I am almost 4 weeks post op and I'm not sure why, but my emotions are very weird. I first am loving the weight loss. I have not had any problems keeping anything down and from what other people have told me, I am blessed for that. I believe the problem is I just went back to work and had this thought that every thing would go right back to normal once I went back to my usual schedule. Well, that didn't happen. I find it such a struggle to be around my usual co-workers/friends and not get sad about the things I can't eat. It doesn't help that they don't understand how the constant reminders of what I can't eat make things worse (not that anyone does this intentionally).

The worst part is, when I feel sad about the cravings and mental hunger I'm struggling with, I get upset/disappointed with myself. I begin to feel emotionally weak that I allow, a cup of coffee or a bagel have so much control over me. Especially knowing that I'm not hungry and the things I can't have are the things that aren't good for me.

I'm sure the personal stress I am in right now is only feeding on my emotions, but I just wanted to know if anyone else has dealt or dealing with these type of things?

Yes, I definitely understand. I struggle with cravings and missing certain foods a lot, and I know for several weeks after my surgery (I'm only 5 weeks out mind you), I was an emotional wreck.

Keep in mind as we lose weight, the estrogen flooding our body is definitely not helping the moodiness. I also believe that not getting enough calories/nutrition doesn't help matters at all.

I started going to a therapist once a week and while its a little pricey, it has helped me tremendously. I've never seen a therapist in my life and never thought I would need to, but it really does help a lot!!

I think what you are going through is very normal.

If you have used food to cope with change, uncertainty, and stress in the past and no longer have it to use now, you are bound to feel uncomfortable and even grieve not being able to use it.

Also, as you lose fat/weight all of the hormones that are stored in fat are being released into your system. Many of us experience erratic emotions when that happens.

It will get better. This is a great time to talk to a therapist or consider attending some support group meetings to learn how to deal with changes without using food.

To repeat, it will get better.

Oh absolutely! Speaking for myself - food is something I used for a LONG time to deal with my emotions. And because of my new eating habits and not using food to stuff down my emotions they were all over the place! It is quite a loss and changing/challenging old habits is difficult. Please know that what you are dealing with is normal. It has (and still does) helped seeing a therapist who works with people with eating disorders and is familiar with WLS. There have also been recommended books on bariatric pal that may help with working through stuff. All the best!

One book I recommend often is Eat it Up! by Connie Stapleton.

Thank you for that insight. I think I will read that book and definitely going to talk to a therapist.

(((HUGS )))

It isnt so easy, but it's worth it. I suspect most of us went through some sort of grieving process. Mine was for all the years I lived life,not quite fully, due to obesity. It was sad for me to face what I had given up, limited myself and my kids lives for the false comfort of excess food, and the numbing fatsuit of obesity.