Why You’re Still Tired After Surgery (and What to Do About It)
You’ve had your surgery. You’re back home. And yet… you’re still exhausted. Even after a good night’s sleep, the fatigue can feel heavy, like walking around carrying a heavy bag. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and you’re not doing anything wrong.
In fact, feeling tired after laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis is completely normal. But that doesn’t make it any less frustrating. So let’s unpack why this happens..
1. Your Body Is Still Healing (Even If the Wounds Look Small)
Laparoscopic surgery might look “minimally invasive” from the outside, but inside, a lot of work may be done. Whether endometriosis tissue was removed, organs were moved around, or adhesions were separated — your body has experienced trauma. And healing takes energy.
Think of it like this: your immune system, nervous system, and hormonal system are all working behind the scenes to repair and rebalance. That ongoing effort can leave you feeling pretty wiped out.
2. The Nervous System Needs Time to Settle
Surgery isn’t just physical — it’s emotional too. Remember how nervous you were feeling before? Many people with endometriosis carry years of pain, uncertainty, and invalidation. Even if surgery goes well, the nervous system may stay on high alert for some time afterwards. Think of it like your internal alarm system, it’s still wary of what is happening.
Your body is trying to protect you, even when the danger has passed. A dysregulated nervous system can mess with your sleep, your digestion, and even how you process pain — all of which affect your energy levels.
3. Hormones Might Be in Limbo
For some, surgery affects hormone levels — either directly through changes to the reproductive organs, or indirectly via stress and inflammation. Estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol all play a role in your mood, metabolism, and energy. After surgery, it may take a few weeks (or longer) for things to stabilise.
4. Anesthesia and Medications Can Linger
The effects of general anaesthesia don’t just wear off the moment you wake up. Some people feel “foggy” for days or weeks afterwards. And pain medications like opioids can interfere with sleep quality, bowel function, and overall alertness.
5. Fatigue Isn’t Just Physical — It’s Mental Too
For some people, who experience chronic symptoms, you may have had to advocate for yourself for years, chase down referrals, and wait on long surgical waitlists, meaning you’ve likely been holding your breath for a long time. Surgery brings hope, but also an emotional comedown.
Many describe it as a kind of post-op emotional “low.” You’re allowed to feel that.
So… What Can You Do About It?
Here are some gentle, evidence-informed strategies to support your recovery and restore energy — focusing on not pushing too hard, too soon.
1. Nurture Your Nervous System
Slow breathing, grounding exercises, and gentle routines can help shift your body from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest.” Even 5 minutes a day of mindful breathing or a calming body scan can help regulate your energy. Find these within the Matilda app, guided by Sophie, our registered psychologist.
2. Support Recovery With Nutrition
Protein, iron, omega-3s, and plenty of whole foods support tissue repair and inflammation control. Small, frequent meals may be easier to manage while your tummy adjusts post-op.
3. Prioritise Rest, but Make it Active Rest
Sleep is important — but lying in bed all day can sometimes make you feel worse. The key is pacing: alternate light activity with proper rest. A short walk, a gentle stretch, then a nap — “a little bit of everything.”
4. Stay Connected
Fatigue can make you want to retreat. But support from friends, online communities, or a health professional can make a big difference. You're not meant to recover alone. If you’re part of the Matilda surgery community, reach out and connect to others going through the same journey.
5. Be Kind to Yourself
This one’s the most important — it can make a big difference. Studies show that self-compassion is linked to lower inflammation and better outcomes after illness and surgery. Remind yourself: fatigue doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re moving forward at your own pace.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Always reach out to your healthcare team if:
Your fatigue is worsening instead of slowly improving
You’re short of breath, dizzy, or struggling to stay awake
You feel generally unwell
You're experiencing fever, pain that’s not settling, or heavy bleeding
You have any other concerns of questions
Final Thoughts
Recovery from endometriosis surgery isn’t just about what was done — it’s about how you prepared before and how you’re supported afterwards.
At Matilda, we’re here to walk beside you — with gentle movement classes, clinician-led coaching calls, and a community that gets it.
Your body is working hard. It deserves kindness, time, and trust.
