Post-Op 1 week and MAJORLY depressed! HELP!

I had my surgery a week ago, and, as I expected, I am now depressed. I keep saying- "why did I do this??" I live by myself. My friends and family call, but I'm so down that i don't want to talk to anyone. When will this pass???!!!

Honey i dont know maybe you need to go see your doctor and get on some sort of antidepressant. You need to get into some sort of support group too and be with others that have had this done. Please seek help.....Jan

Hi Kate: I second Jan's suggestion. Depression after surgery is normal and I think just about everyone ask the same question...What was I thinking?... So you are not alone. Please talk to your Dr. Hugs; barbara in Freeman

Hi Kate: I'm Debbie! I too have depression and have had it for years! At times, it was diagnosed as profound and other times as clinical. Seeing a Doctor for it is your best bet, they have all kinds of new anti-depressants. One even takes care of the physical pain of depression as well as the mental or emotional pain! The one thing I know you DON'T want to do is ignore it or close yourself up in your home! GET OUTSIDE, even if you don't want too! Go for a walk, drive yourself to the lake with the windows down and the radio cranked up with some of your favorite music on, crank up the stereo in your home and DANCE, buy some soothing music to relax by. You know what makes YOU happy! Do it! Don't care what others think, right now you need to take care of you and pull yourself out of this funk just as soon as you can! If you haven't cried, sit down and have a GOOD cry and then try thinking about the good and bad in your life. Write it all down, then read the bad and see if there is anything there that you can change or remove from your life that would make your life easier! I talking about stressful things that you can get rid of like: stress eating, emotional eating, vegging out in front of the computer or tv...set limits for yourself and stick to it! As for housework....set up an easy schedule for yourself and stick to it! A couple loads of laundry in the morning, do dishes early and do some light housekeeping 3 or 4 days a week! Give yourself a day each week that is JUST FOR YOU! A spa treat or go to see a fav movie with friends or alone (sometimes doing it alone is better, you get to hear the whole thing!) A salon appt....new haircut, style, color, highlights ...something just for you! The most important part of coming out of depression is seeking God! If you haven't heard, He can do all things!! Just drop to your knees and start calling His name... Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!....then listen! Talking with Him in your prayers can help a lot!! First thing every morning before you even get out of bed ask God to take control of your day and let the last words you speak at night be His name, Jesus! All these things can and will help but most of all you have to be willing to get better and by you posting on here, I'd say your ready to get help! We are good listeners, a huge support system (no pun intended...lol), we have many prayer warriors and most of all, we are good friends! I know I speak for many on here when I say, stick around we are willing to listen and try to help you any way we can! I will be praying for you...there is also a prayer post put up each morning, you might want to put your name on it and what you are needing prayer for and do this everyday for awhile. Deb M

Kate, I am 4 weeks post-op and with my RNY and with my heart surgery I went through a bout of depression. Luckily my heart surgeon had warned my loved ones that this would happen so when it did they were really there for me and it passed. It's hard to be sore and tired and have this huge list of rules to follow.In the beginning you don't have the weight loss to keep you going and motivated. Trust me when I say it will get better. Instead of pushing your loved ones away,pull them closer. Invite them over to visit.Sit outside and enjoy the weather.Make a list of your blessings and when you do remember all of the people still fighting to get this surgery. Sometimes it's hard to look outside our own world but try. You have so many people on this board who care about you and want you to share your concerns and questions.Please dont hesitate. I'm glad you brought this subject up. I wonder how many people you have help who thought they were the only ones feeling blue? Take care and I will pray for you. It will pass. Dannielle

Hi Kate, What part of the state are you located? I too have chronic depression. I have had it all my life but only got treatment stared 15 years ago. After my first granddaughter was born I cried all day, couldn't sleep at night and could not even hold the baby. And heaven forbid my daughter and I were even in the same town let alone lived together!!! My depression is so bad it is manic depression will tremendous highs and even lower than low lows.But I have found ways to manage it even if I am not on my meds. First of all make yourself get up at a set time everyday, no matter what or how many alarms it takes. 2. take a brisk shower as soon as you are up. 3. take any meds you are suppose to and grab a bite to eat or in our case drink. 4. open the door and windows and get out and walk around the house or outside of your apt. if at all possible. 5. make your bed and do the dishes 6. slap on a little makeup even if it is lip balm 7.look in the mirror and smile because in just a few minutes you have acomplished a lot more than you have ever thought you would. If need be look in your closet and arrange your clothes in order that you want to get rid of first after you start losing. And then when you are more comfortable with yourself, call your family pcp, or your surgeron, or community mental health group and ask to talk with someone. Even if it is a phone call it will help. If you would like, e-mail me and I will give you my phone number or you give me yours and we can keep in touch. Sometimes after surgery all you really need is to know you are special, you are worth the effort and you are a child of God and he is at your side at all times. I will not judge you or criticize you, just talk. I love making new friends. Kate I hope this helps. Take care. I am here if you need me. Julia .

Kate, I think that many people here have delt with depression. Most people who fight with obesity also have fought with depression. The two often go hand in hand Listen to all of the information that has been given to you. Its on the money. Depression can be helped. Its not always easy but it can be done. The first step is asking for help the next is getting it. You have done a wonderful thing by asking for help and you are showing all signs of wanting help. The number one things is to be around people, no matter how much you dont want anyone around. YOU can do it, you can get through this and when you get to the other side you will be a better person for it. You are in my prayers Shawn

Kate I know how you feel, everything is so overwhelming, trying to get in all your eating and water vit. etc. but it want always be like this..you will soon be able to eat normal, its just the first few weeks are very trying. But call your doctor and talk to him you may need something to help you thru it....my prayers are with you...vesta

Kate: What date was your surgery? Mine was March 5th. The two days in the hospital were rough. I had donated 2 pints of my own blood just in case I would need it. Ended up the day after surgery I did need blood and they were able to give me back my own blood. What a blessing that was! Then I came home on Wednesday that evening had a 102 temp. They think I had pneumonia. Praise the Lord Dr. Hornbostel called in an antibiotic about 8:30 that evening and by Thursday evening I was beginning to feel human. Thursday morning, my first day home from the hospital, I had horrible pain and had "buyer's remorse". I think everybody goes thru that. I have dealt with depression on and off for over 20 years now. I began taking Cymbulta 30 mg for a week then increased 60 mg about 3 months before my surgery. It has made a tremendous about of difference in my depression as well as the achiness I sometimes feel. I would encourage you to speak honestly with your doctor and ask about trying Cymbulta. It is capsule form and I have to take it out capsule and mix it with a little applesauce. Dr. Hornbostel told me that my Cymbulta was "optional". I don't agree with it being optional. I chose to remain on it. It's normal for your hormones to go through all sorts of things during your recovery process. The key thing is to actively seek help. I know when you're in the bottom of the pit it seems like you simply can't do anything. Since our surgery dates were either the same day or pretty close, I would be more than happy to correspond with you...either thru email or phone. I would take Julia up on her offer too. She was my wls and is truly a wonderful person! You will me in my prayers. My life verse is Proverbs 3:5&6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path. Debbie D.

Kate, I'm so sorry you are sad. You've gotten some really good advice from some wonderful folks here on OH. I don't have your particular issue but I agree that maybe your Dr. needs to give you something to help you out. We all are here for you, please keep in touch. We care about you and want to do whatever we can for you. Hugs and love, Lana