For those that suffer from depression..did your depression get better, worse or same post DS

My decision to have the D.S was based on cancer prevention most of all. Losing fast and maintaining success is best with the D.S. I didn't think depression would be difficult to handle because of my well rounded supportive medical team. We do have super medical insurance. My depression issues are consistently well taken care of with  meds. I have had the same meds for a few years.  So far there were 2 issues over the past few months unknowingly taking high doses of chromium, and selenium. They were in a multi vitamin. Presented as high ALT/AST liver function labs, too much for my liver to handle. My mood swings leveled out with lowering the chromium and selenium. Just to be sure the vitamins were the cause, during my upcoming hiatal hernia surgery, a liver biopsy will be taken. Monitoring this are many of my Dr's- internist, gastroenterologist, and D.S. surgeon. It takes a team to monitor D.S. health. My medical husband wants me to remain on my current meds, and is super happy with my weight loss progress, plastic surgery results, and increased physical abilities. We all are in a much better place post D.S. than pre D.S.

Consistency with vitamins and protein is a must, not negotiable, nor forgotten but a daily requirement like dressing in the morning, brushing teeth, and so on. I have a months set of daily vitamin boxes loaded with meds and vitamins far in advance so I can see when to reorder more before I run out. My protein is in the form of shake and protein fruit drink packets. i know how many 16oz bottles a day I need to have of double scoop protein powder to meet my 100-150g protein for the day. Any solid protein foods are added in, but not an issue if I don't feel like eating much because I have it covered with the drinkable protein, which I have no problem sipping throughout the day. None of my Dr's mind seeing me arrive at their appointments carrying a protein drink. As far as vitamins go, if I tire of taking pills, I use gummy vitamins and supplements, approved by my D.s. surgeons group and internist. My labs are super normal ranges, with an iron infusion or 2 a year, because my stomach with reflux is too sensitive for oral iron. 

Choosing good healthy fresh made meals and snacks helps increase my calcium, and vitamins with dairy, yogurt, fresh fruit, veggies, and an  assortment of nuts, meats and cheeses( no eggs or fish- allergies). I like to keep a low carb, gluten free diet, high protein, high fat when I need to lower my weight from regain. I have been maintaining 120 lbs for over a year, learning what raises my weight and what lowers it. Helps to have a supportive family who also want to watch their weight, and eat healthy fresh natural unprocessed foods- organic if possible. I do all the grocery shopping, stocking the kitchen with D.S. friendly foods, and many types of protein mixes. Its so funny to see our sink at the end of the day full of used sports bottles from protein drinks and water. I never feel singled out with my diet requirements. They all are usually following my lead for meal choices. Both my kids are college age, making healthy decisions for their lives, headed into the medical profession. My new D.S. education has influenced my whole family to make educated food choices.

I do participate in many D.S. forums, some private groups where we share ideas, seek help, talk about depression, congratulate achievements. I like to hear from everyone, the newbies and vets for all kind of D.S. solutions. Attending my surgeons D.S. surgical support meetings has been super helpful, keeping me on track, and touching base with nutritionists, nurses, surgical PA's, sports physiologists, psychologists. I have a safety net of professionals to keep me on track, stressing the importance for consistency in all categories of D.S.ways to maintain and have successful lives with the D.S. I couldn't have made it to where I am today without everyone of them.