Question:
First time taking antidepressants and afraid of weight gain since SMO

I have been working with a psychologist for a while and our last session she suggested that I get on medication for my depression. I am 7 months post op and lost 110 pounds from 426. Right now my eating is out of control and I have no desire or motivation to do better. I know the medication will help me but at the same time I don't want to gain weight because that will definetly make the situation worse. Would like to hear from other post ops that started at my stats (5'10" 426) and have been taking anti-depressants. Which ones do you feel work best for you and what are the side effects. Thanks, Vesta    — vesta D. (posted on April 14, 2004)

April 13, 2004
I have been on anti-depressants for years. I have taken celexa, zoloft, prozac weekly and currently lexapro. I am much happier with the lexapro than I was with any other medication because the side effects are almost nill. I have not experienced any kind of weight gain since taking anti-depressants since my surgery. Don't be afraid that taking a pill is going to make you gain weight. If you are depressed, chances are that taking the medication is going to balance you out and you're going to feel much better and be able to control your eating more easily. Good luck to you. Hugs, ~Kristy (lap RNY 9/18/03 - 332/219/168)
   — kristynush

April 14, 2004
I am 15 months postop, and started taking Lexapro about two weeks ago. Pre-op I was 325, I'm 5'10", and have lost 155 pounds. I would characterize my eating as out of control too about two months ago, but started seeing a therapist for that. My PCP also put me on Lexapro, which I've taken for two weeks now. I do think I feel better, and I am better able to control my eating habits as well. I'm glad to hear from the previous poster that Lexapro has worked well for her, with few side effects. I was wondering about that.
   — raye

April 14, 2004
Hi, I have been taking antidepressants for about 2 years now, I tried many different ones until I found the right one for me. All of them have some sort of side effects which include weight gain or weight loss, and the ones I took were all weight gain issues for me. But now I am currently on Lexapro and have been for about a year and a half now, and I like it very much it helps and it has little to no side effects for me. At first I probably gained 5-10#, then no more, and since my surgery about a year ago I have lost around 150# so far and have done fine with the lexapro still. So you might want to check that one out if you end up taking any, but every person is different it just depends on your body. Good Luck to you!
   — Melodee S.

April 15, 2004
I'm 7 months out and started out at 468. I'm down 170+ right now. I was on good old fashioned Prozac for about a year before surgery. The only side effects for me were the godawful Prozac burps and a slight dampening of the libido. At about three months out I made a bad decision. I'd lost my prescrip and was on a long vacation and couldn't get it refilled, so I started doing without, thinking that the counseling and the weight loss might carry me through. Wrong! All I can say is, having experienced depression again through somewhat clearer eyes, I would never go back again! It is now a lot clearer to me how much good it was doing me. When I quit it, I gradually started feeling despondant, depressed, tired, munchy 24/7. I hit my first plateau recently, partly due to that. Going back on the 'Zac has really helped me get back on track, feel good about myself, and get with the program. Not to mention saving me from the brink of divorce! :) And these days, I guess the hormonal meltdown that comes with all this weight loss has counteracted the lowered libido effect. Anyway, I strongly suggest you do as your psychologist said and get on something. It doesn't have to last a lifetime, but remember to stick with it for the good month or so that it takes to really get to work in your system. The effects are so subtle and gradual, you may not recognize it working until one day it just hits you that hey, you feel great!
   — christied

April 15, 2004
Hi there! I have been on quite a few antidepressants in the last 2 years, including Celexa, Wellbutrin and currently Effexor XL. I have bipolar disorder, so I also take a mood stabilizer, Lamictal. If any of them had a weight gain issue with them - I certainly didn't care because of the VAST difference in personality and overall happiness. I quit eating due to boredom and stress. I quit "hiding" in my house and began exercising, lots of different things that actually counteracted any possible weight gain. My biggest issue taking antidepressants before they were prescribed for me was the stigma of being labled "crazy". Come to find out - it was only MY label and all my friends and family were very happy that I found something that returned me to "normal". Others may think that - but now I don't care! I'm doing great and wouldn't come off of them for nothing! Good luck - it may take a few med trials to find the combo that works for you. Barbie 281/239/150
   — BarbieCarroll

April 15, 2004
Stay away from Paxil and Luvox - they're associated with increased carb cravings. Wellbutrin and Effexor may have the opposite effect, and actually decrease your appetite (just make sure they're NOT extended release, because you won't absorb those properly). You doctor may not want to Rx Wellbutrin, though, because it can cause seizures in people who are losing lots of weight. The other popular anti-depressants, like Zoloft, Celexa, Prozac, Lexapro, may or may not affect your appetite, but I doubt they'd have a huge effect either way. Talk it over with your doc, but I would try and avoid the Paxil and the Luvox.
   — Patricia E.