Mood swings

[amytug 996]

Woah buddy!! I go from perfectly fine one minute to "duhhhh" the next, to "get the heck out of my 1 mile personal space bubble NOW!!" In no time flat. Took a shower to go to the family Easter get together and in the last hour have decided I'm just not going. I don't have energy to put forth toward being smiley with everyone and I don't have to!!

What the heck!?

I know the hormonal changes during weightloss make a person crazy. Add on top of that that I'm a female and dang!! I really wasn't expecting this. Are there tips to keep this under control? Might call about an anti depressant tomorrow. Maybe. Are there antidx that don't have weight gain as a common side effect?

[No game 14,436]

I think that the fact that you are aware of what's going on and why is the biggest step you can make! You just need to stay mindful as to why it's happening and and take a step back when you start to feel like your emotions are getting the best of you. In the beginning I knew my limits and at times just needed to remove myself from some situations for a time out. And my family was informed about my temporary craziness and allowed me to have my time (gladly)

Good luck today Amy !

[makemyownluck 785]

According to WebMD : http://www.webmd.com/depression/features/antidepressants-weight-gain?page=2

Wellbutrin can cause weight LOSS. It's also used for people to quit smoking. It's well tolerated by most people and a very mild med. Honestly, this is what I'll be trying. (I'm still pre-op, but I anticipate this being an issues because I already have some mood swings that I know will likely increase after surgery)

Others to consider: Effexor and Zoloft - they don't typically cause weight gain. They are also both mild meds and easily tolerated. I took Zoloft years ago, and it was helpful, but during the first 2 weeks on it, I had the WEIRDEST dreams/nightmares. But once the med was built up in my body, I was fine.

One to avoid: Paxil. Seems to cause the most weight gain. Also, meds that are also used for more severe mental disorders :Lithium, Abilify, Zyprexa - these can have major side effects, effect your blood sugar and cause weight gain. Avoid these, unless you have some severe symptoms of anxiety/depression.

As far as how you're feeling with snapping at people and needing your personal space, a fast-acting anti-anxiety med like Lorazepam or Alprazolam (Ativan and Xanax) are good for using as needed. They are also more likely to cause a dependence, so your MD would give you a really low dose and expect you to use it maybe 2-3x/wk AT MOST. And using these in conjunction with a daily anti-depressant will help with the side effects of starting the daily anti-depressant, and when the daily med gets built up in your system, you'll need the Lorazepam or Alprazolam less and less, until, ideally, you won't need those at all and can maintain on the daily med alone.

With any anti-depressant, make sure you talk to your doctor before discontinuing. MOST meds require a tapering dose before discontinuing them. You could really put yourself through the ringer if you stop cold turkey.

Hope that helps! Definitely talk to your MD about it, there's NO REASON anyone should suffer mood swings like this. Good luck to you!

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

don't have energy to put forth toward being smiley with everyone and I don't have to!!

amytug

edit...i didn't look at your profile before

now i see that you are only 5 weeks PO

lots/some people are depressed post surgery - different feelings, things going on in their life

"temporary/brief" regrets about having WLS

adjustments to eating, drinking et al

sorry you are going through this mood "stuff"

you mentioned possibly looking into getting an anti-depressant???

you have to see a therapist first - then a doc needs to prescibe a med

there used to be "that" big stigma with seeing a therapist, i don't think so anymore

"my" therapist said to me once - "1/2 the world sees a therapist, and the other 1/2 SHOULD"

yes, yes - its true i see a therapist

after listening to you guys all day - do you blame me

IMO if you are kindof feeling a little bummed - you really don't have to parade a smile on your face

buttttt.......one day i was mad at hubby - angry, not smiling - this went on all day

then i realized i was making me feel "more" miserable by me acting "miserable" - so much wasted energy !!!

smiling always makes me feel better which in turns makes me look better which then makes me feel even happier!!

I also think you burn more calories smiling than frowning

take care bud

hope you feel better

[makemyownluck 785]

amytug

edit...i didn't look at your profile before

now i see that you are only 5 weeks PO

lots/some people are depressed post surgery - different feelings, things going on in their life

"temporary/brief" regrets about having WLS

adjustments to eating, drinking et al

sorry you are going through this mood "stuff"

you mentioned possibly looking into getting an anti-depressant???

you have to see a therapist first - then a doc needs to prescibe a med

there used to be "that" big stigma with seeing a therapist, i don't think so anymore

"my" therapist said to me once - "1/2 the world sees a therapist, and the other 1/2 SHOULD"

yes, yes - its true i see a therapist

after listening to you guys all day - do you blame me

IMO if you are kindof feeling a little bummed - you really don't have to parade a smile on your face

buttttt.......one day i was mad at hubby - angry, not smiling - this went on all day

then i realized i was making me feel "more" miserable by me acting "miserable" - so much wasted energy !!!

smiling always makes me feel better which in turns makes me look better which then makes me feel even happier!!

