Roux-en-y 2 years- major depression/anxiety problems- meds

 My 2 year anniversary was April 17th,  The good news is is that I am 50% of what I weighed at surgery- 287down to 144.  Sleep apnea free and under 200 Cholesteral. 

However I am hypothyroid, low on iron and low on vitamin D. (now on suppliments)

I am also having MAJOR problems with anxiety and depression.  I am on meds and they are not helping.

I am on Pristiq 50 mg a day and was upped to 2 x a day May 10th.  Still not helping  Also taking Cytomel for throyoid (hypo) and klonipin but depression and anxiety bad enough that I am in evening IOP program for the next 3-6 weeks.

Anyone have experience-insite to antidepressant/ anti-anxiety meds 2 years out Roux en-Y?

Shel
 

I do not know much about what you are asking, but do you think the WL surgery was responsible for the depression?

 

I am not real experienced with depression meds. I didn't take them post op, when i was 11months post op I lost my mom and started taking lexapro. I am not good at taking meds so didn't take them regularly.  Need to get back on them. lost my father and grandfather in dec 07. But my daughter isn't post op but she has had to have her anti-depression meds changed several times. I'm not sure your problems are all because of post op. Might see about seeing a psychiatrist/psychologist to get help with the depression.

I know I need to get on my vitamins really quick, before I get too low.

I don't know if anything I said even made sense. Hope I was of some help

Shel,

I hope you are also taking your multi-vitamins, calcium, B1 and B12 or you are going to end up with more issues. These are all vitamins that the majority of us were told from the initial consult that we would be on for the rest of our lives. I'm also on vitamin D and C. When I was about 3 months post-op, I was diagnose with hypothyroid and am on synthroid. I have to go have it checked every 2-3 months and we are still struggling to get the dosage set right.

About a year ago I was asked to be put on something for depression. I was put on Cymbalta. The depression had nothing to do with the number of pills I'm taking but for complications that have been ongoing for the past 20 months.

In addition to those pills, I also take 11 before/during every meal, pain meds, anti-spasm meds, sleeping med, hormone replacement. In total, about 50 pills per day. Pre-op? I was on TWO....and not on either of those now. lol. Some have to do with my WLS but some have to do with the given situation I'm in with my stomach (non-WLS related) and just me getting older. If your meds aren't working for you, please consult your physician. If you aren't going to a therapist, you may want to consult one.

Sherri

Shel,

I have some ongoing mood problems. What worked very well for me before surgery, that kept me stable and in a place to consider taking care of myself, no longer worked after surgery. We absorb things differently. I have found I need a psychiatrist, or NP in my case, that is very aware of this. Even w/o surgery though, it's not unheard of to have to try several attempts to find the right med, or meds, for you. PM me if you have any more questions.

I am preop but after reading and researching this issue I wonder if you could be having issues with malsorption (sorry i cant spell this AM)...
is your body ACTUALLY getting use of the antidepressant you're on or are you losing it in your body's waste?
also...in my life i have been on SEVERAL different types of antidepressant/anti anxiety meds and what worked for me 3 years ago, might not work for me now and i have had to have mine "tweeked" in the 11 years that I have been on that type of drug...
just my .02¢ worth
hugs
p

my doctor switched my depression med to Effexor AR after my surgery because it's a capsule that can be opened and taken with applesauce (sf applebutter in my case..yum!)  It's worked so far.  I'm nearly two years out too.  Is your surgeon the one who is prescribing the anxiety and depression meds?  If not, you need to do some research and find the one that you can absorb the best.  I still have periods of mood swings that my meds can't control.  We have to realize that sometimes it's ok to be moody.  It's ok to cry and get mad.  I had a big problem with that...knowing when I was supposed to be sad, mad, happy, etc.  Good luck to you and I hope you get the relief you need real quick.

Blessings,
Jacqui

I am pre surgery, but I do have some input here...

It is entirely possible that you vitamin and thyroid deficiencies are responsible for your emotional issues.  I have some of the same deficiences and health issues now, and when my levels are off, I get depressed and very anxious to the point of not leaving the house.

Please check out the blog http://bipolarblast.wordpress.com (not only for bipolr, but for all psych issues)  for more issues about psych issues and diet/vitamins.  Gianna the owner of the site is incredibly knowledgeable and may be able to give you more thorough advice.  Please let her know that I referred you to her, she is awesome!

Hope this helps!

Stacy Walker