Feeling Depressed

[Ann2]

Carrie, something you may not (or may?) have heard already, but it's real ....

When you start losing weight like a house afire (as you are definitely doing right now), your body is releasing a lot of hormones that have been stored in your body fat that's now breaking down and being released into your body's circulatory systems. That means, depending on your age (and your photo looks like you're definitely pre-menopausal), you're being bombarded with weaponizable amounts of estrogen. So "moody" might not even begin to describe how you're feeling.

The good news: This will pass. BTW, all (or most) of your early emotional reactions / responses to WLS are temporary. WLS is a big event you've just made that will require many, many changes of you. But please don't go negative about all this. Instead, focus on and obsess about the positive changes you are now able to make and will be able to engage in more and more as your recovery continues.

Short version: Don't worry (really!). Be happy (really!).

[Christie13]

I've seen quite a few people on here who go through an emotional process with the sleeve. I personally can't speak to it because I also have felt ecstatic since surgery as well. But it very well could be the hormonal changes you are going through. Please make sure you keep an eye on it. If it is depression it can spiral out of control. Hopefully you will start to feel a bit better and that will help with your mood. I think going through some initial trauma like you did could also be to blame. Big hugs.

[Christie13]

Did any of you also have the fears of not losing the weight? I am going through that now even though I have lost weight 20# in 2 weeks and I hardly eat anything but I get these overwhelming fears that I went through all of this for nothing for some reason. Maybe I am just being crazy.

That was my biggest fear. But here I am 9 months out and 5 lbs under goal. I think it is definitely normal to feel afraid that somehow this won't work for us.

[elle77]

The first three weeks were the worst for me. I felt like this empty feeling. Had the same fears too. That the weight wasn't going to come off. It goes away. You will have stalls, don't get discouraged. Do not kill yourself and weigh yourself EVERYDAY. It will just drive you batty. Every time you stall, drink more water. Use myfitnesspal to stay on track with what you are eating. It has helped me tremendously. Ever since I started being more aware of my caloric intake, it became more easier to plan my meals. Just know you are not alone in this. Hope you start feeling better soon!

[Marinewife]

So sorry you are struggling. Hope Things get better for you. May I ask what your complications were that landed you in the ICU?

[RehabNurse]

After being sleeved, I did experience a somewhat depressed mood that persisted until 6 weeks post-op. I slept a lot and had no motivation to live life as usual, perhaps because I didn't realize how much I had used food as an emotional crutch.

The depressed phase shall pass. Recuperate soon.

[Luna354]

I think your emotions are all over the place for a while. It's a combination of your hormones and shock to your body, and the realization of how your life has changed. Although a lot of it is temporary. Now I can do so much more in my life than I could before so there's no negative thoughts on having had surgery, only positive. early on, you realize things you can't do, and how much your life revolved around food. Hang in there! It will only get better!

[southernmom]

Before surgery my nutritionist warned me of possible depression. Estrogen is stored within the fat cells, so it will be released into your blood stream. It will eventually level off. Thankfully, I didn't experience it. You are still at the beginning of your journey, so just stick to what you've been told and follow the exercise/eating plan that you were given. You will lose weight. For me, after years of yo-yo dieting, I'm still fearful that I will regain. I carefully follow all of my lifestyle changes, but I still have a box of "fat" clothes in my closet. I think after a year, I'll have the courage to get rid of them!

[DesertGal]

I was convinced that for some reason, my surgery "wouldn't take". I'd be the one for the books where "Woman has gastric sleeve and remains the same weight", LOL!
I had surgery end of March, and it's working quite well!

[cathbas]

Totally normal for some of us...i went thru the same thing..be encouraged..this too shall pass....take it one day at a time