Anti-Depressant Problem

I had my RNY surgery in August of 2006. I had been on high doses of anti-depressants for many years. After the surgery I (foolishly) assumed I would no longer need any meds, as my weight was the primary reason for my depression. I stopped taking the meds and began a decline into depression hell that went on for over a year until I got some help. Now, finally I am back on my meds (even higher doses than before, since I now absorb meds differently). But here I am 21 months out from surgery and still with over 100lbs to loose. I feel like such a failure. I was 330lbs when I had my surgery and have slowly lost 80lbs, but when I read the postings from others who are doing so much better than me I feel so angry at myslef. Has anyone else gone through a similar expreience ?

first of all congrats on your weight loss.  you are doing a great job everyone loses their weight differently and when you have other issues complicating things, sometimes it goes slower have you spoken to your surgeon about this?? does he have any suggestions for you?? i would also have your surgeon speak to the doc prescribing your depression meds.  maybe between them they could find a way to adjust your medications to allow for more weight loss. dont give up though cause you know this can work for you. hugs, jacki

Some limited number of medications can cause issues with weight loss. I don't know if any antidepressants fall into this category, but you might want to check the Internet for any side effects of medications you may be taking.  You may have to " make believe" you just had surgery, and start off with the same protocol as you followed right after RNY surgery. Depression is a common side effect of RNY surgery, as you have just lost one of your very best friends with the surgery---FOOD.  You have limited amounts of food and you can get ill from eating too much or certain foods that may bother you. I don't know if you dump on sugar, but I do not. So I have to watch myself daily on my food intake. I do "cheat" once in a while, so I don't feel deprived. BUT, I do have a good hold on portion control and protein intake, etc.  So I've done well on RNY.  I initially lost 100 pounds in 7 months post op, and at 2 years have lost a total of 150 pounds.  And my only exercise is daily walking, about 1 1/4 to 2 1/2 miles. I strongly suggest you attend support groups, as they give me "positive reinforcement" on continued success with my weight loss. You could discuss your situation with a local support group. You may also want to journal your food intake for a couple of weeks and bring that to a meeting for a discussion. Don't be embarrased by doing this either, as it's for your long term good results.  These support groups are there for continued success with WLS, and new post ops and post ops multiple years out attend the ones I attend.  You'll learn new things, and potentially be able to get a handle on your situation. BTW, I still take my antidepresants that I took before surgery too. DAVE

Thank you so much for the supportive replies. I knew this would be tough, but I had no idea it would be this tough.

Don't assume that your higher medication is due to malabsorption.  I've learned that most anti-depressants do not work if you off of them and back on again, or they are less effective.  My shrink told me that, and that has been my personal experience.  they also quit working eventually no matter how effective they are initially. Depression is nothing to be ashamed of.  Ever.  If it were, I'd be hanging my head in shame ... I've been in treatment for 16 long years and was hospitalized for depression after my second daughter was born and hubby deserted us.  Personally, I REFUSE to be ashamed.  I certainly wouldn't be ashamed if I had diabetes or any other illness.  why be ashamed b/c chemistry affects our brains??? Also, not everyone loses a great deal of weight with wls ... 80 lbs is still a lot of weight to lose!  Be proud of that and celebrate your accomplishment!  Losing weight when you are struggling with severe depression is very, very, very difficult ... Don't beat yourself up.  You can still lose weight!  If you are not regularly exercising, I encourage you to do so, including lifting weights. A word of advice from someone who has struggled with depression for my entire adult life:  Take fish oil supplements in addition to your medication.  Get out in the sun and walk if you can.  I swear by the fish oil, though.   Hugs, Annette

Please don't be angry at yourself.  Try to consider your extended depression after your weight loss surgery as the extended illness that it was.  If a hip replacement had stalled your weight loss efforts would you be mad at yourself?  Beating yourself up is counter productive.  Start fresh now.  Take this date and this starting weight and begin anew.  Follow your protocol and take each day fresh.  I wish you well.  You deserve it and you can do it.  Loris  PS, I am losing weight at over three years out.

Which antidepressant are you on? If you'd rather PM me, that would be fine. Some meds cause hunger as a side effect, thus not helping your weight loss.  How are your eating habits? Are you in therapy?