Why do I feel so weak during the recovery period after surgery?

Generally, feeling weak during the recovery period after surgery may be caused by factors such as surgical trauma and energy consumption, inadequate nutritional intake, postoperative infection, anemia, or hypokalemia. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Surgical trauma and energy consumption: Surgery causes physical trauma, and the body consumes large amounts of energy and protein during the healing process, leading to postoperative weakness. Adequate rest should be ensured, and strenuous activities should be avoided too early. At the same time, high-protein foods such as eggs, lean meat, and milk should be consumed to provide energy for tissue repair.

2. Inadequate nutritional intake: Poor appetite or weakened digestive function after surgery may lead to insufficient nutrient intake, failing to meet the body’s needs for recovery and thereby worsening feelings of weakness. Eating smaller meals more frequently and choosing easily digestible foods—such as millet porridge or vegetable puree—can help. If necessary, nutritional supplements may be used under a doctor's supervision.

3. Postoperative infection: Infection at the surgical site or systemically due to pathogens like bacteria can trigger inflammatory responses, consume physical energy, and result in symptoms such as weakness and fever. Patients may follow their doctor's instructions to use medications such as cefuroxime axetil tablets, amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, or levofloxacin tablets to control the infection.

4. Anemia: Blood loss during surgery or chronic bleeding afterward can lead to reduced red blood cells and decreased oxygen delivery, causing fatigue and weakness. Patients may take iron supplements such as ferrous sulfate tablets, ferrous fumarate granules, or ferrous succinate tablets as directed by a physician to improve anemia.

5. Hypokalemia: Postoperative fasting, vomiting, or improper use of diuretics can lead to potassium loss in the body, affecting muscle contraction and energy metabolism, resulting in weakness and limb fatigue. Patients may follow medical advice to take potassium-replenishing medications such as potassium chloride sustained-release tablets, potassium magnesium aspartate tablets, or potassium chloride injection.

During the postoperative recovery period, it is important to closely monitor bodily changes and attend regular follow-up appointments as instructed by the doctor. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding excessive fatigue, and keeping a positive mood can all contribute to a faster recovery.