I also think you burn more calories smiling than frowning

take care bud

hope you feel better

AGREE about 1/2 the world sees a therapist and the other 1/2 needs to! lol

I just wanted to add that I was able to get Zoloft from my PCP years ago. He also gave me a temporary script for Alprazolam when I had some anxiety/depression after the deaths of a few people in my life. I think if you have a good relationship with your PCP, he/she won't have a problem giving you some low-dose, mild meds. Unless the MD sees signs of a more significant problem, they'll likely give you the meds you need without requiring that you see a therapist.

Tho, I think therapy might be a good idea for all of us. Let's face it, we're making huge adjustments in our life, and it can be overwhelming. It's not everyone's cup of tea, tho, and sometimes we just don't have the time. It's worth making time for, IMO. Mental health is just as important (if not moreso) than physical health.

In the meantime, start with your PCP. Hopefully, you have a PCP that you know and trust, and they can make sure you get the help you need.

[AmandaRaeLeo 2,145]

According to WebMD : http://www.webmd.com/depression/features/antidepressants-weight-gain?page=2

Wellbutrin can cause weight LOSS. It's also used for people to quit smoking. It's well tolerated by most people and a very mild med. Honestly' date=' this is what I'll be trying. (I'm still pre-op, but I anticipate this being an issues because I already have some mood swings that I know will likely increase after surgery)

Others to consider: Effexor and Zoloft - they don't typically cause weight gain. They are also both mild meds and easily tolerated. I took Zoloft years ago, and it was helpful, but during the first 2 weeks on it, I had the WEIRDEST dreams/nightmares. But once the med was built up in my body, I was fine.

One to avoid: Paxil. Seems to cause the most weight gain. Also, meds that are also used for more severe mental disorders :Lithium, Abilify, Zyprexa - these can have major side effects, effect your blood sugar and cause weight gain. Avoid these, unless you have some severe symptoms of anxiety/depression.

As far as how you're feeling with snapping at people and needing your personal space, a fast-acting anti-anxiety med like Lorazepam or Alprazolam (Ativan and Xanax) are good for using as needed. They are also more likely to cause a dependence, so your MD would give you a really low dose and expect you to use it maybe 2-3x/wk AT MOST. And using these in conjunction with a daily anti-depressant will help with the side effects of starting the daily anti-depressant, and when the daily med gets built up in your system, you'll need the Lorazepam or Alprazolam less and less, until, ideally, you won't need those at all and can maintain on the daily med alone.

With any anti-depressant, make sure you talk to your doctor before discontinuing. MOST meds require a tapering dose before discontinuing them. You could really put yourself through the ringer if you stop cold turkey.

Hope that helps! Definitely talk to your MD about it, there's NO REASON anyone should suffer mood swings like this. Good luck to you! <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote']

Please don't take this as a judgement or a criticism. I'm making an observation based the limited info in this thread. (Btw, I hate that I feel the need for a disclaimer, but lately it seems necessary.)

I cannot help but glean from your post that you're planning to be depressed and pre planning your "pill" of choice to fix it. I did read that you mentioned a history but I cannot help but think that if you go into it expecting depression you won't be disappointed. But if you go into it with no expectations you may be pleasantly surprised.

Now b4 you write me off as someone who has no idea rest assured I was on Zoloft and klonopin for an anxiety/depression issue.

Amanda Rae

[AmandaRaeLeo 2,145]

Woah buddy!! I go from perfectly fine one minute to "duhhhh" the next' date=' to "get the heck out of my 1 mile personal space bubble NOW!!" In no time flat. Took a shower to go to the family Easter get together and in the last hour have decided I'm just not going. I don't have energy to put forth toward being smiley with everyone and I don't have to!!

What the heck!?

I know the hormonal changes during weightloss make a person crazy. Add on top of that that I'm a female and dang!! I really wasn't expecting this. Are there tips to keep this under control? Might call about an anti depressant tomorrow. Maybe. Are there antidx that don't have weight gain as a common side effect?[/quote']

As one who has dealt with depression and anxiety before (and still some now) I truly believe medication shouldn't be the first stop. A psychologist first. Maybe one who specializes in eating disorders and body images issues.

