Depression

Hi Jen, Just chiming in here with a bit different perspective... Take the time as well to grieve your loss... not the weight but the loss of your best buddy, FOOD. I think part of the depression we go through is part of the mourning process.  We feel the depression, anger, fear etc that are all natural parts of mourning. All that said, I was on Wellbutrin before surgery...  stayed on it afterwards but the 2 pills a day weren't working so well so Doc put me on Effexor... so far so good.  I'm still mildly depressed but like you, prefer to deal as much on my own as possible... Holler if you need to chat - I'm around the computer generally during the day on and off *hugs*

Thanks so much everyone for all of your kind words and support!  It helps a lot just to be able to verbalize what I am feeling and experiencing.  My next therapy appointment is in about 10 days and if I'm not feeling significant improvements by that time I will ask for a referral to a psychiatrist.  I agree, there is no need for unnecessary suffering.  This journey is hard enough without it.

Our bodies store hormones in our fat cells, we are rapidly losing weight so our hormones are going wacko!  It's not uncommon, or anything to be ashamed of.  Bottom line even if you don't like meds don't be afraid to seek help they may offer an alternative to Wellbutrin now that smoking is no longer an issue.    Maybe someone to talk to......take care.

I agree with many of the posters. One thing to remember is that surgery is done to our stomachs and not our brains. it is very hard after surgery, if you have used food as a coping mechanism - you are not able to use it (food) in the same manner as before surgery. I had surgery in 2003 and the first few years did not have issues - it was only after some major stresses in my life - having 2 jobs eliminated within 2.5 years, death of grandmother, and some issues with my children that I have had issues - I dealt with the issues by grazing and eating those things that I had not eaten in a long time - basically candy and crappy snack foods - telling myself that I deserved them because of all of  the things  that were  going on - I also stopped exercising - the only positives I continued were taking my vitamins, drinking some protein shakes and not drinking with meals and waiting 30 - 45 minutes to drink. I finally went back to my bariatric nurse to try to get back on track and got information about what I should be eating - how much and when - I also make an appointment with my pcp and finally discussed my anxiety and depression. I am taking a low dosage of Effexor and it has turned my life around - my only concern is what will happen if I go off of it - I too had major depression in my late teen years - both parents and grandfather died 7/77, 3/78 and 1/79. My major problem has been thinking that I didn't need help and that I could do it alone - now I know I can't - I've promised myself that I'll continue seeing my PCP and calling right away if something doesn't feel right and committing to going to support group meetings - sorry this is so long winded - Just wanted to let you know  you are not alone.

After my second surgery and the emotional parts of that the Dr prescribed Zoloft for me proactively. I didn't get a chance to get into the really deep rut of depression, but I KNOW if I had not been on the meds, it would have been bad because even with them I had a very hard time. There are still days that I mourn for food and I am 13 months out. I don't let it get the best of me, but I realize that "better living through pharmacology" while used in a silly sense most time, is true. Sometimes we have to admit that we need the extra help, because our bodies are already stressed to the max with the rapid weight loss, and we are NOT able to do it on our own because it is not possible. Not a sign of weakness at all, but remember you just replumbed your innerds, and it takes a long time to heal from that physically.

I agree with what most people said here.  Mine is different, I had depression before surgery and NOW I don't take any meds and No depression any longer. What a good deal. I wi**** was that way for you. Maybe with some help from your doc, it will be better soon. I wish you the best.

Jen- Sorry you're feeling down.  I hope you find either a medication that helps or someone great to talk to. Since depression and medications are being talked about, does anyone live in the south suburbs have a therapist that has alot of experience or is really good with dealing with people with food issues? Please PM me if so.  I've been depressed off and on for years, and I know I have food issues, but can never find the reason behind why I eat, like I hear Oprah and others say all the time.  No history of abuse or anything, which I know so many times can be what's behind food or drug abuse in lots of peoples' lives.  Also, what medications has anyone been on that DOESN'T cause s*xual side effects?  Wellbutrin is fine for me, but right now it's not enough.  Crying and short temper spells are awful.  I do have Xanax which helps calm me down, but I dont think I'm suposed to take it daily or on a regular basis.  Anyone who takes Xanax take it daily? I think it's great people are open to sharing feelings and experiences with depression & medication here.