Embarassing mood swings?

OK guys, this is pretty embarassing.. but so far I've not asked a question here that no one else had dealt with.  I'm having a problem, and I want to know if anyone else went thru it, and what the dealy-o was. I'm almost 7 weeks out, and having ridiculous mood swings. I'm talking little sissy girl mood swings..LOL.  I've never been an emotional guy, and now all of a sudden, I'll be sitting watching TV, or doing some oddball job around the house, and I will have this wave of emotion come over me.  Just depression, or frustration, sadness... and a couple times just instant anger.    They all happen for no reason with no trigger. The other night...  I was sitting watching TV, and suddenly realized I had tears streaming down my face for no reason. And no, I wasn'****ching a sappy movie.. LOL.  I've heard rapid weightloss releases testosterone, which could explain the anger.. but crying? C'mon now!  Wifey  says it's sounds like PMS.. LOL.  Dang, what else did that Doc snip in there!!! Anyway, no I"m not clinically depressed, or anything.. it leaves as fast as it comes... just random bursts of emotion.... Dale

Periods of post surgical depression are quite common.  Since it has myriad causes, you're not likely to get a single good answer from a psychologist.  Basically, stuff happens based on changes in body chemistry and, thus, on brain chemistry.  Normal sadness or other moods usually doesn't last long.  If these emotional manifestations are occuring because of your surgery, you can expect them to decrease with time.  I mean that they'll probably be gone within 3 months.  I think you can handle them for that long. However, if other men reading this tread know that they have been in a funk since having their WLS, they should probably see their PCP or surgeon and be put on a short term course of a mild anit-depressant.  They should be re-evaluated within 2-3 months to see if they can then be weaned off of the meds.  If they do start the meds, they should follow a doctor's instructions for coming off of them.

That's kind of what I figured, it would fade.. just kinda wierded me out.  If it was a constant funk, where I sat around being depressed, at least I could understand it.. LOL.  But nope, not me.. been pretty happy, almost high!  I'm diggin the weightloss, then just out of no where.. boom... and then a minute later I start laughing at myself, going "what the heck was that!!!" Dale   

 VERY typical (and "normal") Dale, due to many factors ..

 One thing going on is the horomones ..   I don't know about the testosterone theory, but actually quite the opposite - in that large amounts of estrogen flood our systems with the weight loss (yes, we guys have some too in our bodyfat tissues) ..   The break down of the fat supposedly causes the estrogen to be released into the bloodstream, creating a condition akin to post-partum depression in women ...

  The other factor is more psychological, from not being able to eat what we could (over)eat before ..   We now have new eating restrictions, limitations and a "forced" diet to follow ..  For those of us for which eating was a "comfort", that can be a *****!

  Then there's the situational pressures, stress and such from losing the weight and its effect on those around us ..  spouses, family and such ..

   I confess tol people with great embarrassment now how upset I got a few days after my surgery, thinking "WTF have I done to myself???"  ..   I was having uncontrollable diarrhea that kept me from going out in public during those first few days/couple of weeks on top of it  ..   This added stress gave rise to anger and frustration spells in me (temper tantrums?) so bad I started throwing things around my hotel room, which was very unlike me  ..  I remember yelling at my surgeon on the phone and even at my concierge gal and nurse once when they came to check on me (they refused to stay in the room with me that day)   I felt like Spock in that episode of Star  Trek where he has the "urge to merge", but is fighting it   &:-x)

     Hang in there man . .  but don't keep any sharp objects nearby!

I went through it too.  I was geting so depressed during one period tha I called ready to get reffered to a psych bu thte nurse told me to eat a banana and call her back later in the day if I wasn' t better. It workd,...turned out I had apotassium shortage.  Vitamins and minerals, body chemicals rearranging and changing with the rapid weight loss.  Now I take an over the counter postassium supplement with my other morning pill regime.  It is worth reading or rereading any nutritional info you got pre-op or do some research on vitamins, mnerals, and aminos and what effect they have on the body.  See what going on with yuo try taking something yu think might address your situation.  Just don't do a bunch at once or you won't knwo which had what impact.  And sometimes it takes a day or two to have a visible impact.  Others have an impact in a few hours.  Most are not harmful and if you don' t need them, they just pass thru in your urine or poot so no harm done other than the expense. I shop at Walgreen and Walmart for all of my stuff and recommend the smaller cheaper sizes until you know what you are adding or deleting from your battery of supplements. I have added the potassium, magnesium, liquid B Complex and B-1 in addition to B12 and the B vitamins I get in my multivitamin.  The nurses had me change to a prenatal multivitaminwith 28 mg of ironinstead of the standard stuff at 18 mg of iron and I take 2-3 a day depending on the amount of joggin or workout I do that day.  If I get pregnant or start milking, I'll keep you guys posted!!! I also added flaxseed oil at the advice of some guys that mentored me on the Mens Board and that helps the heart and keeps the south end regular.  And biotin for minimizing and thicking hair loss (5000 mg a day).  I also doubled my Vitamin D dosage (for back and hip pain that is gone now) but I continue just as a precaution. And added Vitamin E for the skin and minimizes dandruff and zits. Good luck with that, congrads on your 7 weeks of weightloss worth diggin.   May the FARTS continue to be with you!

Oh yeah,...Ialso have been through a tough period of anger for no good reason.  Execise is the best way to burn off that steam and bring some solace and peace of mind.  Probably chemical realted too but if it helps keep me motivate to run or lift,...its a good thing.  But a definite mood swing thing.

While there's a lot to be added by following the advice given here about taking vitamins, you're better having some blood drawn to determine what your actual deficiencies are.  I've had malabsorption problems since having my RNY and I have to go for periodic blood work.  I have particular problems with potassium, iron, and vitamin A.  I used to eat bananas for the potassium, but that deficiency got worse and now I'm on a prescription for a much higher does of potassium.  In addition, I get tested for Depakote level (used to treat bi-polar disease) and liver function since the Depakote can affect the liver.  My psychiatrist tests that a few times a year.  Because of the meds for bi-polar and probable problems with my liver, I can't try most herbal remedies without first consulting with my PCP or shrink.

Hey Dale... great Post... I agree with all, the hormones, vits, use the exercise...but do not excuse a big reason....loss of control in your life...we generally get mood issues when we are out of control...work family that sort of stuff...and yo can walk away from it...right now, your eating is out of your control...and it's a big thing.... Russ

I am 8 weeks out and have not had the emotional problem that you have had, I did go through a period I call my "Liar, Liar " period. Just like in the movie I had a hard time bitting my tongue and not telling folks just what was on my mind. I have noticed that phase is over and I am back to being more PC. Shoot, I actually miss being a A__hole.

That's funny, I experienced the same thing. I said just about whatever was on my mind. 14 years ago, after brain surgery, I was even more uninhibited. Joe