Issues with hormones/cycles? Advice appreciated

Hi all- i am an infrequent poster to the group but linger on a regular basis. I had RNY on April 8th of this year and since then I have noticed that I am having a period every 2-3 weeks. The cycles are lasting at least a week at a time (which is odd for me) and I am not losing weight during this time. I already feel like I haven't lost enough weight (55lbs) since the surger, but dealing with the hormonal stuff has made it even more difficult to tolerate. I CRAVE sugar during that time--but sugar (thankfully) makes me sick. I'm also having a difficult time getting in the protein they want me to eat. Frankly-- I feel so bad after I eat I just don't want to eat. I'm also going through a deep depression (with a suicide attempt)

First off.. I hope you're seeing someone about the depression.  It's def. something alot of post-ops deal with on a regular basis. Secondly, you need to know that our hormones (including the sex hormones) are stored in our fat.  When we are melting, the hormones will flood our systems, throwing everything out of whack.  Unfortunately, you've gotten the "too often and too horrible period" side effect.  There are people who are so fertile that they actually overcome birth control and get pregnant 6-8 weeks post-op. These hormones are not helping with your depression any at all.. so please know that some of your feelings may be from this aspect of your weight loss. Try to take care of yourself, and if you need anything.. let us know.

55 lbs in less than 3 months is really a lot.   I am 53 yrs old and going through menopause and did not have a cycle for 4 months prior to surgery.   It arrived the day i got home from the hospital and it is with me more than gone.   My doc explained our body is going through a lot with the quick wt loss and our hormones go crazy.  This also doesn't help your depression.  While you may retain water during your cycle, it will eventually come out. I am so sorry to hear about your depression but there is help out there.   Please see a doctor about that immediately if you have not already done so.    There is plenty of help out there.   We have had a lot of depresssion with my mom and my husband's dad and it is amazing what medications and therapy can do to help.   My mom had a suicide attempt about 10 years ago and with the meds they have her on now, she is very happy and content with life.  Don't walk...run to your doctor. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.   Please keep us posted. God Bless, Pam

The things you are going thru with the cycles and slow weight loss, cravings and depression is a part of this journey for alot of us.  You have taken such a large step to improve your life.  Nothing about your choice is the easy way out and no one but those of us going through this with you really get it.  The dumping of hormones does effect our moods.  A suicide attemp though is alarming yet I am sure there are some on this web site who have felt your depression.  I wonder does your log in name Cheapdisguise have something to say as to how you feel about yourself.  I can only guess cause I do not know the road you have traveled.  I can only figure like alot of us we are the pretty face, the life of the party that hid behind it.  Inside this large body hid a wonderful woman, as beautiful inside as we will see we are on the outside but not many people saw that or knew the pain that goes along with being the outsider fat girl, everyones friend but maybe we felt not so special espically if we didn't have the dates or the prettiest clothes or lots of friends.   While it sounds superficial it does mean something to us when we are young and makes us feel like failures most times.  Maybe now because you feel like your not losing fast enough, you think this to is a failure and not the cure.  The bright star in all of this is somewhere you have figure and loved yourself jthat you really do want to live and be healthy.  You do want a second chance.  If you really didn't seriously want this,all you would of done was talk about the surgery but instead you know somewhere inside of you that you can do this and took this huge step.  As you know nothing about this journey is easy, physically or emotionally.  So many issues made us fat but the last decision to grab controll made us change.  You will get through this.  You are stronger than you subconsciously feel.  You are strong enough to admit an attempted suicide!  You have reached out on so many different leveals.  We hope that you have a good support system at home and medically.  You will here but we are not pro's....well not licsensed ones anyways LOL.  This is such a struggle for alot of us.  For some the cravings go away but later come back and for some they only come at certain times.  I have gone for months when I only loose during my period and just a few pounds.  Just keep posting and talking to us.  Don't ever feel you can't say what is on your mind and please don't feel like your better off not in this world because that is so not true.  Be kind to yourself, your body is adjusting to the surgery and dumping years of stored junk in our cells.  When you feel blue and depressed remind yourself that this is part of it and temporary!  Than get on board and talk to us.  It is amazing how much people on this board do honestly care and reach out to help each other without years of friendship but like they were family instead.  In a since we are.  Strange it sounds like a cult! LOL  The home of the Wayward Loosers.  We come here to lose all the old negative habits and alittle weight while gaining new friends and a good support system.  You will see how well people on here will lift you up!!  I hope you have talk to your GYN about the hormone issue also maybe they can do something to help with it.  I started having issues with more or less having monthly's like I did when I was much younger, cramps, cravings and moods espically when I went back on the pill.  I am trying a new IUD now.  But please always feel free to reach out to us!  Your doing good so give yourself a hugg and alot of credit for going down this road!

I had major troubles with my cycles post-op.  They got closer and closer together, every 2 weeks when I finally gave in and saw my ob/gyn.  Also, I was having terrible cramps the first day or so.  I didn't lose weight during that time and craved bunches as well.  It is very similar to what you describe. Anyway, I had 4 cysts behind my cervix and a fibroid.  They were causing the irregular cycles and pain, don't know about the cravings, but I guess that was part of it too.  In any event, they put me on birth control pills which regulated the cycles and pain, but skyrocketted the cravings and constant grazing.  I haven't lost any significant amount of weight in months.  It is partially my fault with bad decision making, but I'm blaming the bc pills too.  They did that to me years ago as well, I gained 30+ pounds when I was on them.  I have stopped taking them and am beginning to notice a change.  In any event, I would call my gynecologist, my pcp, and maybe even my surgeons office, although some surgeons are more famililiar than others with post op changes.  I am interested to see if others respond to this because I would love to know how others have dealt with this. Take care and good luck. Ellen

((((Cheapdisguise))))) My heart goes out to you and your family. I can't imagine the depth of the feelings that you must be tackling now. I sse that Dr. DeMaria was your surgeon at the DUKE program It's my understanding that Drs. Applegate & Friedman ((919) 660-2229) (psychologist) are available for post-op counseling. Please seek them out for help.

As for the hormonal/period stuff, I would reccomend seeing a GYN. I'm on all kinds of medications to stop clotting for dialysis. I've also had ovarian cysts that caused so much bleeding that I had to be hospitalized for a week. I've found that the Mirena IUD does wonders for me. I've had it in for a little over 2 years and havent had a period since about 3 months after it was in. Yea!! You should ask and see if it's appropriate for you.

Good luck!!

Kelly


(edited for spelling error)