Question:
Am I going crazy???
I'm now a little over 4 wks post-op Lap RNY, and feel like I'm losing my mind. I'm losing weight, eating right, and adjusting to that just fine. The problem??? I feel like I'm going crazy. I have always been on anti-depressants for depression (duh) and anxiety. I have barely left the house since surgery... can find no pleasure nor purpose in ANYTHING, and just want to curl up in bed and be left alone forever. I'm an ultrasound tech who travels for work, and have been submitted for several jobs. I usually get excited about going somewhere new, meeting people, seeing sights... this time if I could afford it I'd just stay home in bed. I went through this experience pretty much alone... I don't have a support system. I feel isolated from the world, and very depressed... yet feel unable to do anything to rectify the situation. Can any long-term people who've been there done that please respond? Is this normal? When will it end? I could use your insight!!!!! — Michelle B. (posted on March 24, 2002)
March 24, 2002
Bless your heart! I felt exactly the same way! It took me a few more
weeks - and I did start to feel "normal" again. Hang in there!!!
Best of luck to you. Open RNY 7/17/01.
— blee01
March 24, 2002
As a person who has been treated for depression for years, NO! you are NOT
losing your mind! My surgeon calls it the "hibernation period".
You just feel like hiding out and not seeing anyone or going anywhere. Been
there. I am no longer treated for depression (14 months post op now) and
don't suffer from my surgeons "hibernation period" any long- but
I do know how you feel. It will get better! You're not alone, chances are
if you are feeling this way- someone here is or has gone through it as
well! Just know that it doesn't last forever. My surgeon suggests
exercise-like walking-to help us out of this mode. There is an article at
www.sabariatric.com/keys_to_success1.htm that you can look up. Good luck!
— Cindy K.
March 24, 2002
Hi Michelle. I am not a long-term post op but I just wanted to let you know
that you are not alone in the way you feel. I will be 6 weeks post tomorrow
(open RNY) and I am feeling the same way. I am finding no joy in anything,
and I am not motivated to do anything. I feel lonely--I really don't have
much of a support system either, just a couple people, and I stay at home
with my kids (ages 11 yrs and 21 months), so some days I really feel
isolated. I have also been on anti-depressants before surgery, and now. I
am hoping things go back to as normal as they can be soon. If that means
more or different meds, so be it. I just want to be happy again. Take care,
and good luck.
— Jennifer G.
March 24, 2002
hi michelle..
no you arent going crazy..i went through this feeling to and felt teary
tired and wanted to be left alone.my mother who has a abundance of wisdom
came over one morning when the kids were at school and we talked and she
explained i might pssibly going through a grieving process for my pld self
and saying goodbye to the old me like losing a companion..this made alot of
sense to me and when i came out the ther side of the hibernantion i felt
better equiped to handle situations that wls puts you in.ie not eating in
group situations early on and popping into places for lunch with
family...just my forepennith...hope it helps in some way...
— Rachel F.
March 24, 2002
I dont have an answer, however; I have been on Celexa for 4 years for
Bi-Polar Depression, and I worry about this happening to me after
surgery....are you on any antidepressants now??? did you have to quit
taking them during the surgery process???? I cant imagion going without my
meds..please e-mail me back [email protected]
— Shari V.
March 24, 2002
Thanks to all who posted and e-mailed on this subject... I appreciate the
support I've received on this site. I'm going to get more active, and ride
this thing out... I've conquered worse! *HUGS*
— Michelle B.
March 24, 2002
In my weight loss support group, estrogen release (among other things) was
mentioned as a contributing factor to behavior changes. Either we lose
estrogen as we lose fat or it metabolizes? causing some extraordinary
emotions. I am waiting for surgical approval and I am the most impatient
person in the world. Although I have reasearched the surgery for more than
a year, before making a decision,I feel a sense of panic. Like if I don't
have the surgery asap I gonna just keel over.
Melissa
— Melissa K.
March 24, 2002
Check to see if your anti-depression medication is time release. Such as
Wellbutrin SR. If so, you might not be getting the same dosage you were
before. Remember we have to be watchful with our medication because we
don't process all medication the same as before.
— Gloria G.
March 24, 2002
Michelle,
Your med dosage may have to be readjusted because of the malabsorption
factor.I also had to go from timed release to immediate release. I've been
on meds for years, and now that I'm a year out, we've had to kind of play
with the dosages to get them where I need them . Plus, all that estrogen
going wild in our system doesn't help. Trust me, I've been there, done
that, could OWN the t-shirt stand!
Love,
Donna in AL
— Donna S. C.
March 26, 2002
Feel Normal?? ME??? Gads... I'm right in there with you!! Your body says
"I hurt" and shuts everything down so it can heal itself. Your
mind is also having to deal with the emotional loss of food... curling up
in bed is good for that one...! The best thing to do, that I have found,
is to force myself to get out of bed every morning, take a shower, dress,
and have my protien shake breakfast on the porch, regardless of the
weather. I also take a cup of milk, a cup of juice and a litre of water out
there with me, and I don't go back inside until it is all gone. By that
time, I am feeling pretty good about the day, and start rolling. It
doesn't ALWAYS work, but 80% of the time it does! Hugs!!
— Sharon H.
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