hdbuttahz

I have suffered from anxiety/depression/PTSD for the majority of my adult life. I am on Celexa 40mg and Xanax as needed for anxiety at bedtime. Recently (in the last year) I’ve worked very hard on my mental health issues: developing new coping mechanisms, upping my visits to my therapist, etc because I knew I wanted this surgery and I wanted to make sure I was in the best mind frame. The psych consult could have gone better and my second visit with her was when she informed me she would only conditionally approve me for surgery due to my anxiety and depression. This of course made my anxiety and depression worse, but I soldiered on, saw my therapist more often (the psych was NOT the best person and she made me uncomfortable so I refused to continue seeing her), but that’s another story all together. I received my clearance from the psych and the doctor, nutritionist, and physiologist two weeks ago and now I’m scheduled for next month. I say all of that to ask this: how many of you that have had the sleeve had pre-existing mental health issues, specifically anxiety and depression, and did the symptoms lessen and/or were you able to dose down on your psych meds at some point after surgery?? While I realize that my mental health issues have little to do with my weight as it is a legitimate chemical imbalance, I do hope for some improvement and for the possibility to go down to a lower dose of Celexa (which btw, is known to cause weight gain) since I’m on the highest dose. Any experiences you guys are willing to share would be super helpful!! HW & CW: 251 GW: 145 Height: 5’3 Age: 31

Would anyone be interested in a “bariatric care package” of sorts? Quick backstory- I was sleeved on 1/23 and have been doing great! One “side effect” (I guess you could call it that) is that anything with preservatives, sugar substitutes, and the like tastes AWFUL to me. I am basically only eating meats, fruits, veggies, nuts- that type of stuff. The only problem I have with this is that prior to my surgery and shortly after post-op, I went balls to the wall and bought all these protein shakes, protein soups, protein lemonades, vitamins, Crystal Light, etc that I now have no use for because I physically cannot tolerate the taste. I was wondering if anyone would be interested in some of the products, free of cost? I would basically just throw a bunch of different stuff in a box and ship it to you. It would be great for people who are pre-op and aren’t sure of what to buy or what you might like or dislike. If you’re interested, please PM me and let me know! I wanna get all of this stuff out of my house ASAP! HW: 252 SW: 239 CW: 214 GW: 145 or lower Height: 5’3 Age: 31 Blog: https://fearlessagentofchange.wordpress.com Twitter: hd_buttahz Instagram: agenthdbuttahz

Wow, I’m so excited that so many people have responded and PM’d and I’m so happy that all this stuff won’t go to waste!!! For now, I think I have enough people to cover the amount of stuff I have, or vice versa, but if/when I’m making up the packages and I am able to send out more stuff, I will post again. Thanks again for your responses. You don’t know how good it does my heart to know this stuff will be put to good use! HW: 252 SW: 239 CW: 214 GW: 145 or lower Height: 5’3 Age: 31 Blog: https://fearlessagentofchange.wordpress.com Twitter: hd_buttahz Instagram: agenthdbuttahz

I already inquired and they won’t take it because they have their own hospital-affiliated products that they push HW: 252 SW: 239 CW: 214 GW: 145 or lower Height: 5’3 Age: 31 Blog: https://fearlessagentofchange.wordpress.com Twitter: hd_buttahz Instagram: agenthdbuttahz

Much like you, my family and friends were not thrilled about the surgery and made that VERY clear to me, so that was my decision. That was 2 years ago and I keep thinking if I did it back then, I would be where I want to be today. Instead I’m only 4 weeks post-op. Feel free to PM me with questions or read my blog (link in signature). HW: 252 SW: 239 CW: 225 GW: 145 or lower Height: 5’3 Age: 31 Blog: https://fearlessagentofchange.wordpress.com Twitter: hd_buttahz Instagram: agenthdbuttahz

I am 16 days post-op VSG. I lost 11lb the first week, gained back 3, and haven’t lost anything since. I’ve heard a stall around week 3 is normal but to literally stall after the first week is irritating!! I’m getting very frustrated but also reminding myself that this is a marathon, not a sprint. I’ve been measuring and I’ve been losing inches and I can tell in just how my body feels that I’m smaller, but it’s still frustrating not seeing that scale move. I’ve been cleared to exercise but I haven’t started yet because my mood and depression have been absolutely awful, I can barely get out of bed (nothing to do with physical pain or recovery-simply my brain). I’m getting about 400-500 calories a day, sometimes less as I can barely get an entire protein shake in or more than 2tbsp of soup/purée at a time. Did you all find that the weight started “melting off” when you incorporated exercise in? I feel like walking (aside from the 20 min around the house they told me to do upon discharge) and exercise in general will help but as noted above, I’m having trouble motivating myself. Any advice/tips/tricks would be helpful!! HW: 252 SW: 239 CW: 231 GW: 145 or lower Height: 5’3 Age: 31 Blog: https://fearlessagentofchange.wordpress.com Twitter: hd_buttahz Instagram: agenthdbuttahz

The anesthesia kicked my a$$ so I didn’t do much in the hospital besides sleep and use the bathroom lol but the only things I used for sure were my own pajamas, robe, slippers, and pillows. My iPad. And chapstick. Oh and toothbrush and toothpaste. I packed my contacts, face wash, hair brush, etc and didn’t even take it out of my suitcase. Hope this helps! HW: 252 SW: 239 CW: 231 GW: 145 or lower Height: 5’3 Age: 31 Blog: https://fearlessagentofchange.wordpress.com Twitter: hd_buttahz Instagram: agenthdbuttahz

I weighed 239 the day of surgery, weighed 228 1 week post-op and for the last week I’ve been 231 HW: 252 SW: 239 CW: 231 GW: 145 or lower Height: 5’3 Age: 31 Blog: https://fearlessagentofchange.wordpress.com Twitter: hd_buttahz Instagram: agenthdbuttahz

