Did You Have Worsening Depression / Anxiety After Surgery??

I was never treated for anxiety or depression before RNY. But I had to start taking something app 4 months after. I had a very hard time dealing with the changes. I also believe that initially - when the malabsorption is really high, some of the vitamins and minerals were affected. That can affect mood more than I realized.

As well as the cholesterol. I always had very good numbers for cholesterol even when I was MO. After RNY my cholesterol dropped very low, and very low cholesterol is associated with depression, low energy, etc.

The vitamins and minerals can affect our mood.

It took me a couple of years, and a few lab results over the years to realize that I get very tired, sleepy, low energy etc when my B12 drops below 800. I like mine to be 1000-1800. Not higher than that and not lower than 800.

I know that some people reported that they had to change or increase the medication they were taking for depression, anxiety, mood swings, etc.

Thank you! I was wondering about the malabsorption and also lack of carbs I've heard can contribute to the mood swings. I've also heard that about cholesterol! SO STRANGE! I'm definitely going to be VERY diligent about taking my vitamins and I'm not going to skimp on those. The sublingual B12 was really emphasized by my dietician - so, I'll be very cognizant of that as well.

I am going to meet with shrink to see what to do about my meds. One of the ones I take is a capsule and I understand we can't take those. That's a little nerve-wracking.

How are you feeling now? Are you doing ok?

We can take capsules just not ER- extended release type. I personally take capsules over any pills.

I was put on Lexapro, got off of that, got on on that.

But recently, middle of last year. I started dealing with more stress and my anxiety got really bad. So I am back on Lexapro. When I am on Lexapro - and take it before bed I noticed that my anxiety returns around 4-5 pm. Not every day - but on some days. I think I absorb that, but we don't know how much, so as of now I am on lexapro 2 times a day on most days.

I also think that my iron tanked again (just today I finally got the blood drown) and if my ferritin drops below 30 -I start having a severe RLS symptoms and worsening anxiety with depression.

Depends on the lab work (should have the results Monday or Tuesday) - I may try to get iron infusions. (I had them before). If I get that- I know that anxiety. depression, RLS, shortness of breath, will get much better.

I am so sorry you are going through this - but thank you for the amazing information. Iron infusions? Did you have those before the surgery or is this an "after" thing? I'll be thinking about you! Let me know your results and if everything comes out ok!

Yea...I was able to get my iron from food before RNY. I really don't absorb them orally anymore. From food or supplements. I found taht out the hard way.

In the last 10 years I had to have 3 series of iron infusions. This year- I expect to be another one. My last one was 3 years ago...

FYI: I stopped menstruating app 8 months post op RNY. I am losing blood "somewhere". More that I should.

But I am lucky enough to find a good docs who fight with insurance to get me approve for iron when I need it. It is critical to take iron if you can.

for me - no matter what and how much iron I was taking -I was losing iron. Plus since I have IBS now - taking iron means severe cramps and pain. I was told to just stop the oral and get "loaded" once every few years.

Hi Sheila! I'm 18 months post bypass and a "crap band" survivor.

I have diagnosed anxiety and major depressive disorder. I have been on and off many meds but have been on Cymbalta with excellent results!! I also take Ativan for anxiety, old school but it works for me. Band was placed in 2007, absorbing of medications wasn't an issue, so there were no changes. In 2013 I was revising to Bypass but there was too much damage so only the band came out. That was a BIG issue for me! Please keep that in mind. Revision finally in 2016, there have been some bumps, but generally ok. If you are in therapy good, if not think seriously about it. Do research on the meds you are on, ie. can they be crushed or capsules opened. Many docs don't want whole pills being swallowed for a month or so. Be sure you know your doc's rules. Med changes and being a fresh post op bypass are a very stressful mix. I speak from experience. Meds are not necessarily interchangeable.

Hope this helps!

"Crap band"! LOL! Yeah - didn't worry about any of this stuff with the band because nothing really changed. I take Xanax for anxiety ... i'm old school too... but whatever works for our bodies is what works! :-)

I will do research on the Prozac - that's the one I'm worried about. The pills are small - but they are capsules. I did send my surgeon a note this morning as this is really my only concern about the surgery. And boy, I sure do know meds are not interchangeable! That's why I'm so nervous about changing! I finally found a combination that WORKS! :-)

Thanks for sharing your story with me...was really very helpful! I was always wondering about Cymbalta... :-)

I was on several pills at the time of surgery, and I was able to swallow them all immediately post-op. I had to break the tablets into smaller pieces, but I could take one tiny pill with a piece of water OK.

Prozac does come in a liquid form. If absolutely necessary, you could switch to that for the first few weeks after surgery and then go back to the capsules as you heal up.

Prozac does come in a liquid form? Dude. TOTAL game changer!!!! :-) Thank you so much!!!!

Thank you for your input too! I'm loving this group!

If your regular pharmacy doesn't carry it, see if your doctor can point you to a compounding pharmacy; they can usually do alternate formulations for liquids and whatnot. :)