Question:
has anyone gotten depressed before surgery?

I am still going through the testing stage of getting my surgery and Yesterday, I was so depressed all I did was cry! I know I want this, and although my family all supports me, I feel like they don't realize what a life altering decision this was for me! It started after I read the memorial pages and seen that there was someone on there that was my age with a kid (like me)and I was overcome with this sadness! Is this normal? It isn't second thoughts because the idea of not having it made me even more upset! Any help would be great!    — jennifer S. (posted on April 18, 2004)

April 18, 2004
I think we all go through depression, anxiety, excited, scared, happy, nervous...and what your feeling is normal, and to be expected, this is a life changing decision and its good to go through every aspect and thought of how this will effect you and your family for the rest of your lives. If you feel this is the right choice for you, and you have done alot of soul searching, as well as research you will, gain piece of mind and except this is your best decision. All of the pre op testing, is to be sure you are stong enough physicaly to undergo the wls surgery, the docs dont want any suprises either. But you also have to be mentally prepared, and go into this with a positave attiude, and you will do great. :0)Good luck to you on your journey. Ps, for myself this is the the best thing I could have done for myself as well as my family, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Enjoying the ride :0)
   — wizz46

April 18, 2004
Oh yes I was....just look at my profile! You'll see all my pre-op struggles because getting to have surgery took me almost 2 years! Then read my post-op and you'll see the tone has got much better! Not that I'm saying WLS is a fix all, but the fact alone that I'm "in-control" of my eating...the part of my life I felt no control over...it's like someone took all the heavy books off my shoulders! It's been such a relief! So I know how worried you must be and that's completley normal...but believe me this is SO worth it! Hope you feel better and feel free to E-mail me with any questions.
   — mzcath

April 18, 2004
yes, i went through every emotion there was , i think , i was happy one min , and crying the next and my family thought i was crazy . but they say that is normal because ur dealing with the decision u made to have this surgery . and believe me it is a good one . if i had to do it again i would . because i think it would help me out .
   — lizzie72

April 18, 2004
Jennifer - This is a huge risky surgery. You are bound to have emotions concerning it. About 3 days before I had my surgery my boss sent me home from work because I was crying so much and pretty much snapping at everyone that came within a few feet of me. It was just the stress finally catching up with me. I hope this helps. I am sure you will do great. I had my surgery a little over a year ago now and have lost 153lbs so far. I wouldn't worry to much about this. GOOD LUCK with your big day!!!
   — Carissa A.

April 18, 2004
What you are going through is completely normal. Have you been to any pre-op support group sessions? They might help you to connect to others at the same stage you are at. I think my depression pre-op came from realizing that my obesity had brought me to such an extreme solution. Good luck to you.
   — Yolanda J.

April 19, 2004
Yesterday must have been National Depression for Pre-Ops day. Because I was SOOO depressed and cried for no reason! My surgery is 28 days away and Im so ready for it...but its like Im depressed and have NO ONE to talk to. I talk to people online but thats not the same as having someone in person who actually understands you! I hope things start looking up for you....each day is a new day and before we know it OUR day will be here!! Take care!
   — Valerie03

April 19, 2004
I know I am going through the same issue myself. As a matter of fact I had my psych eval last Friday and when she asked me the question about dying-I lost it. I to have small children and wonder about the decision. I do think it is a normal process because we have to know it is possible. But it would hurt less no to know. Love from Oklahoma. Tammie
   — tammie R.

April 19, 2004
hi jenifer, yes i was super depressed before surgery..partly cause i di not know as a single mom and no family what i would do with my baby...there was fear of dieing, fear of it not working , depression over the foods i thought i would have to give up foreever...i was just plain scared..fat in some ways was my protective cover...how would i be thin , how would i react to others...all so normal..its a serious surgery with risks..so its normal to be scared and or depressed....pleas eread my profile..it says alot..hugs Dawn
   — sweetdarling_ab