Depression for over a year post-op

[weightlossButterfly 0]

Hey all. My surgery was Dec. 2, 2013, I had the gastric sleeve. For a couple months after that I was having major nausea and couldn't even sip Water, so I was hospitalized three times for dehydration. Had numerous tests done and turns out it was my gallbladder. My surgeon removed that along with a hernia and my appendix, and revised my sleeve. I was better after that, I could finally drink and eat a little. Then I lost myself. I was so depressed and traumatized by the experience that I was mentally incapable of being happy. I had support from family and my boyfriend, but it took until just a couple weeks ago to finally start becoming the person I wanted to be. I was eating only Protein Bars, but around 8 of them a day. I am 213 and my lowest was 174 and I had reached 230 pounds from the constant eating of Protein bars. I never exercised and never tried to. The dehydration almost killed me. I didn't want to move from my bed. I was seeing therapists and psychiatrists trying different medications for depression. It took a loooong time, but I've finally found the right medication 2 weeks ago, and actually started going to the gym 6 days a week! I'm eating better and have not even thought about those dang protein bars once. Starting at 230 I'm back down to 213, but I'm stuck. The scale will not move and it's been this way for a week and a half. This had not deterred me from going to the gym, but it's disappointing, and I'm afraid of going back into my difficult place again if this keeps up. Thanks sooo much for taking the time to read this lengthy post, and if you have any suggestions or similar stories please comment!

[lucy0911 58]

I am so glad that you are on the right track to health. Everyone's surgery and experience is different. I had a horrible post op and could have easily ended up depressed so I applaud you for recognizing and overcoming. The scale will have it's moments when it doesn't want to move and that's ok. My doctor has told me to worry less about the scale and more about how my clothes fit and how I feel so don't get disappointed at all if the scale doesn't move or moves a bit slower at times. One thing that may help and you may already be doing this is to switch up your routine from time to time. I know when i hit the gym I did the same things over and over again and your body needs some variety so try something new every once in a while. Keep your muscles guessing. Congrats again and good luck. Have a blessed day!

[CowgirlJane 14,261]

Good for you for turning this around!

My advice is to step away from the magical thinking - "if I work out everyday and am perfect I will be thin.right.now." There is a reason this is a journey...to a new lifestyle. It is the long haul that counts. You will have days or weeks that don't go the way you hoped and you can't let it get you down or cause you to quit living healthy habits.

I lost 150# in 14 months and maintaining for two years. I do it one meal, one day at a time. I just keep doing, the best I can, what I need to maintain a healthy fit weight.

[JamieLogical 8,727]

You mentioned that you just started exercising 2 weeks ago? Here is a great article that might help you understand why the scale hasn't started moving down yet:

http://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=why_the_scale_goes_up_when_you_start_a_new_workout_plan

[Tlicous51 2]

I can understand the depression. I was pretty depressed at first. It was such a big change for me not being able to eat what I want or how much I want. I had no program that helped get my mind right before the surgery. It was rough for about a month with the mental hunger aspect. It is true though that going to the gym will help with your depression along with the meds. The scale a lot of times is your enemy. It is about how you feel in your clothes. The weight will come off just keep working hard.

[weightlossButterfly 0]

Thanks so much everyone. I am trying my absolute best to eat better and workout even though sometimes I don't feel like it. I'm a very picky eater and don't like most healthy things but I think my mind has improved a great deal because now I dont hesitate to try new food. I'm just glad that even if I'm not getting the right nutrition now, I'm closer to it than I was before.

[Lani789 128]

See if your scale does body fat. I didn't lose for about six weeks but I started watching body fat and sure enough, that was dropping. I was running and swimming and strength training, so all those growing muscles were pushing out fat. Then in one week I dropped five pounds.

Dang, that felt good! I wished it happened every week, but I'll take an average like that. Focus on the goal!

[dkh 5]

Muscle weighs more than fat, so if you are building muscle your weight will slow down at first. Also, some antidepressants cause a little weight gain. Keep going! You're doing great!!!!

Hey all. My surgery was Dec. 2, 2013, I had the gastric sleeve. For a couple months after that I was having major nausea and couldn't even sip Water, so I was hospitalized three times for dehydration. Had numerous tests done and turns out it was my gallbladder. My surgeon removed that along with a hernia and my appendix, and revised my sleeve. I was better after that, I could finally drink and eat a little. Then I lost myself. I was so depressed and traumatized by the experience that I was mentally incapable of being happy. I had support from family and my boyfriend, but it took until just a couple weeks ago to finally start becoming the person I wanted to be. I was eating only Protein bars, but around 8 of them a day. I am 213 and my lowest was 174 and I had reached 230 pounds from the constant eating of Protein bars. I never exercised and never tried to. The dehydration almost killed me. I didn't want to move from my bed. I was seeing therapists and psychiatrists trying different medications for depression. It took a loooong time, but I've finally found the right medication 2 weeks ago, and actually started going to the gym 6 days a week! I'm eating better and have not even thought about those dang protein bars once. Starting at 230 I'm back down to 213, but I'm stuck. The scale will not move and it's been this way for a week and a half. This had not deterred me from going to the gym, but it's disappointing, and I'm afraid of going back into my difficult place again if this keeps up. Thanks sooo much for taking the time to read this lengthy post, and if you have any suggestions or similar stories please comment!