Low Depakote levels and depression after surgery

I take Depakote as a mood stabilzer.  I had surgery March 21st and I have been having lots of problems with depression.  My Depakote levels are bottoming out.  Has anybody else went through this?  My doctor thinks I'm not absorbing it properly anymore.  Not sure what to do at this point.

Sorry, can't help but just to say that being banded should have no effect on absorption of anything. We absorb everything we take in.

Kate

Yes ! I take Prozac and abilify and had to switch to the liquid prozac and abilify that melts under my tongue.  They just do not work the same now as before because of the time it takes to release into my system . I tried to go back to the prozac in pill form and it made my stomach acidy and yucky so I am back on liquid.  It is weird .
i don't think it is actually the absorption thing it is that some of our meds are time release or delayed release and are just not as well tolerated now.  I took depakote for years though had to stop due to weight gain. I put on 60 lbs with it each time I took it. :(  Good luck to you. I do think there is a liquid depakote out there so maybe try that.:)

I take Depakote for Migraines and I have no problems with absorbtion. 

Sorry you are having a hard time. Switching to liquid seems worth a try. Or maybe you need your dose increased???? I wonder if some of the depression is due to your new eating habits. We have lost a "friend" when cut out certain foods from out diet. Also, excersise really helps mood. I have bipolar and, along with meds, I find excersise really helps my mood remain stable. Hope you feel better soon.

Since we are on the subject of anti-depressent medications, I was told by several people that Zoloft will cause you to gain wieght as well, has anyone had that experience with this drug after they were banded?

I've taken all kinds of antidepresants and never had any problem with gaining weight, then about a year ago my depression got really really bad and my doc put me on zyprexa and it was like a miracle., I felt so much better the only problem is that it causes obesity.  I gained about 50 lbs!!!!  I had my lap band surgery in Feb, 2011 and have lost 25 lbs and I'm still taking the zyprexa,  Good luck to you....