Things You Need to Know

There are so many newly post ops on the boards . I wanted to take this time to talk to you about something very serious . Some of you may experience depression and anxiety as you go through your journey . This is common after weight loss surgery. Some of this is due to hormonal and metabolic changes. Some come into the journey already suffering from disorders such as bi-polar disease or OCD. These which are treatable with medications. However, the meds we find do cause weight gain, which brings on feelings of defeat and discouragement.  I would encourage you to seek professional help if you begin to have these feelings of depression or anxiety. And if you are on medications for Bi-polar or any other mood or depression medications and decide you are OK... because you are now feeling healthier.. I would ask that you get back to your doctor and get your levels looked at .  This is so important .  Most common reasons that people that have had weight loss sugery regain , is due to their medications. I would ask that again, you get back to your doctor and get things adjusted .  I am getting a lot of emails asking for guidance on this subject . I plan on addressing this at the conference next year during one of our break out session. But until then , I ask that you listen to your body .  You do not want to be 4 or 5 years post op , with weight gain , feeling depressed .. and defeated . You can survive these changes and you can be successful . It is up to you to take control of your life . Help is out there . Below are some links that may help you along your journey.
http://community.nursingspectrum.com/MagazineArticles/articl e.cfm?AID=11764 http://www.bariatricedge.com/dtcf/pages/depression.htm?pgn=4

Another important thing is Make sure you can manage your pain!  I was sent home with one bottle of pain meds and when through them easily.  I was then told to try regular tylenol..well I did that for days and my pain level was getting so bad that I have had less than 30g of protein the last two days, was being beyond evil to those who love me and are  bending over backwards to help me...well today I called and told them they needed to give me more meds because I have a very low pain tolorance and the pain was starting to hinder my healing.  So tonight I have my mother (she is an NP) help g-tube feed me because even with the pain meds I cannot get the protein to stay in.  Thankfully I am able to keep hydrated with water.  Lesson learned..stick up for yourself and if you feel your pain is not managable then be firm and stand your ground because you will only hinder your progress and your emotions will get the better of you.