Question:
Has anyone found that they are more 'emotional' after WLS?

I am 10wks post-op. I feel happy, however, I seem to cry alot. I cry over TV shows, happy times, and when sad things happen I have a hard time controlling the 'sobbing'. Is this normal- I know the hormones change. I do not want to take homeones either (estrogen dependant breast cancer runs in family)for this. I do not feel depressed just seem to cry easily. I am starting to get embarrassed about this. Any suggestions? Tired of being a 'bawl baby!'    — Jan S. (posted on June 15, 2003)

June 15, 2003
Hi ~ Being emotional after surgery is so normal... I think it's something to do with our relationship with food, and possibly a form of grieving over it. I found that while I was still in the liquid/puree/soft food stage, and testing new foods, that the oddest things would 'set me off'... I wasn't facing the issue of my old friend 'food' not being the major part of my life anymore. Nor did I want to face it. Life goes on, no matter what happens to us, or what we do. And during this period, the triggers that used to send me straight to the refrigerator were still there, and I had to learn to handle them differently. We do get over this, not totally, but we do. When I started seeing a big difference in my body, these issues tended to fade... We always have to be on guard tho, because at some point, we can once again eat more normally. I was a sugar-aholic, and now I find myself craving carbs (which the body can turn to sugar)... but the battle is sure worth it!! Last year at this time I was a size 3x... now I'm a plain old medium. If you still see a counselor, or can go back and see the one you saw pre-op, I'd suggest doing this to help you thru this period. Best of luck to you! :o)
   — Karen D.

June 15, 2003
I know exactly what you're going thru!! I did the same thing at about 13 weeks post-op. Even tho I was so excited and elated with the weight loss & almost text-book-perfect results of my surgery, I was SO emotional. Everything made me cry. I went to my doctor (pcp) because it was so unlike me. I was so relieved when he told me it was perfectly normal! He said there were many many factors contributing to it. The surgery itself, ketosis, anesthesia & literally almost a 'post-partum' type syndrome (hormones, recovery, etc.) Think about it...where are estrogen & other hormones stored in a woman? In Fat Cells!! And we've been dumping them like crazy!! The good news is...it does pass! If it doesn't, talk to your doctor. There are some terrific medications you can take will help tremendously. Please feel free to email me if you need someone to talk to ~ I know exactly how you feel! Open RNY 1/3/03
   — chelle3081

June 15, 2003
Yes, A few nights after surgery I couldn't get the bottle of water on my bedside table open so I sat in bed and cried until my husband woke up and opened it for me. I have been very emotional ever since. I think it is healthy to have a good cry once in a while and I must be very healthy.
   — Tawnda C.

June 15, 2003
me too i burst out into tears for no reason at alal it seems, i am way too overly emotional, guess its the hormones in the fat being released! hang in there!!
   — janetc00

June 19, 2003
I'm not sure what it is about this surgery, but I also have been more emotional than usual about some things...but far less emotional about others. Sometimes I really feel like my emotions are out of whack and at the same time I feel empowered. Now tell me THAT isn't whacky! My outlook on things has changed so dramatically that I am surprising myself. I wonder when, if ever, this will settle down. Good luck.
   — Diane S.