When will my energy return?

[iwillbeachitagain 7]

I am 24 days post op and still feeling very fatigued and achy. Since the beginning of this process (end of November) I have lost 43 pounds which is fantastic! But, I thought this weight loss success would make me feel better and more energetic. I am not able to eat much, two quarter size meatballs in Tomato sauce and a quarter of a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese (for example), in one sitting; but I am trying very hard to get at least 40 grams of Protein in each day by supplementing with Protein shakes. Also, when I do eat, I get a very uncomfortable feeling in the base of my sternum (area). Almost like I have swallowed glass. This sensation makes me want to avoid food all together! This is my only source of support, so I really appreciate any feedback.

Also, to be honest, I think I am mourning the loss of three of my favorite things: nutritious food, coffee and red wine. Life seems so dull - especially when I don't have any energy. Blah.

One last question... as I progress on this journey, how do I update my stats?

[Christinamo7 4,041]

up in the right corner where your name is you can adjust your statistics.

I hope you are having follow up with your surgeon, they need to know you're having that kind of discomfort.

[Barry W 336]

I am 24 days post op ...when I do eat, I get a very uncomfortable feeling in the base of my sternum (area). Almost like I have swallowed glass. This sensation makes me want to avoid food all together!

I am not qualified to know what's within the range of normal or not, but this doesn't sounds good. I am with Christinamo7 - don't hesitate to contact your surgeon or your program nurse to bring forward concerns like this and ask if this is normal or if you need additional followup. You have to watch out for yourself.

[jpballerina 26]

Oh wow! Just 40 grams of Protein? No wonder you're tired! You should be shooting for about 90 grams a day. It's hard, but get it in. You will feel so much better!! There are flavorless Protein powders that you can add to your food to help get your protein too. I use protein "shots" (3.5 oz) called New whey liquid Protein. Gross, I'm warning you, but it's a small enough amount that I just take it. 40 grams in those 3.5 oz.

As for the pain, I agree to ask your Dr. I still have discomfort, and it hurts a little, but certainly not like glass. Good luck and GET THAT PROTEIN!

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I am 24 days post op and still feeling very fatigued and achy. Since the beginning of this process (end of November) I have lost 43 pounds which is fantastic! But, I thought this weight loss success would make me feel better and more energetic. I am not able to eat much, two quarter size meatballs in Tomato sauce and a quarter of a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese (for example), in one sitting; but I am trying very hard to get at least 40 grams of Protein in each day by supplementing with Protein shakes. Also, when I do eat, I get a very uncomfortable feeling in the base of my sternum (area). Almost like I have swallowed glass. This sensation makes me want to avoid food all together! This is my only source of support, so I really appreciate any feedback.

Also, to be honest, I think I am mourning the loss of three of my favorite things: nutritious food, coffee and red wine. Life seems so dull - especially when I don't have any energy. Blah.

One last question... as I progress on this journey, how do I update my stats?

Of course you are tired, you are starving to death. You need to be getting at least twice as much protein as you are, DAILY. What is your protein target? Mine is 100 grams a day.

As to the pain you are experiencing, you definitely need to talk to your surgeon. Are you chewing thoroughly and eating slowly?

As to the wine and coffee, be careful with transfer addiction. Do you have a counselor or therapist you can talk to? Do you attend support group meetings?

[glitter eyes 1,398]

I had that feeling in my upper chest/sternum area too early on post op. I used to say it felt like finely ground glass. It got better for me as time went on. Also, my restriction the first two or three months was very small. I did eat food but had to chew very well and take tiny tiny bites. I wasn't able to get all my Protein in with just food for several months so I made sure to sip on Protein Shakes and add Protein Powder to my yogurt, Soups, etc.

I was tired for about the first four weeks and needed naps each day. About week five I started feeling more energetic.

Try upping your protein and see if that helps- even if you have to drink protein shakes. If you haven't found one you like keep experimenting. It's like this surgery is one big experiment to see what you like and what your body likes.

Hang in there!! Good luck

[_Kate_ 2,224]

You have just been through a massive operation and its going to take time to recover. Some people state they are back at work a few days after the surgery and feel normal however I wouldn't say that was the norm. It was 6 weeks before I felt my energy was anywhere back to normal and even then if I over did it, I would be in bed at 8pm.

40 oz of Protein is very low even at 3 weeks post surgery. Try upping the Protein and resting when you feel you need to. Keep up with fluids too!

Congrats on the surgery!!