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

Depression after the Gastric Sleeve



Recommended Posts

I am not sure I was depressed - but i felt "not myself, not quite human" for the first 12 weeks post op. It was sorta strange, like I felt as though I was an observer of my own life, kind of a surreal feeling. Is that depression? I have many theories as to why I felt that way, but it did pass. I would say by around 6 months post op I was becoming... jazzed, excited, happy, astounded even...

My theories of what causes that weird, unsettled feeling:

-Fat acts like a body organ and releases hormones. It is well documented that rapid weight loss releases stored estrogen. Sometiimes that makes people feel very emotional. I felt stupid, couldn't remember things etc

-Many of us probably used food to help "quiet" feelings. Could we perhaps be starting to "feel" some things were weren't used to feeling? how unsettling to wake up one day and realize that you just cannot, under any circumstances continue to live with XXXX in your life that you tolerated for a long time, with the help of a little food to bury your true feelings.

-Wow, it's kind of hard adjusting to the water/food/vitamin schedule. Felt like a freaking full time job. I was so huge nobody could even SEE my weight loss until I had lost about 50#.

So, those early months I was parting ways with a close friend (food and obesity), realizing aspects of my life really sucked and needed to change, spent huge energy on managing my food/water/activity/vitamins etc etc AND I was still HUGELY FAT. That kind of thing could get a girl down if she let it...

Everything you've said here is what I've been feeling lately. Like I'm an observer of my own life and I'm not really here until things go wrong and I have to react quickly. It's been very hard to put into words what's been going on with me lately, yet you were able to say exactly what it is that I've been going through.

I would say the last 4 weeks have been emotionally hard for me to deal with and cope. And no longer having the ability to eat my way happy, is more forcing me to deal with demons I wasn't strong enough to deal with in the past.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just as a side note too because its interestingly similar in symptoms. When my thyroid count is off, i have these same exact symptoms. And its in charge of our hormones. Bet we r overloading by losing wt so drastically. Interesting. I will def keep my bloodwork up!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am finding it hard to go to work, I just about can't imagine how I can get thru another day or two, tomorrow I'm calling surgeon or anyone, I need help in the worst way, ive never felt so down depressed and full of anxiety in my life, I need help, please pray for me I have two kids who depend on me, I just broke down in front of them so now it is all out in the open, my fiancee knows and its worried, I know anti depressants don't kick in for weeks, I dont know how I will cope until then honestly. I'm a private person but I need help and can't kick this...tears...

Edited by downsizingdiva

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I really need more people to tell me this will get better and that it will pass please...

Edited by downsizingdiva

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am saying prayers for you right now hun. I am so sorry that you are feeling like this. Just take it minute by minute until you receive a call back from your doctor. If you cannot handle it til then, go to the hospital. They can draw bloodwork to see whats going on. And my antidepressants did not take that long to take effect. Do make sure to call your doctor and be totally honest with them. Hiding anything will not help you to get better, to feel better, or to be there for your family. Great big hugs

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It will get better and it will pass.

I am pre-op so everything I know about post-op is from reading and research (including these boards).

But, I have battled depression for years and know what it's like to detox from food. I think you are going through a combination of physical and emotional changes that will definitely pass.

In the meantime:

Keep sharing your feelings. It's great that you let your kids and fiancée know how you are feeling. Journaling/writing is a great way to share your feelings, too.

Get outside. Sunlight does help.

Exercise also helps.

Definitely talk to medical professionals.

You also might want to consider Overeaters Anonymous. It's a 12-step group that can help you learn to cope and live life without numbing yourself with food.< /p>

Best of luck and keeps checking in here so we know how you are doing.

Edited to add: Stay hydrated.

Edited by Inner Surfer Girl

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

After a night of no sleep, vomiting nothing, more depression, anxiety andshivering, I left a message for my surgeon and I'm going to the ER. I can't go on I can't even go to work today, I hope they can help me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

After a night of no sleep, vomiting nothing, more depression, anxiety andshivering, I left a message for my surgeon and I'm going to the ER. I can't go on I can't even go to work today, I hope they can help me.

Good luck. I hope that you can get the help you're seeking.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm home now no surgery complications causing the nausea. I did get a prescription for antidepressant and anxiety and zofran. I have to eat more but I need more ideas of what to eat.

Edited by downsizingdiva

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am 8 weeks out I can eat anything, I'm just so nauseous nothing sounds good but I know I've got to eat. : (

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Try to figure out what it is triggering your nausea as u eat. Is it texture, smell, firmness of the food?

Try standing up, take a tiny bite. Walk away. Get your mind on another task. Dont bend over. No drink. Make sure you do not lie down soon afterwards. Go get another tiny bite if it holds. Put your hands above your head as you swallow. It may look goofy, and if your kids are there just shout hooray for mommy to make it not so strange to them. ???? Make a game out of it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Now I'm thinking it could be gallbladder. I'm not having an attack but nausea vomiting shakes and shivers and insomnia.

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

    • BeanitoDiego

      I've hit a stall 9 months out. I'm not worried, though. My fitness levels continue to improve and I have nearly accomplished my pre-surgery goal of learning to scuba dive! One dive left to complete to get my PADI card 🐠
      I was able to go for a 10K/6mile hike in the mountains two days ago just for the fun of it. In the before days, I might have attempted this, but it would have taken me 7 or 8 hours to complete and I would have been exhausted and in pain for the next two days. Taking my time with breaks for snacks and water, I was finished with my wee jaunt in only 4 hours 😎 and really got to enjoy photographing some insects, fungi, and turtles.
      Just for fun last week, I ran two 5Ks in two days, something I would have never done in the past! Next goal is a 10K before the end of this month.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Teriesa

      Hi everyone, I wrote back in May about having no strength. I still get totally exhausted just walking from room to room, it’s so bad I’m using a walker with wheels of all things. I had the gastric sleeve Jan. 24th. I’m doing exactly what the programs says, except protein shakes. I have different meats and protein bars daily, including vitamins daily. I do drink my fluids as well.  I go in for IV hydration 4 days a week and feel ok just til evening.  So far as of Jan 1st I’ve dropped 76 lbs. I just want to enjoy the weight lose. Any suggestions or has anyone else gone thru this??  Doctor says just increase calorie intake, still the same. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Stone Art By SKL

      Decorative Wall Cladding & Panels | Stone Art By SKL
      Elevate your space with Stone Art By SKL's decorative wall claddings & panels. Explore premium designs for timeless elegance.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Clueless_girl

      Losing my hair in clumps and still dealing with "stomach" issues from gallbladder removal surgery. On the positive side I'm doing better about meeting protein and water goals and taking my vitamins, so yay? 🤷‍♀️
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      I've hit a stall 9 months out. I'm not worried, though. My fitness levels continue to improve and I have nearly accomplished my pre-surgery goal of learning to scuba dive! One dive left to complete to get my PADI card 🐠
      I was able to go for a 10K/6mile hike in the mountains two days ago just for the fun of it. In the before days, I might have attempted this, but it would have taken me 7 or 8 hours to complete and I would have been exhausted and in pain for the next two days. Taking my time with breaks for snacks and water, I was finished with my wee jaunt in only 4 hours 😎 and really got to enjoy photographing some insects, fungi, and turtles.
      · 1 reply
      1. BabySpoons

        Amazing! Congrats!!! Watch out for the sharks. 🦈

  • 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

    ×