Good morning ladies.   Today I am 5 weeks out from vsg.  I am wondering from people who have been there. .. when will i feel like myself again?   I have been struggling with anxiety since the surgery.   I have a really bad cold right now so that doesn't help. I am really worried about getting in enough calories.   I have pretty much been in a state of constant stress since the surgery.   I just want to feel confident with my decision.   Please tell me I am not alone!

I think we go through all kinds of phases after surgery and most of them pass with a little time. If your anxiety is really bad it couldn't hurt to reach out to your PCP for help. Keep forcing the fluids and protein shakes. Post as often as you need to, we'll help if we can.

--gina

Sorry you have been struggling.  My Dr suggested, didn't insist, that everyone go on an antidepressant before surgery.  I had never done one before but I did and I was glad.  I think it helped with the anxiety, hormones, etc. 

If you are eating according to your plan, you should be fine.  We all feel like we aren't eating anything, and we aren't!!! in comparison to what we did before.  It is hard to realize this is correct.  Do be sure to get your fluids and protein.  That is really important. 

It was about 6 weeks before I really felt ok.  I think part of that was my D was low before surgery and I really believe that when my D got up, I felt human again.  Still went to be early and slept 9+ hours but could stay awake and active all day. 

Stay in touch.  We are here to help.

Wow...that's interesting about the anti depressant.   My surgeon gave me some anxiety meds 5 days after surgery because I was in a pretty bad place...but i have been resistant to taking them.  I already feel so weak for not handling this well. ..  I feel defeated and the pills reinforce that for some reason. 

He was actually doing a research project about whether it would increase weight loss.  I never heard the results and went off them after about 6 months but maybe they helped.  I know I never stalled and stalling is pretty common.

What is the anti-depressant?

Effexor and Welbutrin are known for aiding weight-loss.  It is unclear as to why (psycho-somatic...one isnt anxious/nervous/depressed/stressed so no self soothing via eating...or something else).

If you aren't diagnosed with anxiety or depression or some other disorder..he is using it for its off-label advantages. See "off-labeling" in google.

Docs do that fairly often.

Welcome to the LW board. 

that was 5 yrs ago so I don't remember.  He felt most folks were going to have some anxiety related to the surgery.  The research was just to see if it also helped folks loss during the after surgery time, which would make in on label. 

If your surgeon gave you something to take, please take it.  Don't worry about not being able to handle the stress.

I had a really easy time and had lots of distractions around me.  

Don't worry about calories, just get enough fluids in so you won't get dehydrated.

Good luck and hope you feel better soon.  Let us know if we can help with anything.

Linda

You are definitely not alone!!  I've heard this many many times. I never suffered with depression during my whole life until after I had WLS.  Our bodies are going through a major change plus we don't have food (mine was sugar) to fill the gap and help with our nerves. 

Maybe just knowing you aren't alone will help you feel better but if not I would consider taking the meds your Dr. gave you.  I'm pretty sure those types of meds have to build up in your system and you can't quit them cold turkey. 

I have never counted my calories.  I avoid "bad" carbs and a lot of fruit because of the sugar and I eat as much Protein as I want. Early out when I couldn't eat alot or drink the Protein drinks I bought Unflavored Protein and I put it in practically everything...SF jello, SF pudding, SF hot chocolate, soups, water with flavoring, etc.  Protein is the best way to lose and maintain your weight.

We are here for you...Rely on us!!!

I think you mean "When will I feel good again."  I hope that you NEVER feel like your obese self ever again!  It is my wish for you to feel stronger, healthier, physically fit, energetic and confident than you ever had before!

To answer your question-month 5-6 for me. I literally was exhausted and passing out for the first 4 months. It got better incrementally. Then, all of a sudden, I noticed I was walking wiht a spring in my step because the force that I used to push my 270 lbs former self off with when I walked was TOO MUCH for my 220 lbs self.

THAT moment was the moment I KNEW it was time to get back to the gym.