Feelin' the blues

Hey guys.  I did fine for the first 2 weeks post-op.  Today marks 3 weeks for me and for the past 5-6 days, I have been totally in the dumps.  I worry about everything, from the economy to job security to my future.  I have a natural bent to worry some but this is excessive and really has me down.  I know that it's not uncommon.  My question is, how common is it and what can I do to get past it?  This sucks!
Merlin

Merlin,
Sounds pretty normal to me.  Are you taking all your vitamins yet.  I know for me B12 helps my outlook in life a bunch!

Hang in there.

sounds pretty normal and it is pretty common.  for me it helped to talk, not bottle up the feelings. so talk to a spouse, significan other, buddy, whomever you prefer. not all guys are talkers but it helped me get past it.

Merlin,

Get a handle on the depression before it gets a handle on YOU!

The "what the **** have I done to myself?" syndrome sounds like it might be kicking in - that's normal and will pass.  Otherwise the advice is:

Breathe in, breathe out, let go.
Breathe in, breathe out, let go.
Breathe in, breathe out, let go.

(Repeat as necessary)

You will pull out of this funk.  The weight will start to come off and you will feel better physically and mentally.  If you are in a place that is warm enough to take a walk, please get outside and take a walk.  If you can get out to a mall or someplace inside (if it's too cold) go there and walk.  We all go through it.  The economy and worrying about the future is in all of our lives right now.  Take stock in the fact that you have made the right choice and that you didn't do this to feel like cr*p you did it so that you will be around to enjoy life and enjoy it you will.

I didn't feel like doing anything and I had my surgery right before Christmas and I was down in the dumps for most of the season.  I got some rest took in some fresh air and it made me feel better.  Now I'm down over 50 pounds and I am feeling so much better.  I can breathe again, things don't feel as cumbersome and it's only going to get better.

Keep your chin up and keep your sense of humor at hand.

Another option is to contact your primary doctor or surgeon and see about being put on a mild antidepressant.  If they do so, they can keep you on the meds for 1-3 months and review your situation then.  If you improve, theyd wean you off the meds.

You've had changes in your body chemistry as a result of the surgery.  You may need a legal med to help you get back in balance.  Besides, times are tough now.  It seems to get worse every day.  And, for a newbie, this adds up along with the normal adjustments that come after the WLS.

Just a reminder (as others have said), your body is releasing estrogen from the fat cells.  For many guys (who are not use to this), it will pass.  If it doesn't and you feel you need to seek medical help...by all means do so.

It's a pretty common thing. Rerouting your innards is a MAJOR surgery. Hormones are bouncin' around and your body is in a tailspin tryin' to figure out what the heck is going on.  The guys have given you good info and advice.  Like they said, contact your Doc and tell him how you're feeling. Talk to others who have been through the surgery. And try to relax and . . . BREATHE!   Hang in there, follow your WL  Surgeon's program, and focus on the new life ahead of you.  This too shall pass.    Good luck to ya!

Hey, thanks for all the replies and the advice.  With all the education I got pre-op (and I got a lot, it was an 8 month wait) I never heard about the estrogen release.  No wonder I wanna cry when I see Rocky.  OK, it's not that bad, but I just have the blahs and the blues.  I went back to work today and that actually helped.  Some crap going on there that doesn't help, but I have some support even in that.  So, all in all, not a bad day, but I'm exhausted and off to bed.  In addition to the blues, I am not sleeping worth crap.  I have been having to take Ambien every single night and even so, I often wake up at 5 am, wide awake. 

Merlin

Depression sucks I am fighting it again, was off the meds and doing fine but I was laid off in november and having a devil of a time findng a new job. I was doing fine till a couple of weeks ago went back on meds. Today I was pretty down then I tried my wii fit and when I was done exercising my mind was feeling a lot better. so you might want to try boosting your exercise.

mrbill