Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Banded and feeling sad?



Recommended Posts

I was banded Aug 11, 2010 once I got home from the hospital I noticed I am feeling sad. Like a lost has happended in my life. I am getting stronger physically but I am feeling sad. I get my Protein in each day. Is this something to do with the lost of eating like I use to or should I be concerned? Anyone else feel sad for a while and then bounce back? Thanks for any help.:frown::(

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

In our surgery prep we were told that many people feel sad after surgery. It is common, but if it lasts more than two weeks you should tell your surgeon. Post surgery is a little anti-climatic for everyone. Try to focus on the very bright future ahead of you! You have taken an amazing step into your new life.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think the build up and the procedure itself are like a "high" and then......you are home w/ this thing in you and it's like "UMMM Now what?". I had post band blues too. It passed. Keep an eye on yourself and like Bree said, call the doc if it lingers.

In another post we were discussing how we had attitude changes too after starting to lose a bit. You can look forward to that too. It is awesome.

Best wishes!!! It is an amazing ride.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think alot of it for me also was the fact that I wasn't "eating" my emotions and had to deal with them instead of stuffing my face. That one is kind of hard for me and sometimes even 8 months later I still struggle with it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

OMG, I am feeling sad too and I'm reallly not sure why. I was banded on August 13th and all day I have been thinking, I just want this thing out of me and go back to being able to eat what I want, when I want but just now as I was typing this, I realized that would mean going back to being miserable in a different way. Sure I could eat myself silly and be happy for a few mins but duh, this is the entire reason I decided on the band because I wouldnt be able to just give in. This band is forcing me to do what I need to do to get healthy and start living my life.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You are not alone with feeling sad or emotional. I was recently banded on 7/21 and it might sound crazy but I was scared of changing bcs I have been the same size for about 20 years. The first morning that I woke up, I thought oh my gosh, did I really do this? It is a life changing process and I think if you weren't feeling a little anxious, sad or emotional about changing not only your size but who you are as a result of it, that wouldn't be normal. Hang in there... Good luck to you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The 4th day post-op I called my mom 3 times that day bawling each time. I was feeling crappy, I was hungry, and I wanted to eat. I talked with a friend of mine who is a nurse and had the surgery and she said post surgery blues are common. Luckily for me I can get back on my anti-depressants to help with that.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I totally have the "post op blues?" I was banded on 8/12. Home from the hospital and a couple days later I was feeling sad. I also had feelings of remorse and doubt. I guess this is normal and will go away but its a scary feeling to doubt something that you were so sure about and worked so hard for. Its very confusing. The "high" is over and still in pain from the surgery. Wanting to eat and feeling so "inexperienced" and "new." How and when do you get past this?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It is normal, in my opinion. I was banded on April 22nd and I definitely remember feeling sad/doubts..I think overall it is an emotional process (the decision to do it, anticipation, actual operation, realization you have done this, fears, etc.) and you have to allow yourself a bit of time..four months out and I definitely have some blue days in addition to my good days..it is definitely a journey..the good thing though is that while I did have some initial tinges of regret and sadness post op, i am so glad I did this and have no regrets (except that I wish I had done it sooner). Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi,

I was banded on July 20th, just about a month ago. About a week out I was sad also, I almost felt like I had lost a friend. I then realized how much of an emotional eater I was and began to really feel the emotions and had to work through them without reaching for the fridge. I can compare it to a child losing their favorite comfort or security blanket in my case anyway. The feeling lasted about two weeks, and now I really couldn't be happier. I'm seeing the health changes and slight physical changes, it's the best thing I've ever done for myself. No regrets.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had a couple of bouts of severe sadness and I am one of those annoying people who get picked on for being so perky. :-) I really really struggled for a couple of days...prayed through it....got out there and exercised and it passed. (walking at the time) These two different times were pretty close to post op though so I was wondering if anesthesia had anything to do with it?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

After surgery, I just wanted to eat everything in site and felt sad when I realized that I could only drink it. I didn't use the band the way it should be used and gained weight for 6 months after getting it. After reading on this site, I came to understand how I should eat and what to eat. But in the beginning I was still using food to cover up any sadness, happiness, depression, gladness, excitedness, any feeling I had I used food to comfort me or to Celebrate. That is how my family has done it for years. I had to come to the reality that I had to change the way I looked at food and couldn't eat myself happy anymore. That is when the band started working for me. I think the sadness comes from losing the friend (food) you have come to rely on.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It's really common to experience sadness after any surgery. The upheaval from anesthesia and the trauma of the surgery itself really knock us out of whack.

As you lose weight, you might experience emotional lability due hormone fluctuations. Body fat is mildly estrogenic, and as it's lost, the serum concentration of estrogen can fluctuate.

Then, too, is the mourning many of us experience for our old "relationship" with food. This tapers off as you build a new, healthier one.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you everyone for responding. I am going to wait this sadness out. As many of you said....it's like losing a trusted friend who has been there for so long and now...gone. Yes, I am glad I made the decision to take back my health!!!! I am praying and asking God to direct me as I walk each day. Will let you know later how things turn out......

Thanks to everyone for the words of encouragement!!!!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for posting this. I've been hyping it all up to be my time of the month...but it's been something I've been upset about more than PMS can be blamed. I've found myself reaching for the fridge. I can by no means eat like I used to, but it's definitely more than I SHOULD be eating. I'm hoping another fill will make the difference I need and hopefully when the weight is coming off again (I've plateaued for the last 4 weeks) I will regain the confidence I need.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×