Hyper, cranky, can't sleep -- need advice.

Hey guys, I haven't posted on here for a while, but I lurk around every few days just to see what's up. I need suggestions.  I'm down 120 lbs now, so about halfway to my goal, not too shabby for 4 1/2 months out of surgery.  Eating is a struggle -- I have absolutely NO appetite, have to force myself to eat, and still detest most protein sources, so I really have to work at that.  But, no big deal. The problem I'm having is that I'm hyper all the time, sort of wired, and I have trouble getting much more than about 4 hours sleep at night.  Yet, I'm tired, too, so I'm cranky.  I know much of this is related to weight loss, hormones, etc., not to mention the fact that I have a bit of S.A.D. anyway -- I'm ALWAYS sort of hyper from May through July,  and very sluggish in Nov-January -- I'm literally up with the sun this time of year -- I could never handle living in Fairbanks, I'd never be able to sleep in the summer, and couldn't drag myself out of bed in the winter even if the house was on fire. I know this is all normal, and nothing to worry about, but I wondered if anyone had any suggestions to deal with this, so I'm not biting people's heads off?   I think I'm pretty hard to live with right now.  Cranky and hyper, what a combination. Should mention, I'm getting TONS of exercise now -- it was slow going at first, back in the winter, but not a problem now, I'm very active.  I would think it would sort of mellow me out, but frankly, the more activity I get, the more active I am, the more hyper I seem to get.  What gives? Dan

Are you useing anything that has caffine in it? Be very critical here, and if you are injesting even small amounts of caffine, stop. Try kicking that for a week or so and see if that helps. If you addicted to caffine, you'll get on hell of a headach a couple days after you quit. Then things will slowly improve. Good luck. Doug

What you are describing was exactly what I was experiencing.  I ended up having to go the  medicinal route.  There is "sleepy time" tea, but it didn't work for me.   Friends suggested that I puff some bud, but I grew sick of weed many years ago. I don't like having to take dope pills.  But what with sleep apnea prior to, and hyperactivity after WLS, this last stretch  has been my best period of sleep in years.

At the risk of sounding like a therapist here, it's not "normal" to experience the highs and lows you're describing.  For some odd-ball reason, mental health issues aren't discussed enough with this surgery, but depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance are all extemely common in all of us pre-op and post-op.    Just my two cents, but a mental health evaluation doesn't mean you're "nuts" - it just helps you identify what is causing the highs and lows you're describing.   Mind, Body, Soul - that's my motto.   I have a plan to deal with all three post-op, and wish i had been told before surgery that i was going to have a major mind-f**k on my hands.   Anyway, that's just my two cents, for what it's worth.   I wish you the best, and please know that my suggestion is just what has worked for me. Chuck

No, this isn't normal.  You deserve to feel like you are not riding rollar coasters through life. What if you talk to your doc and see what s/he suggests?  You have every single symptom of depression and depression isn't fun. Seriously, this isn't normal, you deserve better.

Hi Dan, I  just wanted to say I'm sorry you're feeling bad. Have you tried any natural remedies to support the harmones that may be lacking at your stage in life? I've heard soy helps along with eating yams.

Really, activity is supposed to help PMS symptoms. Are these the ones you've been having?....

Depressed mood

Crying spells

Anxiety, irritability, anger

Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)

Appetite changes or food cravings

Fatigue Seems like it to me. Here are some suggestions to combat the problem...

• Reduce sugar and salt intake. This is especially useful for bloating and swelling of the hands and feet, breast tenderness, and dizziness. Increase foods rich in potassium, such as fish, beans, and broccoli.
• Eat small, frequent meals to help stabilize blood sugar.
• Eliminate caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety, depression, and breast tenderness.
• Increase intake of fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, and fish.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Decrease intake of fatty foods and red meat.

GOOD LUCK! FEEL BETTER SOON!

Yo, GUYS, thanks for your input.  No caffeine use, so that's not it.  And, no, I'm not depressed or anything like that, it's not a mental health issue, it's just a combination of the effects of the rapid weight loss plus the bit of Seasonal Affective Disorder that I have.  I've talked with PCP before about the S.A.D. thing, but it's not major enough to consider surgery.  I might try my old standby remedy for insomnia, "Poor Man's Ambien," i.e. Benadryl -- always knocks me out like a light, plus clears the sinuses.  OK, what's up with all of the women posting here?   I never posted this on any other board except the men's group.  Is this some sort of radical feminist attempt to "integrate" the men's forum?  I didn't find their posts particularly humorous or helpful. Guess it's time to give up on the Men's Forum and just post exclusively on Big Al's group.  There are some advantages to living in a "gated community." Dan.

Hey There! No I personally got a PM and was lead to this link. With your massive weight loss I bet your "hormones" are messed up. Are you getting all your vitamins?...... You might ask your PCP to run some bloodwork just to check on everything.   Sorry to impose........like I said I was sent a PM and asked to read your post. I hope you feel better soon!

Leticia

Dan, Hope you take the “bull by the horns” on this one. Sorry you are having some difficulties. Do look into depression.  That is a very common problem And one best handled by a doc who specializes in just that. Yes? If you tear a tendon in your knee, see an Orthopedic Guy. For Mood swings and such? A psychiatrist. As for all the Gals? That “Charming” woman? She has been given the chance to take some pot-shots at Men in General, Specifically “Regulars of The Men’s Forum,” And happened to land (quite randomly) on you. Your problem is real, fairly common, And very treatable. Her issues seem to be with  “All Men,” And she seems to take great delight in having this opportunity To “Stick it to” one of us. So sorry it was you. Do not let the self serving “Gender Posts” to your thread, In any way distract you from actually taking action. Depression is serious business that needs to be dealt with quickly. If left un-checked, it become a down-ward spiral Of “feeling bad” because of feeling bad.” Yes? Hollar if you need us Man! Best Wishes- Dx

Dan, Sorry to hear you’re having difficulties. I don’t know why all of the gals are jumping in…. But, For guys, this is a problem that is more common than you’d assume A couple of threads filled with the experience of others- First, from quite a while back, http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/men/board_id,5479/cat_id,5 079/topic_id,758415/a,messageboard/action,replies/#5699581

And one just today-

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/men/a,messageboard/action, replies/board_id,5479/cat_id,5079/topic_id,3606460/

Hope these help. Al’s Board maybe the last resort…. Best Wishes- Dx