Question:
How do you know when it's just post-op depression?

My husband and I have been married for almost 5 years and I just turned 24 years old. I am 3 months post-op and going through some pretty tough depression, I am on medication for it. But lately I really have been questioning my marriage...can I really stand to be in this for the long haul, kind of stuff. Is this also something that you go through after the surgery?    — Carrie F. (posted on May 20, 2001)

May 19, 2001
Carrie - I'm still pre-op, so I don't have in the first hand experience to offer. However, I have been reading a lot about the post-op experience...and it seems that we have a lot of estrogen pumping about when we start losing all the weight...and it can affect emotions!! My suggestion is give it some time. You might still be questioning it...but at least it will be with a "clearer" head. Best of luck to you.
   — blee01

May 19, 2001
I think the mood swings are common. But I also am a big believer in therapy 'all along the way' if you find yourself struggling. Pills for the 'symptom' but often will not help the 'cause'. A therapist can help you wade through the murky waters. Good luck to you.
   — Nancy Z.

May 20, 2001
Carrie, I went through a period of deep depression right after my surgery. I first wondered, why did I do this?, then, my thoughts went to, why am I not losing quicker?, then to, why am I married to this man for 34 years? I am now almost 9 mos. post-op and the good news is, all of that has stopped. I now love life, my husband and this surgery!!! Hope this helps some... Good Luck!
   — Sandra Lee R.

May 20, 2001
Hi Carrie...I'm a little over 5 weeks post op and I feel the same way...depressed...anxious and wishing the weight would come off faster! I'm real crabby most days and I'm always biting off someones head for no good reason...it sucks..but I hear it will pass...I'm just hoping it does soon!! Still have no energy and most days I just drag. My doctor says that by week 8 I should be feeling much better. I really hope so....I sometimes wonder WHY I did this to myself. That's when I have to STOP..and start thinking more positive thoughts. Things will get better...but we have to be patient. All good things come to those who wait...*S* Anyways...best of luck to you..and give yourself more time..things can only get better! Take care.
   — [Anonymous]

May 20, 2001
If you were depressed before surgery then you are gonna have it a bit more afterwards. Your emotions are all over the place. If your husband is not supportive then that can add to the depression. My doctor changed my meds after my surgery. Maybe you will have to do that too if you don't see an improvment soon. Get together with some supportive people, person, thats very important now. As you feel better about your decision and your weight loss you won't need as much support, you will be much stronger, to stand up and tell it like it is. I think at that time you will have a better understanding of what it is you need. Obviously there is something lacking, and of course self-esteem is one of our biggest problems. Find someone that makes your day and spend more time with them. Take care. Margaret
   — Margaret S.

May 20, 2001
Carrie, I suffered from major depression 2 years before surgery. I was finally taken off meds a year before the surgery and was doing fine. I DID however tell my surgeon about this and asked for a consult in the hospital with a psychologist. I had major depression from the anesthesia even in the hospital. It all seems to go away as a few months passed but, then hit me again like a lead balloon a few months ago. Major depression again. I have to say that I am not sure that the surgery had anything or everything to do with it but...I do know that my body processes things differently now, and I don't produce iron or calcium so I have to wonder if I am also not producing any seratonin anymore(which causes depression). There are many worse things to be on than antidepressants. If you have been taking them now for at least a month, and they are not helping you, you need to ask the doctor to try a different one. If you had a happy marriage before surgery and have truly evaluated this, then please don't do anything rash until you find a medication that works for you. One can really mess up one's life living with depression if it's not treated. I wish you all the luck in the world. I don't know what meds you are on but the doctor just put me on Serzone and it works very well for me. I just didn't trust Prozac anymore with all of the things that have been said recently about it. I also gained 40 pounds from it last time I was on it. Again, good luck to you.
   — Barbara H.