Question:
having all kinds of overwhelming thoughts and feelings

I had my surgery February 8th and to date have lost 23 pounds. This is great, yes. But, I am having crying jags, having a hard time getting in the water needed and let's not even talk about the protein. Help, any ideas? I did buy some vanilla flavored protein powder, any ideas for drinks?    — teresasmiles (posted on February 27, 2008)


February 27, 2008
try mixing a scoup protein powder with some sugar free pudding. maybe that will help you. and by the way congradualation on your 23 lb weightloss
   — yvettetas

February 27, 2008
Since you've already got the vanilla protein, why not mix strawberries, or blueberries, or 1/2 banana, etc. to add flavor? You need both protein and water, not to mention vitamins and calcium citrate. Depression can happen to many patients the first few weeks post op. After all, you've given up one of your best friends--food, and lots of it.
   — Dave Chambers

February 27, 2008
You are having the crying spells because your hormones are out of wack. this was a major operation and caused temporary truma to your body. I experienced the same thing and thought I was going crazy but I found out from the doc that it was my hormones. Don't worry they will balance out in a short period of time. Just be patient.
   — eternal_purpos

February 27, 2008
Getting in the water was hard for me too at first and so was the protein. It did get better with time. As far as the crying jags. Depression is very much a part of the weight loss. As Dave Chambers mentioned you have lost your best friend--food. Also hormones are stored in fat and when you loose the fat they have no place else to go but your blood stream. So now that you have lost 23 lbs your hormones are going crazy. Don't wait until you get really bad. I suggest that you get to your PC doc and he can prescribe anti-depressants. You also might want to contact the doctor that you saw for your pysch evaluation and see what they have to say. Congrats on your wonderful start to a new and healthy life.....NeeP
   — Nee P

February 27, 2008
THE CHOCOLATE WHEY FROM WALMART PRETTY I THINK
   — ELAINE44

February 27, 2008
Hi, you're a week behind me. I had mine 1/31 and I also went through BLUE spells where I felt depression trying to sneak in. What helped me was getting out of the house and walking to the mail box, letting the air and natural light hit me. Everytime I began to feel BLUE, I"d go outside. It took me a while to figure it out; but that was the key. Also, I am still getting in only about 48 oz right now and not all the protein. My surgeon said that's a goal and they don't expect everyone to do it right out of the hospital; but I do know it's important to get it in and Ipush everyday to get a little more than the day before. Good Luck and go for a good walk or out to the mall or library....just get out of the house. Harriet
   — hatda

February 27, 2008
As far as protein, you might want to try protein capsules. They don't cause any bloating, and you can take them with water. If you want to buy them, you can get them at www.nashuanutrition.com Good luck!
   — jonedwards

February 27, 2008
Teresa - I had my RNY on 2/12 and have been having the same symptons. Am sure it is a natural reaction. Just hang in there and let me know next week how you're feeling. Hugs! Wanda
   — momman8tur

February 27, 2008
Whoa! slow down. All of these emotions are normal. Saying good-bye to anything is emotional, including food. You have a big task ahead of you, aside from the right amount of water, protein and food. Find yourself in all of this and take it one step at a time, one swallow at a time, one chew at a time. CONGRATULATIONS on the improved you!!
   — bariatricdivalatina

February 27, 2008
HI THIS IS WHAT I DO.I BUY EASWHEY PROTIEN POWDER,YOU CAN GET IT AT WALLY WORLD,TARGET SAMS CLUB&COSCO.THE LAST TWO YOU GET 6LBS FOR$ 28TO$30.THEN I MIX ALL DIFFERENT FLAVORS OF LIGHT YOGUARTALSO CRYSTAL LITE.I USE VANILLA&CHOCOLATE.CHO&RASBERRY CRYSTAL LITE IS REALLY GOOD.PLUS ANY OF YOUR FAVORITE FRUIT.TO ME THEY ARE GOOD.IEVEN HAVE MIXED ARIZONA ICE TEA WITH IT. GOOD LUCK&CONGRAS ON THE WIEGHT LOSS!!!!CRYING I STILL CRY WENT TO MY GP AND HE PUT ME ON PROZNAC.LIFE IS ALITTLE BIT BETTER NOW. LEHIGH
   — lehigh

February 27, 2008
Hi - This is normal. I did the same thing. I also had problems with getting in my water & protein no matter what I did. I bought ISOPURE its a protein drink comes in various flavors I liked the grape the best. This counted as water and has 40 grms of protein in a 20 oz bottle. Not bad tasting either. As someone else said I would call the phys dr from did your evaluation. I'm sure he/she will help you through this. Congrats on your weight loss. I am 16 mos out and have lost a total of 116 lbs. Just follow what they say and you will do wonderful.. I did everything by the book. Didn't want to screw this up if you know what I mean. So far so good. Keep up the good work. Best of Luck
   — niecie54

