Running on empty

[lucygoose 0]

Today I am 15 days post op and going into my second week of full liquids. I have not had one complication and to date have lost 20 pounds. I do feel hungry ALOT but I read that is pretty normal. However, as of a few days ago I feel like I am running on empty. MY energy level is getting to be a big fat ZERO. By 6pm I feel like I have to either lie down or fall down. I am getting plenty of Water and Protein, taking multi-vitamins but my body feels like it is screaming for nutrition. Someone please tell me this is temporary and in my soft food stage it will get better!

[Malaika 50]

Lucy - it is temporary and it will get better ... that was my only complaint after surgery and going back to work - by the time I hit the door at 5:30 pm, I was ready for bed ... most times I was in bed by 8:30 or 9:00. You should gradually start to get your energy level back once you are on mushies - and not feel as hungry - and then once you move out of the mushie stage to "normal" food, the energy level begins to come back. I think it is another way your body is adjusting to the shock of surgery. Hang in there, this too shall pass - HONEST!

[rcarter76 0]

Lucygoose,

I am too 15 days out, and have been feeling the same way. It is because our bodies are working hard to metabolize the fat while working off minimal caloric intake. My doc put me on B12 tablets that melt under your tongue. It seems to help a lot. Take your Vitamins and it helps you feel better. Until your body completely adjusts you will need more rest than usual.

Great loss. I have lost 32 lbs in a month (pre-op included!) and I am super happy with that. Can't wait to see the clothes sizes start to drop!

Keep up the good work!

[Tracy46545 6]

Remember that a balanced amount of HEALTHY carbs are vital for our good health.

What could you add in that wouldn't:

spike your blood sugar

slow your weight loss

set off cravings

be junk carbs with no nutritional value

Try adding a V-8 or some other vegetable juice. Vegetables have healthy carbs for energy.

[Jolanda 23]

It'll pass: I remember that phase very well as I only had the operation in October. I must have slept for 12-14 hours a day at one point. I took it as recuperating from the operation: it's still a big surgery and your body needs time to heal.

But it does pass, for me at least one month past surgery I started to feel really energetic and now, two months almost, it's still like that in spite of eating approximately 7-900 calories a day. I think it's because the weight is dropping off so fast that moving becomes easier by the day, it counterbalances any other fatigue. And of course the human body is amazing and adjusts to different diets.

[Nanna509 1]

It will definately get better. I felt exhausted for the first two months. Now I'm about 4 1/2 months out and my energy level is amazing. Hang in there!

[cajun 46]

Nap when you need to. Sip lots of clear liquids...dehydration can make you feel really tired.