Question:
Increased anger, temper tantrums, anxiety post op?
I am almost 3 mos post op. I am having trouble with depression, as I know a lot of post ops have. But the other thing that I haven't been able to find much mention of is problems with anger, temper and anger/temper outbursts. I am out of control some days. I feel so sorry for my husband. It just happens before I can stop it. I know there are many theories about the rapid wt loss and estrogen and all. I've only lost 46 lbs. I have also had an increase in anxiety. I had not had anxiety attacks in a long, long time. They're back. I am taking Ambien every night to help me sleep and sometimes Klonapin (anti-anxiety). My husband is concerned about me taking these meds but honestly, I look so forward to them because I can relax (only time during the "awake" part of the day.) I am 40 yrs old, have no children (and want them badly), if this matters. Thanks so much for answering. — Lisa I. (posted on April 17, 2003)
April 17, 2003
I am having that problem now three weeks pre-op. EVERYTHING seems to
bother me, and I cry at the drop of a dime. I think it's just the major
changes that are about to take place. Also, I went through a battery of
tests last week that really wasn't easy... EGD, stress test, heart cath all
in the same week. I really believe the answer is the changes taking place
in your body and the stress of not having food to turn to for comfort.
Prayer is the answer... I'm asking God for extreme grace in this
transition. I'll pray for you too.
— Happy I.
April 17, 2003
Lisa,
I , too , went through some anger/ temper outbursts.. I wsa angry at God
because I had complications to my surgery that required me to go through
yet another surgery, and not once but twice. I felt that no one could
understand how I felt. Hang in there, having these feelings is normal ..
both preop and post op.. Your body goes through extreme changes after
surgery, and like Lisa said, you dont have food to turn to for comfort..
you have to feel the feelings and learn to deal with the emotions in a
dfferent way. I know that God will help you through this difficult
transitional time. and I will also be praying for you..
Hugs,
— Gina Landers
April 17, 2003
I went through the same thing. Actually, I'm still going through it.
Sometimes I get SO angry for no real reason, and I just want to start
tossing plates across the room, followed by forks and sharp knives... UGH!
It does seem to be getting a little better as time goes on. It's good to
know I'm not alone.
— Diana L.
April 17, 2003
Hi Lisa, I'm 6 months post op and yes, I have been angry, frustrated,
irriatable and occassionally depressed. I don't have anxiety problems,
thank goodness. I haven't had any of the above mentioned symptons to very
long, they'd pop up maybe twice a week or so. There was one morning that
I'd come home from doing some jobs (I'm a pet sitter) and I was about
hysterical. Crying and pissed off. I went off on a tangent about
everything wrong with the world. Oh, and people that don't use their
blinkers when on the road put me into a frenzie. My husband asked
"what started this?". I told him "they screwed up my
cappicino at Starbucks"....ahhh, is this rational....NO..even I knew
my feelings were totally wacko. These problems have really subsided.
They will with you to my friend.
— Stacy L.
April 18, 2003
I felt the same way post-op and still do occasionally. I just let myself
have my feelings and then go on about my day. Don't feel guilty about it.
It's OK to be angry sometimes. I think the guilt and worry that comes AFTER
an outburst is worse than the outburst itself. So my advice is to just go
off, get it out, feel better, and don't apologize for it. We've taken too
much crap for too long, we're entitled to go a little nuts now and again!
— Angie M.
April 18, 2003
I didn't go thru the anger, temper tantrums or anxiety but have gone thru
the weepies! Its the massive amount of hormones that are being released
thru the fat that we are losing. The first 6 months, it was like having
PMS, which for me means that I cry at Coke commercials...and Hallmark
commercials, well, just pass the Kleenix box. Your not alone, as other
posters have said. Often times, all you need is to get on some short term
meds which should help until your weight stabilizes along with the
hormones.
— Cindy R.
April 19, 2003
I think you need to sit down and write out a list of your symptoms. You
may need to be on different medications. Are you exercising? Do you work or
have any hobbies? See your doctor and have a good long talk about this
with him. You don't have to feel this way. You might need to see a
psychiatrist who can help get you on the right medications. Good luck!
— koogy
April 20, 2003
Hi Everyone,
Thanks so much for your posts on this topic. I have been on
antidepressants for years. I usually get hopeless and don't want to leave
the house and that is coming and going. I can't find an antidepressant
that works. With the other symptoms, I know the response will be to put me
on mood stabilizers (like for bipolar disorder) and I hate those
meds--terrible side effects. I have an appt with my psychiatrist at the
end of the month but in the meantime, I think I will have my hormone levels
checked.
I also know that I do need a regular exercise program and I am looking into
this. Hope to start one by the beginning of the month.
Thanks so much for all you help and support!
— Lisa I.
April 20, 2003
Pre-op I was in a constant state of rage and depression. Over what?
Whatever. I had mood swings that were even scary to me, so I can imagine
what my poor husband went through. My mood swings started to subside as I
was loosing weight. I truly feel it has a biochemical root. I went through
another surge of moodiness/anger around 8 or 10 months post. Now, at this
point, 20 months post and 150+ lbs gone and exercising/active on a regular
basis (something I think has an effect on mood, so I mention it), I feel a
peace I don't think I've ever felt or appreciated before. Now don't get me
wrong, I have weirdo food issues I'll have to deal with forever, so It's
not that my weight is no longer an issue. Also, I have a wicked Irish
temper that flickers out once in awhile, but it's very very rare these
days. I know it has to do more with whats happening with my healthier
biochemistry, and also a better self esteem. I'm no where near as
defensive. It does get better! Best wishes. -Kim open RNY 7/17/01 -153
— KimBo36
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