Question:
Has anyone post op found they no longer need anti-depressants?

I have been on 30 mg. of Prozac for several years and wonder if after WLS and a significant weight loss, I may not need to continue (or at least can cut down on the dosage.    — [Anonymous] (posted on April 28, 2001)

April 28, 2001
YES,YES,YES!!!I think the sleep apenea depressed me as well as the self-loathing I had. Those feelings are gone ,so is 120lbs and my Prozac! I always felt so inferior , so out of place, so ashamed of myself. Now I am so happy to be alive and feel so much healthier (am so much healthier) I look forward to each day , and I thank God for that. Last night I watched the re-broadcast on MSNBC of the WLS stories . A fellow "traveler" said it so well , she said 'My worst day Post op is not as bad as my Best day Pre op was' she is so right. God bless you.
   — Rose A.

April 28, 2001
I take Effexor (150 mg.) daily and I think(?) I still need it because of stress on the job. I'm afraid that if I don't take it I'll get a big case of the Screaming Meanies.
   — [Anonymous]

April 28, 2001
My situation was a little different. I had major depression for 10 years. Last year, I had electric shock treatment which FINALLY cured my treatment resistent depression. After that I was toptally ready to have this surgery as the pills of the last 10 years only did one thing for me....made me gain weight. Now, I am loosing it and soon to be my old self again. I am just sorry I had to suffer so long. But very happy to be alive and that I am heading down a new path. And to think I almost committed suicide. There is always hope. Nomatter what the situation.
   — Nancy Z.

April 28, 2001
Yes. Thank God I no longer have to take medicine that has side effects as bad as the reality I was living through.
   — [Deactivated Member]

April 28, 2001
I am only 1 month post-op, but I have not gone back to my Wellbutrin since surgery. I have been treated for depression, on and off, since my teenage years. I am hoping never to have to take medicine for depression again!
   — [Anonymous]

April 28, 2001
My doctor said they don't want you to change right away if you are currently taking an anti-depressant. He said that you go through so many changes and emotions right after surgery that it is best to stay on the medication for several months, anyway. Good luck.
   — Lindsey G.

April 29, 2001
I was switched to Paxil pre-op, (from Celexa) because Paxil is available in a liquid for post-op. I have never been as comfortable with the Paxil but figured I hadn't given it enough time to get going yet. Well, I d/c'd it on my own last week for 5 days, and I had a rough week. The psychologist I saw at my surgeon's office pre-op recommends staying on any anti-depressant you're taking pre-op for at least 3 month post-op. Needless to say, I'm back on the Paxil, and feeling much better. I do hope to get off of it in a couple months, but for now... I guess I need it. Long story short, don't be in a hurry to change this part of your life too. SO many changes will be taking place post-op.... take them one at a time. Smilin' Springtime Wishes!
   — Laurie L.

September 8, 2001
I was on prozac, 20mg daily, and am 2 weeks post-op. I haven't taken any in about 1 week, and am doing fine without it. I actually feel much better. Just check with your doctor, that's what I did, and got the OK to go off it.
   — wendykdental