Depressed

Ok...I'm now 11 days out, and I am so depressed is this normal? I keep thinking that something bad is going to happen to me long term because of the surgery. Has anyone heard of any long term issues (I mean really long term)? I can't stop focusing on what I've done, should I have done it, why did I do it..etc (when I feel deep inside that I did the right thing) My surgery was fine..no issues, so I don't understand this feeling. I also feel "different" somehow from everyone else, and the head hunger is killing me. I hate to sound so negative, but I really could use some support right now ;) Donna

Donna: It is so easy to get depressed after this surgery. It's a lifetime change and that in itself is scary. Instead of focusing on what the long term effects of the surgery are maybe try thinking about what co-morbidities you have avoided and how great life will be when you are at goal weight. Right now I dont have the head hunger but I am only out since monday. My friend knows someone who had a similar type of gastric bypass about 20 years ago, he lost alot of weight and is still around to talk it, if that offers any comfort. Patty

Donna I asked my surgeon how would I feel two weeks post op. He described exactly what you are feeling. He has been doing the surgery for 30 years, with over 6000 operations. We spent alot of our consultation time talking about the different procedures he had done and how well ppl were doing 30 years from their operations. If you still are depressed on Monday, please call the doctor. He/She will know what to do. God bless you! Barbara

Donna, I understand what you are going through. I am 4 days out and I sit here dealing with this pain I agreed to .....and thinking to myself what have I done .......but then I come to this website and chat with people who have had the surgery and I say Oh I know what I have done I gave myself a new lease on life ...I going to live longer so when we start dropping the pounds we both will feel a lot better I promise God Bless

Donna, I will be having my surgery this coming Monday (scheduled for 6:30 a.m.). I don't know what you are going thru, but I do go to support groups twice a month at the hospital conf. center where I live, and I've heard many ppl talk about the same issues you speak of. Check with your Dr. about a local support group where you actually are among others that are in your shoes. It really helps---they are the ppl that told me about this web site. I'm so glad they did. Daily reassurance is just what we all need! Hang in there Sweetie, we are all in this together. Joy

Dearest Donna- I am here to support you. I will not have the surgery until August 24th but I'm feeling the EXACT same things you describe!!! I am just so scared I don't know what to do!!! My daughter's Godmother reminded me yesterday that all of our days are SPECIFICALLY numbered and that we simply cannot go anywhere until God is ready for us to .... I was grateful for the reminder. I started therapy about 4 weeks ago to begin preparing myself mentally for this journey and would suggest you consider finding a therapist that deals with eating disorders to begin seeing. My therapist and I have not even begun talking about food yet, however, since I have some work issues that have been more immediate. Please, please, please let me know if you communicate with anyone who is more than 5 years post-op ..... Be Blessed, sister. Cheryl

Hello I am also 11 days out and did statr to feel depressed then my hubby told me if you did not have the surgery think of the long term problems you would of had just from weight alone. I have now started thinking about the cute LITTLE clothes I am going to be able to ware. All of us get scared and thinking positive is all we can do GOOD LUCK Nicole

OMG, I know the depression! I am 11 days out. Today has been the worse yet. Nothing to look forward to, live for and etc. I know what it is, but it just hangs on. And I know the positive side also. We just need to hang in there, and all will be well. Marla

Hi Donna! My surgeon told me before surgery that I should expect a period of "buyers remorse" after the surgery. He said that it is normal. I think it is due to the stress on the system, the drop in calorie intake, and all the hormone shuffling that is going on. It seems to be a bit like post-partum depression. Anyway, be assured that it is totally normal; most people go through it, and it will pass! In a very short time you will be feeling much better. Your aches and pains will go away, you will bend down with ease, your clothes will be comfortable, your sleep will be easier, and all the other wonderful things to look forward to as the weight loss progresses. As for long-term complications, they are almost completely within your control. Be sure to get enough protein, water, and vitamins of the type you can absorb. Get your exercise. If you (and I, and all of us) do these things, we can live long, healthy, happy lives because of the step we have taken here! "This too shall pass." "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Remember to take it one day at a time, live today the best way you can, and tomorrow will work itself out. It will! Patience

HI Donna I feel the exact same way you do!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had mine last Monday (9th) I find myself crying, Wishing that someone would have talked me out of it. So many whys go on in my mind. I know everyone says it will pass and I am sure it will but its hard cuz right now it feels like it will be like this for ever. We need to hang in there. I know its hard, I really do, as I cry just typing this note to you. So I will say this, GOD KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING. Things can only get better. You can e-mail me when ever u want, its always nice to talk to someone who know exactly what ur going thru. ALMA