Anxiety and depression

[bluenena2016 5]

I am 6 day post op and am experiencing regret. I have a lot of pain. And I am weak and tired. I am having panic attacks. I was wondering if anyone else experienced this and does it get better?

Sent from my SM-G935V using the BariatricPal App

[FrankyG 1,450]

Yup. Many on here have experienced exactly those feelings.

The "what did I just do to myself" feeling right after surgery is pretty awful since you get really caught up feeling you made a mistake and that can lead to amplifying the depression and anxiety. But it is normal, and you will be happy soon enough again.

While the regret goes away pretty fast, the depression, anxiety and other mental issues may linger. Fat stores hormones like estrogen. As you start really losing weight, that fat will flush those hormones back into your bloodstream and result in a hormone flood.

That hormone dump is one of the reasons doctors caution women of childbearing age to be on a VERY safe form of birth control. It also can cause wild mood swings, anger and irritability and uncontrollable bouts of weeping and depression.

Being aware that this is possible is quite important so you can let your friends/family know you might have a difficult time sometimes and also so you can be aware when you start feeling like you are going to blow up or need comforting/help, you can let someone know and not suffer alone.

Edited November 10, 2016 by FrankiesGirl

[vannababyy22 410]

I suffered from mental illness my entire life and it seemed those first three weeks after surgery it was awful, depression, anxiety attacks. It's hard when food was always that coping mechanism, for me anyways. Honestly I'm almost done here with week 5 and I seem to be doing much better, I still have panic attacks but they aren't as frequent.

Try and remember why you did this in the first place, you did it to be a better version of yourself, to be a healthier you. You got this!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[cassandramarie93 199]

Everyone heals differently and adjusts to changes individually. Keep your eye on the prize I was sleeved November 7th and I had one mighty melt down about it after the fact. Easier said then done but you know why you've done this, and this time of pain is such a small portion compared to how much your life is going to improve. Side note for some reason I didn't expect to wake up in so much pain it's so overwhelming.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[bluenena2016 5]

Thank you all for your responses. As you know it is always helpful to know you are not alone and that others have gone through the same thing and been fine.

Sent from my SM-G935V using the BariatricPal App

[Butterflywarrior 241]

Anxiety is really tough with WLS especially diagnosable anxiety disorders and tge what ifs are never ending. I'm sure my surgical nurse thinks I'm a nut case as much as I call her lol.

Depression just rubs it all in then add hormonal rage, adjustment to everything and judgemental people expecting failure from you! Bahh

Take a deep breath and try hard to work on mindfulness skills...they help a lot!

It gets better!!

[less_doh 1]

I just had my bypass on Monday and I'm currently going through the regret stage. I just want to eat away all the feels and I can't. I absentmindedly took a bite of an apple this morning and got sick. I joined this app in hopes of talking it out.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[rolosmom7 740]

I have anxiety and depression normally, and I went through the roof (more like into the basement) for 2-3 weeks after surgery. I was thirsty and tired, regretting what I had done. My husband couldn't do anything right, even when he was being perfect and I suddenly hated all my family.

It does get better - I'm 8 weeks out now and I have my moments but nothing like before. I also work with a therapist weekly, which is something I recommend to everyone.

Good luck!

[CarenL 35]

I had that regretful thought "what have I done?!" The two days after surgery but it really does get better. I am a little over 3 weeks out from surgery and down 21 lbs. THAT is my motivation! When friends and family ask how I am, I always say "Better than the day before" because that's the truth! It does get better!!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App