Hi Mary, Yes, what you are feeling is very normal. I felt pretty good while in the hospital, but when I got home I came crashing down. I called an old friend who had the old fashioned stomach stapling years ago and felt much better after talking with him. I did`nt know about this site at that time. I did take antidepressants, Effexor xl and felt sooo much better. It also helps with hot flashes! When you realize how much better you feel, when you can get up and down out of a chair easily, when you no longer become exhausted just from doing simple tasks, when your back no longer hurts, when your blood pressure goes down, I`ll go ahead and stop there. The list could go on and on. And of course you may not have had the same symptons I had, but I think you get the picture. I am 3 years out and life is indeed back to normal. Granted, I can`t eat near what I used to, but that is a good thing. I am just now able to tolerate some things, such as steak. I was able to eat most of the 7 oz filet at Outbacks recently. I really did enjoy it too. Hang in there. Talk to your doctor about the sleep, because that is important for your healing. Keep us posted and take care of yourself.

Hi Sharon, I did have chocolate. I had a kit kat which was a favorite of mine before surgery and it was so worth it. I ate it and then my craving was gone and I was more than satisfied and the best part is I haven't had any chocolate or chocolate cravings since!!! I am so happy that I had this surgery because beforehand I would have eaten a whole bag of kit kats especially with all the Halloween candy out in the stores. Oh and today I went to the grocery store and I found Q-Smart bars which are really yummy and only 1 gram of sugar I heard about them on the main message board and I will not make them an everyday part of my diet, but if I have a need for a treat they really are good Hugs, Sara

Hello Mary, You can do this Mary. If you continue to be unable to sleep contact your surgeon and see if he/she has any suggestions. Depression can happen after major surgery. If you continue to feel blue/cry please let your surgeon know so that they can handle this situation. Surgery effects us all differently. Don't beat yourself up over your decision. I am sure you put a lot of thought into it before actually having the surgery. Believe in yourself Mary!! Best Regards Sharon Open VBG 10.28.03 -117#

Hi Sara, Sorry I didn't respond earlier. I have been really busy at home/work. Haven't been to the board as often. Just wondering how you handled your chocolate craving. Did you find an alternative to eating the chocolate? Did you have the chocolate? Etc. etc. ~~ Are you happy with the way you handled it... etc. Hope everything else is going well for you. Sharon -117

Hang in there you are both doing great!