Hi all, I'm new to the site and this is my 4th day post-band. I'm super excited about my life-long journey, but in the immediate sense I'm HUNGRY and completely wiped out. My husband's looking at me like I'm crazy and says "You just had surgery Thursday!" but I thought I'd be a little more energetic by now. I'm no stranger to surgeries so I thought I'd bounce back within a day or two. Unrealistic? I'm walking around the house, doing some light chores, etc but yesterday my 6 yr-old and I ran to Kohl's and I was exhausted when I got home. I'm assuming this is all normal, although everyone is different? Not sure if the lack of energy is due to surgery alone, or combination of surgery plus less calories? So far my first 4 days have included 2-3 protein shakes per day, chicken & vegetable broth, protein & Vitamin waters, and a little jello. Any post-op strategies to keep the hunger at bay and get some pep back, or am I expecting too much too fast? My Dr said recovery time is typically 5-7 days, but on this 4th day I still feel sleepy and energy-drained almost as much as Day 1. Veteran Banders, any advice?

You're doing really great. 4 days I still wasn't driving, let alone out and shopping. Day 9 I went outlet mall shopping and had to take a break and rest in the car.

Every doctor has a different protocol post-op so it's difficult to advise you without knowing what type of foods you're allowed to eat? You're probably taking in fewer carbs so you may feel a little weak till you can balance your diet with a variety of foods.

Give yourself a break! You just had a significant surgery and it will take a week or so before you are back to yourself. I took a week off work and found myself taking daily naps! The days I pushed myself too far, I paid for it the next couple of days. Everyone heals differently and each surgery is different. Relax and recuperate, get caught up on some good books or movies.

Thank you guys for the reassurance - my plan was to return to work tomorrow but after 4 days I'm still wiped out. Pain is MUCH better today and I'm only taking Tylenol (the Hydrocodone makes me feel too funky!) but it's the sheer lack of energy. Had the hietal hernia repaired with the lap band Thursday - does that affect recovery too, or not really?

Thank you guys for the reassurance - my plan was to return to work tomorrow but after 4 days I'm still wiped out. Pain is MUCH better today and I'm only taking Tylenol (the Hydrocodone makes me feel too funky!) but it's the sheer lack of energy. Had the hietal hernia repaired with the lap band Thursday - does that affect recovery too' date=' or not really?[/quote']i

I'm two weeks post op, started feeling better after a week but am still unable to bend to my left without a sharp pain. I feel like my energy level is low too, am exhausted by 8pm and I think that's just due to my lower calorie and carb intake, on the good side am 12 lbs down and thrilled! Take your Vitamins, they help!