depression

has anyone been thru a period of depression yet because of the foods that they miss and other social get to gathers with people that eat and drink as they use too ? deb c

I know just what you are talking about. We took my father to breakfast today, and while my sister had steak and eggs, my mom a waffle, and my husband and father biscuits and gravy, I had 1/2 of an egg and half a peice of wheat toast.... And felt sick to boot... I really wanted that waffle, and the steak, and the biscuits and gravy... I think it is normal to mourn the foods we love and can't have. they have comforted us for years, and we need to find something new to give us that warm fuzzy feeling... I am sure it will get better for all of us, we will get used to it, and it certainly is a small price to pay to get away from the health issues we were plagued with and to feel so much better! Good thing we have each other to offer support. Keep the chin up! Sandy

Deb, I have noticed that parties and social gatherings are different now. I'm trying to focus on enjoying people and activity instead of the food. It's an adjustment because we were so focused on food before. Our world is bigger now. Thank God! I'm blessed with a profound sense of well-being but I remember becoming extremely depressed before surgery. In 2004 I lost a lot of weight on the Atkins diet. I started exercising for the first time in my life. I really thought that I would keep the weight off forever. I started to gain...and gain...and gain. I kept exercising but I couldn't get back on the diet. I felt helpless, hopeless, and desperate. Missing food or not being able to eat much at social functions is a minor irritation compared to the despair of uncontrolled weight gain. Did you ever feel that extreme isolation and sadness due to your weight before surgery? If so, try to think about that if you start to feel sad about what you can't have. Concentrate on what you have gained--like a life! Take good care of yourself.

I had this issue a couple weeks after surgery but it passed. Fortunately, I remember what those foods made me feel like; sluggish and irratable. I just don't want them any longer. Although, I have a nice pouch and if I really really want something I should not have, I take a bite but no more. That usually satisfies the whole issue. Not something I probably should do and it has not happened but a few times but it has worked in the past. I have a nice family who usually eats or makes sure there is always something there that I can eat so I dont feel left out. They have also modified a lot of the way they eat to compliment my lifestyle. Might be a good idea to steer others towards different activities besides eating. My sister in law had RNY two years prior to me and we have been trying to do activities away from the whole eating thing since that time. I am sure that this will pass. Keep your chin up and be happy for the weight gone and the healthier you. HUGS Christy

I totally felt this early on - especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas time. I made a point to focus on the reason for the celebrations and NOT the food. Now ... 7 months later I am fine when I go to social gatherings. I taste what I want to (with in reason) but thats it, a taste, and then I move on ... when I leave I tell myself GREAT JOB It took time to work though missing my old friend "food" ... but as Wanda has said my world is bigger now .... and now I eat to live where I used to Live to eat Big change hang in there! we are here for you, Britt

Deb I am right there with you...except that I eat what I want. I pay for it usually but the really scary part is when it doesn't make me sick. I know that is why I have gained weight this week. I am not eating anything different than what I have been eating for the last 2 months, but I am also not exercising. My family goes out to eat a lot. I try to pick good foods and I box up and take home what I can't eat. I realize I am in the minority and that I am probably the worst person to give advice about this. I am struggling because I really do want this to work but since my body doesn't reject the things it should, and I have no real will power on my own, I just try to eat a little bit if I really want something and if I find myself eating too much, I force myself to stop. I always try to leave some on the plate but I am dreading my checkup next week. I have been depressed again for almost a month. I mean I feel great and look better than I have in almost 30 years but I do miss my favorite foods, and worse than that I miss eating as much as I wanted of them. I am praying that as I start exercising more that it will get better (releasing endorphins is supposed to help alleviate depression right) Hang in there...you aren't alone..I promise!