Question:
I have been feeling down in the dumps lately.
I am 6 months post op from open RNY. I was doing great for the first three months and lately it seems that I can't get on track. I am having terrible back pains that have gone from occasional to constant in the last two months. I haven't been exercis regularly like I was before and I seem to eat what ever I want. I want so badly to get back on track but I am having such a hard time. Emotionally I am a wreck, mood swings and really bad lows. ( I am of Effexor for depression.) I have only lost 57 lbs. in my first 6 months and feel like my window of losing is almost closed. Feeling so down, hurting and not losing any weight is really starting to grate on my nerves. Any sugestions? Thank you in advance for any help or suggestions. Candi — Candi B. (posted on December 29, 2002)
December 29, 2002
Cindi I am still pre op but my heart goes out to you you've got the world
on a string and don't even know it hold on to that string!!don't you dare
let go Get out there and walk!! move that body!! get motivated!! get back
on track you've come to far to stop now!! I'll keep u in my
prayers......Freida
— FREIDA P.
December 29, 2002
I think your weight loss is right on track! You've lost more than me. My
doc says at about 5-6-7 months is a time to look for a big plateau. Don't
worry about it, more will come off on its own just slower. If you
remember, your doc probably told you it would take about 18 months to lose
the weight. The mood swings would take a professional to diagnose, but
your post raises two questions right off: one, our hormones: you are
being flushed with lots of estrogen that is being released from the fat
cells which can affect our mental status; and two, the mood swings might
possibly indicate bipolar disease, but it is probably the hormones. If you
would force yourself to do some exercise, no matter how small or short, you
will start feeling better. I got down in the dumps a bit at about 1 month
post op, and some kind person on this website told me to get up and
exercise. So I did about 5 minutes that night and felt much better in only
a few minutes. I hope some of this is helpful to you. But remember, your
weightloss sounds great.
— Darlene P.
December 29, 2002
From what I've read, this is totally normal. That's why many insurance
companies and doctors require a psych evaluation. I know that doesn't help
you though. If you have a psych, go see him or her. Obviously Effexor is
not working. You might want to look into a therapist too. Don't be afraid
to ask and don't think less of yourself. This is something that is really
common.
And, regarding your "window of opportunity"...I've read about
people who didn't lose all their weight for 18 months or 2 years. Everyone
is different. Your best bet here is to not compare yourself to others.
— Bonnie B.
December 29, 2002
Candi: have you had those back pains thorougly checked out. Constant pain
is very depressing. Sometimes depression sets off pain, but other times
pain sets off depression. Before accepting that this is all depression,
please find the source of the pain.
— faybay
December 30, 2002
You don't say what the source of your back pain is. It may be from the
weight loss. When we lose weight so rapidly, the body mechanics have a
hard time adjusting to carrying the weight differently and all sorts of
back and shoulder pains can set in for a while. Also, if you haven't been
exercising, it weakens the muscle structure which should be strengthened to
help support your structure. Either ask your doc to refer you to physical
therapy or find a good personal trainer (one who is certified, not just the
folks that work in a health facility) and ask them to give you some good
back strengthening exercises. Do them faithfully and you may be surprised
how much better you will feel. As for the depression/emotions/mood swings,
your doctor needs to adjust/change your medication. Don't just live with
it-get proactive on finding the right medication/dosage that will work for
you. I think if you can get on the right meds, and start exercising to
reduce the pain, you will feel better and want to get back on track. Good
luck...by the way, 57 in 6 months is very good!
— Cindy R.
Click Here to Return