Hi guys, I am 4 days post-op VSG. Everything went really well and I haven’t had to take any pain meds since prior to leaving the hospital upon discharge Wed 1/24. I was not allowed to drink or eat anything at all on 1/23 after surgery until I passed my upper GI swallow test the afternoon of 1/24. I was then allowed clear liquids and those seemed to go down well. I was super encouraged by the positive experience that I had while at the hospital but now I feel like that’s all gone to hell in a hand basket. I’ve developed a cold and started my period in the last few days and I am have a terrible time getting my liquids, especially protein, in right now. I am so tired and emotional and run down and I’m starting to question why I did this. I miss food. I miss cigarettes. Hell, I miss the plain lettuce I was allowed during my 2 week pre-op diet. Every thing tastes disgusting, including water (that could be my cold). I was able to get up and out yesterday for a bit and while I think it helped, I was so exhausted when I got home. I can’t even imagine things continuing this way and having to go back to work. I feel like I’m wandering around with my head in the clouds. Just very airy and confused. I already know the anesthesia kicked my ass because I don’t remember much from the hospital (visitors, etc) and I slept nearly 24 hours after I was discharged. I don’t know what I’m looking for at this point. Encouragement? Understanding? I don’t know. This whole thing is very isolating. My phone has been blowing up with friends and family checking in which is great, but they don’t understand what I’m really going through so I usually just that I’m feeling fine. Help! HW: 252 SW: 239 CW: 231 GW: 145 or lower Height: 5’3 Age: 31 Blog: https://fearlessagentofchange.wordpress.com Twitter: hd_buttahz Instagram: agenthdbuttahz

My surgeon requires a two week “liquid and lettuce” diet prior to surgery. I noticed quickly when joining this forum that there are literally dozens of pre-op diets and surgeons are all different. I’m on day 2 and while I am tired and weak and a little headachy, it’s going surprisingly well. I feel (like I do with most stuff in life) that I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. Is this just beginners luck and I’m going to start feeling horrible or am I just lucky that it’s going well and I’m going to coast to the end? Any advice/experiences would be helpful!! HW: 252 CW: 248 GW: 145 or lower Height: 5’3 Age: 31 Blog: https://fearlessagentofchange.wordpress.com Twitter: hd_buttahz Instagram: agenthdbuttahz

I started mine yesterday during my pre-op diet. Forgot to take the first one but took one last night and the only thing I really noticed was a tightening in my jaw. Not horrible, just odd and uncomfortable. Because of that I decided to stick with taking just one instead of two for now HW: 252 CW: 248 GW: 145 or lower Height: 5’3 Age: 31 Blog: https://fearlessagentofchange.wordpress.com Twitter: hd_buttahz Instagram: agenthdbuttahz

Me!!! Metro Detroit area HW & CW: 251 GW: 145 Height: 5’3 Age: 31 Blog: https://fearlessagentofchange.wordpress.com Twitter: hd_buttahz Instagram: agenthdbuttahz

It sounds excessive but I’m taking 6 weeks. I have a very fast-paced, stressful job and while physical recovery is supposed to be short, I’m worried about the mental aspect and getting all of my fluids/protein in. I will be able to go back sooner if I feel up to it. I’m very fortunate to have PTO and long term disability (with pay) to use. I think it definitely depends on your job, your ability to take time, and what you think you’ll be able to handle. Good luck! HW & CW: 251 GW: 145 Height: 5’3 Age: 31 Blog: https://fearlessagentofchange.wordpress.com

Scheduled for Jan 23 and as the days go by, specifically now that it’s nearly January, I am sick with worry and anxiety. I’ve been pretty certain and excited up until this point and now I’m questioning everything. I start my preop diet next week and I’m scared sh!tless that I’m going to mess it up. I’ve been told if I don’t lose 10lb during the 2 week preop diet, the surgeon will not do the surgery. It seems like everything varies from state to state, surgeon to surgeon, so much so that while we’re all going through the same thing, I feel like everyone’s experiences are different so I REALLY don’t know what to expect, and that’s freaking me out even more. Help! HW & CW: 251 GW: 145 Height: 5’3 Age: 31 Blog: https://fearlessagentofchange.wordpress.com

Anyone have horrible sweating before the surgery that improved with the more weight they lost? HW & CW: 251 GW: 145 Height: 5’3 Age: 31

Thank you so much for sharing and for your kind words. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine how difficult that was for you. I hope that your therapist is helping you through this hard time [emoji173]️ If you don’t mind me asking, how did you cope with the hair loss? I’ve seen people discuss it on here but I haven’t really given much thought to it, to be honest. And now I am, lol...anxiety is fun, right?! I already have thin, super blond hair so I imagine if a lot falls out people will be able to tell! Was there anything you could do to help the situation? HW & CW: 251 GW: 145 Height: 5’3 Age: 31

I’ll take no change over it getting worse! Thank you for sharing HW & CW: 251 GW: 145 Height: 5’3 Age: 31

I just bought the GNC snickerdoodle so I’m glad to hear you like it!! I was skeptical but figured I’d give it shot HW & CW: 251 Height: 5’3 Age: 31

How much time did you all take off for work if you’re a full-time employee? I know they say 2-4 weeks for recovery but my biggest concern is the fatigue and getting all my fluids and protein in so I took 6 weeks, with the option to return earlier if I feel up to it. My job is super fast-paced and stressful and while not physically demanding, it’s mentally draining and I worry about going back before I’m ready, hence the 6 weeks. HW & CW: 251 Height: 5’3 Age: 31

Just got the call today- January 23! I’m so nervous I could puke!!