Question:
I AM STRUGGLING WITH POST-OP DEPRESSION

I'M 6 WKS. POST OP.. SURGERY WENT WELL ,IT WAS HARDER THAN I EXPECTED,BUT RECOVERY WAS AVERAGE. I'VE LOST APPROX. 30 LBS. I FELT SO FORTUNATE TO GET A 2ND CHANCE AT LIFE. I CAN'T SEEM TO SHAKE WHAT I BELEIVE IS DEPRESSION. I,VE NEVER BEEN TROUBLED W/ DEPRESSION,BEFORE. WHY NOW , BAFFLES ME.I KEEP THINKING IT WILL RUN IT'S COURSE. ANYONE EXPERIENCED W/ POST OP. DEP. THAT WASN'T TROUBLED W/ IT BEFORE SURGERY AND SUGGESTIONS?    — PAM W. (posted on October 24, 2001)

October 23, 2001
Go get help. If it is true depression, you cannot help it. A lot of times it is hormones and chemicle imbalances that we have no control over.Depression is much more recconised (sp)and there is nothing to be ashamed about. It is NOT a sign of being weak. I suffered with it years ago, tried to "shake it" on my own. Boy, was I fooling myself. I did counceling and took antidepressants(Prozac)for 6 months.I swear, it saved my life. I did fine after surgery, but I know it is debilitating to go through with it.
   — Marie A.

October 23, 2001
There could be several reasons for depression. One could be what was suggested by the first respondant - hormones, chemical changes. Another could be the fact that when feelings of depression arouse prior to the surgery, you turned to food to "medicate" those feelings, so they never really came into your consciousness. Now - no "medication" - so you're more aware of the feelings. Also, your life is about to change and, while the thought of that can be exciting and exhilirating, it can also be quite scary. The fear of the unknown, of not being able to deal with the changes, etc. can also be contributing to the depression. I agree with the previous writer - get some counseling, try a support or therapy group and, perhaps an anti-depressant is in order. It will pass, especially if you deal with it. I've suffered with depression myself (prior to surgery), I know how awful it can feel, but it can be dealt with. Good luck.
   — Nancy Z.

October 23, 2001
Hi Pam: I too suffered some pretty bad post-op depression, because I had complications for 5 weeks after surgery. I too thought, WHAT DID I DO.??? But I woke up one morning, and realized I had more to be happy about, because I was on my way to recovering and over #50 lighter. I promptly picked my (LIGHTER) butt up off of the couch got as dressed up as I could with the way my clothes fit, and went shopping...Funny thing is, my clothes didn't feel any bigger at home, but out trying on new ones, I bought 3 sizes smaller...that got me UNDEPRESSED really fast. I still have days where I feel a little blue and can't have that cheeseburger and fries to fix it, but on those days I go buy my Dog a present. Just seeing her get all excited makes me LAUGH ALOT ! ! ! !
   — Joi G.

August 30, 2006
hi. you took the words right out of my mouth! i am 2 months post op and right after the first month, i fell into a horrible depression. this feels very new for me. it's scary too. i've started an anti-depressant. it's called cymbalta; fairly new and great results. i don't want this depression to sabatoge the exhiliration of weight-loss. p.brown
   — phyllisbrown

August 31, 2006
Depression is a commmon side effect after ANY surgery. any surgery is a huge physical trauma to our bodies. Anesthesia. Pain meds may contribute to depression. Disrupted sleep cycles from taking the pain meds and from the pain itself. Then there is the stress of knowing your body is permanently changed. Fear of not being able to be successful. Enormous lifestyle changes hitting all at once., and no way to back out. Losing food as a comfort mechanism. If you are feeling depressed for more than 2 weeks it is quite important to speak with your Dr. If you are having problems sleeping, feeling sad, crying a lot, you may be depressed and need some help to get thru. If you have thoughts of harming yourself. Please call a dr for help immediately. HUGS! hang in there and keep us posted.
   — **willow**

August 31, 2006
I am 1yr post op and I do have problems w/ depresion and sleeping which stems from the depresion. I seem to get depressed about day to activities, working not being where I would like to be financially. My doc has put me on Ambien to help sleep at night and she is trying me on Lexapro for the depression. I have been taking sleep -aid pills for several months now to help me sleep. I have seen a little bit of change as far as the depresion goes, I seem to have more patience at times when it involves my son and daughter and my fiance'. So if you are haing similar problems I suggest you speak to your doc asap. Good Luck and keep me posted.
   — natika

March 25, 2011
I am having a hard time with depression too. They gave me oxycontin for pain which seemed to make me really happy and now that I am not taking it I am a teary eyed blubbering mess. I have bipolar and I was trying to avoid something like this. I feel very alone. It is nice to read that I am not the only one dealing with this.
   — Bonny D.