Depression

Is it true that anesthesia can cause depression? I've had times where i've been depressed in the past but since WLS it's only been for specific reasons (pain from my neck surgery, loss of loved ones, etc.) but last night for no real reason i went from being happy to feeling like i fell into a black hole. it has me shaken up and pretty scared. I fell right into that "me me me" self centered B.S. that self pity and depression can cause and i'm still feeling pretty bleak because of it. Anyone else experience this after a surgery? how did you deal with it? how do you control it so that you don't drag the ones around you down with you? I don't want to be a whiny self centered jerk but last night i definitely turned into one. It's got me scared sheetless.

You are just starting the healing process after major, traumatic, and very painful surgery. You "got a right to sing the blues" now and then!! Give yourself a chance to lick your wounds once in a while. You don't always have to be upbeat and brave. Depression after surgery is extremely normal and very common. Your overall mood will improve and lighten up as your body starts feeling better again. As your strength and energy come back, so will your overall sense of well-being. You are still in the early stages of recuperation. Be patient and kind with yourself, Jay. You've been through a lot. Allow yourself some down time. If you are still having problems with ongoing depression after your body has healed and you have your energy and full health back, you might want to discuss an antidepressant with your doctor or maybe some counseling (or both). But I really think at this stage in your process, your depression is a completely normal and temporary reaction to a recent major trauma. Bonnie

Hi Jay, and may I say welcome home, and congrats on your recent surgery. I suffered and still suffer from depression. After WLS, I did not turn to food for my anxieties (which there are plenty of) and sadness. I turned to other things and found myself in a corner. Often spending money frivilously (sp) or smoking (OH NO!).......... but......I found out for myself how to control my depression...is time consuming but it can work. 1. find a hobby or something that you truly are passionate about involving yourself into. (I found horses...and that has depressed my depression 90 percent now) 2. envelope yourself in thought and comfort that it's ok to be sad as you heal, and turn to those you love for support. 3. take one step and one day at a time. You've got enough to handle today. Don't fret about tomorrow- it isn't here yet. Honest, do it. 4. don't be scared. it's life, we are human, and we get depressed sometimes. remember how far you've come, the accomplishments you have made, and what you want to do in the future, rather than being depressed. Self pity is something I know well, as I pity myself way too much. Just take one minute at a time....and absorb yourself in that minute, rather than too far ahead. Finally.....you are not alone....and I am 13 months post op WLS and soon to have my tummy tuck and I just take it slow and try to breathe and remember where I was and where I am.........and how proud I am of what I look like today. You are awesome and someone we all admire, so don't sell yourself short.....honest. Hugs my skinny friend........warm gentle hugs. Stacey

Hi Jay, You're normal, but if it persists maybe you should think about talking to someone. It could also be the pain meds you are on. I suggest trying to think about all of the good things you have experience since your original W.L.S. surgery, and all of the wonderful things to come. You just went through a pretty major/painful surgery. I think once you start to heal you will be feeling like your old new self again. Take care, I hope you are feeling better soon. May God bless you, Annette

Hi Jay, !st let me say welcome Home, and hope your recovery is a speedy 1. I too was really depressed for a few days after surgery. I do think it was from the pain meds. I think they can really mess with your head. I had strange dreams, and while awake i just felt like shutting myself in a room & telling everyone just leave me alone. I think everyone around us pretty much understands we are going through changes, & pain so they excuse our moods. Hope you feel better soon.

Ditto to everyone's answers Jay. If you weren't a little blue after a surgery, I'd be a little worried! Your body has been through alot, you're on pain meds, and let's face it...you're in pain. You are not as active as normal, you're kinda stuck with alot of time on your hands as you are healing. It's very normal. Flip on the TV, rent some movies, read a book, stay busy (as busy as you can while you are healing) And as you know, if you get outside in the crisp, fresh air and walk a little, it will do you worlds of good....get those good endorphins circulating! Hope you feel better soon! Theresa

I dove so far down after the wls. It amazed me. No time to let any of the regular meds kick in, I just alternated between the Darvocet for the pain and the Xanax, when the deep blues scared me into anxiety attacks. It cleared slowly, but within two weeks of the surgery. Anesthesia leaves a wicked residue. I am NOT suggesting that you try the same drugs I used, just telling you how what was at hand got me through. A wounded animal focuses on itself first. Surgery of any kind is wounding. Maybe your mind/body is just circling the wagons to keep you from expending any energy that doesn't involve healing. Best wishes, you'll be back.

Jay, Glad to see u made it out of surgery ok. As for the depression, like everyone said, its normal for awhile. As for being a " whiny self centered jerk", I think that someone else beat ya to it, LMAO Well, I dunno about the whiny part but "self centered jerk" he has down to a T!! Feel better soon De

Jay, I think you are being too hard on yourself. This is major surgery you have undergone. You are on pain meds, you are in pain a lot is going on with your body. It is a lot to take in. I think the first week is the hardest. When I had my TT & breast lift with Dr. DiNick, my first week was the hardest. Once I started getting those drainage tubes pulled, I was feeling much better. Take it easy so you don't drain so much, if you have too much drainage - the doc won't pull your tubes. Just think how good you will be looking. Take care, Carey

After my weight loss surgery I started to get big time panic attacks! At the time, I had no idea what was happening. I was in the mall trying on clothes (since I thought I looked hot only after 4 weeks) and the dressing room walls started to close in on me. I ran out of the store and had to sit on the side of the curb to catch my breath. Things went gray and I broke into a sweat. After about 2 months of this I finally said something to my doctor and he called them panic attacks. I then started on a low dose of Xanax only at night and it helped. I am better now and off the meds. Mention it to your doctor, I'm sure he can help u. Best of luck and feel better, Robin