Anna Nim

I did take Vyvanse prior to surgery. Course it was $200 a month. Since it is kinda speedy, it does work. I know Concerta worked as well, but not as good of course. I think I am going to go the Dr. I want to minimize my trips, did you go to your Baratric or a Gen or a PSy Dr?

I wonder if Contrave would help. It has Wellbutrin in it. So many the endless thoughts of food would stop. I do NOT want sexual side effects, I do NOT want to gain weight, I don't want to be *flat* (like a traditional anti-depressant does). I am okay with feeling a bit low, it is the thoughts of food, my ex (or whatever I am thinking of) and my low-sex drive that is the issue.

So, I wonder if my Baratric Dr will prescribe it?

Thinking Wellbutrin, it is the LEAST likely to cause sexual side effects and weight gain, which those two things are more important than the obsessive. Also, maybe combined with an ADHD medication, to help with energy and focus.

Here is an exerpt from: http://www.bipolar-lives.com/benefits-of-wellbutrin.html (Note, I am not bi-polar)

We know from clinical studies that Wellbutrin is more than just an effective medication to take if you suffer from bipolar depression. Wellbutrin is as effective as an antidepressant such as Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil, and is more effective than Effexor.

Additional Wellbutrin benefits:

• Helps compulsive gamblers who have other bipolar disorder symptoms
• Helps smokers kick the habit (under the name of Zyban)
• Used as a treatment for ADHD
• Unlike so many other antidepressants, Wellbutrin does NOT induce fatigue
• Increases alertness and energy
• It is on the FDA approved list for treating Major Depressive Disorder as well as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Reminder: Wellbutrin is FDA approved for treating major depression but NOT for bipolar disorder.

...

There is evidence that Wellbutrin medicine can help with social anxiety and generalized anxiety. However, it does not help against panic attacks and may even make them worse.

(This is why I stopped taking Wellbutrin. For someone who does not have panic problems, Wellbutrin may still be a good option, especially in combination with an anticonvulsant mood stabilizer or with lithium.)

• Substance abuse? One of the best known benefits of Wellbutrin is how it helps folks quit smoking cigarettes – and marijuana! It may increase sensitivity to alcohol – or it may not – the evidence is inconsistent.

• Impulsive behavior? Wellbutrin has been shown to be helpful for compulsive gamblers. It should be kept mind though that Wellbutrin is a medicine with stimulant properties and there is not enough data at this time to understand how it may either fuel or control impulsivity.

• Obesity? Wellbutrin has been trialled as a weight loss aid and is unusual in being an antidepressant that contributes to weight loss rather than weight gain. This is extremely important as people with bipolar disorder suffer from higher than normal rates of obesity and are up to 3 times more likely to die from related diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

I was Sleeved in Dec 2016. Down 90, 72 post surgery. Have flatlined and not lost a bit since JULY. Sneaky carbs have come back in, last week I even gained! If I could "just follow the plan", I'd not needed surgery! I 100% think my Sleeve was made too big, and told my Dr. as much, but here I am..I want a medication that helps with mental obsession and depression and does not kill my dead sex drive deader. My blood work is okay (will be re-checking Thyroid for my own peace of mind). I think about food All The Time. This was a factor in me gaining weight. I also think of my evil narcassistic ex All The Time. Granted, she ran off with my life time hobby-social group, making it hard to move on, but I feel that this stuff is a never ending rumination in my mind. Making grooves in my brain matter! I don't want or need counseling, just need this stuff to move to the outer rings of Saturn, and think meds are the best way to go.. Not looking to decrease my desire for food as much as making me think of it less-I will take both though. I am also a bit depressed nothing new, nothing serious, just a lower state of being, that has been here for decades. I am just about post-menopausal and my sex drive is GONE, which makes relationships die (breaking up with my Girl this week). In the past I took Wellbutrin briefly, but I don't remember how it worked. I know Zoloft made me flat and the sexual side effects were not fun, Concerta (ADHD) was okay, but maybe not exactly what I need.

I want to go to my Bariatric Dr and/or a Psy with suggestions. I think my Baratric isn't going to be an expert and a Psy might just send me back to the Bari. I don't want an endless stream of Dr. visits, just one or two and be on my way.

Anyone have experience with this? Don't need an answer today, so if you are seeing this months/years later, I will be happy to read.

Thanks!

It is quiet as we seem to have lost people to FB, but I am back!

Following. I took Wellbutrin shortly during a rough patch, but I can't say how it worked. I have had a Sleeve and am SO obessed with food and depressed in general, that I need some help.

I want to go into a Dr. with a plan already, not sure if my bari doctor is the best person for psy meds.

This is an older topic, but I have flashes and they do not feel like the ones I had in menopause. FYI, I started with perio-menopause at 36, irregular periods until 45. Last regular cycle October 2015. Spots April 2016 and Spots April 2017...I had flashes mostly in 2015, so, Why Now? On and off all day. Now, I was taking MCT oil for the last two months and know that it had something to do with it. But, still hot, okay, hot, okay... Wonder if it has to do with our new stomachs?

