Question:
What is a good medicine to take for depression after rny??

I had open RNY on Jan 5th of this year. I weighed 408 when I had surgery and now weigh 285. I am extremely proud of my weight loss, but at the same time am finding myself REALLY depressed. I know its just my hormones from losing weight so fast, but I really need something to help me. I am taking 20 mg of lexapro, but it is making my depression worst. Does anyone have any ideas or comments I can take with me to my doctor?    — jackie L. (posted on May 21, 2009)

May 21, 2009
Is it your shrink or your PCP prescribing the Lexapro? Several years ago, my PCP put me on meds for depression and insomnia, but they were making it worse. I was beginning to think about suicide, and knew I was in trouble. I called several shrinks, but none of them were taking new patients, so in desperation, I called my EAP. I was truthful about what was going on, and they told me to stay right where I was (next to the phone), and they'd call me back as soon as possible with a shrink who could see me. Well, I got in to see him right away, and instead of depression, he diagnosed me as being bipolar type 2, which means that although you can be in the pits of depression, your manic episodes are so hypomanic that most people think you're just acting normal for once. They put me on a medication specifically to treat bipolar type 2, and gave me some meds for anxiety and panic disorder, and I haven't had a depressed day since. Although finding the right medication was an adventure.... one med - Geodon - just zombied me right out. My kids and my partner and the rest of my family all wrote letters to the doctor documenting my unresponsive behavior. You just need to work with your doctor - and I recommend finding a shrink instead of relying on your PCP or surgeon - to find a medication that is right for you. If you ARE bipolar, something like Lexapro is the worst thing you can take. It will make you MORE depressed. Also, my surgeon was adamant that I not discontinue my meds until at least a year out from surgery, because he says that a LOT of patients suffer from depression afterwards. I hope this helps. Good luck to you!
   — Erica Alikchihoo

May 21, 2009
Hi I had RYN July of 08 and have lass 151 pounds I had and was on depression meds prior to surgery I take Zoloft I have had no problems taking it since surgery I too felt more depressed at a time when I was melting away and was thinking about not looking smaller well u know when are heads do not catch up with are bodies anyway and hormonal I am sure and the meds helped alot Its crazy to think somethings sometime:) I also take meds at night for anxiety I see a physcologist ata a behavrial clinic (mental) 1 x every 3 months to get my meds my pcd does not give me these meds she feels better to let the phyclogist handle it. GREAT JOB on the weightloss keep up the great work its a blessing the new us best wishes Tammi
   — Tammi Sandoval

May 22, 2009
I wonder why some people refer to psychiatrists as "shrinks"? Does anyone know this answer? I would think wls surgeons should be called "shrinks".
   — Muggs

May 22, 2009
See about finding a good counselor to help you work through the issues you , and most of us, have been avoiding by eating. WOW marvelous weight loss!! You keep it up. Meds may take a while to get figured out, but they work fine after wls.
   — trible

May 22, 2009
I tried Lexapro and it did nothing for me, and I eventually got more depressed on it. I also tried Celexa (which also did nothing) and Wellbutrin (which made me feel better but had very bad side effects). I am on Cymbalta and LOVE it. I have been on it for about 7 months now and it has made such an incredible difference. But if you are going to take antidepressants, I also think you need to see a therapist/counselor. Antidepressants really only fix your brain chemistry so that you can think clearer, concentrate better, and have the ability to work on your "problems". The therapist/counselor helps you get the tools that you need to work through the problems. (On a side note, studies have also shown that antidepressants + therapy has a much higher rate of success and lower rate of relapse than antidepressants alone.) Also, if you are concerned about money, you should talk to the doctor about reduced payments. I have an incredibly good doctor, her normal rate is $165, but after we met and we determined that I would probably be coming every week for a while, she gave me a reduced rate of $105 per session, which makes a big difference! Many cities also have mental health clinics that might have reduced rates for low income clients and/or they can point you to cheap/free support groups that can be of help. Good luck!
   — ads2e

May 22, 2009
my best medinice is an up beat attudtte find something you like to do and go for it . i took prozac when i was younger that was in 93 i always find something i like to do and go for and since my surgery january 5th of this year i feel better then i have in a long time i always go around with a smile it makes poeple wounder what i am up to you made frist your step with your surgery congrats on your weight loss i was at 355 lbs before surgery and lost 50 lbs before surgery and since then i lost about 53 lbs i am now at 250lbs . dont let depression get a hold on you try to keep your in good mood and smile on you it make poeple wounder what your up to and when someone tell's you how good you look feel good snd say thank you sandy
   — sandy fairweather

May 24, 2009
"Keeping a smile on your face" is not the answer the question of how to deal with depression. If you have been diagnosed by a doctor with depression it is a REAL diagnosis with REAL treatment. You should seek help before it gets any worse. I have not had my WLS yet but I do have many years on meds for depression. I went off them against the advice of my shrink and it was a HUGE mistake. I thought since I was feeling better I didn't need them. Lucky for me I respond quickly to the medications and got back on track with little damage done. I do agree that your PCP or surgeon is not the best doctor to prescribe antidepressants. My old PCP put me on Paxil and I gained 40 pounds in one month. A good psych is the best place to start. They will find the right med and right dosage for you. I don't skip therapy. I go every other week whether I think I need it or not. It's really hard when you are in the middle of a depressive crisis but just remember that it will go away (it always does). We are here to help talk you through it. Great job on your weight loss BTW! ~Monica O'Neal
   — socalnascargal