, or ride my stationary cycle for 10 minutes. THIS IS NOT THE REAL ME!

Is this "normal"? I need to be back to fighting speed next Monday. I can't be lying around in week 3--surely I won't need to, right?

More importantly what did you do during post-op recovery to get some energy into you?[/quote']

I'm with you on he tired bit. I was sleeved Aug. 5th, no complications just lack of energy. My NUT said to add some apple juice. I can't tell that it's helping. I'm blaming my lack of energy partially on my age, I don't think the 50+ group bounces back as quickly as the youngsters! I lost 6 pounds pre-op and have lost 4 post-op, not exactly setting any records, but not up to exercising yet. It will get better, I'm counting on it.

[DeezJeanz 1,065]

My b-complex gummies have 500% the RDA. You'd think that should work equally well' date=' right?[/quote']

Hi. I'm not sleeved yet but I bought all my recommended vit. In saying that, my nut Said that gummies are a no no, she said and I quote, "the do not work". I didn't ask y bc they have the ones sublingual. But she and the nurses were adamant about not using them. So y not try the other ones Nd see if it makes a difference. What do u have to lose:) gl

[gamergirl 4,609]

Hi. I'm not sleeved yet but I bought all my recommended vit. In saying that' date=' my nut Said that gummies are a no no, she said and I quote, "the do not work". I didn't ask y bc they have the ones sublingual. But she and the nurses were adamant about not using them. So y not try the other ones Nd see if it makes a difference. What do u have to lose:) gl[/quote']

Really? Well all right them, I'll try the sublingual b-12 and see if I do better. Thank you!

[gamergirl 4,609]

I'm with you on he tired bit. I was sleeved Aug. 5th' date=' no complications just lack of energy. My NUT said to add some apple juice. I can't tell that it's helping. I'm blaming my lack of energy partially on my age, I don't think the 50+ group bounces back as quickly as the youngsters! I lost 6 pounds pre-op and have lost 4 post-op, not exactly setting any records, but not up to exercising yet. It will get better, I'm counting on it.[/quote']

Oh I'm feeling every one of my 47 years today for sure. Glad it's not just me, but sure hope you feel better soon too.

[Chelenka 827]

Try going outside and walk around for 10-20 minutes. Get fresh air and some sunshine. Can't say this will make your bounce back immediately but might give you a lift for a while. I think you have to accept your body's rate of healing. It takes time to fully recover and get your energy back. You just had major surgery. Everyone's rate of recovery is different.

pre-surgery weight 325; surgery date 2/28/2013; surgery weight 307; 8 weeks past-op weight 281.4; 12 weeks post-op 274; 4 month post-op 266.2; 5 month post-op 262.6

[jenlen 58]

Hi gamergirl,

I am a little bit younger but not much and I can tell you that energy was a real issue for the first 6 weeks. I was not getting a lot of calories but I would start off feeling great first thing in the morning and then sputter out very fast with any activity. I believe that it improved once I was able to raise my daily cals to 800. It also just takes some time to heal and adjust to the low cal intake.

[Barbarah 18]

At my first follow up visit, I complained to my doctor about my lack of energy. He said it was because I was not moving enough ( he kind of scolded me about it). The more you lay around the less energy you will have. I thought I was recovering waiting to get better. Who knew? I started exercising more and , I hate to admit it, but he was right. I felt better right away. I'm 3 months post op now and I find on the days I exercise I feel better and the scale moves too! I hope you feel better soon.

[lsereno 2,525]

It's 15 days today I think. I'm getting between 500-600 cals via full liquids' date=' at least 80 gms of Protein, less than 50 of carbs, and drinking my Water. I'm taking Vitamins, Fiber, b-complex, omega-3. No pain, no complications, feeling lucky. Down 20 lbs, feeling incredulous about that. Just finished my cycle today, so apparently all is well with my innards.

And I am still SO tired. I thought by two weeks, I'd be up and about and at 'em! But I'm not able to do much without needing breaks. I am taking meetings lying in bed and after two, I'm tired. I'm used to 60 hour weeks, and now I couldn't be bothered to schedule meetings this week. Don't feel up to working which is weird. Can't focus on reading anything substantive so reading light novels, which is not normal.

