I've been diagnosed with severe major depressive disorder as well. I've struggled with depression my whole adult life. I'm currently on four different psychiatric drugs, have regular ECT treatments, and attend DBT class and individual therapy weekly. It's been a long road but I'm and am stable for the first time in four years. You may very well need to be on meds for the rest of your life, but know it can get better...just hang in there. Like someone else said a good therapist and psychiatrist are a must. Don't be too hard on yourself when you can't get moving and learn to accept the help.

I'm Bipolar I and can say I feel healthy for the first time EVER! After surgery I worked relentlessly to find the right med mix. Now 3.5 years later, I've got it down. I'd attribute my success to finding the right doc (I've been through a few) and not being afraid to talk about your health in detail.

In one day I take: Lamictal 300mg, lithium 1450mg, thyroid pill 175mcg, Symbyax 12/50, Deplan 15mg, Vitamin D 50,000iu,

I'm hypothyroidic, but that is linked to depression, I also have low vitamin D that is also linked to depression. And on a side note, I am anemic from the surgery. I started taking supplements and a lot of the side effects that I was attributing to my meds, have gone away.

Lauren

 

I'm sorry that you experienced so much trauma over the years. I hope things are less difficult in the days to come.

I'm bipolar I, and can tell you that it was a VERY long journey to get healthy after surgery. I was depressed before surgery and on an SSRI. Then the surgery! Immediately after I crashed hard. I believe it was because my SSRI wasn't being absorbed the same and I went into withdrawal. I went into a psychiatric hospital to get stable then. The problem is that "stable" isn't healthy. Anyway, I've spent time in hospitals, tried what seems like a million meds, had the wrong diagnosis, etc. 

Anyway, I tell you this to make a few points - 1) Surgery should not be taken on if you aren't healthy, 2) assume your meds will not work at all after surgery = have a plan with your doc on how you're going to stay stable at least, and healthy at best, 3) Weight loss is not enough to make you happy.

I TRULY hope I didn't sound preachy. I hate preachy people. Just wanted to pass along my experience. I'm healthy now, but realize it took 3.5 years after surgery to get there.

Hi,

Thank you for the HUGS!  That might be true for me.  I just don't want to give up.  I found out that my BCBS Federal Insurance denied me because I was not in compliance the prescribed nutrition and exercise.  It was all my own doing.  

Dr. B.did my revision from the LB to the Sleeve (I did Self Pay on the Sleeve) documented in my record that I had LB in 2008, by another physician, BCBS covered the LB..   Dr. B. added to the report, patient quoted "I love carbs".  She was not in compliance with the prescribed etc......  

In 2011, I went to see a new doctor Dr. N. she was going to repair a haital hernia and said, since you did not reach your weight goal, with the Sleeve we could do the RNY at the same time if BCBS Federal would cover it a new surgery and repair the hernia.  Of course, BCBS Federal denied because of what was on my medical record from Dr B.   

Last week, Called Dr. N again she said why bother with BCBS Federal they will not approve you, they told me why, I did not know that was the reason. Because they only thing that I was told was the surgery was not medically necessary.  I called BCBS Federal myself and found out it was the medical report for Dr. B, can't put all the blame on him.  

So, I'm back to thinking and praying about the whole thing all over again.  Might do Self Pay for the RNY, I'm not sure.  I'm search for prices and of course a good surgeon.  

I appreciate your input.

Virgie

 

 

This is true. The doc wanted to make sure I understood the surgery and lifestyle impact and how I managed my Bipolar I. Even after hospitalization I got approved no problem after explaining how my husband and I cope with my illness and my reasonable expectations of life after surgery.