Hit the wall 24 hours post-surgery

Northwest_Nance · May 17, 2008

Intersting experience for me since I was banded around 1:00 p.m. on Thursday (yesterday, May 15th). Even though I was worn out when I went into surgery from not sleeping well at all the previous two nights, I woke up from the anesthesia being pretty alert and almost energetic. I never dozed off or napped once I woke up from anesthesia, until I went to bed at 11:00 pm lastnight. I was surprised I wasn't tired enough to go to bed earlier than that after having surgery that day.

I didn't sleep very well because of post-op pain, and I was up at 7:30 this morning. I showered, went for a walk, felt wide awake. Suddenly around 1:00 this afternoon, exactly 24 hours after surgery, it was like I hit a wall and I was exhausted. I laid down and took a 2-1/2 hour nap. And I never sleep during the day, even when I'm sick. I woke up at 4:30 pm, and about 6:00 pm I fell asleep on the couch for a couple hours. Just woke up and I was surprised how stiff I was, and aching all over as if I'd worked out too hard. Now after walking around a bit and washing my face, I'm feeling pretty good.

I'm just wondering if I had an opposite reaction to the anesthesia or some medication they gave me, that was giving me false energy that wore off after 24 hours. I often have an opposite reaction to medications, i.e. meds that make a lot of people sleepy, wire me up. I've never noticed it with previous surgeries but it seems to make sense here. Anyone have a similar experience?

kat_in_GA · May 17, 2008

I was banded back in January and felt great for the first 2 or 3 days after surgery. Looking back I think I tried so hard to feel ok and let my husband, kids and parents know I was ok after the surgery. After these first few days I realized I had to stop pushing myself so hard and just rest. My body needed to recover and honestly it took at least 2 weeks before I really felt 100% again. My surgery was on a Wednesday and I went back to work on Monday but could only make it until noon before crashing. So I ended up only working 1/2 days for a week. Luckily my boss was very supportive and allowed the extra time off. The first 2 weeks were the hardest for me but now 4 1/2 months since surgery I know it was totally worth it! I've lost 25 lbs and see the scale moving down every week. Good luck and get some rest!