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Depression After Gastric Sleeve Surgery



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Thank you, CCwriter!

I had no idea regarding the connection between alcohol and Seratonin! That's an amazing piece of information, and I'm going to be sure to pass it along, as well. Luckily enough, I don't enjoy drinking when I'm feeling sulky. Somehow, things have just turned out that way.

Yesterday was a good day. I ate well, got all my nutrition in, stayed in range, and even had a small walk.

I felt better, just by writing down my feelings! Having people on here offer encouragement and support is a giant plus, and I feel so lucky to have found this community. Thank you.

I've got a meeting today regarding my transfer, and I'm really hoping things pull through!

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I have to add on here that I think exercise is a great way to help with depression :) :) It works for me,if I feel down I go and work and then later everything feels so different.

I feel like I accomplish something important in my life :)

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<== Depressed. I miss my friend, I hate the way body is starting to look, I miss drinking with the girls, I have the worst breath.. I know it will get better, but it sucks for the moment.

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I struggled with depression after surgery. It took quite a toll on me. It was very hard b/c I felt like this should be the happiest time in my life .I'm finally losing weight! Yet I'm so depressed you would think I was going through a divorce. And essentially I was!! Divorcing cupcakes and candy and Bagels etc etc. and pretty much all the things I had lived and breathed for. I was in loooove with the food and this surgery is kind of like cutting your heart out in a way...if your heart is with the food. I know it may sound silly but I mourned for it like I did a great love that's time had come. The good news is with each day it gets better. One day you will wake up and see things shining brighter. Just don't give up if you're walking through a rough spot. This journey takes you on many ups and downs. But in the end it is worth it!

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Hello Everyone,

I am new to this site. I just had surgery on the 13th of February 2012 and am facing major depression. It is nice to know that it is not uncommon. I am furstrated because I feel hungry and I don't want to.. In all honesty I have had trouble sticking to the diet regimen even though I am eating whatever the DR said I could. I was a big junk food eater and also realized that I was an emotional eater as well. It is really hard getting over it, but I am hopefull that in the long run I will be able to move foward. I am greatful for this site!

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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.

That was very informative. My surgery has really made me see how much I used food for comfort. I am finding more about myself. It has helped me in many more ways than just losing weight.

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I am so glad i found this topic .... depression has begun to creep into my daily routine ...thank you

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    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

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      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

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      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

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      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
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      · 0 replies
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