Back to work soon- tiredness?

[nikki1980 26]

Hi guys

I know the time varies where someone goes back to work a month, a week or even a few days after surgery. I am 2 weeks post op and go back to working night shifts on day 18 post op but I am so tired! I haven't even attempted to drive my car. I am having difficulty in getting the Water, Protein and now can have mushy food too. I had my first shopping outing today and I took my Protein shake and water with me taking sips regularly I was out for 5 hours and so drained out don't know how I will cope at work. My surgeon says I can not be cleared for Vitamins till 5 weeks post op so I am taking an oral B12 spray.

Sometimes I feel there aren't enough hours in the day!

Currently I am trying to fit in 2 litres of water, 80g of protein. sleeping very well 12 hours.

Any suggestions to alleviate the tiredness would be appreciated!

[Elode 8,093]

@@nikki1980 Why do they not allow Vitamins? I've never heard of that.

[Jovie62 135]

If you don't feel well enough don't go back to work you will just make it worse. I had to start chewable vitamins right away.

[Grateful_Love 114]

My doc said no Vitamins til my follow up appointment two weeks later just in case the chewed up granules irritate my sleeve.

I haven't had a single issue tho. Pain was next to nothing once I hit day 3--some soreness in my muscles but bearable, to say the least.

I do tire easily. And..*gasp,* I didn't follow my surgeon and started my Vitamins on day 5 thinking it would help with energy and headaches--I'm so glad I did.

Of course, follow your surgeon--he's the one getting paid, after all. But trust your body. You've been in this body your entire life--you know it best.

Maybe cut the dose of vitamins in half, if it says 4 a day (like mine) start with 2? That's what I did. But again--I'm not a doctor.

I also feel like it can't hurt to ask him if you can start earlier than he usually prescribes. From reading--everyone is different. And I think your surgeon would appreciate that.

[sallyomalley67 77]

I did gummi Vitamins. No irritation. There are also liquid vitamins available as well.

[LSF 264]

I was allowed to take Vitamins right away - the surgeon told me to. I bought a B12 that dissolves in your mouth and chewable vitamins. It makes a huge difference with your energy

[heftyhoosier 30]

I am 5 weeks post op - maybe it's the hours I work (50 - 60 per week), but I'm exhausted at the end of the day. I know I should be getting up and going to the gym but just can't do it. I started B12 shots last week so I hope that helps.

[GEAUX SAINTS 143]

I was 4 1/2 weeks out when a realized I wasn't exhausted anymore! Thank God I don't work outside the house!!! Good luck to you!!!

[TMG1980TMG 136]

Could you blend your chewable Vitamin in your Protein drink? My surgeon recommends this-- I am pre-op tho!

I am night shift nurse and already thinking I might a little longer than most people- 3 weeks or more?

Does your manager know about the surgery? Perhaps you could go back with restrictions? Or shortened hours for now?

Can you take longer off work? I don't know you $$ situation so that might not be possible.

[2bullymom 44]

I went back to work two weeks post op. I have a desk job and work mon-Friday. I did great up until Friday. I was exhausted and had to leave late in the am and came home to sleep. That was just 3 days ago, I am of the hope that this week will be better.

[Bufflehead 6,358]

I took liquid vitamins for the first four weeks after surgery. No problems. But honestly, Vitamin intake should not affect your energy level unless you are running a long term deficit. A few weeks without them should not make a difference, or at least not a big difference. However, it is quite common to be exhausted for several weeks after surgery, let alone one that results in drastically reduced intake of Fluid and nourishment. Work hard at getting your Protein and fluids in and resting and walking. If you need more time before you go back to work, don't be afraid to speak with your surgeon and your work about adjusting your return date. Good luck!

[Stephlynn1015 3]

I was sleeved March 16, and I am still exhausted most of the time. My team has told me I'm supposed to be walking 2 miles a day, but I couldn't do that preop when I was eating! How am I supposed to do that now? I have no energy. Even taking a shower or doing dishes requires a rest afterwards. Plus I've had to deal with a funeral, a wedding, and a fender-bender since I had the surgery. I think I need a vacation from my sick leave!

[sallyomalley67 77]

I started feeling more energy in the later part of the third week. I started walking my driveway first. Then to the stopsign. And now in week 5 i am able to walk 2 miles. Take it day by day.