Question:
Everything I have heard has been so positive so I feel very selfish asking this question, but has an

I had my surgery on March 1st of this year and I have never been so depressed in my life. I am crying all the time and I just get incredibly upset at the thought of what I have done. Did anyone else feel this way after surgery?    — Jennifer P. (posted on March 18, 1999)

March 18, 1999
Jennifer, You are soooooo normal. The depression is mostly shock from the surgery the anestesia and the fact that your normal eating routine is totally disturbed I regretted my surgery for the first few weeks, but this WILL pass. I promise. Most of what you are feeling is chemical. If you feel like talking call 760-360-3468. Allison -190lbs 1-9-97 surgery date
   — Allison Mupas

March 21, 1999
Jennifer, I don't know as I'm qualified to answer your question as I am a pre-op patient, however I've had some very wise counsel from a former WLS patient. I have been told and I tend to agree, that after such major surgery such as yours that you can't help but feel depressed and confused. Your entire life has just changed, your body has been invaided and your whole body is in upheaval. One might say "hormones run amuck" (sp ? sorry).I think you need to give yourself some more time to adjust to your "new life style" and try to keep a positive attitude. Also if you have a support group in your area that might be a source of help to you. You've only just begun your journey and your main goal is ahead of you. I hope I don't come across as a "know it all" sort of person because I really don't mean to be! I can only hope when I have my surgery I can be as positive myself. Best of luck to you, hang in there and have faith in yourself, it will get better!
   — wendy H.

March 30, 1999
I went so far as had a panic attack in the hospital. I was HORRIFIED at what I had done to myself. It is a major thing to go through and I would say discuss it with your counselor, and I say that with the thought that you HAVE to have counseling with this surgery. It is very important!
   — JAN C.

March 30, 1999
I cried and cried for about 2 weeks after my surgery. My poor husband didn't know what to do! This is going to pass. The surgery is a huge adjustment. All of the sudden you don't have food to comfort you. I didn't know what to do. Just hang in there for the first 2 months. You will be so happy you did. The surgery was one of the best decisions I ever made. If you really can't seem to come out of your depression, go to your doctor. He/she may be able to help you. Please feel free to email me if you would like to talk. Hang in there!
   — Linda H.

April 1, 1999
i too was incredibly upset...i did not let my boyfriend see me for a month...i refused to look in the mirror...i'm now 9 months out and i feel so much better...i still get depressed, but nothing like in the beginning...i think it is just such a big shock...it gets better believe me...michelle(-135#)
   — michelle N.

April 5, 1999
I don't know WHEN you posted your question...but yes it is NORMAL to be depressed and wonder what you have done to yourself. When the fat is liquified in our body it releases hormones that can wreck havoc on your system. Hang in there...if it isn't better by now, get a mood stabilizer from your doctor.
   — Ben R.

April 6, 1999
I also had my surgery this last March (4th), and I know what you are talking about. Its like mourning the lost of the old life -- now you have to time yourself between bites and not take liquids before and after meals, etc. You find you have to think even more about food now than when you did before. I had emotional issues (of which I had been seeing a therapist) prior to surgery, and the surgery keeps pushing me over the edge, also. I used food (as many people with our problem do) as a coping device (my ONLY coping device, actually!), and now that rug has been jerked out from under me - its like I have no safety net to fall back on for emotional support now. We can only hope it gets better -- I hope this helped, and I wish the very best to you.
   — Christina H.

April 28, 1999
Depression so soon after the surgery (2 months is still soon) is very NORMAL. Keep reminding yourself that it will pass, it may take several weeks but it WILL pass. I had those same questions while I was still in the healing phase. I'm over it now and so incredibly happy that I made the decision to have the surgery.
   — Susan G.

