I Need Help

I had surgery on 10/25/04. I started at 361 and as of today am 319. I am having a lot of difficulty eating and with depression. My doctor increased anti-depressant that I take. Not getting in enough protein, have no desire to eat. Finding it hard to concentrate and have no energy or desire to exercise. Have alienated myself from friends and family. There are so many foods that I don't like and can't force myself to eat. To make matters worse, I don't like to cook and prefer to either eat out or pick up take-out. I think that once depression is under control, I'll be better able to cope with the life change that has happened. I had an uncomplicated surgery and am very grateful for that. The only problem that I had is with severe back spasms. I'm trying liquid protein which tastes awful. As for food, the safest is soup - I can hold and keep down. I've been drinking milk to keep blood sugars up. I am happy that I no longer take Amaryl and Actos for blood sugar control. Still taking Lotrel for high blood pressure and Lipitor. Plan to attend support group meeting this week. Thanks for any and all responses... Ruth

Ruth, Hang in there girl! You have done great! I understasnd the depression. You need to try very hard to concentrate on something else than what you can not eat. I have had the "head demons" play with me lately. It is more of a battle than actually eating. I am fine when alone but when I am around people and food together I have such cravings and food desire that I sometimes reget what i did. But then I'll get a complement from someone and that feels really good. I am only 3 weeks out but I phsically feel great. So remember how you felt before surgery and how you really feel now. If you need to talk maybe you should talk to a therapist. Take care and hang in there. Jenn

Ruth Kelly? Are or were you, by any chance, with DuPont? And if so, are you THE Ruth Kelly who coordinated DuPont Bingo for Kentmere? If so ... then WOW ... HI, HON!! It's Sandi (with Kentmere!) Small GB world, eh! If not, then my apologies but HI, ANYWAY HON! At any rate, I'm sorry to hear you're having a difficult time. Stay connected via this board and attendance at support groups ...anything to buoy you up! Remember, doll, you've got to get your protein. MAKE YOURSELF!! it's essential. In the meantime, chin up and remember your plan for life!

Ruth, First of all ... please know that depression, especially at this point is not uncommon after surgery. So glad you have spoke with your doc about it. About the eating problems, perhaps it would really help you to make an appointment with the nutritionist so she could help you figure out some ways to get that all important protein in? About the inability to concentrate and no energy for exercise ... that could be due to depression, but it can also be do to inadequate vitamin supplementation. So please make sure you are getting in all your vitamins. Did you happen to mention those symptoms to your doc ... and if so did he run blood work? That might be a good idea. When I was a fresh post-op, I couldn't hardly cook either. And pre-op I LOVED to cook. It took me quite a while to get back into the swing of things in that area. Since I still had a family to feed, we did a lot of simple meals, a lot of soup, a lot of quick to grab and go stuff in the fridge. Now I am back to cooking, baking, and loving it once again. Some ideas that I used that may help spur some ideas for you. Lunch-meat and cheese rolled up and eaten cottage cheese mixed with dry protein jello from docs office. Nice treat. Carb Countdown Milk (12 gms per 8 oz) Cheese on just about everything in the beginning Like you, I did a lot of soup early out ... it helps if you can get protein in your soup. I added cheese to broccoli and potato soup. I also cooked a lot of beans adding a ham bone to flavor - good source of protein and fiber. I also did chili with beans ... again, protein and fiber. The best part about soups for me was the fact that they still worked for me when reheated, and I would only have to cook once and then had several meals for my family. Plus it also gave me something in the fridge that was fast and easy when I needed something to eat. I still do soups some and when I do, I freeze a few servings for myself. About your protein shakes ... I know when I just shake mine, they are not as smooth and good tasting. But when I make a smoothie out of them, they are a real treat for me. I look forward to them. If you have not tried that yet and would like some recipes just ask and I am sure everyone will share their favorites with you. Last but not least ... Have you tried the packets of hot chocolate and oatmeal from the docs office (my current favs). Early post op I also loved the strawberry kiwi and lemonade protein drink mix. 15 gms of protein per packet ... it all adds up. They run $7.00 a box for seven single serving packets. They used to have a trial package also ... not sure if they still do that or not. It was like $20 and you got to try a lot of the different products. There are also several site out there that have samples of their protein drinks. The cost is minimal and worth it to find something that you like and will drink. Should you need some URL's/addy's, just ask. Sorry if this post does not makes too much sense, but I am running on empty about now but saw your post and wanted to let you know that I care and want to help if I can. Hugs, Tammy

Ruth Are you attending support group meetings? If so, please introduce yourself. If not, then there are at least four per month that you may enjoy. Keep in touch and keep posting. You are not alone. Dianne

Ruth (((hugs))) Hang in there! You will get through this. But please force that protein in and vitamins so that you stay healthy and drink your water! If you dont get enough of those you will most certainly feel drained and weak and will add to your depression. As for exercise the hardest part of that is getting started. ITS SO HARD! I have been "off" for 2 weeks and need to get my butt back in gear. When I dont exercise I start to feel down and out and drained myself. Exercise will help your depression so try to start a routine of some sort. Start slow, walk a little and work your way up. Dont give up because the thats the last thing you want to do after going through all this. Dont give in to just not eating because it tastes bad or the protein tastes bad... hold that nose and drink because if you dont it will lead to such terrible consequenses and sometimes happens sooner than later. We want a happy and healthy Ruth. I hope the medications start to help you, that is always hard...to find the right type that works. In the meantime try to get in a little exercise to help the mood a little. And the support groups always help We luv ya Ruth hang in there!!! (((hugs))) Elizabeth M

Ruth, I am glad that you are reaching out and asking for support. That is what these postings are all about. Everyone genuinely cares and will give you the "Ra-Rah" support that we all need at times. I can only ditto what everyone else has said., You MUST get the protein in, it is critical. Water is critical as well, since you can get dehydrated and not even realize it, which can make you feel down as well. If I was going to be at the meeting on Saturday I would bring you some samples of proteins, but lo I can't come. But ask here on the boards and perhaps someone will bring you some samples for you to try. The Doc's Hot Chocolate is awesome. I lived on that for the first two months. Now I just warm up Carb Countdown chocolate milk and add some unjury. I find that making smoothies is much better as well, sometimes even adding a little splenda. Don't stop experimenting. We've all had to do it. Hang in there and know that many of us are praying for you. God Bless, Mama