Question:
mood swings

are any of you ladies arround age 35-40 having severe mood swings and pre menopausal symptoms after wls? If so, whats good to take for it?    — glenndamann (posted on March 9, 2006)

March 9, 2006
Well, I'm only two weeks post-RNY, and older than the age range you are asking about (48), but so far, nothing strange hormone-wise. My period came exactly 26 days after the start of my last pre-surgery period, which is not unusual for me. It was neither heavier nor lighter than usual either; however, I've heard and read many warnings that the surgery can affect your hormones for awhile. My advice would be to contact someone in you doctor's office. I know that some women have to go on birth control pills to even them out, but you should also be aware that birth control pills can't be counted on to prevent pregnancy if your hormones are out of whack.
   — packrat

March 10, 2006
I am still pre-op, but I can tell you from my research, that hormones are stored in the fat and as you loss the fat those hormones are released into your system -- QUICKLY. Yep, lots of mood swings, depression, etc... The best cure is waiting until your weight loss slows. It will get better. If it's too bad to wait or your husband and children hide from you :) -- go to your PCP and get an anti-depression med. You may only need it until your weight stabilizes. Hang in there!
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 10, 2006
hoping to have lapband in june. my husband has concern that this will teach our children they can eat any thing and go have surgery it will fix everything i am 34 and been overweight all my life any advice would be greatly appreciated thanks
   — tractorgirl

March 10, 2006
I suggest you go see a psychiatrist not a psychologist and be evaluated just for a piece of mind. You may have to take medication or you may not. He/she is the only one who is able to give you the proper diagnosis not an MD. Good luck to you. Danielle
   — Dani96

March 10, 2006
Hi Glennda ... I had WLS at 41, and believe the surgery may have had a part in throwing me into early menopause, which completely devastates me, since I'm ttc. I was trying to post a link to http://earlymenopause.com, but their site seems to be down right now ... if you can get to it, check out the "symptoms". Mind you, however, these symptoms can also be related to other things as well, so its always best to check with your doc.
   — Karyn B

March 12, 2006
Glennda: I am post op for 2 years now, and am 45 years old. I have some pre menopausal symptoms, but not all of the time. I found through my research to keep my diet regular and healthy, and for both mood swings and for night sweats that exercise helped that alot. It seems that if you exercise to a good sweat that it helps balance that out. I encourage you to not look to medication first, but try diet and exercise and see if that will help. You mention on your profile that you attend Church, and I want to encourage you to read God's Word faithfully, as that is the power in the believers life. If you want power to overcome anything, He is truly the answer. The Bible says that He is "The Way, The Truth, and The Life". He has it all, even when it is really hard. Take a look at mood altering habits like caffine and chocolate or sugar. These things can be explosive to you as a wls person. You can tame some of these symptoms with your own good nutrition solutions. Buy a good book and read it about this issue, follow some of their advice. Things will look up, it just takes time to balance out.
   — Patricia P

March 14, 2006
Yes, I found an herb that is fantastic for the mood swings. It is black cohosh. It takes about 4 to 6 weeks for the full effect, but you should start feeling a difference in 2 weeks. It actually made my mood swings non-existent and I am so much calmer. By the way, I have been taking it for 5 years with no side effects.
   — joeandteri

March 16, 2006
I'am also almost two years post opt and teach aerobics. I'm in fantastic shape and love the rush I get while working out. However, since having my RNY I've experienced severe mood swings and bouts of depression. I finally had to go to the doctor and was placed on Wellbutrin XL. I'm finally feeling like my old self because of the medicine. I'm not promoting medication, but even a healthy diet and vigorous exercise is sometimes not always enough.
   — Belle