Did you get emotional?

I'm happy that I finally got my surgery. I'm thrilled that I lost 19 pounds in 13 days. I am super happy to be home in my own house with my kids. I'm excited about feeling well enough to go back to work this past Wednesday. BUT I'm on the verge of tears because I feel so alone. I don't usually let my feelings show - not to anyone - too used to being hurt and so I keep myself protected, but today I am overwhelmed by feelings of being so lonely. I am very independant and I am totally used to being alone and I know these feeling will pass in time, but right now I really miss having somebody hug me and hold me. It started when I got home and saw my big queen size bed and wondering okay - how long is that other side going to be empty and it has snowballed since then. Why am I so emotional? Where are these tears coming from? Sorry all - I just don't know what is going on with me.

I Andrea, you will be okay. I will pray for you a special person in your life. But right now you need to take care of yourself and be prepared to buy really pretty clothes. Congrats on the 19 pound weight loss

Thanks Sweety - I needed to hear that and you are right I do need to take care of myself right now. Pretty clothes - now there is something I haven't even dared to think about, but it sure sounds good.

Dearest Andrea, My doctor told me that losing weight so fast can make your hormones go crazy. That could be part of the problem. Knowing this can make it not so scary. When the time is right the right person will come into your life. Congrats on the weight loss and know that you are in my prayers.

Thanks Rosemary I am very glad you told me that because I didn't even think that maybe my hormones were coming into play, but it sure sounds right. I guess it scares me to feel so out of control emotionally because I have prided myself on keeping them under control. I know there must be somebody out there who will love me for me and I'm sure God will send them when he thinks I'm ready. I just gotta keep remembering that. Thanks for the prayers - I believe I am going to need them. Andrea

Andrea: I've read a lot of similar posts about emotions in the weeks immediately after surgery and the hormone factor seems to come up quite a bit. What I don't see mentioned is another potential contributor - opiate pain medication withdrawal. I'm a therapist with a specialty in addiction treatment. Even after just a few days on morphine people can experience some "withdrawal" symptoms that include the kind of emotional experience you are describing. If that is contributing it should pass pretty quickly so hang in there. Steve

Thanks Steve! Upon waking up this morning my emotions are not so "wacko", but I am still feeling a bit blue. It makes sense though with all that my body is going through on top of the pain medication that I might feel a bit off for a while. I am just going to hold on and look towards the future and hopefully things will settle down soon. Andrea

I was feeling that way too right after my surgery...it seemed like my girlfriend just checked out emotionally and wasn't very supportive of what I had just been through. Then I discovered, she was having an online affair. Well, it is three months later (4 month post op) and it has given me new hope. If I would have found out about this prior to surgery, I don't think I would have made it! I would be in a trash can somewhere... I have been able to look at life differently after surgery, and you will too. When you start to see changes in yourself and see the changes in how people react to you...things will change! You won't feel that depression...but you have to work at making your life different. It won't just happen! When I got depressed...I went for a walk...just put on my IPod and walked, until I could physically handle it....I have gotten up to a four mile walking distance at this point, per day! Bing outside makes me happy! congrats on your surgery...keep your head up, and remember, your whole life is ahead of you...it is out there, just waiting for you...

Hi Joyann! Thanks so much for the response. I checked out your profile and you look fabulous! I am doing better now thank goodness, but it was rough going for a little while. I know I need to focus on myself right now and get myself healthy and eventually love will come into my life. I am going back to Curves next week and really looking forward to it. Thanks so much again - hugs, Andrea