Question:
Has anybody experienced this?

I had surgery on 05/22/00. I think I may be experiencing "hibernation syndrome" for the past few days ( lack of energy, sleep a lot, bored, depressed, etc. There's very little info on this syndrome. Can anyone elaborate? Thanks...    — Anna R. (posted on June 14, 2000)

June 14, 2000
I would be very interested in this myself. My surgery was 5/9/00 and I haven't had but about 3 days that I actually felt good. I'm so depressed and have absolutely no energy. I think I've really done something if I get dressed by 3 o'clock in the afternoon.
   — Tina H.

June 14, 2000
Ava Lee, a post op patient, just sent me some information on Hibernation Syndrome the other day. I would look up her name in peers and email her, or just wait because I know that she frequents these questions. She also frequents the message board so you might want to try there
   — enjo4

June 14, 2000
I thought I was the only one.I haven't gotten dressed out of my nightgown except to go to doctors appointments, I take a nap or two everyday, and cry at the drop of a hat. I am so glad to hear I am not alone. I thought my depression was coming back, now of all times.I didn't know it had a name , but I sure know the symptoms.I hope it gets better for you soon.
   — Heather T.

June 14, 2000
I am so glad that I am not the only one experiencing this. I also had surgery on 5/22 and have felt the same way. This surgery is a major adjustment for our bodies and I am sure that is why we are experiencing this. I can't wait to get over this part of post op!
   — blank first name B.

June 14, 2000
Hi, You are going through a normal thing, but do not let it get out of control. I was on Prozac prior to my surgery and went 10 days with out it and noticed i was sinking fast. I was so glad when my Doc said I could start taking it again and within about 5 days, I felt much better. You may need some medication to get you through this phase. You have been through a lot, and sometimes the brain chemicals get depleted. So no matter how much praying, or self talk or pulling yourself up by the bootstraps will not work if the chemicals that make you feel normal are not there. Talk to your doc about it. I had my surgery on 5/23, so I am right there with you. I started walking the past 2 days. For 20 mins at very leisurely pace. Boy am I winded and my heart rate gets up, but I have felt better. I had a couple of days about a week ago that I had to send my little boy to my mom's because I was so weepy and tired. My advice while you make the appt with your doc to talk about it is, take a shower and wash your hair everyday. Put on some make up and get dressed. You will be surprised how much better you feel. I make myself do that, I especially did it prior to the prozac. There is no shame in having depression, the shame is not doing something about it. Love ya and good luck
   — Valerie B.

June 14, 2000
I had my surgery 4/25/00 and can say I definitely went thru this too. I also wanted to sleep all the time and didn't want to deal with anything and mourned food and my old eating habits and felt I had made a major mistake. I also was extremely tired all the time. Or would have a burst of energy and then get completely exhausted after doing something minor. But suddenly within the past week or so, I realized I am feeling better. It snuck up on me. And believe me, I was very very depressed. I also had a hard time taking my vitamins and protein supplements, but am getting better and think that might be helping me. Give yourself time. This was a huge thing you did ... your life is changed forever and all parts of you have to catch up now. Good luck! :)
   — Beth B.

June 14, 2000
Hi Anna... I experience something similar, but earlier on, it seemed to be depression after the anesthesia. I am also from the Albany area, if you would like to contact me directly please feel free. Maybe talking to a kindered spirit will help. I also run a Bypass Support Group that meets the first Monday of every month at Ellis Hospital at 7 pm ... in the cafeteria (how ironic!). Please feel free to e-mail me directly. Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much Mary Anne
   — Mary Anne M.