I Already Feel Weak....

[mendymayhem 52]

So my pre op visit is next week, and surgery is 10/22. I've been doing mostly Protein Shakes for the last few days. Maybe 1000 calories per day. I feel exhausted and kind of weak. My question is this.....will this be how it is after surgery when calories are even less or does the procedure eliminate the body's "need" for more ?

I am taking Vitamins and Vitamin D. thanks.....

[kimbernada 190]

I haven't noticed any weakness from my calorie intake. After the first couple of weeks, I was able to get in around 600 calories a day. Now my goal is 900 calories and about 80-100 grams of Protein. I have to supplement with Protein Shakes to get in THAT much though - kind of hard when you really can only eat about 1/4 - 1/2 cup of food at one sitting.

[sleevin scotty 43]

Hi, i had my sleeve done last week on thursday. i am very weak. i am finding it a challenge to even get 200 calories in a day. to get your intake of 64 ounces a day you need to drink 1 oz every fifteen minutes for 16 hours. harder than it sounds....if i cant get more Fluid down, ill have to get an IV. days are getting challenging i almost need to cry just because i know, theres no going back.

[mkb805 2]

I havent been feeling good either. Since I started the pre op diet all I want to do is sleep. I have no energy. Get headaches and feel nauseous.

[hjtj112 45]

Scoty I haven't had the sleeve yet but I have been reading allot...Get those fluids in..very important..add protein..and if you need to cry,then cry wipe you face and go drink more water..You can do this...take a deep breath and relax...

[IrishEyes 59]

You all can do this!! We are doing it together!! I am on 3rd wk postop and have had my challenges but it gets better. The KEY is 60-80 oz of Fluid and approx 80g of Protein. liquid multi Vitamins from Walgreens (the complete & keep it chilled) 2x a day will help too.

For preops, I was tired too preop, like a drained feeling. Postop its a different kinda tired. In the beginning, the healing process drains you in a different way. The crucial aspect first and foremost is hydration!!! Focus on your fluids. When you are doing well with that then incorporate the Protein goal. Dehydration can show as nausea, so whatever you have to do, get in the fluids. Use Water, Crystal Light in your Water, broth.. whatever it takes.

You all can do this!!! Hang in there... It DOES get better...

[enigmachik 403]

I felt weak for the first couple of weeks after surgery. After that I was fine!

[sleevin scotty 43]

its been a few more days. i still walk to the mailbox down the street but now im getting lightheaded. i am barely getting 64oz in. my Protein is low too im only getting about 30-50 from my shake. i feel like if my wife didnt push me id just stop drinking all together. thanks for the support, im feeling down about not getting to eat, and its really tougher than i thought.

[kimbernada 190]

Are you also counting the fluids in what you are drinking for Protein? Are you able to eat sugar free popsicles? That's another good way of getting more fluids.

Just keep reminding yourself that this IS worth it. You'll be able to start eating shortly. Actually, I have heard some people correlate this with childbirth -- it's really tough at first but it is all worth it.

Maybe you should call your surgeon's office tomorrow to see if they think you should go in for a saline IV. Dizziness or feeling lightheaded are symptoms of dehydration.

[Nettle 3]

I was sleeved on July 2nd. I was very weak for weeks and wasn't getting enough fluids. Your stomach will eventually go down in swelling and relax and it will get easier to get all the fluids and Protein down. Just hang in there and keep with it. After a few weeks, you'll have an initial weight loss and have increased your intake enough, and your body will level out and you'll have energy.

[happilysleeved 114]

I'm three weeks post op, hang in there! Have you tried other sources to get in your liquids and Protein? The first thing I still drink in the morning while I'm getting ready for work is 8 oz of Isopure, liquid and protein Gatorade type drink. Also, try a bouillon cube in Water, when I was just sleeved the warmth and taste went down easy, I would put some Unjury chicken flavor protein on it. I take Celebrate Multivitamin and also a sublingual B-12 and I really think that helps with energy! Good Luck!

[It's all new 453]

That preop diet is hell. Once I had surgery the first month was still a difficult transition, figuring out how to get in fluids and Protein, getting enough calories... I still had periods of weakness and dizziness. After that first month my body adjusted and I have had plenty of energy with 600-700 calories. You CAN do this!!

[momto3girls 61]

This is all so good to read. Tomorrow is 3 weeks for me and this third week of recovery has been hell on Earth I tell you. I was starting to feel better last week and then the burning, bad taste in my mouth, and spiky, stabbing pain from my breastbone through to my back started. Being awakened every night, several times a night with it. Called MD and they put me on Pepcid AC 4 times/day which is doing absolutely nothing for me. Tomorrow (it has been a week since I started that mess) I will call them again (I feel like the most annoying patient) and see which to try next Prilosec or Prevacid. Both are extended release which I thought was a "no-no" after surgery. And today wow, it is 6:15pm and I have only had maybe 20 oz of Water all day and one 4oz container of cottage cheese and a few bites of refried Beans. My stomach hurts, I have had nasty diarrhea, and I just cannot put anything more down me. I have been gagging and nauseous as well. It seems like I am going in reverse. I am wondering if others have experienced this. I felt so much better last week. Is this like a second stage of healing or something? Still 100% regretful after 3 weeks.....and so sad (and tired of crying).

[Rainhaiter 10]

Hi' date=' i had my sleeve done last week on thursday. i am very weak. i am finding it a challenge to even get 200 calories in a day. to get your intake of 64 ounces a day you need to drink 1 oz every fifteen minutes for 16 hours. harder than it sounds....if i cant get more Fluid down, ill have to get an IV. days are getting challenging i almost need to cry just because i know, theres no going back.[/quote']

It's only been three days. I am almost four weeks out. I was very week the first two weeks and then things got better. I cried the first two weeks, so don't be hard on yourself. Give yourself some time to get used to your new you. Try to get the fluids in as best you can. Same with the Protein. Things will get better.

[Rainhaiter 10]

This is all so good to read. Tomorrow is 3 weeks for me and this third week of recovery has been hell on Earth I tell you. I was starting to feel better last week and then the burning' date=' bad taste in my mouth, and spiky, stabbing pain from my breastbone through to my back started. Being awakened every night, several times a night with it. Called MD and they put me on Pepcid AC 4 times/day which is doing absolutely nothing for me. Tomorrow (it has been a week since I started that mess) I will call them again (I feel like the most annoying patient) and see which to try next Prilosec or Prevacid. Both are extended release which I thought was a "no-no" after surgery. And today wow, it is 6:15pm and I have only had maybe 20 oz of Water all day and one 4oz container of cottage cheese and a few bites of refried Beans. My stomach hurts, I have had nasty diarrhea, and I just cannot put anything more down me. I have been gagging and nauseous as well. It seems like I am going in reverse. I am wondering if others have experienced this. I felt so much better last week. Is this like a second stage of healing or something? Still 100% regretful after 3 weeks.....and so sad (and tired of crying).[/quote']

Momto3 girls: I feel so bad for you. I think you need to go in and see the doctor tomorrow! Do you still have your gallbladder? Maybe this is a attack.

I had diarrhea for the first two weeks. Once I started eating a little food my bathroom habits improved.

You really need to call your doctor. You might need an IV.

Let us know how it goes and hang in there. We are there for you...