Are anti-depressent meds part of pre-op and post-op for most folks?

I just had my surgery the 14th of June. My question is: do most folks find it necessary to at least on a temporary basis take something before or after WLS to help with the adjustment of surgery as far as anti-depression or anti-anxiey meds? Did anyone need to and then have the anxiety and depression ease up as time passed? I am curious as I have had some rough days in the areas of anxiety and depression since my surgery. Also, right now I could never recommend this surgery to anyone. I have heard that this also can change in time. Please advise on any of these questions? Thank you. Sincerely, LMW

LMW Hi, I can remember having issues with depression and anxiety after my surgery. You should talk with your surgeon or PCP about your feelings and let them guide you in whether or not to take antidepressants. I found it was very beneficial for me to be in a support group and to talk about my feelings. You go through a grieving process after WLS due to leaving an old lifestyle behind and beginning a whole new way of living. It is much the same process you go through with divorce or death. You will feel a profound sense of loss for a time then as your physical self heals so will your emotional self. This process is different for everyone just as the surgery is different for everyone. You may even want to consider seeing a therapist for a while. As your anxiety and depression subsides your feelings about the surgery in general will also change. If you are not in a support group, please consider joining and attending monthly meetings. By all means do not ignore these symptoms in hopes they will diappear, get the help you need and deserve. Carolyn

Thank you for your response. I looked into this as an option for me this week. My surgeon said this did not happen very often, but many of his patients were already on meds to help with this. I guess I am a late bloomer, but it is very uncomfortable and painful. I know that. I pray that it will pass. I went to see my PCP. He has given me something to try. Unfortunately, it takes a while to get into your system. I want to get into good enough shape to return to work. Right now, I don't think I could handle it. What a huge change for me! Thanks again, LMW

LMW, I was already on anti-depressants when I had my surgery last year. I have been able to cut back on the dosage, but not stop them. Some people who are not on them before surgery may need them temporarily after because of the hormone changes, etc. While your PCP can give you anti-depressants too, they probably won't go to a very high dosage before sending you to a psychiatrist. My PCP started me on 75 mg of Effexor, and I got up to 300 mg eventually with my psychiatrist. I'm on 200 mg now. Hang in there - it will get better!! Ann in Duluth

I was already on anti-depressents when I had the surgery. My surgeon told me NOT to stop them and I may even need to up the dosage after surgery. Apparently, depression and anxiety is pretty common after this surgery. I can tell you that for about 6 weeks after I had the surgery, I thought that I had made the biggest mistake of my life. This is definately not an easy thing to go through. Just know that it does get better. When you start to see the weight fall off and your clothes get looser, you will start to feel better about it all. Take care, Carol