Question:
Post-op depression is kicking my butt!
— Felissa L. (posted on December 5, 2001)
December 5, 2001
I'm sorry that you are having problems. When I had surgery they told me my
depression was from grief(the lack of the food that I depended on in all
types of emotion. Use to if I was sad,glad,crying,happy, Whatever THE
reason I turned to food) it is very hard to replace that with something
else. So finally it did get better. I hope it does for you too. Just hang
in there. It helps to talk to others who have been there where you are now.
We do understand. Good Luck!
— christine W.
December 5, 2001
Of course you're depressed. If your anything like me, when I had this
surgery I lost by very best friend in the whole world, who I had turned to
for decades, who soothed me no matter how late at night, it coated me to
protect me/insulate me from others, someone I was totally addicted
to--FOOD. Now I don't like the smell or taste of food. I make myself eat
what I have to. Don't get me wrong, I'm pleased that food doesnt direct my
day anymore but its still a great loss. Major surgery, new eating plans,
learning how to work the new pouch, new exercise, new weight loss, clothes
to big, people looking at you differently, having to relearn how to deal
with stressors, having a different relationship with food, having to deal
with issues instead of stuffing them away, etc. Man, we're going through a
lot! I too am on antidepressants and seeing a therapist but old habits are
hard to break. Trying to find new ways to deal with
stress,boredom,happiness, saddness, etc is hard to put into practice. We
have just undergone MAJOR changes in our lives. Its enough to throw anyone
off.
Give yourself time to relearn how to deal with stressors, time to learn
your new body plumbing and new eating plans and exercise plans. Don't rush
yourself, depression isn't something you can make change right away, it
takes time and patience. Learn the new tools your counselor gives you.
Practice makes perfect. We're all in the same boat.
— Helen B.
December 5, 2001
As the past posts have stated there is certainly reason to be depressed. I
had clinical depression before surgery and of course after. My concern is
your medication. Zoloft is not always strong enough for serious
depression. Many people need different medication. Could you see a
psychiatrist who deals with eating disorders and who would be able to
perscribe another medication, possibly suitable to you and your depression.
I have had to try different meds in the past and I go to a pscychiatrist
who specializes in food disorders. She has been a blessing to me. Hope
your feeling better soon and take care.
— Karen Renee
December 5, 2001
***coppied from last post in case you didnt see it***
Hey girl, sounds like you are right it is kicking your butt. Check into
your meds, see if they are working for you and what kind of previous
depression you had. Are you bi-polar, ptsd, there are many other things out
there or are you just plain depressed. Definately talk to your Dr. about
your meds and symptoms. I was fine on prozac for 4 years till I attempted
suicide on it, they immediately switched my meds needless to say. I have
been on zoloft, and wellbutrin and they have a time span of when they wear
off for some people but not all. It also will take up to 6 weeks for your
wellbutrin to take full affect since they upped it again. I definately have
felt like a pain in the butt, why aren't any medicines working for me. We
sound similar in that aspect. If you need someone to talk to I would be
happy to correspond with you, and if you think this post isn't worth the
time of day I am ok with that too. :o) Just be careful, I have been there
all too many times. ~Angel~ pre-op
— angel_wls
December 5, 2001
I am sorry that you are still so depressed. Maybe you should look into
RADER PROGRAMS. They are an eating disorder treatment center in southern
CA. They treat the whole patient not just the disorder. I know you don't
live in CA, but they have a web site www.raderprograms.com that will be
very helpful and you can always call to talk to their staff. Make sure to
read everything it may give you a better perspective on your depression.
Just a note: They specialize in all eating disorders (compulsive
overeating, bulimia, anorexia and all their causes). I never thought I had
an eating disorder cause I didn't starve my self or throw up but I now know
how to control my compulsive overeating. I mourned food for a while, now I
feed my BODY, not my emotions. Good luck with whatever happens.
— [Anonymous]
December 5, 2001
I'm sorry you're going through such a deep depresion, but I can really
relate to what you're saying about just sitting and not being able to pay
bills or do anything else.
I have severe depression and have gone through a number of anti-depressants
before I finally got one that works. Maybe you should ask your doctor to
let you try something different.
I am now taking Effexor. I have to have the dose upped every 9 mos. to a
year because I start going downhill in that time period, but once the dose
it upped I feel better. Depression
is awful ... keep trying & don't give up!!! OK? Good luck.
— Betty Todd
December 5, 2001
Depression scares me! I have spent to much of my life in the dark. I don't
want to any more. I have not had the surgery yet. 9 more days! I am
planning to have my Welbutrin increased to get ready for the blow. Thanks
for sharing your struggles because I'm sure they will be mine as well.
My tip- Exercise has always changed my out look on things. Maybe now that
you can exercise this will help you get the meds to kick in. GOOD LUCK!
— Lisa T.
December 5, 2001
I am almost 3 weeks post-op and have been crying on a daily basis. It
isn't my usual depression, which, believe me, I do have. I have been in
and out of hospitals for my depression and have been on every med in the
book. I do feel your pain. I haven't quite figured out what to do with
this depression either. Like I said, it's different from my other
depressions. Sometimes I'm fine, then out of the blue I start crying and
want to lock myself away and hide. You are not alone. I am sorry I don't
have any words of wisdom to help you, but maybe just knowing you are not
alone may help you find comfort, and know that there are many here willing
to talk to you and help you through this. I know that the people here at
this website have done wonders for me. I don't think I could get through
all of this without them. Feel free to contact me if you want to talk
through this. Maybe we can help each other. I would love it if people
willing to help me through this would contact me. Sometimes I feel so
alone.
