Question:
I have a question for the post -ops about your new journey
I understand everyone is different, but I have seen some of my co-workers that have gone through the surgery, and some say they are depressed and others dont, is this something to epect when I become post-op, or is this just hidden issues that the person didnt deal with beforehand? — belizeanboi (posted on March 11, 2009)
March 10, 2009
Food has been a important "long-term" friend, comfort and coping
mechanism for me! It is sort of like getting a divorce from someone I
loved very much who was hurting and abusing me! I worked very hard to
separate myself before my RNY but there were residual grief that I had to
deal with. It was soooo worth the psychological work that I have done on
my issues to start this new life!
Good luck,
Rena RNY 4/30/08
110 lbs; lost 117 lbs forever!
— RenaMansi
March 10, 2009
Hi Shawn, I think that although every situation is different, it's usually
a case of unfinished business. I have lost 97 pounds since last August and
have been treated for depression and have taken depression meds for
sometime now. I can honestly say I haven't had a single day of depression
since my surgery. I really think every case is individual. Some people
might get depressed just because they have lost their "friend"
which was food. It's hard to say. I hope you have great success in your
journey. It sounds like you are going into it with your eyes open!
— katiecakes
March 10, 2009
I didn't have any depression post surgery (mine was 3/2/09). I did break
down & cry about 2 times this past week, though. I think it's our
bodies processing all we've been through with surgery, pre & post op
diet, etc. It's alot to handle. I don't believe depression will be a
definite side effect of surgery...each person is different & will
handle things in their own way. But I think if you are an upbeat, positive
person pre op...you will remain so post op...Plus, if you have a good
network of family & friends by your side, you will be ok! Best of luck
in your journey:)
Diane
— angel325
March 10, 2009
Hi Shawn,
My surg was 7/1/08..lost 100lbs. I have not had any depression. NO regrets
of anything. I am a pretty up beat person. I have had issues with nausea.
But, sooo very happy to of had the surg and be loosing the weight that even
being nauseaited (not sure on correct spell) I am very happy. I think we
all come thru the surg and weight loss as our own personalities allow us
to. If you have issues to work out before do so. And follow thru from
there..if you still need to work on things do so.Become the best you are
able and then live a long wonderful new life!
— tootsie52
March 11, 2009
I think some people have unresolved issues, but the main problem is giving
up a life style you have developed. You must redesign your life. It is a
good thing but some people find it hard. They go into this not realizing
they can never eat like they want. This is a permanate change. I love it
but there are days when it is very hard.
— trible
March 11, 2009
Hi Shawn... I did months and months of preparation for this RNY surgery,
and I was excited and ready for it when it happened last week on March 2nd.
I went through a period of grieving for the lifestyle I was giving up -
one where I could eat anything I wanted, and as much as I wanted, and
anytime I wanted. But I expected that. I knew what I was exchanging for
the healthy life I want to have. And down the road, who knows? Maybe I
can have a bite of this or a bite of that. I just know that I have not
been depressed or upset, other than the period of grieving about which I
just spoke, which seemed to last about two weeks.
— Erica Alikchihoo
March 11, 2009
I am 6 weeks post lap RNY and I have to say it is not easy. My first days
home I had dumping from milk and I just wanted to die and questioned why I
did this to myself. I was very educated about what to expect but it is a
big change. Now I'm 35lbs down and grateful.Attend support groups if they
are available and share your feeling. No one can understand except someone
who has gone through it.
— [Deactivated Member]
March 11, 2009
I am also going through something. I realize I was an emotional eater and
food was a "good" friend. So, now I am going through the fact
that I have "lost" my friend. I was using food as a crutch.
— mslts297
March 11, 2009
I was a happy gal before surgery and I'm still a happy gal! And I LOVE my
new tiny tummy and all the excitement my weight loss has brought to my
life!
— GlitterGal
March 11, 2009
Medicall speaking your hormons will change so some mood changes are to be
expected. However, some of it will be like loosing a friend. I used food
as my anti depressent, anti anger solution. So with that in mind it
becomes how you personally feel about food.
— phyllismmay
March 12, 2009
I went thru diferent phases of pure happy joy joy...to some pretty looooow
lows as well...You have to learn to live with huge changes and that can be
very stressful...any change can be stressful, even good changes...You have
to deal with issues as they come up rather than judge it as a whole...I
have days I feel like I am still fat...and other days I feel awesome! Some
days I want to give up and stop trying ...Some days I want to throw all my
vitamins on the lawn and just stop taking them! Some days I have no idea
what to eat and if I forgot to take out something for dinner I am faced
with scary decisions like ordering a pizza or chinese! LOL But I go out
and get a roasted chicken and I'm fine! LOL It's really about
attitude...and knowing the surgery inside and out. What's wrong in your
head before surgery doesn't get fixed...The changes can be overwhelming if
you are not prepared and have done your research...As for Me? When I am not
overflowing with happiness...I am content...I still have lows and even
crabby moods now and then..but in general I have not ever been more happy
and at peace with my life as I am now and the last 5 years post op. Think
positve and learn as much as you can about YOU and who you are, what you
are made of etc... as well as your surgery...Face your demons and accept
them...Look deep into your fears and conquer or slay them...it's all about
attitude...Believe you are going to be so happy and successful and you will
be! That's all I did honestly...a lot of soul searching...a lot of surgery
researching...and a whole lot of positive thinking... It's been a great
recipe for success...I never entertained the thought of failing...I push
those thoughts away...They do come up...they do..but I refuse to let them
take over and become a solid thought or fear...and I slay it by just
reassuring myself how strong I really am and how far I have come with this
attitude! I deserve this! YOU DO TO! So tell yourself that and depression
will be easier to get thru...I won't lie and say you won't feel it...You
probably will...Get help if you can't do it alone...There is NOTHING wrong
with help!
— .Anita R.
March 12, 2009
I just mentally prepared myself to cut all ties with food before my RNY 3
years ago. I wasn't depressed over the fact that I couldn't eat as much.
Actually, I lost the desire to eat a lot of what I used to eat as a heavy
person. So that was good to prepare myself for eating small meals or
liquid meals. You won't be hungry for the first 3-4 months, until your
nerves start growing back in your stomach. I think it depends on your
relationship you have with food whether you will miss it. Hope this helps.
— Kristy
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