Question:
I am at 5 mos post and I am crabby, grumpy and easily agitated by everything.
I am upset with my progress so far, only 50+ pounds in 5 months and this stresses me even more. Will I ever feel happy and energetic again. My energy levels are very low, stressing me even further and yes, I get my vitamins as well as protein shakes and protein bars, my diet also includes plenty of protein. What is going on with me? HELP! — Patricia F. (posted on August 28, 2003)
August 28, 2003
Get you bloodwork checked for stuff like low iron levels...it can make a
big difference. Also remember that you no longer have food to medicate
with and now you have to deal without life without it. That can cause you
to feel stressed out and gripy. Think about some counseling - there's no
reason that you have to settle for feeling the way you do. But you will
have to get your docs working for you.
— Susan F.
August 28, 2003
Patricia- Let's assume that there is nothing medical for your mood change
and that you are getting all of the right mix of protein and vitamins
(including B-12). When I've hit those times (and I think that we all do),
I usually find that it's because, for whatever reason, I am stressed or
anxious and I don't have my favorite coping mechanism (food) around to help
me. It really takes a lot of energy to be consternated-- not enough to
burn off those extra pounds, but just enough to sap you of your energy.
Chances are you could just be in a sort of vicious cycle where your low
energy stresses you out, which in turn tires you, making you more exhausted
and more stressed about your declining energy levels . . and so on, and so
on. For me as a stay-at-home Dad, I find that the more stressed I am and
the more exhausted I become, the less patience I have (which in turns makes
every day situations suddenly stress producing). A few things that I do is
(1) to try to really up my protein and vitamin levels to try to force my
body into a more energetic state and (2) make it a point to attend our
support group meetings so that I can vent. It usually works. Good luck---
try not to let this momentary glitch knock you off track.
— SteveColarossi
August 28, 2003
I don't know if the same applies to you, but I have found that when I get
tired and cranky for no apparent reason, it is sometimes because I'm not
getting enough carbohydrates. If I up the veggies and fruit for a day or
two, I'm remarkably better (I still stay away from refined carbs,
though--not a good habit for me to start). Try this and see if it helps;
it won't hurt.
— Vespa R.
August 28, 2003
Are you eating anything made with white flour or white sugar? This will
stop my weight loss in it's tracks, PLUS give me moods swings as my sugar
spikes and drops and makes me CRANKY! Get your labs checked too... maybe
your iron is low. This can make you tired, and grumpy because you're
tired. Remember to drink lots of water (NOT with meals) and get as much
exercise as you can manage. Exercise is a mood lifter, and actually gives
you more energy.
— mom2jtx3
August 28, 2003
I'd like to second the statements below about carbs. If I partake of too
many carbs, I feel awful. Make sure you get your labs done too, just to
make sure there's nothing that needs correction. Low blood sugar makes me
cranky too and too many carbs always aggrevate it. You might try
stretching your protein out a little more evenly through the day. I went
through a period where I was getting my protein early in the day and just
crashing late in the day. When I spread it out, I felt better and my
energy level was much better. Also, cut yourself a little slack. You're
just embarked on a huge lifestyle change and it should never be like it
was. It's a huge adjustment. Find someone you can confide in so you can
get anything that's bothering you off your chest!
— Cathy S.
August 28, 2003
At 5 months I was going thru a hard time too, weight loss was fine, but I
was not tolerating certain foods very well and was having a bad attitude
about the lifestyle changes and the whole surgery. when I got up my nerve
and started eating fruits and veggies, my whole attitude improved, Also I
learned That I could tolerate steak if I used meat tenderizer and stuck
with a nice juicy rib eye. aside from that, you body is going thru
tremendous changes at a fast pace, I think 50# in 5 months is fabulous, wow
imagine that preop! thats 10 pounds a month! your hormones are likely
swinging all over the place too. hang in there, go out and do something
fun! The best advice i ever overheard at a suppport group, a girl was
complaining about her "slow" weight loss, the person she was
talking to said what are you doing for exercise and the girl said I go to
the gym and do this & this. The other person said no thats working out
, what do you do for exercise? hmmm, i thought, then he said go for a bike
ride, roller blade, go dancing, DO SOMETHING FUN OUTSIDE AND ACTIVE! what
a idea, and you know it makes a huge difference!
