Question:
Did anyone else hit a big bump with depression 3 months post?

I've been so down it is awful. Trying to exercise is torture! I've lost 50 pounds and thought I would be so excited but am more depressed than ever. I guess I am still not over my divorce of 3 years ago, but I would have thought the weight loss would have helped my self-esteem. Anyone tried Zoloft with luck and without gaining?    — Sharon B. (posted on August 11, 2003)

August 11, 2003
hiya~ there are lots of issues that could be leading to your depression so you may not want to jump on meds quickly. for one thing, estrogen is produced in fat cells and as we lose weight, our fat cells shrink thus producing less estrogen. decrease in estrogen levels can cause depression until the body adjusts. also, any "issues or baggage" you had prior to surgery is still there but you cannot "deal" with it by eating so that brings up a whole new set of issues -- how to deal with stress. exercising is an excellent alternative to eating and right now while you are depressed it can be very hard to make yourself exercise but it is probably one of the best things you can do for yourself. counseling is also an excellent source of help. if you don't have a therapist i highly suggest getting one. also do you belong to a support group? being able to meet in person with people who have gone through your situation is great -- studies have shown that wls patients need at least 3 years of support post op. i'm not saying that zoloft won't help you but i think there may be other alternatives you can try before going onto medications. our bodies don't absorb some meds post op and we have to remember that each medication taken has to be processed through our livers which can add stress to your body. good luck kate
   — jkb

August 11, 2003
Hi, I understand completely, I have been there. However, I have had clinical depression most of my life and the surgery of course did not correct that imbalance. Lots of changes are taking place physically in your body now, which can also cause chemical changes. My advice is to help..even if it is for a temporary cause of depression. It still exists. I personally prefer Psychaitrist, because many times family Dr.'s misdiagnose problems...it's just not there specialty. However, if you have a good family physican it's always a good start. G-d Bless you and feel free to email me anytime. As my doctor said he operated on my stomach...not my head....!!
   — Karen Renee

August 11, 2003
I, too, went through the same thing. My doctor explained to me that women store excess hormones in fat and when you lose weight the hormones are displaced and wreak havoc. I was put on Paxil and felt better after about 3 weeks. I hope you too will find help somewhere! PS. I am now 9 months out and have lost 142 lbs...so there was no weight gain from Paxil for me!
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 11, 2003
I always worry about people who recommend trying to get out of depression on their own. That advice can have deadly consequences. Many of us are on antidepressants. Some just take it them for awhile, until all of these changes to our bodies calm down and other's who are chronically depressed, take them for a life time. Most depressions are due from a chemical imbalance and are just like any disease. Fortunately we have meds for this problem. Do not blame yourself or your lifes problems until you are properly diagnosed. Of course therapy always helps too. Antidepressants are a tool, just like the surgery is a tool.
   — faybay