You may have expected some tiredness after surgery. But it can be frustrating when simple activities—taking a shower, making lunch, or walking around the house—leave you feeling exhausted.
You might be wondering whether you should rest more, try to move more, or do something else to help your energy return.
Getting your energy back after surgery usually involves a balance of rest, appropriate movement, nutrition, and time. There is no single way to speed up the process, and what is right for you depends on your procedure and recovery.
Here are some practical ways to support your recovery without pushing beyond your surgical team's instructions.
Your body is recovering from the procedure itself, but that may not be the only reason you feel tired.
Pain, interrupted sleep, reduced activity, changes in appetite, and certain medications can all affect how much energy you have during recovery.
You may also be doing less than usual while your mobility is limited. As a result, ordinary activities can feel more demanding when you begin doing them again.
The amount of fatigue you experience depends on your surgery, your health, and how your recovery is progressing.
Feeling tired does not automatically mean you are doing something wrong or that your recovery is behind schedule. However, fatigue that is severe, worsening, or different from what your team told you to expect deserves attention.
If you want to understand how long tiredness may last, see How Long Does Fatigue Last After Surgery?
When you are exhausted, spending the entire day in bed may seem like the easiest option.
Rest is important, but your surgical team may also encourage you to get up and move regularly as part of your recovery.
Depending on your procedure, that might mean walking short distances, changing positions, or completing prescribed rehabilitation exercises.
The goal is not to exercise until you feel tired. It is to follow the activity plan that is appropriate for your stage of healing.
You might find it helpful to:
Do not increase your activity beyond your surgical team's limits simply because you want your energy to return faster.
If you are unsure how much activity is appropriate, ask your team what a manageable day should look like for your particular recovery.
One of the most frustrating parts of postoperative fatigue is discovering that familiar tasks require much more effort than usual.
Instead of trying to complete your normal routine, consider which tasks are essential and which can wait.
For example:
You may find that you can complete an activity comfortably when it is broken into smaller steps, even if doing the whole task at once feels overwhelming.
If you repeatedly feel exhausted after an activity, discuss your daily routine with your surgical team or physical therapist.
For more guidance on balancing activity and recovery, see Am I Doing Too Much After Surgery?
Your body needs adequate nutrition and fluids during recovery, but surgery can temporarily change your appetite and eating habits.
You may feel nauseated, become full more quickly, or simply lack the energy to prepare meals.
If your surgical team has cleared you to resume eating, try to make regular meals or snacks manageable within your dietary instructions.
Protein-containing foods may be part of your recovery nutrition plan, along with other foods that provide the energy and nutrients you need.
Keep permitted fluids within easy reach, and follow any hydration or fluid restrictions you have been given.
Do not force yourself to eat or drink beyond your instructions, particularly if you have had surgery involving your digestive system or have a condition requiring fluid restrictions.
If you are struggling to eat, cannot keep fluids down, or are concerned that you are not getting enough nutrition, contact your care team. They can help determine whether you need additional support.
For practical food ideas, see What Should I Eat After Surgery?
You can feel exhausted during the day while still struggling to sleep at night.
Pain, difficulty finding a comfortable position, medications, and changes to your usual routine may all interfere with sleep after surgery.
Follow your surgical team's instructions for pain management and permitted sleeping positions.
If pain repeatedly wakes you or prevents you from resting, tell your care team. Do not independently increase, stop, or change prescribed medication to try to improve your sleep or energy.
Some medications can also contribute to drowsiness or fatigue. If you suspect a medication is affecting you, ask your prescribing clinician or pharmacist about it.
Getting your energy back may involve addressing the specific problem that is disrupting your rest rather than simply spending more hours in bed.
It can be tempting to use a day when you feel better to catch up on everything you have not been able to do.
But feeling more energetic does not mean your surgical restrictions have ended.
If a busy day leaves you unusually exhausted, consider whether you need to adjust your routine and discuss your activity level with your care team.
Try not to measure your recovery by how much you can accomplish in a single day.
Instead, pay attention to whether everyday activities are gradually becoming more manageable over time.
You may notice that you can prepare breakfast without needing to rest afterward, walk a little more comfortably within your approved activity plan, or get through more of your usual routine.
These small changes can be meaningful even if you do not feel completely back to normal.
There is no universal point when everyone should have their normal energy back after surgery.
However, you should not assume that persistent or worsening fatigue is always part of normal healing.
Fatigue can sometimes be associated with problems that need medical evaluation, including anemia, infection, dehydration, medication effects, or other conditions.
Contact your surgical team if:
Your team may review your symptoms, medications, eating and drinking, sleep, and recovery progress to determine whether further evaluation is needed.
Seek emergency care for chest pain, sudden difficulty breathing, fainting, or new severe symptoms.
Recovery doesn't always happen in a straight line. Download the free SurgiNav Surgery Recovery Roadmap to understand the stages of healing and know what to expect after surgery.
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Getting your energy back after surgery is usually a gradual process, not something you can accomplish by resting all day or pushing yourself to do more.
Follow your surgical team's activity plan, make everyday tasks manageable, eat and drink according to your recovery instructions, and address problems that may be interfering with sleep or rest.
If your fatigue is severe, worsening, or not improving as your team expected, contact them rather than assuming you simply need more time.
Recovery doesn't always happen in a straight line. The free SurgiNav Surgery Recovery Roadmap walks you through the stages of healing so you know what to expect and when to reach out to your care team.
Download the Free Surgery Recovery RoadmapThis article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare team.
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Educational information only. Always follow your surgeon's instructions.