Ok....I just need to ask...

Have any of you, especially post-ops, experienced a lot of moodiness? I am six weeks post-op and I knew I would be on an emotional roller coaster for a few weeks; I got over the head hunger, got over the cravings, I feel I am on the way to a healthy relationship with food; however, I can't shake the "moody" phase, if that can be called a phase. I almost feel right down mean sometimes, especially with my immediate family.....almost as if this witch is surfacing from under the layers of fat that are melting!!! Weird right? Is this because I no longer can use food as a pacifier? I am just hoping that I get over this, I don't want think that this is the person I am going to be when I lose even more weight.  I have never been like this, or maybe the fat was just a cover-up???? Just thinking out loud here, and wandering if anyone has gone through something like this -   Anna

Anna, I think it will pass. You've been through tremendous changes ... both physical and mental ... and all compressed in a very short time. Family can be our biggest support, but they can unknowingly (and sometimes knowingly) be our biggest frustrations. Not much has changed for them at all, other than helping you with your surgery. They still eat the same, have the same physical level of abilities, etc. While you're having everything change, literally, they're going on with everything *business as usual*. While we're all pleased for them and glad they aren't having surgery or so many changes, it can leave us feeling quite alone on dealing with so many changes at once. Even with family being supportive and trying to understand as much as possible, they aren't in our shoes. Just take some deep breaths, focus on the gift of this surgery to help us regain our health, and try to get some time to yourself when you can. I know my immediate  family are all trying to be understanding, helpful and supportive as my surgery approaches .... but sometimes in their efforts to be helpful, they say things or do things that come across to me as hurtful. They don't mean it that way at all, but my feelings are on my sleeve these days. I'm sure it will be even more intense after surgery. I'm trying to remember that they don't always know the right words to say, that they really do care, and that they are trying to help. I'm also stepping back and concentrating on not taking things so personally. It's a new and difficult transition for all of us, and even though it's a positive change, any change is stressful for everyone. I hope you feel more relaxed, happy, confident, and joyful soon. Maybe go to a funny movie or a little shopping spree? ; ) Also, I know that all the anesthesia drugs and gasses, as well as pain meds can cause moodiness. And, who knows how changes in ghrelin levels affect us??? Maybe that's a factor, too.

I have been very moody over the last week but thats due to the fact I cannot eat anything.  I am not hungry but dangit I want to chew something!!!  It didnt help when I researched some things that other doctors allow on the 2 week post-op diet then called Dr.Gorospe/Kirk's nutritionist Stephanie and found out that they dont allow those things AT ALL.  I was so frustrated.  I HATE protein drinks with a passion, (mainly cause I have never really liked Chocolate, Strawberry, or Vanilla anything...I know weird right?) and want to eat something that I can put Any Whey in.  I hope things will get better when i switch to phase two on the 11th, otherwise people better just stay a good 2 miles away from me.

Deep down I think my issue is food related - all problems and stress and moods where easily handled with food in the past.  I just need to learn still to cope otherwise.  This is an extensive learning process I think  But, yes, it will get better when you can chew again, I am with you 100% on the protein shakes - I don't like any of them. - Anna

Dan, have you tried the sugar free popsicles yet?

You can chew on popsicles.  I did that alot!  Chewing is what you miss most at that phase.  Have you tried the Banana Scream flavor?  I prefer it over the others. I will tell you I cheated!  Yes, I did!  2 days early I ate some cottage cheese and some scambled eggs.  Just not very much of course.  I also had some creme of chicken soup early.  Needed more substance.  Don't tell on me!   Hee, hee.

I know that you don't like Chocolate.....but have you tried the GNC brand 100% whey protein - chocolate/carmel.  I like it mixed with Skim Milk or water.  If I use water - I get the packages of Choclate Banana smoothie mixes that you can get in the produce area w/bananas usually at the Walmart Supercenters.       I still am not close to getting in my 70 grms of Protein, but since after 5 1/2 months -I've finally found something I can tolerate...most of the time..... I too haven't found a happy medium with the protein. Can you have soupy mashed tators yet?  That's what I had during the first 2 weeks...give or take.   KFC mashed tators with some chicken broth in it was rather tasty at 2 weeks....

Same her with the protein drinks. I got a bunch of samples from my surgeon's office to try out and figure out which ones I liked best. They are all kinda gross. I've never even liked milk shakes or malts. I'm hoping it works out putting the powder in jello and trying it that way. 

I am almost 5 months post op and yes moodiness is a friend of mine...But then I have had 4 surgeries since my rny and I have been dealing with not being able to be more physical then what I want to be. We were told moodiness anger depression would be a part of the after surgery care and thats why its important to attend support group meetings or call a post op who is futher out to help guide you throught the transision period. And like WOlf said some of it comes from wanting to chew...Hang in there and just notice the signs if you feel you are getting worse call and see a therapist who knows about WLS...Good luck to ya and blessings going your way

I have moodiness on and off...I think directly related to possible times when I am not taking in enough water or not getting enough sleep.  I have to really take better care of myself now and that's hard when you work 9 to 10 hours a day have 2 teen daughters and a truck driver husband who is home only a few days a month.  If it gets done...I'm doing it...so exhaustion creeps up on me quickly and I get grumpy.   But let me tell you that my hubby was so cranky for the first 2 months after his surgery...non-stop...to the point that the girls were hiding in their rooms and asking me was he going to be like this forever...he was night and day different from the man I fell in love with 3 1/2 years ago!!  He finally started improving.  Now he is only cranky randomly like me..when he is not taking good enough care of himself.  It is much better now.   So, I think it is normal and it will get better with time!   Hang in there!!!