Post Op Mood Swings

[mamacorney 3]

I had surgery about 5 weeks ago, friends have told me that I've become distant, husband tells me I'm very moody. I would like to know if anyone else is on the same boat as me.There's a lot going on right now for me . But for several people to tell me that I've been acting differently obviously means something. I think that food was my blanket for a long time, my everyday satisfaction and now it's been taken away. I just haven't felt very sociable lately. If anyone out there went through this or has kind words of advice , I'd appreciate it.

[4ALongerLife 329]

I'd like to ask you to remember this: You are going through alot of changes. It's not easy. Handle yourself with care and don't beat yourself up.

For most of us who used food as a tool to cope, it's like losing a love relationship. I hate to describe it in such maladaptive terminology, but it's true. I have many emotions inside of me on this change. It's not easy, emotionally making this change, the surgery was the easy part. And I say that after 20 some odd days of complications!

Are you going to any support groups or have you seen a counselor before? Not saying you are crazy, but rather I'm suggesting talking it out with someone on all that you are feeling. I think you pegged it... the everyday satisfaction has been taken away, so now what? It's like grieving the death of a friend. You aren't alone. But let your husband in on how you're feeling if you can and close friends. Support helps!

Best to you mama. xoxo

[Swimmer 199]

It will get better. You are probably just very focused on yourself and the changes you are going through, probably for the first time in your life. People who haven't gone through this don't understand. Give yourself a chance and keep focused. Your moods will improve as you learn to handle the changes. Hang in there.

[Gene1970 179]

I have a feeling that almost everyone that is a member here can relate to what you are saying. food has been a blanket for a lot of us for so very long. Food makes us happy, it comforts us when we are down, it tastes good... and now it's something that has taken a back (or soon will) in our lives. I haven't even had surgery yet and I'm already anxious about giving up food. I know that I too will have many days that I will not be inthe best of moods or not want to hang out with other people while they are eating. Posting your thoughts here is a good start for you, I think you will find you have a lot of supporters. Hang in there... It WILL get better. I know this from talking to people who have had WLS in the past and have been able to move past those feelings.

[MamaBear 38]

OH my darling, let me share with you from where I sit 4 years out.

The fat cells that are rapidly emptying are also releasing serious quantities of estrogen. I had what felt like PMS for a year. Then there is the impact of losing your protective fat suit so all the world can see you. Then because you are focusing SO HARD on your food and learning how to manage your sleeve, you spend way too much time in your own head. On top of that you are trying to learn how to "be" as a regular sized person - which is kind of like moving to a foreign country where you don't speak the language. When I hit "normal' clothing sizes, every time I went into a clothing store, I was half waiting for the sales people to come and call me an imposter and tell me to go back to Lane Bryant. Rational huh?

At the 11 month mark I was probably as miserable and isolated as I have ever felt (short of post partum when my kids were born).

Stay on these boards, don't make ANY major life decisions and take care of you - it will pass. Do the things that feel good, and be mindful of when you are using food to hurt/comfort yourself. That is a sign that you aren't coping. Counselling helps. I wish I had the strength to reach out to a professional, but I was just so distraught yet thinking all should be well now that I wasn't so fat anymore. Fat was a symptom.

I have been away from bariatric discussion forums for over 2 yeras. I am back because I too need some support.

I send you a big hug and PROMISE that you will be ok.

[ValerieSJackson 35]

Also; your body is used to putting off enough hormones for your previous weight; this can cause mood changes until your body adjusts. Completely normal. I have surgery 3 days from now And I have given my husband the heads up!

[Flyingsaucer 9]

My moods have also been on the rocks. Today was the worst. Actually just got done yelling at the hubby. He actually text me telling me that it's all the surgeries fault and I'm going through mood swings which caused me to b***h him out even more. Sorry for the faul language but to say I yelled was not enough. Lol I've also realized that I've been getting annoyed real easily lately and it's not fair to the people around me so I have secluded myself for the most part. Which causes me to go insane anyways. I just can't win. Lol but I just wanted to say I know what you're going through and it most def has to be all the hormones being released back into the bodies. stay positive. Everything will turn out for the best!