— **willow**
August 28, 2003
While I haven't had my surgery yet...living with diabetes will certainly
make you more aware of mood swings, temprament and such. For the longest
time I have used the website www.fitday.com to keep track of my food
intake, and you have to be very truthful, or it will be useless. On the
days when I think that I was doing ok...lo and behold some hidden carbs
show up, and when you can see a graphic representation of what is being
taken in, it can really floor you. You can then take appropriate action
with more protein, more carb...yes sometimes you do need some carb intake.
Another good use for the site is the report listings, and you can see what
RDA you are achieving, or lacking, and you can make adjustments to that
also. I know it sounds like a pain to do, but it isn't really, and when you
really watch what you eat, you have a tendency to me a bit more careful.
Give it a try. The site is free and very adjustable to an individuals
needs.
— track
August 28, 2003
It is called depression. These are all classic symptoms of depression.
Please get into see a counselor and see if that cannot help some. Or go to
your PCP and talk with him or her. A depression could also affect weight
loss etc, as you may not be doing what you should be cause you have do
energy and down etc.
— zoedogcbr
August 28, 2003
The mood swings and lack of energy could very well be a nutrient level
imbalance. Many symptoms are often mistaken for depression when it is
really a deficiency somewhere. Anemia will also cause these problems.
— Vicki R.
August 28, 2003
A previous poster called it depression. I don't think it is depression. I
have had some very serious mood swings myself but I don't think I am
depressed. In fact, I am more happy now than I have been in my entire
life. I am almost 8 months out from surgery and approximately two to three
months ago I started having mood swings --- I usually do have mood swings
anyway just not like this. I was more aggitated by EVERYTHING!!!! My
roommates have learned to stay out of my way and I have learned that when I
feel like I am having a mood swing I will just go to my room and that way
they can still do whatever they were doing without my moodiness. It has
eased up a lot this past month and a half. I mean every little thing would
set me off. It does ease up. Trust me, it will get better. Good luck to
you on your journey! Daphine (Open RNY Jan.13, 2003, down 91 pounds ---
size 3X to size 12/14)
— Daphine C.
August 29, 2003
It's just a possibility that your protein bars also contain a great deal of
carbs in the form of nuts and refined sugar (anything that ends in
"ose." Check out the sugar grams on the label, they should not
be higher than 6 grams per serving, and remember that a "serving"
might turn out to be half a bar! Good luck!
— Deborah M.
August 29, 2003
Its a chemical imbalance in your brain which causes those mood swings. I
suffered from the same problem, my Doc prescribed Sarafem. It is a drug
specially formulated for woman only(literally womans prozac).It is designed
to combat PMS symptoms/ mood swings. I take one capsule daily.This drug has
made a world of difference for me, my kids call it my
"happy-happy" pill. :)....oh & by the way you have to take
this & similar type of drugs regularly for a couple weeks before you
get the full effect, so be patient! :) Good Luck To Ya!
— Kim D.
August 29, 2003
Starting with the same BMI and going through very similar insurance hassles
>:-[ I can understand why you'd be unhappy with your loss so far! But
remember, it's the long term that matters, so give it time. I (we all) have
hit plateaus You didn't mention water; its importance can't be
underestimated in both weight loss and wellbeing. My best hunch is also
nutrient imbalance, quite possibly iron, so ask your surgeon to order blood
work ASAP. If all is normal you may need an antidepressant, or simply
something else to focus on besides your weight! A class, volunteer work, a
project...something to get you out of your own head. And I'm one of those
who think frequent weighing is a very bad idea. Go by how your clothes fit,
it's much less stressful and more satisfying!
— Chris T.
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