— Janet C.
December 5, 2001
Felissa! First- be somewhat comforted in that you are not
alone:) I am almost 2 years out and let me encourage you-
it DOES get better. First- I suggest you talk to your Doc
about your meds- Your new tummy works completely differently
and your meds may not be absorbing enought to help you OR
they may no longer be effective for you. Secondly- BABY yourself!
I know at work you have to do the job, but try as much as
possible at home to do what comforts you. Now you need to
experiment because food can't be it anymore? If you are like me,
you may not know what is comforting since food did it so well.
Now is the time to find out. Some suggestions: hot baths,
good books (good books in hot baths!), fires in fireplaces,
candles, flannel (my personal fav- flannel sheets, fleece shirts,
flannel PJs- I love them all!), an addition to your wardrobe,
jewelry, naps, anything that makes you feel better!! It takes time,
so don't hurry, just enjoy! Also, although you may not want to hear
it- exercise helps- if you can bring yourself to do it:) A walk
will help with energy and overall well being- it is just
so difficult to get started. Try a 5-10 minute walk (not
high intensity or far- even just walk aroung Walmart pushing
a cart if need be). Try to do it daily, but don't overdo it
or you will just get more tired and frustrated. I sure feel
for you and I can tell you from experience, exercise really
helps. Good luck- I will be praying for you because I know
it isn't easy, but you can do it- hang in there!!
— M B.
December 5, 2001
I definitely know how you feel. I've tried several different
anti-depressant medications and I am now taking Effexor. It really works!!
As for the exercise that should really help as well! Exercising causes your
brain to produce more endorphins (those "happy" feelings). I was
also wondering, are you happy at your job? If you find a job that you
really enjoy doing, then you'll be able to have more focus at work. I hope
that you feel better soon!!! GOOD LUCK!!!
— Vanessa L.
December 5, 2001
Don't forget, too, that carbohydrate consumption increases brain levels of
serotonin, one important chemical that is depleted in depression. (This is
the chemical that antidepressants put back into balance, although there is
an effect by some meds on other chemicals, too.) There is also the fact
that those of us with sensitive brain chemistry tend to have prolonged
reactions to general anesthesia. (Many antidepressants are enteric-coated,
too, and may need cutting in half for optimal absorption; ask your
PHARMACIST, not just your surgeon, who may have no idea!) ....I
experienced post-op depression for about 3.5 months, and then it began to
lift. I had complications including nausea, and abdominal pain, and plateau
after long plateau, so my 3.5 months was probably on the long end...it
faded completely by 5 months. (Now, at 11 months out, and down 137lbs, I
feel lots better. I don't miss food much, and enjoy what I do eat. My
tastes have changed, so that I really like (!!) green beans, fish, beans,
lettuce and other healthful but not formerly inspiring foods. They were
always okay, and I ate a lowfat, low-sugar diet pre-op, but now these are
my mainstays.) ....What helped me most in the beginning was a
mega-B-complex vitamin, chromium picolinate and calcium (nervous system
support, stabilize blood sugar), modest exercise, regular sleep with
minimal napping after the first 2-3 weeks (too much sleep can worsen
depression), eating a balanced diet, staying fairly busy, dress well and
get out of the house at least 3-4 times a week (whether I feel like it or
not), talking to others on this site, crying heartily when I felt like it,
praising myslef for my courage and tenacity, forgiving myself for not
loving every minute of my "new life"....and reminding myself
daily that THIS IS A STAGE, and it will pass. And it DID pass. ----Best
wishes, don't lose hope, and write anytime ([email protected]). Hugs, Jesse
---P.S The latest thinking on depression which stops responding to
antidepressants after a few months, is that those people may have a type of
bipolar illess called "type II". An addition of small dose of
mood stabilizer--there are many choices now--can work miracles!
— Jesse M.
December 5, 2001
Some peoples depression lifts completely after surgery. I asked about this
at the support group meeting and its quite common. They think it has to do
with a self image problem, and fear over everything we go thru pre op. My
depression lifted completely shortly after surgery and was a GREAT and
wonderful surprise.
— bob-haller
December 5, 2001
I forgot to add, for diabetics the improved blood sugars that come with
weight loss often help mood swings.
— bob-haller
December 6, 2001
<HUGS> You are mourning the loss of your best
friend..."FOOD"! And that's a very painful thing! I know I am
right there with you. I am 9weeks post op open RNY(FOBI POUCH) The physical
part has not been as hard as the emotional part!! Now you will be feeling
all those things you used to be able to numb with food! It can be very very
overwhelming! I just started on an antidepressant myself. I am glad you are
getting help. It takes alot of courage to ask for that. It will get better
as you begin to discover other ways to cope with whatever life throws you.
Hang in there,email me if you need to talk...I know how you feel! It helps
to get it out!
— katherine H.
Click Here to Return