No energy, five days out

[skinnyjeansatlast 50]

First of all, barely five days out, i am so grateful for this forum and for all of your help and perspective.

I had my surgery on August 23. I have not yet managed significant walking or real exercise, and am becoming concerned whether i am getting enough Protein. liquid intake has definitely improved.

All of a sudden, this morning my energy level dropped to zero. I am totally exhausted from showering and trying to put myself together. I plan on enlisting a nutritionist on Monday to work with me, but as a type A entrepreneur who is used to just getting things done, I am shocked at how weak and overwhelmed I feel today.

Does anyone have hints, tips or suggestions?

Thank you, as always.

[wolfylove 25]

nutritionist is a good idea, I was tired for the first 1 1/2 weeks one day I would have energy and the next I was exhausted.

My nutritionist goes by my weight I was on all Protein drinks for 2 weeks post surgery I had to drink 100 grams of Protein she suggested that my Protein powder had 23 gm of protein so she told my to mix 1 1/2 scoops with one cup of low fat almond milk 3 times a day. I used Quest it is very thick and took me a while to get down but very tasty. When I started work I needed something that would not take me 45 min to eat so I bout Premire shakes (not as good tasting) but they are not as thick. They have 30 grams of protein in each drink. Good luck

[skinnyjeansatlast 50]

Thank you. I like the Premier, but I understand that they are 30 grams for the whole premixed container. I was told 2-4 ounces twice a day, so that is actually not much Protein, no? Can I use the Isopure protein-boosted tea as liquids? They seem to have a lot of calories. Confused and feeling sooooo weak today.

[wolfylove 25]

I would double check with your surgeon to make sure you are taking in enough are you just doing Protein Drinks or are you eating.

[KristenLe 5,980]

Thank you. I like the Premier, but I understand that they are 30 grams for the whole premixed container. I was told 2-4 ounces twice a day, so that is actually not much Protein, no? Can I use the Isopure protein-boosted tea as liquids? They seem to have a lot of calories. Confused and feeling sooooo weak today.

My plan suggest 2-4ozs sipped over an hour - every hour. At 5 days out - continually sip fluids. It sounds as though you are probably dehydrated - a hot shower can make that worse. Try something with electrolytes and broth too. Good luck!

[ShelterDog64 2,364]

@@skinnyjeansatlast At 4 days out, you shouldn't even think about calories...there's no way you're going to be able to take in a significant number of calories so early on. On day four, for me, I was still taking liquid pain relievers and anti-emetics. I was still on Clear Liquids and trying to get as close to 64 oz of Fluid in as possible. I drank clear Isopure, broth and Water nearly constantly, and was able to get 48 oz most days. Isopure was my main source of Fluid AND Protein, and I'm convinced the reason I felt really good during that immediate post-op period is because I kept my Protein intake up. I was walking a mile a day and had little fatigue except the normal that's expected from anesthesia.

My advice is to make sure your fluid includes protein...use Isopure bottled RTD, add Protein Powder to your broth or use powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury chicken broth, try Syntrax nectar powders. In those first couple of weeks, your capacity is so limited that you've got to think very strategically about what you put in your stomach.

Hang in there, it gets better!!

[MissKay 329]

My energy was very, very low for the first 2 weeks post-op. I didn't start drinking anything with Protein powder until after 2 weeks out. I couldn't stand any of the shakes anymore after the pre-op liquid diet, I burned myself out on them and nearly gagged every time so I just had to stay away. Now I take about 6oz of a juice (no HFCS juice) and mix a scoop of GENEPRO (30mg protein) and drink that on the days I get lower Protein intake. I can definitely tell the difference on the days I get my protein levels up versus the ones that I get very little in. It's a balancing act and it takes time to master it.

I wouldn't worry about exercise or walking ability right now. I don't think I gained the desire for any of that until I was on pureed foods because then I was getting actual sustenance to energize me.

[skinnyjeansatlast 50]

This is an amazing group. I am so appreciative of all of your help. Thank you so much.