Better and Worse ... (Could be TMI for some ...)

I'm making better choices and that's definitely a good thing. I took the advice of a friend and decided to look at the foods I was craving to see if they were really "my friend" or "my foe" ... of course, they weren't things I needed or that would help me get to my goal and maintain my losses, so I put them in the "foe" column and decided I didn't need to welcome enemies into my camp ... so to speak.

I'm having a very, very hard time with depression. It's not related to the WLS at all, but to other life issues. I'm hoping that those will resolve within the next couple of weeks to months.

Along with the depression, I'm experiencing one of the side effects of my depressed state ... severe, painful, constipation. I'm getting more than my 64 ounces of fluid daily. I start each meal with protien. I follow it with vegitables or fruit. Then I have carbs if there is any room left ... that doesn't happen too often. I called the nurse in my Dr's office and she said that I should continue to work on staying hydrated, I could use MyraLax and if necessary a Fleet enema. I hate having this consequence of my depression. I'm not sure how the two are related, but it seems that when I'm under significant stress my body swings to this extreme or the other. I'm going to make a run to the drugstore later and be sure to go for a long walk ... exercise seems to cure most everything ... or so I hear.

One side effect of the constipation is that my weight is up a bit. I'm not too worried about that and expect it to resolve itself soon.

So sorry for your trouble, Barb

 

I hope you get everything under control. I know about depression as it has been with me for as long as I can remember. Good luck on the belly thing also. Sending hugs and prayers your way.

Ramona

Ramona -

Thanks so much for the supportive words and sharing ...I truly appreciate it. I have been struggling with depression most of my adult life ... off and on. It's just been on a lot lately.

Thanks again,

Barb

Barb- I have had significant bouts with constipation- but for the last 4-6 weeks, it seems to have resolved. I continue with 2 Colace every morning with my vitamins and I make a point of cooking 2-3 times a week with olive oil- my nut. suggested it and it acts as a lubricant.....works for me...... Hope the blues improve. Its a rough cycle but it will improve. Hang in there my friend! Call me if you need to talk! Love ya, Sheila

Sheila -

Thanks for the suggestion and support. I'll try the olive oil and see if it works.

Barb

 Oh how I wish I could help you.  Please vent and we will listen. The doc gave me a powder laxitive when I was in the hospital last you mix it with a few onuces of your drink and it's supposed to help you become more regular.  I tired it a few times. I have used COlace too but it makes me dump, so I don't know which is worse, painful constipation or dumping. Have you tried adding more roughage, or using a fiber supplement?  GOod LUck and stay strong.

Barb, I also have trouble with depression.  For me, it goes the opposite way....non-stop, when I'm stressed.  Maybe that's why you and I were so hard on ourselves in the beginning.  I second what Sheila says, and also remember my WW days, where they told us to add a tbsp. of olive oil to our food once a day to keep regular.  It worked then.  It's worth a try.  Can I say good luck?  Hang in there...love the new haircut by the way. Nancy

Nancy -

Thanks for sharing and your support. I appreciate it more than I can say. I imagine that you are right about our both being hard on ourselves. I'm working on it ... in many ways this (depression) is a harder journey for me than the the weight issues ... at least it seems harder right now.

Thanks again.

Barb

Jenn -

Thanks so much for the concern and support. I talked with the nurse and I can take Colace. I can MiraLax and that should help. I always lead with protien and follow with vegi's/fruit. I don't know that I get enough though. I rarely get to carbs. I may need to use a fiber supplement. I have to say that this has not been a chronic problem and is often one of the negative symptoms of depression ... it's either this or I have to live within 10 of the ladies room. Go figure.

Thanks again.

Barb

(((Barb))) I am so sorry your depression is kicking into high gear!  Constipation is a common complaint of weight loss surgery patients.  What helps me is lots of fiber and water.  Then in the morning, a long brisk walk and when I get back... 2 cups of hot coffee... oh yeah, it works for me! My weight always goes up a lb or 2 when things are not moving. I know folks here that swear by MiraLax.  I haven't had to resort to laxatives thus far, thank God.   Again, count on my prayers for your depression issues.  I'm sending lots of loves, healing and comfort your way. Your friend, Diane