Things Couldn't Be Better, But Why Can't I Shake The Blues?

[BABEwiththePOWER 16]

Seriously. Life is so good right now. Family is happy and healthy, husband and my relationship is great, friendships are good... I'm down almost 50 lbs in just under 3 months.

So why can't I shake the blues? I'm predisposed to depression/anxiety, and I'm on Wellbutrin XL for that. But, even still, I can't shake the blahs. A few weeks ago, I was bursting with energy and happy happy happy. I even had a great increase in libido But now, it's like the opposite is true. I'm fighting the low-energy blahs with everything I've got. The two kids under 4 keep me really busy, but I'm still having a hard time.

Is this just the hormones everyone was talking about? I know hormones are crazy strong, but I need some way to get through this slump. I want to be happy that the clothes are getting bigger and the number on the scale is getting smaller... but I can't seem to get there.

Any ideas? Thanks

[PdxMan 4,292]

Well, seems like you have some of the obvious things covered ...

What do you do for exercise in a typical week?

Would you say you are on the high, low or medium end of carb consumption?

These two things will affect your energy levels, for sure.

[BABEwiththePOWER 16]

Exercise is DEFINITELY an issue. Between both my kids naps and class schedules, shuttling around, and having to be home at certain times, going to the gym during the day is super hard. Plus, walking outside with them in the double stroller is even worse when the temp is above 95 every day. The only time I can go is at night, but that's when I want to crash. It's a vicious cycle. And I'm making excuses. I have to find a way, because when I DO go, I feel amazing.

As for carb consumption, I'm only getting some carbs from fruit. I don't eat much in the way of bread or starches, as it's too filling. But, I'll keep an eye on that, if it's an energy-suck.

[PdxMan 4,292]

Not so much an energy suck as it is an energy provider. So many people believe you have to cut carbs to lose weight, but for us sleevers, we still have to maintain a decent level. After suffering low energy, my NUT suggested adding more veggies to my diet. I was still in soft foods\puree stage, so I added carrots, Beans and peas to my Soups before pureeing them. It did me wonders.

I ate no breads, and still really don't eat breads/starches much at all. Veggies are a great source of carbs and cooking them to soften them works, too.

[AliveAgain 283]

What kind of support system do you have around you? Are you married?

If so, can you work out a system with your husband to take the kids for an hour or so a few days a week so that you can hit the gym, or even just go for a walk around the neighborhood?

Can you get up early to do these things to avoid the heat?

Sounds like you could use some "me time" since you say that does make you feel better. Doing so much for others can be exhausting mentally and physically. I highly recommend making yourself a priority even if it's just for 2-3 hours per week wherever you can find it.

Have you talked to your doctor about other anti-anxiety solutions? I tried Wellbutrin, and other medications, fifteen years ago and while it did seem to help with some of my mood swings, it also made me a zombie. I personally hated it, quit all those meds, and haven't looked back since. I still deal with anxiety and depression, especially in situational bouts (losing job, illness in family, etc.) but I made the choice to work at it with cognitive therapy, watching what I eat, exercise and meditation. However, I don't have kids.

But all the advice I've every received from "professionals" applies to anyone with or without kids, or spouses, etc: If you're not making time and taking care of yourself, then how can you be your best helping others?

I'm with PdxMan: try introducing some healthy carbs in small doses you're comfortable with (green veggies, black Beans, quinoa, etc.) The thyroid needs carbs to function properly, but not the starchy refined carbs. If the thyroid is sluggish, that could be waning on your energy. And do try to work in a walk here and there, even if it's for 5-10 minutes in 95 degree heat. I grew up in the south, I know what it's like. Put on the sunscreen, wear light clothing, bring Water, and soak in the Vitamin D. It will do wonders!!

[JDHenin 165]

Hormones! I went thru it. In 3 months out and the month 2 I was so grouchy all the time! And everything was great in my life. I had hoped it wouldn't last and it didn't. Im fine now our bodies go thru so much and the hormones are so out of whack. Give it time.

[BABEwiththePOWER 16]

Thanks for the great advice! I'll definitely be aware of the carbs and where they come from, and I'll work out a plan to have scheduled "me" time daily. My husband is amazing, he's super supportive, he's just also super busy with work, and his schedule isn't always consistent. But, if I can get my a#@ up early, maybe I can start doing yoga or the gym in the beginning of the day. I know I just need to shut up and do it. And I know I'll feel better when I do. I'm sure the endorphins will also help counteract the hormone issue

[lsmith 6]

Have you discussed being on the Wellbutrin XL with your bariatric surgeon? At times the antidepressant needs changed, especially if it is an extended release medication.

[newmrsL 9]

Have you discussed being on the Wellbutrin XL with your bariatric surgeon? At times the antidepressant needs changed, especially if it is an extended release medication.

I heard this just yesterday.......all antidepressants that are the XL cannot be taken with the sleeve. May want to look into this! My NUT went over this in pre op class yesterday.

[BABEwiththePOWER 16]

Hmmm. I've cleared my meds with the Doc, and the NUT, so that's weird... I am coming up on my 3 month check-up, so I'll be sure to bring it all up with my Doc. Maybe I need a new Rx... although, the original Rx was not prescribed by a psych, it was my OB who started me on it during my last pregnancy, and I thought it best to stay on it through surgery, since I knew there would be serious emotional aftermath. I probably need to see a real psych (not just my therapist, not an MD) for an Rx evaluation... maybe my surgeon can give me a reco.

Any more info on the "no XL antidepressants" from your doc?

[BABEwiththePOWER 16]

Just googled the "no XL anti-depressants with VSG" and found this info on Obesityhelp.com. Makes sense that the effectiveness is less when a portion of the intestine are bypassed with Rouen-Y and DS, but it doesn't seem to include the sleeve, because we still have our entire intestine intact.

Reduced Medication Effectiveness

The shorter intestinal length after gastric bypass or duodenal switch surgery can make extended-release drug preparations less effective. Some extended-release drugs include antidepressants (Wellbutrin XL), anxiolytics and sleep medications (Xanax XR), and anti-hypertensives (Toprol XL, Verapamil XL). Because these formulations are intended to be absorbed over 2-12 hours, the pills may pass through the gastrointestinal tract before absorption is complete.

[newmrsL 9]

Started my liquid diet today......surgery in 2 weeks. Went for pre-op testing and pre admissions today, it is becoming real. OMG........14 days! I am so nervous and excited. Anyone else feeling very anxious about surgery?