For those that suffer from depression..did your depression get better, worse or same post DS

Just curious if your depressions got worse, better or stayed the same after DS. I have heard of some folks struggling with their depression some after surgery because of hormone dumping after surgery. What was your experience?

Mine got better. A lot of my depression was from pain and seclusion. As the weight came off the pain lessoned and so did the seclusion. I still have my bouts but for the most part I am happy. 

So glad to hear that your depression improved!  I struggle with the same things and wonder if it will help also.

It will. Nobody likes to hurt and be alone all the time. Weignt hinders our lives. As the weight comes off you will find a new life and LIVE IT!

When I was losing weight at a fast pace, I was crazy emotionally.  Normally I am pretty stable at a 7 out of 10.  The fat dumping was releasing so many hormones, and I knew what was happening but it didn't help.  My skin broke out, I would start crying over commercials that touched me (??? I know!), and I would swing from good to bad in an hour.

I knew I wasn't going crazy, and I knew it wouldn't last more than 1 year.  Fortunately, it stopped at 6 months.

After that, I am stable at an 8 out of 10 - with a lot more 10 in the mix.  I get out more, I socialize more, and I exercise a lot more which helps stabilize the moods also. 

I make it my priority to take my vitamins and get my protein in every day, and I think that lays the foundation for good moods and coping skills.  When we are deficient in something, or feeling weak and tired, we are not able to keep an upbeat attitude.  I treat my brain as if it is a chemistry set – and I make sure all the chemicals are there and in balance.

Oh crap...I'm a pretty sensitive person as it is.  I don't have mood swings really but I'm just a very compassionate person.  My partner is going to wig out if I get even more sensitive :)  Well, at least I know ahead of time and can remind myself that it's going to pass or that it's normal for this to happen.

Worse.

I suffered intractable nausea the first month post op.  That, coupled with the isolation and overwhelming buyer's remorse, made for one of the worst bouts of major depression I've ever been through.  And I've been through quite a few, lo these last 30+ years.

Having been through it before, though, was the saving grace.  I now know that it truly is darkest just before the dawn.  And, eventually, all bad things must come to an end.

That being said, today, at 6 months post op, the skies are clearing, and I'm starting to really feel like my old self, just skinnier ;-)

And it also helps to have an amazing support system.

One last thing, if I may, I think it's important to note, that this surgery is NOT for the faint of heart.  It is a very intense experience.

I'm glad you are feeling better adn that you  had a wonderful support system. If you don't mind my asking, how was the surgery and intense experience...in what way?

Thanks!  And I don't mind at all.....The nausea, the bowel issues....starting with the weird colors and consistency early on.  I also had loose stools, to downright diarrhea around the end of the first month, but have mostly been severely constipated the last 4 or so months.  The complete aversion to food, the intolerance of protein shakes.  Knowing I now HAD to eat, but having absolutely no appetite.  Trying to adjust to going back to work....fortunately I only work PT, and shift work, so my mornings are to myself.  Trying to figure out what the hell to eat.  Taking many vitamins and supplements, but I've not had much problem with them.  I came off my BP med within the first month.  Trying to go out to eat with the family.  Losing nearly 100 lbs in 6 months, and having no clothes that fit.  Losing my beloved boobs.  Looking completely different....co workers of 30 years have walked right past me without recognizing me.  My hair thinning....very distressing. 

Please note, that these are not all negatives.  My point being, the intensity comes from having to be very self centered to get on the right track.

I struggled with depression for years prior to my DS. I'd tried every anti-depressant on the market. They all helped---for a while. (Ever heard of Prozac Poop-out? I had it in spades.) Eventually I just stopped taking anything, because spending $100 a month for something that didn't really help was depressing in and of itself.

I discussed this during my psych eval, and offered to go back on meds if he thought I should. He, smart man, adopted a 'wait and see' approach, and I'm so glad he did! About ten days after my DS, it was like someone had flipped a switch and my depression was GONE. Apparently changing my gut hormones also changed my brain hormones/chemicals/whatever.

A few years later my depression did come back, but in part due to a combination of my mother getting a chronic illness at the same time as my very elderly, very beloved dog reaching the end of her life very slowly and painfully. I went back on Lexipro, which worked remarkably well. I still take it, because why mess with success---but I'm not entirely sure I actually need it.