Energy Level

[suzannethemom]

I was scrolling through a bunch of Bariatric recipes this morning just to get ideas of what I will be eating after surgery. Since the portions are very small, it got me wondering about how my body will function on such a small amount of food. I understand that my new stomach will be full after eating 2 ounces of turkey (or whatever) but how will I function on such a small amount of calories? What will my energy level be like? Will I be weak and lethargic at first? Does the body eventually adjust to such a low caloric intake? I read that in the beginning, average daily calories are 600 to 800. Will I be able to go for a long walk or do laundry? I’m not talking about hunger, but specifically energy levels.

 

[suzannethemom]

This article states just the opposite of what I was assuming:

“Many people experience skyrocketing energy levels after weight loss surgery, which makes sense for several reasons. The body is no longer bogged down digesting large meals. Oxygen efficiency and the insulin/blood sugar process improve substantially, enabling cells to produce more energy. And it takes less work for your body to move around a smaller load, leaving a surplus of energy to tap into.”

 

[suzannethemom]

Okay, I’m answering my own questions. I found an article that explains how my body will rely on high protein intake, supplements and lots of water to maintain energy levels. It just seems so unbelievable that I could function on such a small amount of food, but I guess it’s not just about the food.

 

[3momchaos]

My energy was super low for a couple months. It takes a lot of energy for our bodies to heal and adjust to the different amount of calories. Everyone will be different with this one though. After losing a large amount of weight, I still wasn’t as energetic as I thought I’d be. That’s when I went in and talked to my primary and between the lack of energy and joint pain I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I do have a higher than anticipated in take of protein, originally 60 grams a day, but now 80. I do find that if I’m consistently getting 80 grams my energy is a little better, and I’m not losing hair.

 

[Mal44]

I was scrolling through a bunch of Bariatric recipes this morning just to get ideas of what I will be eating after surgery. Since the portions are very small, it got me wondering about how my body will function on such a small amount of food. I understand that my new stomach will be full after eating 2 ounces of turkey (or whatever) but how will I function on such a small amount of calories? What will my energy level be like? Will I be weak and lethargic at first? Does the body eventually adjust to such a low caloric intake? I read that in the beginning, average daily calories are 600 to 800. Will I be able to go for a long walk or do laundry? I’m not talking about hunger, but specifically energy levels.

It’s different for everybody but I was extremely lethargic (I’m still not even near my normal energy levels 5 weeks after). I was even super dizzy and thought I would pass out. That’s clear liquid phase - it’s tough. My doctor actually let me start my protein shakes early and it helped. It improved few days into the mushy phase- but first 3 weeks I was in bed nonstop. It’s really not recommended but I honestly had no choice- I was like a flat tire.
The recovery process is so individual- it’s probably impossible to tell how you are gonna handle it. My energy improves but 5 weeks after the surgery I’m still pretty sluggish.

 

[suzannethemom]

It’s good to hear this stuff because there is such conflicting information out there. I read that your stomach is pumped with CO2 during surgery and that you need to walk A LOT right after surgery to get the gas out and prevent cramping. It might be hard to walk with abdomen stitches and low energy.

 

[Mal44]

It’s good to hear this stuff because there is such conflicting information out there. I read that your stomach is pumped with CO2 during surgery and that you need to walk A LOT right after surgery to get the gas out and prevent cramping. It might be hard to walk with abdomen stitches and low energy.

It’s all true. However- I didn’t begin being very lethargic until few days after, because at that point I didn’t eat for 3 days. I wasn’t feeling dizzy the day of nor the next day (also - you are getting IV in the hospital). The gas pain will make you get up and walk cause it’s no fun. I forgot that I even had any stitches.

 

[Mal44]

This article states just the opposite of what I was assuming:

“Many people experience skyrocketing energy levels after weight loss surgery, which makes sense for several reasons. The body is no longer bogged down digesting large meals. Oxygen efficiency and the insulin/blood sugar process improve substantially, enabling cells to produce more energy. And it takes less work for your body to move around a smaller load, leaving a surplus of energy to tap into.”

I think you may be confusing time frames. “Takes less work to move a smaller load” - I think this applies to people who recovered and already lost some weight. I was referring to the first few weeks immediately after the surgery. I was told by many people that indeed- one day there will be a breakthrough when you start feeling great. I didn’t hear of anyone having skyrocketing energy levels a day or a week immediately after the surgery.