(9 days post-op) I'm in crisis and overwhelmed

[CowboyKurt 28]

Howdy, all, I had the gastric sleeve surgery on 1/13/22 so I am 9 days post-op. For the past two days, I have been unbelievably exhausted, fatigued, and achy. I feel like it is getting worse. Today I have been crying almost non-stop. Not because of pain just emotional fatigue I guess. (Kept crying while watching the movie "Air Force One". It is not a sad movie. I am hardly taking in fluids, doing about 8 ounces every hour. Alternating between Water and Premier Protein Clear. Still, no food but can sip broth. I was walking but no longer as it is too tiring and I feel like I will fall. I have not called the Doctor as it is the weekend and the on-call will I'm sure would basically tell me if I am concerned then I should go to the ER. I am thinking maybe I should at least they will probably give me an IV for fluids for dehydration if that's the case. A year ago I had a very bad case of COVID-19, thankfully recovered (still can't smell anything) and since then I have had both VAX shots and the booster. I mention that because the exhaustion is reminiscent of that. Any suggestions? Please help. Thank you!

[LaoDaBeirut 158]

Don't worry this is normal! You're taking in so few calories that you feel dizzy and the surgery and aftermath is a lot to go through emotionally. I was really dizze the first two weeks after surgery and I even had to put a chair in the shower. I know everyone says to walk but don't walk if you're feeling like this. Instead just get up once an hour and move around your house. As you're able to eat and drink a little bit more things should get better.

[GradyCat 3,696]

Sorry to hear that you're so fatigued, but I think it's normal considering how few calories you're taking in and the fact that you just had major surgery and your body is diverting all energy to healing. You really need to get that liquid in to avoid dehydration. Try some sugar-free popsicles, they count as liquid and it is easily tolerated. The crying is the hormone release from the surgery. It's very common.

Hang in there. We're here for you.

[summerseeker 2,274]

My husband and I had covid 13 months ago and 3 weeks ago he caught the omicron variant. Take a test. I hope you get to the bottom of it and feel better soon

[catwoman7 11,223]

do whatever you can to avoid dehydration. That can put you back in the hospital faster than anything...

[SleeverSk 635]

yes, all pretty normal but you might have to consider going to hospital for IV fluids if you are having a hard time getting fluids in. you really don't want to get to the point of being rushed to hospital because you have collasped

[ShoppGirl 5,056]

If you show signs of dehydration contact your team and they should be able to arrange for you to get fluids as an outpatient. I didn’t have to go to the ER to get fluids.

[CowboyKurt 28]

3 hours ago, ShoppGirl said:

If you show signs of dehydration contact your team and they should be able to arrange for you to get fluids as an outpatient. I didn’t have to go to the ER to get fluids.

Thanks, I made a follow-up appointment with the surgeon for this Tuesday.

[CowboyKurt 28]

7 hours ago, summerseeker said:

My husband and I had covid 13 months ago and 3 weeks ago he caught the omicron variant. Take a test. I hope you get to the bottom of it and feel better soon

Thanks. I am getting tested again on Monday, to be safe.

[Skyelle 7]

I think it’s normal as well due to low calories and fluids. Rest your body is going through a lot. Do your best to stay hydrated and call your doctor to just to be safe. Hope you feel better soon.

[CowboyKurt 28]

8 minutes ago, Skyelle said:

I think it’s normal as well due to low calories and fluids. Rest your body is going through a lot. Do your best to stay hydrated and call your doctor to just to be safe. Hope you feel better soon.

THANK YOU!

[Guest]

Kurt, my man! Easy! You'll get there.

Aside from the physical stuff so excellently covered by the kind people above - take a deep breath. You just had a huge part of a hormone-producing organ taken out - consider you could be recalibrating hormones and this will affect your mental state.

Upside for the guys; in a few weeks or months, you'll experience the male post-bariatric testosterone boost. It'll be like you're 16 again, for better and worse. Just watch yourself from the outside a bit, take a deep breath, follow your plan, get your fluids, get your sleep, laugh at the comical stuff we experience on this ride. And yeah, strap yourself in, it's a hell of a ride. A good one, usually.

[suzannethemom 121]

I just did the math and 8 ounces of Water for an 8 hour period is 64 ounces. That’s not bad. I agree with the comments above that this is an emotionally and physically challenging journey that you are on. You can do this!

[Skyelle 7]

Also are you getting any electrolytes in?

[Lisa G 14]

Def go see your doctor but I was a MESS for two weeks post surgery. I was so dizzy and weak and i was still hungry and just all around miserable. One thing that helped me was get some broth that has some fat it in. I am veg so my sister made seafood broth with coconut milk, but chicken or beef broth would likely work. I immediately started feeling more like myself. After about 3 weeks I was much improved. I'm sorry you are feeling so rotten. It's a big shock to the system.