Medication does have its place, naturally. I, reluctantly, took medication after trying alternatives.

Now, I am not a medical professional and I am not giving advice. Just an opinion based on my experience. Amy, you know yourself better than we do.

Lastly, if you're feeling suicidal or that you may harm others contact the appropriate medical professionals immediately!!!

Amanda Rae

[AmandaRaeLeo 2,145]

My biggest suggestion is to reach out to the appropriate medical professional ASAP and find Amytug again! :-)

[amytug 996]

Thanks everyone. I decide not to go to the Easter thing after all. It's dh's family and makes me look bad but this isn't odd behavior for me, not showing up. They won't be surprised.

I have been on antidepressants since I was 14. I went off just 2 weeks before surgery and my pcp told me to just call him when I'm ready for the meds.

I can't afford a therapist. Totally wish I could. Our town doesn't even have any, so it's $20 just I get there.

[AmandaRaeLeo 2,145]

Thanks everyone. I decide not to go to the Easter thing after all. It's dh's family and makes me look bad but this isn't odd behavior for me' date=' not showing up. They won't be surprised.

I have been on antidepressants since I was 14. I went off just 2 weeks before surgery and my pcp told me to just call him when I'm ready for the meds.

I can't afford a therapist. Totally wish I could. Our town doesn't even have any, so it's 20 just I get there.[/quote']

Well I hope you feel better soon.

Amanda Rae

[AmandaRaeLeo 2,145]

Thanks everyone. I decide not to go to the Easter thing after all. It's dh's family and makes me look bad but this isn't odd behavior for me' date=' not showing up. They won't be surprised.

I have been on antidepressants since I was 14. I went off just 2 weeks before surgery and my pcp told me to just call him when I'm ready for the meds.

I can't afford a therapist. Totally wish I could. Our town doesn't even have any, so it's 20 just I get there.[/quote']

Maybe find, or even organize, a support group!

Amanda Rae

[No game 14,436]

Amy I had my surgery the week before thanksgiving and missed that and and at Christmas I was still on a restricted diet so we skipped that and took the kids to Disneyland instead I COULD NOT be around people sitting and eating all day! It's called self preservation!!

I take a very low dose of an anti-depressant have been for years I did not stop before or after surgery. It might be time just to go back and take a small dose?

[amytug 996]

Amy I had my surgery the week before thanksgiving and missed that and and at Christmas I was still on a restricted diet so we skipped that and took the kids to Disneyland instead I COULD NOT be around people sitting and eating all day! It's called self preservation!!

I take a very low dose of an anti-depressant have been for years I did not stop before or after surgery. It might be time just to go back and take a small dose?

I ate 3 largeish whopper style eggs when they got back and my stomach isn't happy. Feels so gross. It was good for 3 minutes but this isn't fun. Obviously I shouldn't have done that but it's Easter and at least it wasn't 3 whopper eggs, 2 small Hershey bunnies, 3 Reece's Peanut Butter cups, and 5 Cadbury caramel eggs like any other holiday pre sleeve.

Just remembered that the meds I'm on (cetrizine) for the allergic reaction I had to lovenox lists depression as a common side effect. I'll get off this junk and see how I feel in a week or so. I Hope that's it.

Gosh, I'm so eeyore today.

[No game 14,436]

Amy I wish chocolate bothered my tummy!!

My kids did not want to go to grandmas house today! So I told them a couple of days ago fine, but that was your only chance at Easter candy!

I'm not buying any I did let them walk to the store a while ago to buy 2 Cadbury eggs each though .. But they ate them gone and no worries for me!

Deep breaths and time will make things better

[amytug 996]

Amy I wish chocolate bothered my tummy!!

My kids did not want to go to grandmas house today! So I told them a couple of days ago fine' date=' but that was your only chance at Easter candy!

I'm not buying any I did let them walk to the store a while ago to buy 2 Cadbury eggs each though .. But they ate them gone and no worries for me!

Deep breaths and time will make things better [/quote']

I'm surprised there were Cadbury eggs left today! We live close enough to walk to the store too. DG. Whenever the kids get a little money they wanna go buy candy. Hehe.

I don't buy this stuff, dh does and his family loves them with chocolate. Is it ok to throw it all away? Dh usually hides it all from me. It's mostly generic chocolate which usually doesn't even tempt me but dang do I feel weak lately in regards to chocolate.