Question:
I have been feeling down in the dumps lately.

I am 6 months post op from open RNY. I was doing great for the first three months and lately it seems that I can't get on track. I am having terrible back pains that have gone from occasional to constant in the last two months. I haven't been exercis regularly like I was before and I seem to eat what ever I want. I want so badly to get back on track but I am having such a hard time. Emotionally I am a wreck, mood swings and really bad lows. ( I am of Effexor for depression.) I have only lost 57 lbs. in my first 6 months and feel like my window of losing is almost closed. Feeling so down, hurting and not losing any weight is really starting to grate on my nerves. Any sugestions? Thank you in advance for any help or suggestions. Candi    — Candi B. (posted on December 29, 2002)

December 29, 2002
Cindi I am still pre op but my heart goes out to you you've got the world on a string and don't even know it hold on to that string!!don't you dare let go Get out there and walk!! move that body!! get motivated!! get back on track you've come to far to stop now!! I'll keep u in my prayers......Freida
   — FREIDA P.

December 29, 2002
I think your weight loss is right on track! You've lost more than me. My doc says at about 5-6-7 months is a time to look for a big plateau. Don't worry about it, more will come off on its own just slower. If you remember, your doc probably told you it would take about 18 months to lose the weight. The mood swings would take a professional to diagnose, but your post raises two questions right off: one, our hormones: you are being flushed with lots of estrogen that is being released from the fat cells which can affect our mental status; and two, the mood swings might possibly indicate bipolar disease, but it is probably the hormones. If you would force yourself to do some exercise, no matter how small or short, you will start feeling better. I got down in the dumps a bit at about 1 month post op, and some kind person on this website told me to get up and exercise. So I did about 5 minutes that night and felt much better in only a few minutes. I hope some of this is helpful to you. But remember, your weightloss sounds great.
   — Darlene P.

December 29, 2002
From what I've read, this is totally normal. That's why many insurance companies and doctors require a psych evaluation. I know that doesn't help you though. If you have a psych, go see him or her. Obviously Effexor is not working. You might want to look into a therapist too. Don't be afraid to ask and don't think less of yourself. This is something that is really common. And, regarding your "window of opportunity"...I've read about people who didn't lose all their weight for 18 months or 2 years. Everyone is different. Your best bet here is to not compare yourself to others.
   — Bonnie B.

December 29, 2002
Candi: have you had those back pains thorougly checked out. Constant pain is very depressing. Sometimes depression sets off pain, but other times pain sets off depression. Before accepting that this is all depression, please find the source of the pain.
   — faybay

December 30, 2002
You don't say what the source of your back pain is. It may be from the weight loss. When we lose weight so rapidly, the body mechanics have a hard time adjusting to carrying the weight differently and all sorts of back and shoulder pains can set in for a while. Also, if you haven't been exercising, it weakens the muscle structure which should be strengthened to help support your structure. Either ask your doc to refer you to physical therapy or find a good personal trainer (one who is certified, not just the folks that work in a health facility) and ask them to give you some good back strengthening exercises. Do them faithfully and you may be surprised how much better you will feel. As for the depression/emotions/mood swings, your doctor needs to adjust/change your medication. Don't just live with it-get proactive on finding the right medication/dosage that will work for you. I think if you can get on the right meds, and start exercising to reduce the pain, you will feel better and want to get back on track. Good luck...by the way, 57 in 6 months is very good!
   — Cindy R.