Hanir

I'm a female in my early 50's and 5'6". I started my pre-surgery diet on 7/5/11 @ 251 and had my surgery on 7/19/11. As of today I've lost exactly 96 with 20 more to go (my doctor says he thinks another 5 but I want to make it down to 135). My surgeon was Dr. Roth, who is associated with Columbia Presbyterian but does surgery up at Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville. I actually live really near the 168th street site (up next to the Cloisters) but decided to have the surgery in Bronxville as I thought the caregivers outside of NYC would be better. I am very happy with my decision. In terms of getting back and forth for pre- and post-survery visits at the hospital it was fairly easy to go using Metro North as the Bronxville stop is right across the street from the hospital. The pre-surgery diet and the 1st few weeks after surgery were the most difficult but since then it's been very easy. For the most part I've stick to 800 calories a day, as the nutritionist instructed. On weeks where I went over I didn't loose as much (duh!). I do exercise EVERY day (40 minutes on a real bike mounted on a trainer). Having this surgery is the best decision I've ever made!

From the LapSF newsletter.
********
Many people can't imagine becoming depressed AFTER losing weight. However, depression can occur after weight loss surgery or when undergoing any time of major lifestyle change. Possible causes of depression after WLS may include:

- Mourning the loss of food for comfort. If food has always been your "friend" or something you depended on when feeling sad, stressed or lonely, saying "goodbye" can be difficult.

- Mourning the loss of pre-operative lifestyle. For example, feeling left out while socializing, participating in holiday rituals, or when dining in restaurants.

- Reactions from others. Relationships with loved ones can change or become strained. Reactions to weight loss may be negative or jealous, or otherwise unsupportive friends/family may resort to "sabotage." Positive reactions or increased attention from others can lead to feelings of discomfort, vulnerability, or resentment.

- Having unrealistic expectations. For example, thinking that everything will get better after surgery or that your emotional eating or other disordered eating habits will simply disappear.

- Hormonal changes. For some women, estrogen is released while fat is burned to make energy. This release of estrogen may cause mood swings.

- Body image discrepancies. After rapid weight loss, you do not recognize yourself or lose a sense of self. You may experience a loss of identity between the inner and outer you.

The postoperative blues typically occur during the first few weeks or months after surgery and subside over time. However, if you find that your symptoms are worsening or are beginning to interfere with your relationships, work, or daily functioning, it is time to seek help from a medical professional.