This might be my favorite post, ever! You go girl. I was so freaked out on my surgery day that booty was the last thing on my mind. (Of course, having my mon and dad there with my partner probably played a role in that...)

I'd like to think she was distracting me from surgery, like the night before, yes, the night before..

But, I think she is just a lech! During that whole "surgical prep" time with the weird medical wipes she was saying bad stuff and I was like, this is the LEAST sexy place ever to do that! (Florescent lights, cranky nurses, etc). But, I guess I made up for it with booty grabbing. LOL

When I was moved to my room after surgery; I could have held my friend/lover's hand..but no, no-my drugged self kept running my hand up and down her upper back thigh into booty territory. Yes, even right after surgery, on a morphine pain pump..I love the booty! LOL

The pony-tailed nurse taking vitals and such finally noticed and to her credit didn't say a thing. hehehe

(I will note that in pre-op, my friend-lover decided to take advantage of my topless/paper robe state when the other nurse left the room. (Bad Girl!) When the nurse sprung back in, we popped apart. THAT got a matron-evil eye from that nurse. She was decidedly very reserved and coldish towards my friend after that. I hadn't experienced that before. I am sure some of it was annoyance, since this was wery wery seriwous..or maybe because we both are 40 year old long haired femme moms. Perhaps she felt deceived. I don't care-she did get my IV in on the first try and past a little stricture in my wrist-which was more important!)

Ok, so to add another layer to this topic, I have a question. I've had to walk into a surgery room a time or two, and was completely awake and in my right mind as they prepped my body for what's to come. Every single time I was completely terrified. Do they give you medicine in your iv beforehand to relax you before the grand entrance to thy sterile chambers?

The first two surgeries I had, they gave me something first. I was drousy. For the Sleeve, they did not, although my IV was on and everything, I know I had anti-nausea meds.

I personally like seeing the operating room, I hate that they put me out cause there is so much activity! This time, they were waiting on the Dr. and a nurse started telling me about things in the room..I admit the robotics machine flipped me out a bit, it looked like a draped Transformer or something that Dr. Octopus would use. hehehe...

It will be great to ditch that bad band.

You are worried about issues with the Sleeve, but you have a LOT of issues (and weight regain) with that damn band right now.

The Sleeve life very well may be the way to go. Good luck!

I was sleeved on 12/14.

I have had head hunger, dreams even. Not sure HOW to recognize real hunger. I do not want be eating because I am 'supposed' to-a lot of that got me into this mess in the first place, and feels like has been a bit. What does it FEEL like? (I already have food on the brain ALL the time..which sorta sucks, as I was hoping to have less of that, but it does seem less strong.)

Also, HOW do you know if you are full? I personally feel I can take in too much. Never have had issues with Fluid intake last two weeks. I had a 1/2 cup of Fage Yogrut yesterday with some Protein Powder in it. It hurt going down, so maybe I should have stopped at the first or second spoon.

But, I thought I was hungry.

What does full or full-ish feel like early on?

I want to be successful.

I woke up in a different gown I went in with!

I would expect they just don't whip it off while everyone stands and takes notes though

You will be covered and stuff.

After I was in recovery and awake enough, I wanted my CLOTHES (sports bra, panties, yoga pants and T-shirt). I had my friend give me my bag and I was stripping off that gown and trying to druggedly put my clothes on, standing up and stuff. I am sure the the nurse and my friend where worried I'd fall. All kinds of naked! Ugh.

I was Sleeved 12/14. I gained a bit after surgery, I think I am down at least 11 pounds (not back home from holiday yet to know), to me that is not enough in 18 days.

Course..I did eat candy on Xmass eve..

Struggling with WHAT is hunger. Maybe I could be eating even less as I am not hungry. IDK.

@Dknal2

Thanks!

I guess you are right. I am now 39 BMI, so I would expect no more/At Most one lb a day.

I KNOW I slowed my own progress by eating some candy (recees mini cups and some chocolate covered bullshit) on Christmas Eve. I know it was dangerous and shooting myself in the foot. I know it knocked me outta ketiosis and carb weight loss...anytime you go off track, it will derail your weight loss for at least two days, but the scale showed me I am back on track again!

@@theantichick

You should tag this post to your 'signature line', like you do with the 'easy way out' one, as it is THAT helpful.

It also does not have the shaming aspect that so many of the responses to 'i ate xyz' that others post.

Like I said, I done messed up xmass eve, and had already got my own message and fear before I turned on the computer.

What I would love to see (just random talking, not directed at you), is weekly menu suggestions. I went to Pinintrest and was disappointed (ads, too much food porn, not enough heart of the matter). ..course I am just now starting puree, so I need to bide my time. LOL.

