depression/exhaustion
I am a newcomer to OSSG and a recent LRNY 1/20/2004. I just found
this site last week and have been very impressed by contributor’s
comments and advice. It is a very open and honest community. Now I
need some advice and support. And believe me I am not asking for
medical advice but for support.
I have struggled through the post-op period. To begin with I was
fluid overloaded during surgery when I went home from the hospital
weighing 15 pound more than when I went in and I was still on oxygen
for another week. To make matters worse I hadn’t been given my
thyroid medication for a week. So to sum it all up I felt like CRAP
from the beginning.
Since then I have been exhausted and struggling with depression and
the desire to sleep 24 hours a day. For the most part, I have not had
many problems with my pouch so long as I continue to ingest pureed
foods and liquids. On the occasions that I have varied my diet from
pureed foods I have had dumping (god awful experience). My main
problem is exhaustion which leads to the depression or visa/versa.
My incisions have healed well and I have done pretty well with my
weight loss 256/222: Which should be a source of excitement but is
not particularly exciting to me. I would trade half the weight loss
to feel like myself again.
I guess my question is am I progressing normally from your point of
view : Should I feel so tired all the time? Has anyone else
experienced these symptoms and about how long can I expect them to
last. Is there anything I can do to speed up my recovery and get over
the depression/exhaustion syndrome ? I feel so helpless and believe
me that isn’t normal for me.
Thanks for listening!
Millie Miller
LRNY 1/20/2004
256/222
[Moderator’s note: As always, people are advised to bring problems like these to
their doctors! As well as coming here for support, of course…]
December 31st, 2006 at 7:03 pm
In a message dated 3/4/2004 4:17:00 PM Eastern Standard Time,
nikkiinmd@… writes:
recommend Vit B-12? I know that if I don’t take my
shot, I feel rather run down. Also, are you getting
enough to eat? Are you getting enough protein in?
This may sound stupid but do you give yourself the B-12 shot or do you have
to go to a doctor for it? Also, does it hurt? I am a big weenie when it comes
to shots. I just hate them. I can’t imagine having to have them on a regular
basis.
*\|/* *\|/* *\|/* *\|/*
Y****** Nic * *****Y
Mom to
Michael, Caitlyn and Brooks
*\|/* *\|/* *\|/* *\|/*
January 1st, 2007 at 1:52 pm
I’m sorry for your problems but I think some of it is a natural reaction to
a major surgery combined with a normal let down after months of anticipation
(sort of like post partum feelings). You have now done what you spent hours
contemplating, so your mind needs to find something to fill that time/space.
I would certainly recommend that you talk with your doctor, especially if
you have ever had any inclination toward clinical depression, and
IMMEDIATELY REACH OUT if you ever feel overwhelmed by the depression or
think of hurting yourself. Maybe this will sound trite, especially if you
are really depressed, but maybe starting a large craft project at this time
would be helpful.
My other comment, was that it is so good to finally see someone else who
came home heavier than they left. I came home from the hospital after an
open RNY weighing 18 pounds MORE than when I weighed on my scale prior to
leaving for surgery. I try to think of it as just giving me more weight to
claim I’ve lost. Not only did that new 18 pounds get figured into my
starting weight, but it also put me at my highest weight even by 12 pounds.
I take thyroid and I know that messing with that will change your mood. At
least for me that normals out after going back on. I would recommend taking
your thyroid with a protein drink so that it sticks around in your new
system longer and has a better chance to dissolve and be absorbed.
Good luck and continue to use this group to reach out to when you’re feeling
down. That’s one of the reasons we’re here. But also involve your medical
professionals if it interferes with the quality of your relationships or
your ability to maintain a minimally active life (i.e. get up, get dressed,
do the dishes, take a short walk, keep in touch with your loved ones).
Helen
Open RNY + gallbladder 6/18/01
UC Davis