Question:
14mos post-op and still depressed

I am 14mos post op and still suffering depession. The moment i came out of a surgery I knew I wasn't the same emotionally. My surgeon wanted to prescribe prozac but i turned him down thinking that i would feel better as time went on, only i dont feel better. I have actually alienated friends, am moody, and very emotional. I keep to myself a lot and all I can seem to say to anyone is that I just want to be left alone. I have lost a total of 175lbs and am satisfied with the the wt. loss and am not to far away from my goal (approx 90lbs left to go) but I just can't seem to shake this feeling funk. I am seriously considering going on meds as I dont feel as though I have any other recourse. I just want to be able to enjoy my wt. loss and feel happy about life.    — Lynne C. (posted on October 2, 2000)

October 1, 2000
Hi, Have you tried counseling? Anti-depressants are very helpful and you probably should try them, however, if you have emotional issues, seeing a therapist in conjunction with taking the meds would probably help you through this stressful time in your life. You deserve to be happy, do anything you have to do to achieve it.
   — kaydeeb16

October 2, 2000
Lynne, Hi! Cheer up. You've done extremely well. I have this illness as well and I can tell you medicine is the way to go. When my depression was a its peak Paxil helped the most (better than Prozac). I agree with Ray that psychotherapy is rarely of value. It's easy for them when it's not their wallet they're talking about (just my 2 cents). Try to find a very nice doctor whom will give you medication maintenance appointments quarterly. Good luck and way to go... Jennifer.
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 2, 2000
Lynne ... congratulations on your weight loss, and on keeping your head through this difficult time! I agree with Ray. Most depression is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain, not some serious character defect. I'm been on meds for chronic clinical depression (in my case -- lucky me -- it's genetic AND chemical) for about ten years, and I don't feel any different about them than the Tylenol I take for headaches. It's the stuff I use to level out my mood so I don't feel like lying under a bus and waiting for it to move. The meds can really help you regain your equilibrium ... I would strongly suggest you talk to your doctor. If you think you need counselling, I'd suggest that, too ... but, speaking from experience, I went to about ten counsellors/shrinks/assorted head doctors before someone just prescribed the medication I needed. Best of luck to you ...
   — Cheryl Denomy

October 2, 2000
I also suffer from depression. I have a strong family history of depression so I think my depression will always be with me and not go away with weight loss. I have been on anti-depressants for several years now. I currently am on 40 mgs. of Celexa and have been doing great on this for about 4 years or so. I don't cry at the drop of a hat, I sleep better, I have better energy throughout the day and can handle person problems more effectively than before. I used to have a problem with "taking a pill every day to be okay" since both of my parents are alcoholics. I didn't want to be dependent on something like them. However, my former employer once said something to me that made me realize how depression was just like any illness such as diabetes. He said, "You taking anti-depressants is just like a diabetic having to take insulin. That is their problem and depression is yours." Too many people are embarrassed to talk about their problems with depression. However, I openly discuss my depression with anyone when the subject comes up. I think more and more as people make others aware of just how common depression is, then it will not be known as such a personal defect. Don't hesitate to see a doctor about taking anti-depressants. They work, I'm living proof! The difference in your life is great!
   — Toni2760

October 2, 2000
I have not yet had WLS, but I have experienced low level depression for years. I finally turned to meds and have never been happier. I know there area lot of stigmas about drugs, but there area also a lot of stigmas about WLS. The fact is we all have to find what is right for ourselves. I use Effexor and have no side effects, except for wild dreams if I miss a dose. I have bad days like everyone else, but I feels as though I suffer far fewer uneccessary lows. I wish you good luck. Kelly
   — kellyanne

October 2, 2000
I have not yet had WLS, but I have experienced low level depression for years. I finally turned to meds and have never been happier. I know there area lot of stigmas about drugs, but there area also a lot of stigmas about WLS. The fact is we all have to find what is right for ourselves. I use Effexor and have no side effects, except for wild dreams if I miss a dose. I have bad days like everyone else, but I feels as though I suffer far fewer uneccessary lows. I wish you good luck. Kelly
   — kellyanne

October 2, 2000
Lynne...I went on prozac about 3 years ago, I didn't need "someone to talk to"...made me feel a lot better...now days I only go on for about 3 months then I'm fine....then months later I feel like I need it again, so I just go back on it...Go see your doctor, sounds like at this time it would be worth a try for you.
   — Debora H.

October 2, 2000
Wow, I did not realize how many of us have depression in common. Like the others, mine dates back many years and I have tried several anti-depresants (zoloft, prozac, welbutrin and several others). Let me join the chorus, GET HELP!!! It can make all the difference. Here's wishing you the best.
   — Eric R.