Question:
Feeling sad and emotional, with headaches... 3.5 weeks post op

Does anyone else experience this? I've lost around 30 pounds in 3 1/2 weeks, which is wonderful, but the past couple of days I've had headaches, feel weak, and very sad and depressed. It's not time for my period (just past) so I don't know what is going on. I'm doing my best with food, but I know I'm not getting much as far as calories... maybe 300-400 per day. I'm taking my vitamins as I'm told, but can't shake this. Any suggestions?    — Happy I. (posted on June 5, 2003)


June 5, 2003
I had my surgery on February 10 this year and I went through the same thing. I felt really down as I realized I had lost my best friend, my food. I also had a recurrence of migraines that I hadn't had for a couple of years. I went to my PCP and he prescribed some medication which did help. The sadness went away pretty fast as I accepted my decision and began to see results. The headaches also didn't last too long. Good luck and hope the same is true for you. Kathy
   — kathyb

June 5, 2003
WOW! Congrats on the loss! I was told your bluest days will be your biggest weight loss days. However with the headache I would make sure you're not dehydrated. Best of Luck!
   — ZZ S.

June 5, 2003
Lisa, Just about 3-weeks post op I too became very depressed. I did get past it, but it lasted for a good 2-3 weeks. It was awful! I think it's pretty normal, as you and your body have just been through a HUGE ordeal. Not to mention, the mourning of food and an old lifestyle that you have grown to love. As far as the headaches, could they be caffiene withdrawl headaches? On the day of my surgery, I quit smoking AND I quit all caffeine. I went through some headaches and some night shakes/edginess. I didn't know what was happening at the time, but I'm sure it was from withdrawl of nicotine AND caffeine. I was a heavy caffeine drinker. Just a thought. But .... my depression did go away. And I got VERY blue.
   — Kim L.

June 5, 2003
Your body is hybernating. It realizes you aren't giving it the food you used to so it is hunkering down and conserving everything it can. The best cure is to get moving, get out of bed, go for a walk, eat as best as you can, etc. It will pass.
   — Laureen59

June 5, 2003
Hi Lisa- Are you getting enough protein? I know in my long, unsuccessful history of dieting, I was headachy and shakey if I didn't get enough protein. Congrats on your loss so far! Mea
   — Mea A.

June 5, 2003
Your are feeling very normal dont worry. I felt pretty blue myself in the begining. I just couldnt believe that the whole world revolved around food and now I couldnt eat anything!!!! I got past it within a few weeks and now at 8 months post op and 130lbs lost the food blues and icky feelings are just a distant memory!!!! One thing to be aware of is that many people need prescription medication for depression during this time period so get some help if you dont feel better in the next few weeks. It also may help for you to attend a support group for WLS patients. Good luck to you. Wendi
   — lovemonterey

June 6, 2003
I too went through this. About three weeks after surgery, I didn't want to go to work, get out of bed, or even finish my master's degree. I ended up dropping one of my classes because I just couldn't concentrate on the material. Fortunately, it did end, though, after about three weeks. I started taking my multivitamins and B-12, and I instantly felt better.
   — raye




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