Guidance

[marroyo 30]

Hi evèryone I was sleeved 12/15/15 and am still struggling with anxiety and depression. I know I had surgery to get healthier and have been losing weight. Hw217 sw207 cw172 height 5'3. Anyone else have those similar stats and how do you feel now? Sometimes I feel as though my BMI was not high enough for surgery even though I know I was obese. I'm struggling with the choice I made to have surgery and get so worried about long term complications that can arise. Anyone who is further out than me if you can offer me guidance to help ease my worries. What are the chances of developing a complication 3 months out from surgery should I still be worried? How to deal with my feelings of anxiety and depression and realize this was a positive change in my life? I need support from people who have been on this journey so I can feel better about the choice I made. Thanks everyone.

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[JamieLogical 8,727]

I had a rough time figuring out how to cope with my emotions in the early months post-op, when I could no longer turn to food for comfort. I was a binge eater prior to being sleeved and once I was back on solid foods, the fact that I could only eat a tiny amount meant that eating no longer satisfied me the way it used to. My brain still wanted to binge for comfort, but my body was physically unable and it took a while for that desire to binge to go away. The good news is, it DID go away. My brain eventually caught up to my new physical reality. I would say I was a good 4 months post-op before I had full embraced my new emotional and physical "normal". It's a process and you just have to work on adapting day-by-day. Some days will be harder than others. But overall, it trends towards getting easier.

As for complications, if you were sleeved, late onset complications are VERY rare. If you were going to have a leak, you would have by now. The only way you might develop one this late is if you had some food caught in your staple line from eating the wrong things too soon, then an abscess formed. If you stuck to your food phases, you have nothing to worry about there.

The only other thing you might need to worry about in the future is ulcers or stomach bleeds if you take NSAIDs or acid-related issues. Are you currently on a PPI for acid? Are you experiencing any reflux or heart burn?

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Hi evèryone I was sleeved 12/15/15 and am still struggling with anxiety and depression. I know I had surgery to get healthier and have been losing weight. Hw217 sw207 cw172 height 5'3. Anyone else have those similar stats and how do you feel now? Sometimes I feel as though my BMI was not high enough for surgery even though I know I was obese. I'm struggling with the choice I made to have surgery and get so worried about long term complications that can arise. Anyone who is further out than me if you can offer me guidance to help ease my worries. What are the chances of developing a complication 3 months out from surgery should I still be worried? How to deal with my feelings of anxiety and depression and realize this was a positive change in my life? I need support from people who have been on this journey so I can feel better about the choice I made. Thanks everyone.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It is very common to struggle with emotions and feelings post-op. Out hormones are in flux due to the fat loss and we no longer have our favorite coping mechanism -- food.

It is ok to seek help.

Do you have a counselor or therapist? If not, see if the person who did your psych clearance can see you or refer you to someone to talk to. A good therapist can help you learn new, healthy ways to cope with stress, uncomfortable feelings, and anxiety.

Have you talked with your PCP about your anxiety and depression?

You may also want to find a good bariatric support group and/or a 12-step recovery group like OA (OA.org).

In addition, exercise, adequate nutrition, and good quality sleep will help you to feel better.

A good book that you may find helpful is Eat it Up! by Connie Stapleton.

As to complications. They are just that, complications. I am almost 1 year post-op and have had no complications. But, everyone is different.

Are you following your program and post-op instructions?

If you experience pain, something unexpected, or out of the ordinary, then call your surgeon's office.

Otherwise, you can practice letting go.

Start with deep breathes and reciting the serenity prayer:

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Hi evèryone I was sleeved 12/15/15 and am still struggling with anxiety and depression. I know I had surgery to get healthier and have been losing weight. Hw217 sw207 cw172 height 5'3. Anyone else have those similar stats and how do you feel now? Sometimes I feel as though my BMI was not high enough for surgery even though I know I was obese. I'm struggling with the choice I made to have surgery and get so worried about long term complications that can arise. Anyone who is further out than me if you can offer me guidance to help ease my worries. What are the chances of developing a complication 3 months out from surgery should I still be worried? How to deal with my feelings of anxiety and depression and realize this was a positive change in my life? I need support from people who have been on this journey so I can feel better about the choice I made. Thanks everyone.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It is very common to struggle with emotions and feelings post-op. Out hormones are in flux due to the fat loss and we no longer have our favorite coping mechanism -- food.< /p>

It is ok to seek help.

