Question:
Has anyone else ever expierienced this or felt this depression also?

I really am in need of support. I used to be a pretty active member of this site but now six months after my revision surgery I am so depressed and feel so removed from all in here. I feel I have nonething to contribute to this site or the support of others. I have only lost about 40 to 45pds since my surgery. I have a drs. appt this week and am embarrassed and scared to go. The last time I was there I told him how depressed I was, asked him why I did not feel full like I should and why was I able to eat large amounts of food. He has ordered a upper GI to be done this week. What can he tell from that? Has anyone else out there has such a slow wieght loss as me? When I read all the successful stories of others I feel so depressed and guilty. I try to eat small amounts, no sugar etc. I feel hungry all the time. I just cannot get in the routine with the protien shakes. I do feel better since I have lost some weight and get out more and get more excercise than before surgery but it is the whole wieght loss thing. I just feel like a failure, feel like I should have lost more and don't know why or where I have failed. I really need some support, how do I get going right again and how can I find out how or where I have failed myself in this quest for a healthier me? Please help? Any advice would be so appreciated! Thank-you!    — [Anonymous] (posted on January 28, 2001)

January 28, 2001
Hi...I was so touched by your post...I want you to take a deep breath, relax a little, and realize YOU have NOT failed anything! You are still on the quest, it is just going to take you a little longer than you had planned...You have already lost 45 pounds, that's terrific! Pat yourself on the back a little...that is an accomplishment! Also, if you feel like eating, eat...and don't worry every minute about what you are eating *as much as how you feel*. Take time out to make a little diary (put in what you ate, how much *if you want to*, and why?)...even, if you ate just simply because you were hungry. Also, increase your exercise a little..if you walk, walk a little faster, if you do aerobics...redo the last song or two...whatever it takes to get your metabolism going...! As for your doctor's visit, don't be embarrassed sweetie, go in there and tell that doctor everything you feel...ask to be referred to a psychologist or counselor who may be able to help you with the depression *maybe that's the main culprit here!*, okay? If you want to talk, email me at [email protected], okay? I'm here for you...take care and know YOU do have support! God bless~Terri
   — Terri G.

January 29, 2001
I admire you for posting this question, because I thought that I was the only one that felt like this. I am almost 3 months post-op on the 2 of next month. And I feel the same way that you do. I'm also depressed because I haven't lost as much as I thought that I would have by now. I am on medicines for my depression, but it doesn't seem like they are working anymore. I don't go to chat anymore like I useto either. Like you I also thought that I am doing something wrong. The only thing I do is take my meds. my vitamins and proteins and try to live my life one day at a time. I don't know what else to do. But I do hope you feel better real soon. And I have faith that things will get better for you and myself. And just keep knowing that you did do the right thing when you had your surgery.
   — Antoinette P.

January 29, 2001
I am so thankful that you posted this question. I too have been feeling this way. I am almost one year post op and have only lost 78lbs. I feel as if I could eat all the time and eat alot more than I should. I very rarely feel full and I never dump on anything (which is a problem because sweets have always been my downfall). For the passed 6 months I've barely lost anything (almost all of the weight loss was in the first 6 months). Because I was feeling depressed, I stopped exercising and drinking my water and protein drinks. Not to mention I have to deal with the pressure of everyone in my life who knows I've had the surgery wondering why I'm not stick thin after a year. Just recently, I made the decision to get myself back on track. I did this after reading a book called Life Strategies by Dr. Phil McGraw. I've started exercising again and eating right. I've come way too far to let myself fail again. But no matter what other people here have experienced with easy weight loss, for me, this is a daily STRUGGLE. Try reading this book, I know it helped me and it might help you too. Good Luck, and know you are definately not alone.
   — prissb

January 29, 2001
Oh, sweetie! Been there, done that, own the t-shirt concession! I've not lost an ounce for the last month (I'm 9-1/2 months post-op), and I know in my heart that my body is just catching up with itself, but every once in a while those old "diet tapes" replay themselves in my head. You know the ones ... "you fat lazy loser slob, you'll never succeed at anything" ... "see? I told you this wouldn't work" ... etc., etc., etc. I think that sometimes we look at the post-op period the same way we used to look at "Oh, my God, I have to lose 50 pounds by the weekend!" in our dieting days. We set impossible or improbable goals for ourselves, and then beat ourselves up for not meeting them. You haven't failed, sweetie. You're not a failure. You're a success story ... when was the last diet you were on where you lost 40-45 pounds in six months and kept it off for more than five minutes? When was the last diet "failure" you had that DIDN'T send you running to the fridge? All of us want to be those trouble-free people who have the surgery, lose 180 pounds in the first three months, and go on to have a fabulous life. But everybody's journey is different -- some bumpier, some smoother -- but a necessary one. Stop beating yourself up. You are not a failure. Your "success" is just a little slower than some. When you see your surgeon, ask to see the dietician as well. S/he might be able to give you some suggestions on how to adjust your eating to prevent the constant hunger. Be kind to yourself, my friend. The battle is not lost, the war not yet over. Warm skinny supportive thoughts always,
   — Cheryl Denomy

January 31, 2001
I feel for you. I have the book Life Strategies and I am done with it. E-mail me at [email protected] and give me your address. I will send the book for free. Sincerely, Jessica
   — Jessica D.