Well, in 2011 we went to the (then) brand new Harry Potter ride at Universal Studios, then only open a few days..I had to get 3 'clicks' on this harness that strapped you in like a child's baby seat and they could only get two. My gut and hips met where the fun began.. I started this path that fall. I also, bailed out right before surgery. I'd lost some weight naturally and walked away from surgery...

Fast forward 5 years to more up and downs, weight gain and know arthritic knee pain, dragging myself and my ass around school, uncomfortable having sexy times cause of my gut, knee, general health. There is a pic on my profile while dancing with a friend that shows the "full monty' (my backside) that set me over the edge.

I am now 14 days post surgery and down (only?) 10 pounds.

@@erp

I agree Cream of Wheat is too carby, but it was the first thing that was soothing..the warmth I think helped. I tried the powder in it and it was a nasty clumpy mess!

1/2 a cup should be too much! That is what is flipping me out. Now, to me, Fage is so close to a liquid maybe that is why..as it sorta sloushes right out and I ate it over a 20 minute period.

Half of a cup of Fage plain yogurt also 1/2 a cup (cooked) cream of wheat..

Point Taken.

I've been giving myself the Come to Jesus and your words are along the same vein.

Falling off the so-called wagon early out isn't just about slow weight loss, it is about basic recovery from a MAJOR surgery!

My confession is on Christmas Eve, 11 days after surgery, I sucked on 5 mini-Recees cups and a few orange chocolate sticks and a marshmallow Santa. Yeah. I could have just nibbled on a tiny edge of one of these things, but nooooo, I went whole hog.

My justification was that since it was so melty and slidey, it was *like* a puree..(nice try girl).. Besides, clearly stopping my weight loss in my tracks, it is dangerous!!

I hear you. Totally.

Of course, I am also worried in general about this being successful. Too much hunger, too much calling of carbs too damn early. Guess this will be more work than I thought it would be. (And please, don't tell me to get counseling for my f"ood issues").

@@theantichick

Yeah, my Dad has chilled out. I was to go to Dallas or xmas, but have been too tired for that drive. I was going this morning, but silly me, drank a juice called Kale Blazer...yeah...a very very very bad idea (I am day 8)...so no driving today. Mom is not happy

• theantichick

Day 7. MUCH better than day 3. That was rough.. Still sore ton the right, throat (hernia repair) and tired and Jesus, would I love some food! Even Cream of Wheat would be the bomb right now! But, I can do this

xox to you all!

So glad you are doing well! As the days go by, I hear it gets better and easier. Someone I watch on youtube who is years out is Clusie L. She is hilarious and she does share alot of her experiences with WLS. It may help the days pass are you are Progressing through the different food stages!

And yes, it was kinda like an intervention scene with my dad. I'm like dad, I'm good, I got this. Stop sending folk to talk to me about a decision I have made already and 2 months away from. Lol Parents, they mean well.. most of the time, but they are some funny people.

*hugs*

I tried to find Key of Awesome Ke$ha parody, but this a school computer and everything fun is locked down or I just am not that good!

My poor Dad wrote me a handful of VERY well written emails. I know he was just pacing and pacing and pacing his house. I should have called my Dr's office and begged my Dr to call him (my Dad is in Virginia, I am in Texas). Cause I knew my Dad was wearing himself out. He got my brother in on it too. I get this short message, "Come to Colombia, you will lose 20 lbs in a month walking the hills, don't have surgery" (which is alot from him). Then another the night before surgery..."Come to Colombia". My other brother, a PhD in MicroMedical Biology called with questions and technical questions and a reminder that I could always back out. My mom wanted to know why I couldn't just eat carbs, then was like...yea, I know..but did want to know why I was not having a Bypass like on 600 Lbs life. In the end, here I am

I wanted to drive to Dallas today, but I think once I get my stuff all packed, I wont have energy for the drive!! Oh--and I got a binder. Wow! What a difference!!

Day 7. MUCH better than day 3. That was rough.. Still sore ton the right, throat (hernia repair) and tired and Jesus, would I love some food! Even Cream of Wheat would be the bomb right now! But, I can do this

xox to you all!

I have right side pain. Feels like muscles I guess. IDK. Have to hold it when I get up.

I was sleeved on Wed the 14th.

Been drinking Water, warm tea and creamed, strained Soups.

I tooted today and felt that was a victory

Throat is still sore too, I had a hital hernia repair.

Didn't feel much gas from surgery, although I did feel it in my shoulders and wonder if my side pain is that.

Extension cord AND phone charger

Chapstick and Vaseline

My hairbrush and elastics

A change of comfy clothes (sports bra, undies, lost yoga pants)

Paper with my numbers on it so my friend could call my family and my living will.

Slip on shoes (that I wore in)

I also wore in my hoodie.

As soon as I could I got out of that gown and into a sports bra and T-shirt, soft pants. I had some leakage from my steristrips which stained my shirt-but still better that a gown!