Depression

everyone; I need some . I am 3 weeks post-op, and I think I'm getting depressed. I am so frustrated with how weak I am, that I'm beginning to wonder why I did this. As of this morning, I've only lost 12lbs since surgery. I'm walking on my treadmill 2 days a week for 1.5 miles. I go to the Y and do water aerobics for an hour 4 days a week. I'm getting 60+ grams of protein in a day, not to mention the 64oz of fluids. I don't know what's wrong, but I just don't feel right. Has anyone else experienced this? I know there are several of ya'll who have recently had surgery. Let me know if ya'll are struggling with this, too. Thanks, Beth

Beth, sweetie, I'm sorry to hear about this. Have you talked with your surgeon's office? I am 2 weeks out, but haven't been able to get in my protein or all the fluids. I'm still on liquids right now. The protein shakes make me throw up, so right now I am avoiding them until my stomach settles down. I don't know what else to tell you. At least you are walking, remember fat is turned into muscle, so you may be building muscle instead of losing the fat. Don't be so hard on yourself. Sounds like you are doing everything you are supposed to. I'm still in the stage of walking just a little each day then back to my wheelchair. Don't worry, it will come off. When's your first post-op appointment? Talk to your surgeon and see what he says. Best of luck, love, Kathy

Hi Kathy, I talked to my doctor this morning, and they are going to start me on foltin (sp?). This is a b-12 pill that normally isn't started until 6 weeks after surgery. He said even though he approves of everything I'm eating and the exercise plan, it might just be to much. I'm hanging in there. I've come to far to give up. As for you getting sick on protein shakes...are these ones you are making yourself, or are they already prepared, ie Slim Fast, Boost, etc. I know Boost has to much sugar in it. I love the Advantage EAS drinks (I think they are made by Body for Life), and the Low Carb Solutions. I usually have 1 of them a day. Take care of yourself. Thanks for the support and the response. Love, Beth

Beth, Congratulations on moving over to the losing side! It's the greatest adventure I've been on in a long time! =0) When I was about 3-4 weeks out I went through a little bit of depression like you mentioned. First of all I didn't have any energy at all. Then I thought I was doing something wrong and was going to screw my surgical gift up! After realizing that I was completely normal, and I was doing all I could as far as walking, protein, water, etc. was concerned, I just had to trust that the emotional part that I was going through would pass. The surgery works on our insides, but doesn't fix our brains. It's so hard to get used to this new life style when you are so fresh out of surgery. We are so used to starting a new diet with our hopes so high, and then when things dont' happen as fast as we want them to, we tend to get upset. This is one time in your life that you aren't on a diet, and it WILL work! You are not going to fail as long as you follow your rules! You went to the same Vanderbilt program I did, so I know you had a great team to teach you all you need to know! Also, remember, for years we had a best friend by our sides that never rejected us, always stood by us, and that loved us no matter what. It was food. When you are first out of surgery, you mourn what you think is the loss of that food. I am almost 9 months out, and while I'm no pro at the surgery by any means, I can tell you that I can have just about anything as long as I watch my portion control. I now choose to not eat things that are bad for my body. Right out from surgery, I craved the junk food, soda, carbs, and things that got me to where I was. Now I can't stand the thought of them (except for Goldfish crackers. lol). My first recommendation is that you might want to slow things down a little. I know that sounds crazy, but you did just have major surgery, and you want to give your body time to heal. When I was at your point, I was probably still napping, and just walking to the end of my street and back. Seriously, you need to take it easy. I know you are probably so excited to get into your new routine, but you have the rest of your life to do that. Your body may be hanging on to everything you are taking in because it is in shock from the surgery and also from the exercise. The Foltrim that they prescribed for you was my life saver! I take it every morning, and love it! It has iron, vitamin C (helps you absorb the iron), intrinsic factor, and Vitamin b12. I really noticed a huge difference in my energy level after starting it. I also take 2 multi-vitamins a day (morning and night) because of my low iron levels. I never had energy before, but now I have a surplus of it! My best advice is to hang in there! You are doing great! Just follow your rules, rest as much as you can, drink your water, eat/drink your protein, take your vitamins, and you will do great! *hugs* Ashleigh PS. - I am sorry for being sooo long winded! I have no idea what got into me tonight! I never type that much in a response! Hope it helps some!

Hi beth, I agree with Kathie about talking to your DR., but one thing I see is that maybe you are doing too much too soon. Slow down some, get the required water and protein if you can, and get plenty of rest. Your body needs time to recup...as with any surgery. Don't be dicouraged...it will happen. Get to the Dr. and tell him all your concerns.....he will help. Billlie

Hi Billie, Thank you so much for your help. I've talked to my doctor, and he is going to put me on something called foltin (sp?). It is a b-12 pill that normally they don't give out for 6 weeks. He also said that he thinks I'm overdoing it, even though he has approved everything I've done, so far. . Take care, and thanks for the advice, Beth

Hey Beth, Do you read the main messageboard? I do...constantly! From what I've read there, a lot of people during the first few weeks or months experience some form of depression and even a little regret. This is why most of us are required to undergo a psychiatric evaluation...to see if we are mentally capable of undergoing such a life altering surgery and the aftershocks. Remember to take it one day at a time and stay off that scale (easier said than done!) Have you taken body measurements? You may find you've lost inches rather than weight. Perhaps you should, on a once a week basis, weigh and measure yourself. Now, since your dr. prescribed a form of B-12 hopefully you'll get your energy back. It's hard to be happy when you have no energy to do so Try cutting back on the exercise..perhaps slow down your pace a little on the treadmill and pace yourself while doing water aerobics, don't push yourself too hard. I love water aerobics myself! As far as I'm concerned, you're doing wonderfully and I can't wait to get where you are. Keep up the good work! *hugs* April

I suffered from depression before surgery and was on a drug called effexor...I am now 19 days post op and am having symptoms of depression again...the dr. thinks maybe the meds are not getting into my system like they used to. I have yelled at my daughter for no reason, cried over the stupidest things...just hang in there and we all will get through it! Mikki

Hi Michelle, I'm taking Effexor, too. I think I'm just trying to push to hard, because this isn't coming off as fast as I want. I have absolutely NO patience, and this is driving me crazy. I pull my capsule apart and pour it over applesauce or yogurt. I haven't had a problem with it. Take care of yourself, Beth

My surgery is scheduled for Jan 30. I have taken effexor xr for afew years, and have had good results with it. I have heard that after wls we are not supposed to take time-release medicine. I don't know yet, but I am thinking mabye I will be switched to a liquid or one that is not time released. I hope I won't always need this medication.!! It sounds like you are doing great!