Question:
Why am I having mood swings suddenly at 8 months postop??

I started taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen with my first postop period in the hopes to prevent the mood swings that I've heard about (and prevent pregnancy until my body is ready!). Now, eight months postop (and down 110 lbs), the last couple of weeks I've been psycho! One minute I'm extremely happy and satisfied with my life, the next minute I'm depressed, crying or being nasty to my husband. I thought the birth control pills would help even out my hormones and they seemed to have worked up until lately. My period was almost nothing this week so I did a pregnancy test just in case and it was negative. Anybody have any suggestions? Anybody suddenly have severe mood swings after this long? Thanks!    — Kellie L. (posted on December 3, 2000)

December 3, 2000
it's more than likely the b/c pills. i've been taking b/c pills for 5 years and i sill get mood swings. you may wat t discuss it w/ your doc. may need a lower does of pils
   — Patti K.

December 3, 2000
Hi Kellie. I suffered from clinical depression before my gastric bypass but suddenly after about 7 months post op I went mental even more. My shrink told me that the medication I was taking was absorbed through the stomach primarily and so I wasn't getting the medicine through my system like before. He also told me that I have had total control of my life the past 7 months with my weight loss and when we don't have control over other things in our lives that our moods tend to change more rapidly. He changed my medication that same day and since then I have done better and learned to deal with one thing at a time and take it day by day.
   — Cindy L.

December 3, 2000
I was told that it is normal to go through mood swings after surgery. I was told when I do go through those mood swings to go the support group meeting and talk about it. Also talk to the psychologist about what is going on. I did go through a period of depression and talk to the psycologist. It seems to help me. I also prayed a lot. I know this might not be your answer but it help me. Good luck to you.
   — Sharon T.