Question:
Has anyone experienced depression and drinking after the surgery

I found myself drinking heavily. I need to know if anyone else has experienced this. Also I crave attention. I am 3yrs post-op. It's like I don't know myself anymore.    — Kim G. (posted on November 20, 2002)

November 20, 2002
Yes I have. I recently posted a question that is somewhat similar on 11/17 titled: Is anyone else having an identity crisis. I just feel like I did after I had my son and went from Penny to Cameron's Mom. I started smoking again and cut my hair. At the time it seemed like two things I could do and no one could have any say in it. MINE I was saying to myself. That was seven years ago and I did snap out of it and quit smoking again. I am now around 4 months post op and recently got a new "doo" and I have started craving Cigs or an occasional slim cigar in the hot tub with a glass of something alcohol oriented. I feel very much the same way as you stated. Hang in there and hopefully we'll adjust to the new us on the outside. I just find it really difficult to relate to this new thinner person. People react differently to me now and that is hard to take at times because I am the same person as before. GOOD LUCK and feel free to email if you want. It's often helpful just to know it's not just you. Penny :-) 7/31/02 Lap RNY -56
   — pcollin4

November 20, 2002
Kim, I just want to commend you on asking this question...just the asking of it says a lot about where you are and confirms that you want to do something about it. I agree that one-on-one counseling would undoubtedly help you. I just got off the phone with my therapist and he actually gave me a hard time because I went on a date last night and drank two pints of guinness. I didn't think it was that bad--but his words were, "..be careful, don't replace one addiction with another..". I don't know if this applies to you, but if it does then I hope the words help. I wish you the very best.
   — Karen K.

November 20, 2002
Kim, I have a very close friend who is 3 yrs post-op. She went from 350 to 190. I think she has a drinking problem and just got over a coke problem (snorting cocaine), she also for a while, replaced one addiction (food) with another SEX! She is still goes out so she can get that attention (she is engaged!)....I think you should consider speaking to a counselor or therapist. I wish you all the best. I know how hard it must be b/c it breaks my heart watching my friend act like this. GOOD LUCK TO YOU!
   — heathercross

November 21, 2002
Hi! I am still pre-op but I just got finished with the three-day weekend psych evaluation seminar that my doc requires before surgery. One of the cautions that we were told was about substituting one addiction with another one. We were also warned that their studies had shown that many post-ops between 2 and 3 years out suffered some form of depression and were going through exactly what you seem to be going through now. I am not going to pretend to know how you are feeling or what you are going through, but I want to encourage to you to seek either a support group or one on one counseling. AND I just want to say that I really admire you for being willing and courageous to come foward to ask for help! This is something that I am still learning to do! Love and best wishes being sent to you!
   — Kirsten P.

April 10, 2003
Kim, I'm just over 2 years out and almost 22 years old. I will admit I have developed a problem. It's not that i go out drinking all the time, but when i do, i have WAY to much...i do crave the attention of men and have my first therapy session this month and plan on talking about this "addiction"...i feel like i don't know who i am anymore...like i've lost myself and i hate that feeling.
   — Amber1981