one month One Month Post-Op and still feel BLAH.

[DebCat 18]

I'm a month post-op and was hoping to be doing some exercise by now. Instead, I'm really tired and just too weak to even get going.

I have struggled with dehydration and it's happened twice already. My bp meds were out of whack and my cardiologist just took me off one and cut the other one in half this week. I can feel a difference already. However, after just showering, dressing and going on one errand, I'm exhausted and come back home for sleep. Not just a nap either. It's like 4 or 5 hours of sleep. I'm sleeping 7-9 hours at night and it's pretty sound sleep.

I want to be able to exercise!!! My skin is already sagging and I feel so blah. I was much more active pre-op.

How much longer until I feel like I have the energy to do something?

I'm going out with friends for my first evening outing tomorrow. I know I will have to take a stupid nap before I go. Ugh! I have tickets for an R&B concert on 8/11 and I need to have some groove back.

Help?

[alliecat1095 128]

It does get better, remember you had major surgery, your body was and is going thru lots of changes. U r probably not getting all your Vitamins and not eating very much.

I had lots of trouble drinking Water for the first 9 months but I never stopped trying to drink fluids. I am now able to drink 6-8 cups of plain water or mixed with some kind of powder mix.

Start by walking and little by little you will get stronger. I used an app on my phone C25K to start walking jogging and then running.

Don't be so hard on yourself and your body is needing the rest..

[Catherine707 253]

I felt like crap at week 4 and was suffering from vertigo due to dehydration and low Protein / calorie intake. Everyone heals at different paces. I would read some of the posts on this site and get bummed that I wasn't walking a mile at week 4. Like you I could barely get anything accomplished each day. It got better for me each day and now at week 8 I am at about 95% of my stamina and energy.

I found that it was a delicate balance between fluids, Protein, exercise and calories. If any of those 4 things were out of whack, I would feel even worse the next day. I kept experimenting to see what combination helped me feel better and stronger. I'm not perfect every day, but if I get at least 50 ounces of Water, 70 grams of protein, 850 calories and a little bit of walking / movement, then I am assured of having a good day the following day. My weight loss accelerated when I figured out my "formula" as well. I'm down a total of 45 pounds and 28 since my surgery 8 weeks ago.

Hang in there it does get better and you should be able to enjoy your concert on 8/11 with a little advance planning!

[JP69 116]

It does get better, try just getting your protien down and Water or any liquid. I had days where one day I couldn't even fold laundry without feeling weak as hell, but the next day had more energy. Started to eat more cheese, yogurt and fish, overall just protien till my energy level picked up. Now 61/2 months later that feels like years ago. Hang in there, your body is in recovery, and everyone heals at different rates.

[DebCat 18]

Thanks y'all for the words of encouragement. I guess I am a bit impatient. I just want to start living NOW. Yesterday! But, I am probably being a bit unrealistic. I felt so good the first week post-op besides hunger. I had it on a Monday, home by Wednesday and didn't need any pain meds after Tuesday. By Friday, I was out weeding the garden and trimming bushes. I thought it was going to be a matter of increases in energy. Was I wrong!

I've upped my Protein to average around 65g per day this week. My Water is a minimum of 64 oz daily now too. Calories are between 500-600.

In my mind, I'm swimming laps, going for a run, doing yoga and riding horses. The skinny b***h inside me is harassing me! I guess she will have to simmer down until after I can, at least, catch up on my laundry.

[tigerbelle 328]

I know how you feel, and you've got some great advice so far...I concur with the other posts...I am two months out and still having low energy levels...I too struggle with the balance of calories, Fluid, and protein...most days after work I can just barely get in a 20-minute walk...I think we all just have to do the best we can and realize we are going through major lifestyle changes as well as surgery recovery...hang in there!

[relax#3 7]

I hope things start getting better for you soon

I struggled with dehydration until I started freezing premade chocolate Protein drinks into fudgecycles. I ended up using diabetic boost because it was the only one that didnt make me want to puke lol. I know it isnt the best out of all the drinks but it was all I could handle. I even had a few of my daughters pedialyte freezies a couple times when I knew I wasnt getting enough in - just to make sure I wasnt going to end up in the hospital. Good luck and feel better soon!