Anyone seeing someone for depression?????

I had my surgery on 12-7-05 and have lost 76 pounds. I can eat anything nothing bothers me. The only thing bothering me is my mental attitude. Why am I not happy that I am loosing this weight and looking forward to the furture which I believe will never get here. UGGGGGGGGGGGG I have never been that type of down person on myself in my life. I went to see the physcripst (sorry spelling) yesterday and I am going to have further meetings with another physcripst to discuss my problems and I will be prescribed an anti-depresent to help out but won't hit my sistem until 6 weeks of taking it. I would like to talk to someone else who is in my shoes or could really help out with life experiences they had with this issue. So Help if you can. Sharon Simmons 12-7-04 surgery date Dr. Kerlakian, Cincinnati, Ohio Starting weight 331 weight now 265

I have had a problem with depression for many years and currently I am taking a perscription drug, Celexa. This medication is very good and I am very happy with the effects for me and my problem. I see a therapist on a regular basis. My weight management doctors also include a psych person for support before or after surgery. I had to see him before surgery for insurance approvals. I, as a MO fat person all my adult life have blamed my weight for many of lifes pit falls and troubles. I have always taken a back seat to others needs and try very hard not to have any confrontations, misunderstandings, and problems. Now that I am 60 pounds less I expected to have some mental health problems. How do I deal with the new Monica, people comment on my weight loss and how good I look. I am not used to approval ratings. Some days I feel sassy and this scares me. I am just fat old Monica, but am I? How to cope with weight loss and the emerging new person is a very real concern. Turning to professional help is an excellent move. My friend Melissa, age 30 had the surgery in 2002 and has lost 167 lbs. She had been MO since she was a child and now is having a very hard time with being a healthy, slim, size 6, young women. She lost a person and sometimes feels she lost herself. She too sees a mental health provider. We are all undergoing great changes. We have known who we are, we have lived in our bodies for a long time. Now the "comfort", "safety", and "protection" of our fat bodies is leaving. We seek medical care for this process and we must admitt that mental health care is necessary too. Good luck to you and I am proud that you have recognized that you are having problems and being empowered to do something about it. Monica 12/06/04 330/270/???

Thanks so much for the support. At age 37 I have never before felt like this before and hate it soo much. I can relate to the comfort of the fat person soo much. There has never been a day that I was ever normal weight always overweight. In high school 200 is the closest to normal for me. I am 5'9 so 200 wasn't that bad for still overweight not the skinny girl for softball I couldn't wear the pants the other girls wore they did not have my size. Goosh I can remember some of the girls asking why I had diferent pants on than everyone else?? I just simply told the truth they had none to fit me. But you know now that I think about it 200 wasn't that much overweight I would of been 40 lbs over weight and I thought I was 500 lbs overweight. What was wrong with me then. If I could only turn back time how I would live differently oh soo differently. So I am trying to start over again and it is soo hard I wi**** wasn't. Monica thanks for the support I have been trying to get the courage up to ask and I really appreciate your help and words of wisdom as we go thru this journey together. Have a great Easter everyone. I can't wait for Monday when I can put he baskets away and hide the candy from me and the kids. It's still too temping because I can eat surger bad thing I know bad. Just another hurtle I have to jump to get to the end of this journey. Thanks for listening, Sharon Simmons 12-7-04 sw 331 weight now 265 Dr. Kerlakian, Cincinnati, Ohio

I am not seeing a pyschiatrist, but I applaud you for being able to recognize that you needed this help. Depression can attack anyone. It is not a disease restricted to the morbidly obese. There is real treatment available. I am sure you are on the right track with your treatment. Wishing you continued success in your weight loss journey. Karen G Lap RNY 294 / 234/ ???

Thanks for the word of adivce Karen. I can't wait to get on with my treatment and let the next 6 weeks fly by. Because I am soo tired of feeling this way. Thanks for the help on this topic. Have a great Easter hope it is warm where you are!! Sharon Simmons 12-7-04 sw 331 now 265 Dr. Kerlakian, Cincinnati, Ohio

Hi Sharon, I had my surgery 1 week after you and I have been going thru bouts of depression too. I tell my husband that I am getting ulgy since my skin is starting to sag. I feel like I want to eat anything even though I know I shouldn't. I don't like when others call me skinny....I am not by any means near skinny yet and wont be for a while. I am not seeing anyone for it becuz my husband is a great support. Also the WLSbutterfly support group is great. You are very welcome to come to the meetings...Tara and I usually go to every one. I am also glad for you that you seen the issue and are seeing someone for it. If I can help in any way let me know. If you just want a day out with me and Tara, we will arrange it. Tara has been wonderful support for me. I know you have had a rough time, I hope things get better for you. Becky Dr. Kerlakian also 12-14-04

Hi Sharon. It's great that you are getting help for the depression. The meds are truly a god-send for a lot of folks. Just be sure to pay attention to your health and nutrition. I've had problems with depression in the past, and problems with anemia, and they feel pretty similar. It never hurts to check things out with your doctor to be sure you are getting all the nutrients that you need. Also, even some mild exercise can be really helpful for depression. What I'm finding is that I'm less patient, and more assertive with other people, but mostly just when I need to be.