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Why Do I Feel So Tired After Weight Loss Surgery?Understanding Post-Surgery Fatigue

tired after weight loss surgery

If you’re feeling tired after weight loss surgery, you’re not alone. Fatigue is a common experience in the early stages of recovery, and understanding why this happens can help you take steps to regain your energy. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons behind feeling tired after bariatric surgery and provide actionable tips to help you feel more energized.

The Impact of Low Calorie Intake on Energy

One of the primary reasons you may feel tired after weight loss surgery is due to low calorie intake. Post-surgery, your diet is significantly restricted, which can lead to fatigue. Patients often follow a strict liver-shrink diet before surgery and then gradually advance their diet over 4-6 weeks. Even 1-2 months post-surgery, many patients struggle to consume 1,000 calories daily, which can leave them feeling exhausted.

The type of bariatric surgery you’ve had can also affect your calorie intake. If you’ve had a simultaneous hiatal hernia repair, it might be challenging to eat more than 1,000 calories initially. However, as your stomach or pouch relaxes over time, you’ll be able to eat more nutrient-dense foods, helping to increase your energy levels and to reduce fatigue.

Medical Reasons for Feeling Tired After Weight Loss Surgery

Aside from low calorie intake, proper hydration is crucial as dehydration can lead to exhaustion. Make sure you’re drinking at least 64 ounces of water or clear liquids daily. You’ll know you’re hydrated if your urine is clear and light in color and you’re urinating frequently throughout the day.

Other medical conditions that may cause fatigue after bariatric surgery include:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Stopping CPAP use too soon can lead to feeling tired.
  • Iron Deficiency: Common after surgery and can cause fatigue.
  • Anemia: A low red blood cell count can make you feel drained.
  • Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid can slow metabolism, causing tiredness.
  • Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Essential for energy production, a deficiency can make you feel tired.
  • Folate Deficiency: Like B12, folate is crucial for energy, and a deficiency can contribute to fatigue.
  • Low Blood Sugar Levels: Changes after surgery can lead to hypoglycemia, causing energy dips.

It’s essential to follow up with your Primary Care Provider (PCP) within the first month after surgery to ensure your medications and treatment plans are current and necessary.

How to Restore Energy After Weight Loss Surgery

To combat energy slumps, it’s important to stick to the “bariatric basics.” Start by consuming at least 1,000-1,200 calories per day from nutrient-dense whole foods. Aim for 80 grams of protein daily, and use a protein shake if needed to help meet your protein goals.

If you exercise regularly, especially at moderate to vigorous levels, you may need more calories and protein to support your activity. Consulting with a bariatric registered dietitian can help you determine your exact calorie and macronutrient needs. If you’re unable to meet your calorie, hydration, and protein requirements, you may need to scale back your workouts temporarily to avoid feeling burnt out.

Taking the correct bariatric vitamin regimen daily is also crucial for maintaining energy. All bariatric patients should take a bariatric multivitamin, iron, and calcium for life. Patients who have undergone Switch or SADI-S procedures may need additional fat-soluble vitamins (ADEK).

If you’ve made these changes and still feel tired after weight loss surgery, consult your bariatric team about getting a comprehensive lab panel. Your bariatric panel may include additional hormones, vitamins, and minerals that your PCP might not typically check, so coordinating your lab work with them is important.

Conclusion

Feeling exhausted right after surgery is a common concern in the first few months of recovery. This fatigue is often due to a calorie deficit that begins with the liver shrink diet before surgery. To combat fatigue and restore your energy, focus on consistently following the bariatric basics: drink more than 64 ounces of water daily, eat 80 grams of protein, take your vitamins, balance your exercise with your nutritional intake, consult with your PCP about any medical conditions, and work with your bariatric team to determine if additional lab work is needed.

By understanding and addressing the causes of fatigue after weight loss surgery, you can take the necessary steps to feel energized and healthy as you continue your weight loss journey.

Struggling With Your Protein Goals?

We know it can feel like a full time job trying to hit your protein and water goals right after surgery. As a result, we’ve created a FREE downloadable high protein resource that will help you:

  • Identify high protein sources from nutrient dense foods
  • Understand the exact protein amounts per serving from every food group
  • Create easy “grab-and-go” high protein snacks
  • Make grocery shopping seamless, with a printable shopping list
tired after weight loss surgery

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