Such low calories, such low energy

[24601 211]

I had my VSG 8 days ago. I was very active before surgery, and attribute that, at least partly, to my quick recovery. I knew I would not get a lot of calories from the time I started my liquid diet (3 days pre-op) and for weeks post-op. But it is really hitting me how little my body is getting! I struggle to get more than 200-300 calories a day, even with Protein drinks. The past couple days I have been feeling really weak! My doctor said I shouldn't be getting more than 500 calories/day for the first 2 months. I have 3 young children, a part-time job, and love being active, but I don't know how to do it all with such low energy. I am taking my Vitamins, drinking about 50 oz of Water, and getting in about 45 grams of Protein (That's all I can fit in my stomach at this point in recovery), and getting enough sleep. I just want to sit/lie down all day. How do you all do it?

[2goldengirl 2,076]

You had major surgey a week ago. Your body has one primary task right now: healing. You MUST allow your body time to heal! How active you were before surgery definitely helps in your recovery, but nothing takes the place of healing time. Most people don't feel "normal" in terms of energy for four to six weeks afterwards.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

You will get your energy back, you need to be patient.

The sooner you are able to reach your Protein target on a daily basis, the sooner you will feel better.

Be gentle with yourself and rest. You are healing from major surgery.

Focus on getting in all of your Protein and fluids, take your Vitamins and supplements as instructed, and exercise moderately (walking is great early out).

[JamieLogical 8,727]

The fatigue is a real issue the first few weeks. You are healing and recovering from major surgery, which obviously consumes a lot of energy, and you aren't getting many calories in. I promise you that it WILL get better. Once I was up around the 600-800 calorie mark once I was back on solid foods, I felt pretty human again. Once you can get up above 1000, you should be able to be active and work out intensely and still have energy to live your life.

[24601 211]

Thank you, all. I needed to hear this. I think I need to slow down. 3 days post op I walked a mile, part of it up a hill. The next day I was up early getting the family's breakfasts and lunches together, grocery shopping, doing dishes, etc. I basically returned from surgery on Sunday and picked up exactly where I left off on Monday. It is doing me in, and I need to keep in mind that even though my body isn't aching, it doesn't mean it has recovered. I went the route of hardly telling a soul about my surgery, and I am grateful for this forum and your supportive comments!

[JamieLogical 8,727]

Thank you, all. I needed to hear this. I think I need to slow down. 3 days post op I walked a mile, part of it up a hill. The next day I was up early getting the family's breakfasts and lunches together, grocery shopping, doing dishes, etc. I basically returned from surgery on Sunday and picked up exactly where I left off on Monday. It is doing me in, and I need to keep in mind that even though my body isn't aching, it doesn't mean it has recovered. I went the route of hardly telling a soul about my surgery, and I am grateful for this forum and your supportive comments!

Yeah, you should definitely slow down and take it easy. Walking is good, but maybe only do about 10 minutes at a time. I actually just did a lot of marching in place. I found it made sipping my Water easier.

My first couple days back at work (15 days post-op) I literally just went to bed as soon as I got home. You need to let yourself heal and recover. Being up and moving around is good, but you need to know your limits and not push yourself too far too fast.

[tmcx28 297]

I'm in a similar boat. I'm 4 days post-op and all I want to do is sleep. I'm really trying to get in my liquids and Protein but it's tough. I think yesterday I only got in one Protein shake (30 grams) and 30 oz of Water.

You hear about this phase before you have surgery but you don't REALLY know how to handle it until it's happening to you. This is much harder than I imagined!

[JamieLogical 8,727]

@@tmcx28 It gets much easier. It seems like forever at the time, but the difference between weeks one and three is night and day. The difference between moths one and three is unbelievable. Just hang in there. Focus on getting your Water, Protein, and walking in. And make sure you get the rest you need.

[glitter eyes 1,398]

Hang in there it gets easier as time passes. However, learn to listen to your body and if it's tired rest.

I took naps every day for the first month, sometimes several naps a day in the beginning. I got my energy back about the end of the fourth week. It just takes time.

The increased calories will happen as time passes and your stomach heals. Focus on your Protein intake and fluids and time will take care of the rest.

Be good to yourself- this is your time!! Good luck