May 3, 1999
I just had my surgery 5 days ago. I woke up on the second day, screaming inside my head "What have I done!?" I was so lucky to have my mom there with me, she was great. She had told me before surgery to expect depression for awhile after surgery due to the anesthesia. I was on Paxil prior to surgery, went off for about 2 weeks and am now back on, and I have to say I feel much better and it seems that it will get me over the hump. Good luck to you, chin up, and go see your doctor.
   — patti S.

May 4, 1999
Feeling depressed after having your surgery is completely normal. I cried almost my hospital visit. I have heard that it has a lot to do with the anesthesia. It doesn't last forever...usually only a month or two.
   — Diane N.

May 7, 1999
I didn't experience the depression you're talking about, however many people I know did ... and I feel it's normal. I had a great support system in family and friends so that must've helped me alot. Things began changing so drastically and rapidly that I felt like I didn't know myself anymore. That was very confusing to me! I'd look in the mirror and not see the same 516lbs woman who went into the hospital for the surgery. One reason I think maybe that I didn't experience the depression was that I made a VERY calculated decision to have the surgery. I went into the hospital ON MY BIRTHDAY on purpose! I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. And I vowed that year, that I was going to have the surgery and give myself a new life for my birthday! As you begin to lose the weight ... think of how difficult your life was at 50lbs heavier, 75 ... etc. Think of the discrimiation, think of the looks and stares, and think to yourself, I did this to make myself healthy and well, and to give myself a better life than I was living before ... Maybe that will help. Another thing that I found was a wonderful little book called ... "14,000 Things to be Happy About" When I felt down or kept finding things to be upset about, I pick up that book and browse and always find something that makes me smile. SOMETHING
   — Sherrie G.

May 30, 1999
The first four months were the absolute toughest to get through. All the changes my body & psyche were going through seemed like torture! One year post-op, however, my outlook is much different. Hang in there! Your positive will come.
   — Pearl B.

June 28, 1999
I would suggest that you see a counselor. I have not had this type of surgery done yet but am at the starting phase. although I have had a hysterectomy done and suffered from post operative depression. Post operative depression is sometimes caused by the anesthesia used during surgery. I was already seeing someone at the time and just made extra appointments with her to talk about how I felt. It helped tremendously. Sometimes it takes an objective person to help you see the solution to the depression.
   — Linda M.

September 28, 1999
What is making you feel so down on yourself? Is it that you see the changes in your body, baggy clothes? Is it that you can't eat the foods you used to enjoy? Life is about changes, I know. I sympathize with you. Make a list of what feelings you are having and try to think of why it's making you so sad.
   — [Anonymous]

October 26, 1999
Jennifer, I had gastric by-pass sept. 21st and I feel as if the bottom has been knocked out of my life. its been five weeks and I am still weak from the surgery itself. then have developed a lactose intolerance which i never had befor. but I am greiving food!! I am realizing that I lived to eat. I loved food,I miss salads, meat, solid foods!!! this is the biggest adjustment of my entire life. I am on prozac and if I wasn't I would be crying all of the time. on the other hand I have lost 30 pounds and am already getting comments from people as to how good i look. I know in time my body will be healed and i will have more engery and feel better. so I am hanging in there. so glad that you had the courage to post this question. thanks for your honesty. Sara hatch
   — Sara H.

November 9, 1999
I know how you are feeling because I feel the same way. I am angry for so many reasons. I miss food, I miss bread, and I miss feeling normal. I'm told it will pass but am amazed that nobody seems to talk about it. I'm hear to commiserate with you.
   — Wendy G.

March 15, 2000
I see by the many responses that you are not alone with post ooperative depression. I had my surgery on sept 10, 1998; my pre-admission weight was 293, I now weigh 160. I struggle with depression as well (I take Wellbutrin) and I understand how confusing it is. So many people telling you how great you are looking and how well you seem to be doing and what your feeling inside is so different. Hang in there I truly believe that time helps. I am now scheduled for abdominoplasty surgery and a small hernia repair on May 2; slowly but surely I am putting myself and my life back together. I am registered so if you ever need support please e-mail me. sincerely, Edith Esper
   — Edith B.

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