Post-op Depression

I had a RNY gastric bypass on 2-28-08 and I am experiencing extreme hunger and depression in missing my old eating habits and thinking that I have made a mistake in having the surgery. Is there anyone else out there who feels this way or has felt this way and overcome it??  Help!

I feel the same way right now myself and I do plan to reverse my surgery a year from now cause it just gets worst everyday and I don't think I can live like this my whole life. I don't have any problems but I'm looking for a doctor to take my case . I don't want to sound negative but thats how I feel and I know with the lords help it will get better.Hugs

Thanks for your response. I hope and pray that mine will get better.

You will feel better the further out you get. We ALL go through these feelings in the beginning. You WILL feel differently. Surgery is risky, reversals and revisions. You will be fine and won't WANT a reversal.

Hi, I had RNY in 2003, and I remember well what you are going through.  Don't give up, it will get better!  Right now you are grieving your old life and that is very normal. Just hang in there, follow the rules, go for a walk when that feeling hits. If it doesn't get better, talk to your doc about short term antidepressants. Your pouch will eventually stretch a little and you will be able to eat a little more normally. It just takes time and trial and error. Just make sure you get in the things you need. When you reach a significant amount of weight loss and start feeling wonderful both physically and mentally it will seem worth it and you will for the most part stop missing your best friend (food).

Hi Maxie and thanks for your response.  I am starting to feel better both physically and emotionally.  I just wish that during the 6 months of structured classes I had to take to have this surgery that post-op depression had been mentioned at least once!!

I had depression issues after my RNY...It was so frustrating, everyone at my support groups were going on and on about how this was the greatest thing they ever did.  Hunger was not a big issue for me at first, but I get that whole missing how you usually cope (for me, binge eating) But I started talking about it, and finally in support group people started admitting they felt depression too.  There seems to be this attitude from WLS fols that they can't admit that there is anything negative about this surgery.  Even on this board, when people admit feeling bad, people really respond negatively. You are still recovering from surgery..that in itself is difficult...try not to isolate yourself...Try to talk to other people.  But most of all try not to second guess yourself..

Thanks Kellyanne for the honesty and support.  I am starting to feel much better but I do miss my old eating habits.  I know in time this will lessen and of course I will be able to eat a larger variety of foods in the future so I have a positive to look foreword too.  I am not quite ready to say I am happy that I had the procedure but I think I will get there eventually!

Hello, This has been my biggest fear. I am 46, same diet history as yours.....Please let me know how you are doing,  I hope I am not being to forward, but I really would like to know if the depression is "livable" I don't know if that makes sense to you, can you still function? has it affected your job? your daily everything???? I figure if I get as far as having the surgery and can't handle the post op side I will just end up on heavy anti depressants. I pray not. I also pray that you are improving every day and that you will be a very happy woman soon. thank you

Hi Sandra, I am doing fine now. I had depression for about 2-1/2 months post-op that did lessen as I adjused to the drastic chage in eating habits. My doctor said that I had an especially bad case of post-op depression. I was able to work during the transition and my family just had to be tolerant of me. I am happy to say that I feel great today both physically and emotionally and have lost a total of 77 pounds in 4 months. I can finally say out loud I am glad that I had the surgery. So do not fret...if you do get post-op depression it will pass and you will feel better! Thank you for your prayers and I wish you the best! Pat