Having trouble with exercising since I returned to work

[Kim M]

When I was home recovering, I was able to go out for walks at different times of the day. Now with my first full week back at work I am exhausted when I get home and have stopped walking. I get more in on the weekends. I also need 2 new knees and have a long standing back injury. I have been taken off all medication by a kidney specialist as he believes the anti inflamatory medication caused some kidney damage. I can't take any narcotics due to my job. Besides I hate the way they make me feel. So I am trying to work through the pain. I have a fairly high tolerance to pain. After all I went through WLS with no pain meds. Long story, but it took 5 hours to wake me up after surgery so my doctor would not precribe pain meds and all I got was tylenol. My WLS program includes a medically supervisored exercise program for free for one month. I want to go so I can at least see what the best types of exercise will be with my physical limitations. I am hoping that as time goes on I will not feel this exhausted and be able to go afterwork to the program. How long did it take for you to get on an exercise plan and how was your energy levels? I know this is such an important part of my weight loss journey so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Queenie10]

Hi Kim,

I am having the same problem as you since going back to work. I was doing great with the walking while I was at home, but I have been back to work for a month and have only gotten out to walk in the morning before work about 4 times. I have always been a diligent exerciser and miss it. but I don't have the energy to get up at 4:45 these days. i have been trying to get to bed early so I will be able to get up, but not working so far. I am wondering if it is because of the reduced calorie intake. My weight loss has slowed down as well, so I want to jump start it again.

 

[TwoMas]

Hi Kim, it took me about two months to get my energy back but it can take longer or shorter we are all different, you will notice it comming back slowly. Thats great you get a month of medically supervised exercise program, it sounds like you want to wait until you get your energy back, that is probably a good idea then your trainer will have a better understanding of what you can do when you feel 100%. Hang in there your energy levels will come back up. Tom

 

[TwoMas]

Hi Queenie, I don't think I have the energy to get up at 4:45 am either and I am 2 years out LOL Seriously though, I do get up that early in the winters when I work an alternative work schedule so I know how draining that can be when your not recovering from surgery, it could be that you need more protien brcause you ar eback at work doing a full schedule the trying to work in execise around that, try a protien shake either before bed or in the morning before or after your work out, I usually have mine after my work out to give me that extra energy I need. Tom

 

[Pat99]

Like Tom said it can take a while before you get your energy back. I was extremely exhausted for 2 months but noticed a big difference towards the end of the third month. Feeling drained is normal since your caloric intake is greatly reduced plus you are healing from surgery. Just make sure to get all the sleep you possibly can and take naps whenever possible. I know this isn't possible if you work but you can always nap on the weekends, it will help a lot. Staying hydrated and getting your protein in will also help increase your energy and also help you heal faster. As those pounds keep dropping you will have energy to spare