Question:
Pre-op fighting depression

I'm pre-op approved and waiting for a date, I'm also a long time depression suffere and for the last 2 months my dpression is out of control, I'm still taking my meds but having a real hard time, makes me very frightned for after surgery when by all accounts I'll be even more depressed, any body in my situation out there?    — Diane B. (posted on November 16, 2001)

November 16, 2001
Hey girl, I so know what you mean this is the first time that I have had the courage to post or put my neck out there I try to stay quiet but this one is in my area of expertise. I too am waiting for "the Date" and talk about struggling with that, I think my shrink is tired of hearing from me and so he just upped my meds lol :) I do have to ask though why would you be depressed after surgery? I would think that would be the time for all anxiety to hit the fan. Find something to do with that time that you sit and wait anxiously or depressed (pre-op). I started a web page with the primary focus on depression, maybe find one that is developed enough that coincides with the way you feel or about why you are depressed. Last but definately not least find a good buddy or an "angel" that can help you through this, shoot even a therapist to talk too go over anger, frustration, depression, and or anxiety because you've got a long ride ahead of you and sounds like you've just begun. p.s. it sounds like you dont like your doctor on your profile maybe that is a glimpse of why you feel this way maybe you should look around especially if you are pre-paying that much money and he still hasn't had the time to talk to you. Hope that this encouraged you and didnt bring you down more. Have a great night/day whenever you read this and God bless.
   — angel_wls

November 16, 2001
I have had depression problems too, lots of bad things happened in just a few years. 8 friends and family died, including my mom and step sister who was my age, even my old fiance... Then my diabetes got out of control. I was totally out of it but decided one thing , IF I survived surgery I would make the best of it..... When I woke up in recovery I was actually shocked and thrilled to be alive. Life is SO good, and I TRY to look at the positives every day, and laugh at most of the bad news,,,, For me its a new attitude to go with my new life. Read my profile it touches on my struggle.
   — bob-haller

November 17, 2001
I am now 3 1/2 weeks post-op and had a very similar situation as yours. As a matter of fact, I was forced to take time from work and went on disability while I did an intensive, outpatient program for mental health problems. I did that for about 1 1/2 months. It seems everything was going crazy, and although I was approved for surgery, I was concerned that I wouldn't have the "mind" to deal with the stress of surgery...yes, stress does comes after surgery despite what some may say. However, you can definitely look forward to your new (and improved) quality of life (and living). At any rate, is there a possibility of you joining a support group for WLS or even enrolling in intense group therapy until your date comes? More importantly, have you worked to get a support system set up AFTER the surgery. Please look into these things as they may keep you busy enough to not "think" about the depression so much, yet excited enough to look forward. I hope I didn't step on your toes with this...but it's what I tried, and I survived it :)
   — Kimberly D.

January 30, 2002
I have also been depressed on and off for about 10 years. I know exactly how you feel. I am waiting for the pschologist to send a letter to the surgen so I can submit my info to the insurance. I feel like I have been waiting so long for everything to be turned into the insurance but when I count its only been 4 months. I've tried to stay possitive but I feel I am wishing my life away. Every morning I get up and wish the day was over or wish for the weekend. I think I will feel better when I get a surgery date, I hope so anyway. I don't think everyone gets depressed afterward either. Some people seem to breeze through it. I am going to keep a positive attitude about being post-op hoping that I will be emotionally and physically ok.
   — Tracey K.

January 30, 2002
Depression has been my companion for as long as food has been my drug, I think. I have had depression even in those times in my life when my weight was reasonably normal. I continued to take my depression meds throughout my hospital stay, although we have made some adjustments in what I am taking. If you have true clinical depression, the weight loss will not eliminate it, but it can help you manage it. You will be able to move around more, and the ability to exercise will help you relieve stress. I am 5.5 months out and have had some real emotional swings, but the worst of that was in the first 6 weeks. This is a huge adjustment. While you will be focusing on your physical health, you cannot let your emotional health slide. Talk to your therapist about whether you should change meds (some people have weight issues on some meds), about how you will take them while you recover, stay in therapy, add a weight loss support group if at all possible. I don't know that depression gets WORSE, but you will be adding grief issues (loss of your good buddy, food)as well as relationship issues. To me, it has been worth every bit of it. I don't have the big swings I had in the first few weeks and I am able to do so many more things that I don't have time to "ruminate". However, I would not consider for a minute giving up my meds!!! Hang in there----this will be a long time commitment but it will improve your health so much that you will be a happier person.
   — mskarns

February 2, 2003
I have been treated for depression for 8 yrs. This last yr I have done well and medication free. But while I was under treatment I had found I grew tolerant to some medications and had to be switched after ayr or so on a couple of meds. They did find a combo that finally worked and I did great on it. Effoxor and xanax (I was also diagnosed Panic disorder). If the depression has suddenly gone off on a tangent maybe discuss swithcing meds but do so in plenty of time before wls to see if they work for you. Good luck. Jamie
   — Jamie M.