Question:
emotional ups and downs

I never thought about this pre-op but starting at about five days out (when I quit taking pain meds) I have been very emotional, almost post-partum feeling. Sometimes I get nervous about things with the diet and sometimes its about getting back to normal routine and taking care of my husband and son (I'm a stay at home mom.) When I am feeling this way my mind just seems to race. It's not all day, but more a period of time each day. Each day seems to get a little better, but while I am experiencing it it is sooo scary. Can anybody help? How long does this usually last or how long did it last for you?    — Faith B. (posted on July 24, 2004)

July 24, 2004
Faith, I had those same feelings for about two weeks after surgery. I am not 7 weeks out (47 lbs gone!!!!) and I sometimes still feel depression. I think about not losing anymore weight. Whether I am eating too much, which I know I am not because the amounts are so small. This is a normal reaction and it will pass. Just try to think positive thoughts and pray, pray, pray. Good luck and God Bless...Judy
   — juju524

July 24, 2004
Post-op depression (from any kind of surgery) is very common. It's frequently attributed to anesthesia. It almost always goes away by itself although some people require an anti-depressant - and there's no shame at all in asking for one if this goes on much longer. If it's getting better every day that's a great sign. And just because it's so common sure doesn't make it any easier I know. Being as active as you can be at this stage in recovery -even going out for a very short walk - can be a big help. And congratulations to you on coming through surgery!! Best of luck! Bette
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 25, 2004
Oh boy did I lol. I am now almost 8 months out down 120 pounds. But that first month I guess, I would have a day here and there and think "what have I done???" I just kept it in the back of my mind that this was normal and it too would pass. I got through, and you will too. You will do great, and in a few months when you walk into a store and buy a dress in a size you never imagined wearing, you will feel like a million bucks. I promise the why did I do this will go away. Good luck and many hugs to you
   — victoria W.

July 25, 2004
Hi Faith; Good News, "You're NORMAL"! I had the same issues. About a week or so post op, I thought that I was going nuts. Everything that I saw on tv sent me over the edge, commercials, music videos, etc. The phone calls from friends and family to check on me all just made me want to rethink the whole thing. Things did get better really quick. I got back into a routine, and my life got to be back on track. A little after a month post op I started going to the gym and that was a big help as well. Fast forward to about 6 months post op and the emotional roller coaster stars all over agian. I had feelings of being unsuccessfull as I have only ever gotten to this point and have always "fallen off the wagon". Dr. Ehrlich gave me a scrip for paxil and it has helped A LOT! If you feel you need a little help, ask for it! It's not forever and it will really help to make things better. Good luck and all the best!! Bob
   — Robert Mastrianna

July 25, 2004
For many years I thought life would "begin" when I lost weight. I lived in a perpetual "postponement" mode. After the surgery, I realized this IS life. That realization really made me very emotional. Life wasn't what was ahead "when I lost weight" - this IS life. It was and is, quite scary.
   — Margaret G.