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Depression

Clapton
on 6/19/08 11:19 pm - Ankeny, IA
I have noted a fair number of individuals take anti-depressants post WLS. Is this a biochemical result to the surgery somehow causing a post-surgical depression or is this just a continuation of pre-surgical medical treatment? I have a seasonal depressive disorder and I am wondering if there is a possibility it will increase after surgery. I plan on discussing this with my surgeon also. I realize this may be a sensitive issue and I am new to the board (haven't learned the boundaries) so if you want to PM me that is fine also.
AttyDallas
on 6/19/08 11:30 pm, edited 6/19/08 11:33 pm - Garland, TX

 Hey Clapton (nice Strat, btw) ...

  Yes, post-op depression is a very common and serious disorder (and potentially life-threating, with a suicide rate 5x-10x that of the general population) ..  It is a result of either biological factors (such as the release of hormones following rapid and massive weight loss) and/or situational factors, which can be quite multiple.   (been there, ALMOST done that, in the past month)

  It also doesn't seem to matter if a person is a depressive pre-o*****t, although it does seem to hit pre-op depressives more often ..   I posted on here I think last week an article from a psychologist about all the situational factors that lead to P.O.D.  There should be in the main forum archives articles on the bioloogical side of the matter.

  I have been trying to stress to the OH powers-that-be how important it is that this subject be addressed at the OH events by a qualified speaker, but don't know if it ever will be, since it's not exactly positive "p.r." for WLS ..   Still, it could save many a life.  In my case, it just seemed to gradually sneak up on me over time before I finally realized (fortunately) what was going on and got help, namely strong meds ..     Whatever you do, do NOT discontinue your pre-op depression meds no matter how well you may feel, unless your doc tells you differently.  In fact, depending on the type of WLS, you may need to switch meds to a better-absorbed form or reduced dosage ..    btw, in case you didn't realize it, tomorrow is the longest day of the year and they get shorter after that, which is the start of the S.A.D.S. season ..   ugh!

attydallas_dblcentury.jpg picture by cmirving 
  
Clapton
on 6/19/08 11:52 pm - Ankeny, IA
The strat: Made the body, bought the neck and modified it to my style and had speciality pick-ups made which I wired myself (overwound active pick-ups). Thanks for noticing. I am currently not on any meds - take them during the winter, don't need them in the summer. I am NOT looking forward to the days getting shorter.
Dx E
on 6/20/08 12:26 am - Northern, MS

Clapton, Depression is associated with WLS, But not that WLS causes or increases rate of Depression at all. In fact, the opposite. The connection is that Depression is a result and contributor to Obesity, And since everyone having WLS is Obese, The rate of Depression among those having WLS would naturally be high. The often stated blurb- “…with a suicide rate 5x-10x that of the general population.” Compares those who are Obese to General Population. When a head to head comparison between those who have WLS With those who are Obese, then the actual fact is that - Depression is significantly reduced. Now, that said, there is a spike in incidence of Depression Immediately following Surgery. This is the same following ANY surgery that requires General Anesthesia. A “bout” of Post-Op Depression is very common, but tends to fall back to normal as the body heals. With WLS, this depression can be more pronounced than the similar Post-Op Depression that follows for example, a Heart surgery. Primarily this is a result of the patient dealing with the stress of extreme change In all aspects of life, without the comfort and emotional numbing reliance on food. Forced to embrace all new coping mechanisms for dealing with life and change Rather than avoiding it, adds a complication for many Post-Ops, That lasts the first 2 to 6 months following surgery. The fact that the Majority of people posting on the OH Message Boards Are people still dealing with their “Early-Out” changes Gives the impression that All WLS Post-Ops are focused on similar issues. I’m 5 years post-op next month, and from my perspective, (from reading these Boards for over 6 years) Depression is improved by WLS and Weight-loss, but for some, Their pre-surgical issues continue. If you have Seasonal Affective Disorder Depression prior to WLS, The odds are greatly in favor that it will improve, But no guarantee that it will be alleviated.  Having it worsen?  Would actually be rare.

 

Best Wishes- Dx

 Capricious;  Impulsive,  Semi-Predictable       

AttyDallas
on 6/20/08 6:02 am - Garland, TX
  I would respectfully disagree, DXex      I thought i posted here the article by the Psy D about post-WLS depression (situational) just earlier this week (which was praised by folks on the other forums where I posted it, btw) ?     It covered the many situational factors that post-ops face that can lead to their "crash" ..   Although many post-ops do have pre-op depression problems, some (like myself) had relatively little or none ..  Mine hit like a ton of bricks this past month, yet, almost ending in suicide,    despite being almost  two years out  ..      There is no explanation for it other than biological in my case ..  I should be on top of the world with my weight loss and working at a new firm where I"m in control for once (and making twice as much $s) after 15 years wit the ole slave driver, yet my brain began shutting down, endless crying jags for no apparent reason set in, and I evventually became almost catatonic.   How else to explain it?        . 
attydallas_dblcentury.jpg picture by cmirving 
  
Syn
on 6/20/08 2:20 am - Everett, WA
I've read about this a few times and I'm glad it's being addressed here. Discussion of depression or any other mental issues is a huge taboo to most men unfortunately.

I'm wondering when I should start to feel it. I was on Cymbalta pre-op for a couple of years with some success, but I'd like to be braced for it so I'm aware that it's chemical and I can keep it from getting on top of me.

I really look forward to getting off the damn stuff at some point in the future but I'm not going to pu**** right now. I have enough on my plate already. Unfortunately, (I've been discussing this with my wife quite a bit lately) I never really took the time pre-op to think about what lay ahead of me. I was so singularly focused on losing the pre-op weight and preparing my life in case something horrible happened that I never looked up in time to see the Mack truck that was about to hit me head on. Day two in the hospital until just a few days ago I was spending a lot of time in my head coming to terms with what I had done to my body, my marriage and my life. I feel good now. I think I've gotten past my "buyer's remorse" and my head is up looking forward - something very rare for me as I'm typically a very in-the-moment person.

"
The American, by nature, is optimistic. He is experimental, an inventor and a builder who builds best when called upon to build greatly."                         
-John F. Kennedy
(deactivated member)
on 6/20/08 2:55 am, edited 6/20/08 2:56 am - northeastern, NC

I've tried to answer this coherently 3 times now, and can't. Dex covered it best. Stay on top of your meds. As you lose weight, the depression will probably alleviate if not go away altogether. My only other advice is, if you have SAD, stay away from the Pacific Northwest and the Arctic Circle.

mystmanpdx
on 6/20/08 5:33 am - Everett, WA
Hater!
FatManWalking
on 6/20/08 5:32 am - Deep in the Heart of, TX
RNY on 12/11/06 with
No worries, not much taboo around the locker room. many of us have been very forthright about our experiences with the Big "D", including myself. I definitely took a spell shortly after surgery, but was prepared for it, which I think is the key. have a plan in place to deal with it advance. Otherwise, DX nailed it pretty well. (as usual) Take care. JP
JoeBear
on 6/20/08 5:35 am - Chantilly, VA
I have experienced a noticeable improvement in depression and a huge improvement in anxiety since I had WLS 11 months ago, and have been able to really cut back on my meds (working with my psychiatrist). It is a great feeling. Joe
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