Did You Have Worsening Depression / Anxiety After Surgery??

I hate to tell, but I developed GERD after my RNY. I am now on a Rx PPI plus a few more things to control the burning. My gastro and I we think my GERD has more to do with food - meds sensitivity and allergies, histamine response, etc.

I had GERD before RNY but it was food specific and I controlled that with diet.

Most people get rid of GERD post op RNY, but some of us still have it.

I have major depressive disorder, ADHD, and also BED. I mean, why I have one mood dysregulation disorder when you can have three? My grandmother always told me I was an overachiever :P

I had my RNY revision from a sleeve a few weeks ago, and already they have had to adjust the Cymbalta dose because my back and joint pain has returned. However, Cymbalta isn't as well absorbed post-op, alas. If you are on medication that is something to bear in mind. Other than that brief psychiatric adventure I don't have long term advice. Part of why I still see my bariatrician is because he's much more familiar with psych med malabsorption than the psychiatrist I see is.

I'm actually tracking my mood day by day to see if it correlates with things, and also to help distingui**** from the estrogen hormone dumping from weight loss. I started this at the psychiatrist's suggestion, and it wound up helping me already just a few weeks out.

I shall biochemistry nerd out for a bit however. >.> As for whether or not hormones affect mood in the long term, I do think that intestinal bypasses in general have an overall positive effect on mood and focus. Many of the receptors which affect mood are also in the gut, and the vagus nerve is a factor too. For instance, GLP-1 receptors are both in the brain and gut, and they assist mood regulation as well as having metabolic effects - and they are strongly affected by the RNY. Everyone is so different, though, and depression has many forms.

Tracking mood and tracking bloodwork seems to be a common advice theme. I will do both thanks to your story. You WILL find what works well for you and I'm just so proud that you are continuing to fight. We have to be diligent EVERY day - and you sound like you are.

Take care and always feel free to reach out to me if you need to talk/vent/celebrate!

Thank you for sharing.

I thought I had written you back, but I guess I didn't!

First of all, dealing with what you are and you're still standing and FIGHTING... that's amazing to me. I know how hard I fight and push and punch to get through my "stuff" - I'm glad that you are still here and doing things that are best for YOU.

How are you tracking your mood? Journaling? Spreadsheet? What's an easy way to do this and see at-a-glance how things are going?

The "biochemistry nerd" portion - wow. YOU ARE AWESOME! I LOVE that! It's hopeful and realistic! Thank you!

Thank you for sharing with me and throwin' down some science :-) Take care of you and reach out to me if you ever need to!

I am a revision as well from the band over 8 years ago and last month had the bypass. I sometimes have anxieties, and sometimes take prescribed meds, but I am not on a daily regimen of them. Yes, the winter gloom, makes it harder because in the sun makes everything easier, even when it's cold. and of course, I had a set back, so I feel a bit trapped.

I haven't had a really bad time until last week. I felt uncomfortable, sore, argued when to call the dr, didn't want to be nag, didn't want to be sick, hence, more anxiety. Went to my regular Dr, got an antibiotic, it was infected, and saw my surgeon which is a few hours away on Monday. Relied on my husband, and yes I should, and yes, it causes anxiety, because I hate relying on anyone..

I'm feeling a bit better. Not oozing, took an extra week off of work. Recovery is taking longer than I thought, because they were like in 2 weeks you'll feel great. I didn't, but I felt ok. Finally on the road, and today listened to the music, took a shower and made myself human, and that helped a lot!

I'm not sure what long term emotion will be, but we'll do it together. I got your back, and will keep you posted when my life returns with work, and commitments..Good Luck, don't let naysayers destroy your outlook, and more importantly, breathe, just breathe!

It is SO hard to rely on people! I've had extensive talks with my fiance about it. I feel like this is something I'm doing for myself - it's "elective" - I don't want him taking time off work. I don't want to be burden. But he's excited for me and has told me over and over that we are in this together. Still, makes me a little anxious.

Keep on working towards recovery - everyone is different. I'm SO GLAD you're feeling better now! Please keep in touch! I'm here for you too!

Sounds like that man is a keeper, and I can my hear my husband's words and support in his. Yep, it's elective, so I don't want to make it "worse" by being ungrateful and making myself and everyone feel like I regret it, because I don't. I'm married over 32 years and this is truly one of the biggest things I have ever done for myself. Guess what, he had no problem taking Monday off and getting me into the "city"..I'm trying to stay clear headed and focused, after all I have two weddings for two kids in two years, and I want to look and feel fabulous in all the activities and pictures..

If you ever have a moment, and need to reach out, pm me, and I promise, I'll get back to you, and I should tell up front, I'm always honest, not mean, but I never lie..Relax today, and make a cup of tea with me

Hello!

I had a lapband for 10 years (2006j and revised to RNY (2016) with clinical depression/anxiety disorder. I had been treated and stable with meds for over 20 years. After surgery I was fortunate in that my depression got much better. I am now completely off all antidepressants! I don't know if it will work that way for all but I was very lucky in the improvement of my symptoms. I wouldn't assume it will be the same for everyone obviously but for me the hormones issues just seemed to have effected my hunger... as in I was never hungery for the first 8 months or so. I didn't notice any mood issues but as the weight came off I just seemed to feel better. Hope it works the same for you. Feel free to pm me with questions.

Thank you!

I can't even imagine what it would be like to be off meds. Congrats to you! That's AWESOME! Also, thank you for the positive message. I feel like everyone has been very transparent and honest with their stories and that is humbling. We all have our stories - and I'm glad you shared yours.

I appreciate you!

Hi Sheila. I have hx of anxiety/depression. I take effexor 75mg daily for it. I had my bypass in 2013. I haven't noticed any changes in hormones. Actually at the time of surgery i was taking a 75mg and a 37.5mg capsule. So my dose was higher. My anxiety improved i noticed as the weight went down. And for a while probably the first year anyway, i felt euphoric over the weight loss. Now i feel good. Not the honeymoon phase of weightloss just normal good. Depression comes and goes but it hasnt been severe or life limiting since before the surgery. I dont know if that is how it is for everyone but its how it went for me. Best of luck with your surgery! ?