Question:
If you are depressed can you still have wls

   — msvolouptous (posted on June 8, 2005)

June 8, 2005
I was diagnosed with clinical depression two years before having surgery. I was ok when I had the psych evaluation pre-surgery but even if I had been depressed, they were only looking to make sure I was realistic about the effects and understood the dangers. Godd Luck.
   — Jennifer R.

June 8, 2005
YES! In most cases morbid obesity and Depression go hand and hand. WLS has a wonderful track record in helping with depression... I am taking part in a study right now! Good Luck, Amber
   — septembergirl73

June 8, 2005
Yes you can, but might I recommend some kind of talk therapy during the weight loss. The emotional ride of this roller coaster is drastically understated, in my opinion.
   — RebeccaP

June 9, 2005
There was a study published fairly recently in I think the Ameica Medical Association's journal that WLS made people who were depressed, less depressed. (Which I thought was a bit obvious thing to study, I mean like DUH!) On the other hand, I would think the surgeon will want to look at what is going on how "stable" you are as weight loss can also cause emotional problems to show up that weren't there before or exaberate problems. (Been there done that with a different weight loss method.) All this being said, I also am bi-polar/depressive and have been approved for surgery.
   — Jenny X.

June 9, 2005
It should not disqualify you. I have not found as much relief in my depression symptoms as I had hoped from from my weight loss. I definitely do feel better about my self, but my depression is still bad. So losing weight may help your depression, but it may not.
   — Cosmo K.

June 9, 2005
I have had chronic depression for years, and it lifted quite a bit after surgery. I am now 2 1/2 years out and it has returned in full force. My profile talks a lot about it if you care to read it. The important thing, is be aware of your feelings, be sure it is properly treated and don't feel afraid to ask for help if you are not doing well. Huggs to you and best of luck.
   — **willow**

June 10, 2005
I would suggest that if you are required a Psych exam that you use your doctors recommended psychiatrist. I went to one that wasn't afiliated to my surgeon and he denied me because of my "past depression". I ended up going to a different surgeon and using his psych doc.
   — SJP

June 10, 2005
I've had depression ALL my life. Yes, I had wls. They need to know you are getting help and doing what you can. Weight loss will not automaticly stop depression although it can help it. We are all different and will have different emotional results after wls.
   — Danmark