Is this a Normal Progression?

Hi, gang:

I have a question for the forum regarding depression post WLS.  I am now 4 1/2 months out and find myself with periods of just feeling out of it.  I know I should be exercising more than 3-4 days a week, but with work and the kids cannot get the energy up to do so.  I will sometimes go to bed earlier than I usually do because I am worn out, leaving chores undone to another day.  My kids do get on my nerves a little bit more these days, and I am a little more snappy than usual when annoyed by stuff.  I knew from research that the hair loss would probably come (it has) and I have to learn a new level of fullness or satisfaction with my meals.  I know the taking of vitamins and exercise will be the major key to keeping me healthy and at a normal BMI for life, but I didn't expect to feel so deflated so early on in this journey.  How common is depression, or blue feelings among WLS vets?  Does your body just have to regulate the serotonin as well as the hormones as you lose weight?

Thanks for your insight!

Depression is common.  My Dr group suggest that everyone with WLS go on a antidepressant for a few months.  Hormones are stored in your fat and when you lose, you release them.  Have you had labs done?  I know I started feeling more normal once my D3 got up to normal.  I went to bed early for months, sometimes 8:30, lol.  Your body  had to heal and then it is still going through lots of changes on few little fuel.  That is why the protein and vits/mins are so important.  Is your protein around 100gm?  That will help too.

I think I wrote a simular post around the same time. Without food as a coping mechanism, I had to relearn how to deal with things, still get a little blue from time to time, but dealing with it.

Be kind to yourself, get plenty of rest, and make sure you follow up with your labs. I had found that I needed to increase my thyroid dose.

I didnt start on any medications, but did see a therapist for about 6 months to help learn some new coping mechanisms and to help change some of the negative thinking I was experiencing.

Thinning hair is tough, thank goodness it comes back.

Just keep posting and get support.

Big hugs to you!

You got some good advice and the only thing I would add it to have your D level checked.  Low D can cause depression.  As for being tired it may have something to do with the small amount of food you are eating.  Are you getting enough protein? If you are exercising 3 or 4 days a week you are doing great.  Go easy on yourself.  Between kids and working and eating a lot less you have a lot going on.  Do the best you can and it won't be long before you feel better then ever.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!  

I am seeing my PCP next Tuesday for repeat labs since my Vit D and Potassium were low in September.  She did put me on 5,000 iu of  Vitamin D daily, but I double the dose because I read we don't absorb all of a normal amount.  As for protein, I am getting about 45-60 grams a day now. That is sometimes tough without protein drinks, which the surgeon hates.  I live on Greek yogurt, vegetarian chilli (most meats give me an issue) and peanut butter.

  I will bring up these issues at my visit, and see if she is willing to give me a script for a SSRI to get me over the hump.

Make sure the D you are taking is D3 not D2 (which is prescription) D3 is what we need, I get mine from vitalady.com.  I take 50,000 3x per week

I also think you should add a protein shake, it will not hurt you and will help.  45-60 grams is not enough

I am over a yr out and still have one protein shake for breakfast most days

You might be dumping hormones as you lose fat. That can cause moodiness and such. If you're on a med for depression make sure it's not slow or extended release since you would malabsorb the med. Go with some protein shakes, the docs and NUTs are wrong about stopping them. No surprise there.  ;)

--gina