Mental Health and eating/WLS

O.K. I have mental illness that has greatly effected my ability to maintain my weight. I lost and gained as much as 65 lbs in a year period. I did not under go this surgery until my mental illness had been stabilized with medication. One of my greatest fear about having the surgery was that my mental health would deteriorate with my wls. Thankfully I had a very short period of some increased instability, but it did not throw me over the edge. I have set up a plan if I do start to lose it. And I have been very up front with people who I am close with about my mental illness. Remember you do not have to post here but you can always sent a personal message to members of this group. I have found that honesty has equaled non judgemental support....Sean

Hey Sean, Mental illness is quite prevalant in the MO...Morbidly Obese and docs are still working to find the correlation. Most prevalant appear to me to be depression and bi-polar disorder. I am a foundation member of www.livingafterwls.com and we have a safe private password protected Mental Health Forum. If anyone would like to join you have to PM...private message... Kaye (Kaye Bailey) Our site director for the password. I have found it to be hugely helpful.

I am a counselor and I think most MO patients have significant depression and anxiety. The current workshops for counselors working with addictions are all focusing on anxiety these days, my reaction was "duh" because I've seen it for years. But if the focus ends in better treatment, so much the better. So hang there and take care of yourself.

Sean, Wow, your message came at amazing time. I have just come home from my second therapy session. I have been suffering from depression and have been on anti-depresants since 1988. I recently started a new job and about a month ago I told a co-worker about my dark moods that happen sometimes. I did'nt go into detail but he was supportive. I would very much like to hear your plan for when you start to loose it. Thanks for all you do here, --==Rich==--

My plan includes truely listening to friends, family or coworkers who know about my condition. I do work in a place of acceptance. If anyone comes to me with a concern I l ask others if they have seen a change....I have also worked on identifying early signs in myself that are marker for a turn for the worse. I have a medication management plan that I have worked out with my psychiatrist. I am able to adjust my medication with in preset parameters. I let him know when I am having to adjust doses if people around me still feel I am not heading in the right direction.I have learned to fake it until I make it. When I have had bad bouts of depression I have learn that routine is your friend. Russ and my friends have pushed me to do as much as I could ..even if that was getting out of bed, taking a shower and going out to the mailbox to get the mail. (that gives you a little idea of how depressed I have been in the past). My bouts of depression have always been much more severe than my manic episodes. I believe the best plan is a pro-active plan. I am much more aware of subtle changes in my thoughts and behaviors the mark that I am getting mood instabile. I am bipolar and have been dealing with the ups and downs my whole life ...but was officially diagnosed in my early 20's......My psychiatrist/therapist is a very good friend and clinician. I hope this helps.....if anyone has any questions...mental Health is what I do for a living....BECAUSE IT TAKES ONE TO KNOW ONE...EVERYONE IN SPYCH IS A LITTLE...OR A LOT CRAZY THEMSELVES...

It was amazing timing for me also, to see this post. This is one of the things I've been struggling with most recently, and something that isn't addressed on most wls discussion boards. I have a history of major depression, which resulted in several hostpital stays when I was in my early 20's (I'm 36 now.) My depression definitely had a *cause* (an abusive childhood) but even though I've done a lot of work to resolve my feelings around my past (something I'm very proud of), it still continues to cycle thorugh my life periodically. I found that as soon as I admitted to myself that I wanted and needed the help of wls because my weight and eating habits had gone out of control, I entered a very deep depression that has continued for the last 4-6 weeks. I have never doubted my decision to pursue wls, but it has been difficult to explain to people why I seem sad about a decision I tell them I am extremely excited about! I know I'm on the right path, precisely because it has brought up a lot of feeling that need to be dealth with - but boy has it been a f***g challenge! Over the last few days, it appears to be lifting - and I am extremely grateful... Obviously, I am apprehensive about the depression recurring throughout this process (especially when I can no longer rely on my good old security blanket - food.) It is inspiring to hear about the "action plan" you've created to deal with the same concern. I'm DEFINITELY going to discuss a similar plan with my partner. I'm glad that it has not become a major obstacle for you so far. You are to be commended for taking such good care of yourself! And thanks for bringing this issue "out of the closet"... xmasmama