male only energy levels

buxndux · May 17, 2008

My surgery is scheduled for one week today, 5.23.08, anyway......I am concerned about low energy levels( not that I have a lot of energy at 300 lbs) the first few weeks while on the liquid diet and while my body is adjusting to the low caloric intake. Has anyone experience this...

Savedbygrace · May 17, 2008

I didn't have alot of energy for about a week after it.... due to the anesthesia. I could tell it was more a result of the medication rather than intake. I still got up and walked twice a day about half a mile.. and in the house every hour or so. My body would be so drained that I actually wanted to get up and move around.

Then... the more you move around, the better you feel... and going into this I KNEW that I had to increase my exercise so mentally, I looked forward to the walks.

Best wishes!!!

Michael185 · May 17, 2008

Bux - in response to your question. I think the difference for me was my Protein Drink consumption. I had surgery on March 1st at 10:00 a.m. That night I was walking around the mall. I was back at work on the follow Tuesday. I have felt great ever since. Energy level and recovery from surgery will vary on the individual. All I can say is I have lost 45 lbs since March 1st, I have never felt better and had more energy. I often opt to walk to local businesses vs driving just so I can get exercise. Good luck to you. Find a good Protein drink and enjoy the start of your new life!

Michael :thumbup:

buxndux · May 17, 2008

Thanks for info, I can't wait to get on with my new life.

mediummike · May 17, 2008

Keep the Proteins up and keep yourself exercising - before you know it you'll have more ebnergy that you've had in a long time. First couple of weeks right after surgery, just don't push yourself too much - you are recovering from surgery !

Fenton · May 17, 2008

Yeah, bux, they're all telling you the truth.

I had a two week pre-op liquid diet, to shrink the liver before surgery, and was pretty accustomed to it by the time of surgery. In the post-op period, I was a little knocked down, but as Wendy says, that was more of a medication thing than an intake issue.

But DO pay attention to your Protein intake! Try to get in about 80 g of Protein a day - you're a big guy (not as big as me, starting weight 473 lbs, he said proudly), and you need your protein. In the early stages, this is going to mean Protein drinks - you'll find it hard to take in your full liquid allotment each day. Go slow with your drinking, make sure you constantly have Water. I think it's worth investing in a dozen or so Isopure clear Protein Drinks, the Zero Carb kind which are available from health stores (I get mine from GNC, which is national, I think). They're not cheap - I pay $3.50, but you get 40 g protein in 20 oz Fluid, which is a good deal.

But you'll be fine. And Michael's right - you just feel better and better.

The other cool thing about the liquid diet period? You lose a HECK of a lot really quickly.

Finally, you didn't mention any nerves or whatever, but all of us felt a bit nervous going into it. It really DOES happen in the blink of an eye - one minute you're awake and talking to the anesthetist, the next minute you're awake and banded. Most of us lads have had minimal discomfort - I think we've all been surprised by how Not Bad At All it was.

Afterwards, come back here and ask questions, vent, chat, tell us how you're doing...