Do you have a counselor or therapist? If not, see if the person who did your psych clearance can see you or refer you to someone to talk to. A good therapist can help you learn new, healthy ways to cope with stress, uncomfortable feelings, and anxiety.

Have you talked with your PCP about your anxiety and depression?

You may also want to find a good bariatric support group and/or a 12-step recovery group like OA (OA.org).

In addition, exercise, adequate nutrition, and good quality sleep will help you to feel better.

A good book that you may find helpful is Eat it Up! by Connie Stapleton.

As to complications. They are just that, complications. I am almost 1 year post-op and have had no complications. But, everyone is different.

Are you following your program and post-op instructions?

If you experience pain, something unexpected, or out of the ordinary, then call your surgeon's office.

Otherwise, you can practice letting go.

Start with deep breathes and reciting the serenity prayer:

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

Keep us posted on how you are doing.

[marroyo 30]

Thanks everyone and yes I was sleeved. I did stick with the phases for eating but I did cheat one time early out eating about two crackers I hope nothing got stuck in the staple line. I have been seeing a therapist which has been helping and going to support group by surgical team offers. I do feel better now than I did 2 months ago but some days I still struggle with my emotions. I had a year prep op process and thought I was prepared but I guesse not so much. Thanks again everyone

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[JamieLogical 8,727]

Glad you are seeing a therapist. I think you will continue to see improvement as you adapt to your new normal. Just know you aren't alone. A lot of us struggle with these same issues post-op.

[marroyo 30]

Just an update. It's now been almost 6 months since my surgery and I am feeling much better. Those first few months dealing with depression and anxiety was so difficult for me. I appreciate all the support I received from everyone and words of encouragement. Back then I really thought I would never feel better but I was wrong. I do feel better and m healthier than I have been in a long time. Again thanks for everyone who helped me get through that very emotional period I was dealing with.

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[higher 966]

I had a rough time figuring out how to cope with my emotions in the early months post-op, when I could no longer turn to food for comfort. I was a binge eater prior to being sleeved and once I was back on solid foods, the fact that I could only eat a tiny amount meant that eating no longer satisfied me the way it used to. My brain still wanted to binge for comfort, but my body was physically unable and it took a while for that desire to binge to go away. The good news is, it DID go away. My brain eventually caught up to my new physical reality. I would say I was a good 4 months post-op before I had full embraced my new emotional and physical "normal". It's a process and you just have to work on adapting day-by-day. Some days will be harder than others. But overall, it trends towards getting easier.

As for complications, if you were sleeved, late onset complications are VERY rare. If you were going to have a leak, you would have by now. The only way you might develop one this late is if you had some food caught in your staple line from eating the wrong things too soon, then an abscess formed. If you stuck to your food phases, you have nothing to worry about there.

This was a wonderfully insightful post and one I'll try to remember after my surgery.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Just an update. It's now been almost 6 months since my surgery and I am feeling much better. Those first few months dealing with depression and anxiety was so difficult for me. I appreciate all the support I received from everyone and words of encouragement. Back then I really thought I would never feel better but I was wrong. I do feel better and m healthier than I have been in a long time. Again thanks for everyone who helped me get through that very emotional period I was dealing with.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

This is so great to hear. Thank you for the update!

[marroyo 30]

Hi everyone just an update I am doing so much better emotionally. It's been over a year since by surgery on 12/15/15. I have not been losing weight like I used to been kinda stuck at the same weight. Does anyone has suggestions for me on how to get myself back on track? Thanks