All I do is lie around and read forum posts and occasionally get up and try to cook something, clean house a bit, or ride my stationary cycle for 10 minutes. THIS IS NOT THE REAL ME!

Is this "normal"? I need to be back to fighting speed next Monday. I can't be lying around in week 3--surely I won't need to, right?

More importantly what did you do during post-op recovery to get some energy into you?[/quote']

I was pooped longer than most and didn't feel fully energetic again till after month 4. Everyone is different. I do agree about the sublingual B12 another person mentioned. That and add a little more exercise. It will help your body recover and finish healing. Other that that, you are already doing great on fluids and intake. Give yourself permission to be pooped for a little while longer. It will pass!!

Lynda

[TwinsMama 483]

Hi. I'm not sleeved yet but I bought all my recommended vit. In saying that, my nut Said that gummies are a no no, she said and I quote, "the do not work". I didn't ask y bc they have the ones sublingual. But she and the nurses were adamant about not using them. So y not try the other ones Nd see if it makes a difference. What do u have to lose:) gl

My Nut/Dr said the same thing. Post-op we don't hold on long enough to food long enough to dissolve the gummies. In fact, I was told no gummies every for Vitamins because the length to break them down even years out tends to be much longer than other types of food/vit.

Edit: don't hold on to food long enough...no gummies ever

Apparently I'm losing my mind today.

[cejiogu 182]

I took 8 weeks off from work because of this issue. It goes day to day in the first 6 weeks. By 8 weeks out I leveled off and had back a lot of my old energy and some new because of the weight loss! I am about your age so I am speaking from the over 40 view point. I am an RN so I have a job that takes lots of energy. I can see you working but YOU NEED TO GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO HEAL! Work will always be there. You had surgery! Repeat you had surgery. Cut yourself a period of time to rest. All said by a healthcare professional that just wants you to help yourself.

[gamergirl 4,609]

My Nut/Dr said the same thing. Post-op we don't hold on long enough to food long enough to dissolve the gummies. In fact' date=' I was told no gummies every for Vitamins because the length to break them down even years out tends to be much longer than other types of food/vit.

Edit: don't hold on to food long enough...no gummies ever

Apparently I'm losing my mind today.[/quote']

This was new news to me and of course I'm finding this out just as I stocked up with all kinds of gummies! I'm wondering what you take instead?

Also noticed the gummies are blowing my carb limits anyway so I guess back to the drawing board

[cindymg 629]

This was new news to me and of course I'm finding this out just as I stocked up with all kinds of gummies! I'm wondering what you take instead?

Also noticed the gummies are blowing my carb limits anyway so I guess back to the drawing board

For Vitamins, I ordered Bariatric Advantage chewable Multi Vitamins, sublingual B12, Biotin capsules and Calcium chews (the caramel flavor-- yum!). They are all sugar-free. Vit D, E I get from Whole Foods. Fish Oil is Coromega gel packs (from GNC). Are you taking Iron? Ferosol is a plant-based Iron that is non-constipating and easy to swallow. I take it every 3 days.

As far as energy returning, it was in my 3rd week that I started to feel human. My first real exercise walk (not just the wandering around a mall walk), I thought might kill me. But I kept thinking to myself the Abraham Lincoln quote, "most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be." I decided I was never going to feel better until I MADE MYSELF FEEL BETTER. That first walk led to another and another, and now I am 3 months out, down 52 lbs and walking 4.5 miles 3-4 times a week.

I will confess to a nap or two here or there, mostly because I overdo it. But my energy level is fantastic!

Also when you get back on solid foods I think you'll see a big improvement. At week 4 I was supposed to start purée, but I couldn't stand the texture. So I talked to my nutritionist and since I had never had any complications, nausea or vomiting, I was cleared to start on soft foods. Maybe that is a possibility for you too?

By the way, I'm 59. Before my surgery I felt more like 79. Now I feel more like 29! Amazing!

Feel better!