February 27, 2008
Hi! You are doing great. The depression is just a natural part of recovering from major surgery. My dad was a surgeon so I have known that to be true all my life, but it is amazing how many people are not aware of that fact. I also hated and still hate almost all the protein stuff. I did find one that a really enjoy. It is Nectar "Fuzzy Navel " flavor. I mix it with water (20 oz) and one packet of "On the Go" Crystal Light lemonade. It dissolves completely and tastes like orange juice. I got it over the internet and I had it in two days. I think I paid a total of $28. I know that is alot but it was soooooo worth it. Good luck! Pat PS Drink your water, chew on ice! You must have the liquid. The main reason people end up back in the hospital is from dehydration. JUST SO IT!
   — pjennjr

February 27, 2008
Congrats on your loss so far. Trader Joes has really good protein drinks already made up in the can, vanilla or chocolate 21gm or 35gm each of protein by Worldwide. As far as the crying jags, hormones can get out of alignment a bit. Luckily, it doesn't last very long. Get outside in the sunshine if you can, talk to your Dr. if you need to, talk it through with all of us and remember, your not alone, we've all gone through it. Hang in there.
   — Charlene Lewis

February 27, 2008
I read all these posts with people and these protein drinks and powders. I never touched any of that. I hate water but drank it because I had to. I am 4 yrs out and I am fine. I drank sugar free carnation instant breakfast. I would make it and put it in the freezer for a frozen treat too. Try the kellogs protein water. its not bad as long as it is really cold.
   — Joanc

February 27, 2008
Teresa-I worked for a psychiatris for 10 years and if there is one thing I know about starting SSRI's it is that they cause weight gain and really do a number on your metabolism.What you are going through is so normal.Use us for support, &unless you feel like you may be a danger to yourself or another, antidepressants are not always the answer.I'm crying alot too, but I won't trade my hypertention meds for any psych drugs.What is the point in that? Hormones are definately changing and they will return to normal when its time. I promise you will feel better.We are giving up all our comfort eating so we need to find something healthy to take it's place that makes us feel better.My new addiction is reading Dean Koontz and cross words.They distract me and don't let me be depressed.Staying busy and productive really helps too. God Bless my friend. We will make it together, I promise!
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 27, 2008
This is totally normal and probably the best thing you can do is lean on your support group! If your surgeon didn't require that you attend meetings, then shame on him or her! This meeting is your best source of information and support. Find a meeting! Seek out someone who has already made the journey you are just beginning! Good luck and take care!
   — Tina C.

February 28, 2008
Isn't this sight awesome! So much information from so many experiecned people! I love it! Anyway, I have trouble with the protein too. I recently ordered that AcheivOne coffee drinks from bariatriceating.com. LOVE THEM! It's like the bottled Starbucks Frappacino, but with 20 grams of protein!! I am not a fan of the powdered protein at all, so I buy the EAS pre-made shakes at Walmat (I like Strawberry best). I also bought the variety pack of the soy crisps from bariatriceating.com and they are great too. One person said she dids hers in cottage cheese for lunch, which sounds pretty good to me and I guess what I am trying for lunch today! But if I have an AchievOne for breakfast (not very hungry in the mornings), cottage cheese with the soy crisps for lunch, and an EAS protein shake mid afternoon, that is 60 grams right there! You add dinner, and your set!
   — Deni

February 28, 2008
I had my RNY Feb 5. I hate all the types of vanilla. My favorites are Isopure chocolate and Champion Cocoa Mochachino from Vitalady.
   — el_kniepo

February 28, 2008
Your feelings are very typical. My first 3 weeks were tough emotionally and physically. Every week it gets easier, though. Initially, all I could think about were the foods I couldn't have. Now I don't care (6 weeks post-op). I only focus on the foods I CAN have. Just hang in there--it'll get better and you'll get happier.
   — eddyrider3

February 28, 2008
I had my surgery on February 18 and have lost 20 pounds so far. I drink the AcheivOne coffee drinks from bariatriceating.com - they are fantastic.I use the protein powder from www.unjury.com. It's is best and is not chalky. Shakes are fantastic! I also drink one of the Whey Protein bullets - 42 grams of protein.Water is the hardest thing for me too - I'm only getting in 1 or 2 -16.9 oz bottles a day. I'm crying too. It's just an adjustment thing. Get out and walk. That helps more than anything.
   — SLittle1

February 29, 2008
Let me address the crying jags. I am 62 year old male and about three weeks out, I was wathing a movie and started to cry in a sad part. It got worse, and I also found that I would have anger mood swings. That is not me, either anger or crying. I called my surgeon and he told me that weight loss will sometimes bring on hard mood swings, which is depression and to call my regular doctor and talk to him about it. He said to have him call my surgeon if he had any questions. They perscribed Lexapro, and in a week I fwelt better and was returning to my normaly happy self. In thirdy day the perscription ran out and the mood swings returned. I went back on Lexapro and am doing fine. It is not a cheap drug, so if you have insurance you may want to talk to your doctor. I figure until I finish loosing weight, I will just stick with the depression drug.
   — William (Bill) wmil

February 29, 2008
Teresa Please don't panic. Relax!!! Talk to your Dr. and go from there. Try the little packets of flavor for in water. No Sugar of course. for 2 weeks your doing great. it is probably too soon for you to eat chicken fish etc. you will be ok. I didn't get all the water in me either.
   — obx100




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