Do not want to be depressed

Anyone get depressed after WLS surgery. I've been fighting it for 32 days now, but I'm starting to get scared that I won't be able to win. Has anyone been to a WLS friendly psychiatrist? Could you drop me a post with names and addresses? The constant nausea, lack of appetite, being cold, and crying a lot has me so frustrated. I keep busy all day, but it doesn't seem to be getting any better. Thanks for listening.

Susan.. I haven't had the surgery yet.. but I have suffered from depression and I know how that makes you feel. I can only imagine dealing with it post op. I don't know for a fact that the surgery would cause depression, but I do know 3 patients (I work in a Drs. office) that have had that side effect after WLS. It may be a temporary thing while your body adjusts. I would definitely say see your PCP and let them know about the problems you're having and I'm sure they can help you out or refer you to someone who can help. Hang in there! The light only gets brighter at the end of the tunnel. (I don't know how many times I've heard that.. but honestly, it's true.) Take care, Michelle

Hi Susan, I think what you're going through is common, but I know that doesnt make it any better. I went through a bout of depression that wasted 45 days or so. I was mourning my lost friend, food. Plus I was gettign sick often and NOT losing weight so I kept thinking "What the heck did I do to myself??" I wrote everything in a journal - every feeling, emotion, what I ate, drank, who pisst me off, who made me smile. It helped a little, and now I have something to look back on to help me remember my journey, where I've been and to remind me NOT to go back. As far as a WLS friendly psychiatrist, I saw Dr Kim Daniels, out of Middletown, 860-358-8760. Give her a call, she's fantastic and can really help out.

Susan -- You are definitely not alone in this battle. I know I was depressed after the surgery as well. I didn't feel well, I had no energy, and I saw commercial after commercial advertising foods that I missed while watching TV all day in recovery! When I first started venturing out it was hard too, watching other people eat & drink whatever they wanted & feeling like a freak. It's been 4 months (as of 3/4) now, and I've adjusted. The eating gets better, you'll be seeing a difference in your body (or at least feeling it in your clothes). The mind doesn't quite catch up with the body at the same rate, and I know that still causes me anxiety. Keep posting, and definitely look into a therapist. You've made a huge change in your life and talking to someone who understands is key. I don't live in the same area of CT so I can't offer you advice on a therapist up there, but if I find out a name I'll pass it on to you. Hang in there -- it WILL get better!! Kathy Felker

Susan, My surgeon, Dr. Giles placed me on Wellbutrin post op and I am still on it, continued by my PCP that is in Bristol. Call me if you'd like his name, you still have my number. You need a PCP who is understanding about WLS, everyone thinks everything just gets better, but a very high percentage of WLS patients suffer depression, whether it's hormonal or from losing your companion food. Wellbutrin also seems to help me with cravings. If you do go on it, be sure not to go on the extended release, we don't absorb it. I would think your surgeon could also recommend someone for you to see, your certainly not the first or the last to suffer this. Hang in there, we are all here for you! hugz Cheryl