Question:
What causes depression in the post-op patients?
I've read so many profiles of people that have had great success with this surgery and yet suffer from depression. Some say it's the estrogen being released from your fat cells as they shrink. Some say the surgery wreaks havoc with your hormone levels. Is this something I have to look forward to since I am very prone to depression? — kathleen-Joan piper (posted on April 26, 2003)
April 26, 2003
Good question Kathleen....I am worried about that too. I wonder what
medication is recommended for WLS patients who have already lived through
that Hell. (Pre-op - Surgery date 6/17/03)
— Kim W.
April 26, 2003
That is very interesting to ask. I was just wondering about that same
issue. I'm depressed (3-weeks post op) and I'm thinking to myself, I
should be extremely happy. I know I'm going to lose a bunch of weight in
the next 6-months....I am guranteed a change in my weight and
appearance....so why am I depressed. I also quit smoking as a result of
this surgery, and am mourning the smoking big time. Plus, I don't have a
concrete marriage and know that it will be falling apart soon. So maybe
that answers my question why I'm depressed. :)
But that's a GREAT question, depression does happen after this surgery for
some. Maybe because it's such a big change. Mourning certain foods.
— Kim L.
April 26, 2003
True clinical depression would probably not be much affected by weight loss
or gain. Feeling blue or down about weight issues doesn't necessarily
signal true depression. Having surgery did not cure my depression, but I
am able to take the same meds I was taking pre-op to treat it. I think the
only restriction on anti-depressant meds is that you can't take extended
release forms of them.
— garw
April 26, 2003
Unless you need prescription meds for treatment of depression, I would
focus on EXERCISE. I know when I slacked off this winter it clobbered me!
Even when I used to take depression meds in the past, it helped a lot to
just walk. Today I got off my butt and went to a Yoga Workshop at the Y,
plus I took the dog for our evening walk. Tremendous difference in how I
feel at the end of the day. Some days you really really have to push
yourself to do it but it is so worth it. I just watched a "secrets of
celebrity fitness" show on Discovery Health Channel, I think it was.
LL Cool J, one of the hottest bods out there, said no matter what workout
regime you choose, just be consistent. Nike says it best "Just Do
It" - Anna LAP RNY 7/3/02 -123lbs.
— Anna L.
April 26, 2003
Does anyone have an answer to this question --??? PLEASE. What causes
it? Does the depression last a long time?
— Allee Z.
April 26, 2003
I just had my doctor prescribe an anti deppressent as I was running on
empty and very tired. I guess I really needed it as I need less sleep, and
have taken an interest in many things I used to enjoy but was having a hard
time with. I can only say that my brain said you should be happy, you had
the surgery, and you are losing weight, but my body was not listening. It
really has helped me out a lot. My husband has noticed a difference in my
spirit. I waited too long I think because I was in denial and was ashamed.
Now I wonder why! I feel so much better.
— Laura K.
April 26, 2003
I have always suffered from depression until AFTER my surgery - no
depression since. Ok, I've had minor moments - and I do mean moments where
I've been glum but not depressed and certainly not clinically where I've
needed meds to recover. For some it gets worse and for others better. 9
months out and down 145 pounds.
— [Deactivated Member]
April 26, 2003
My response to this question is: when you are sad what do you turn to? Mad?
Happy? Depressed? The answer is food, we all know we do it...now after
having the gastric bypass surgery we can no longer eat the same as we did
before the surgery. So our "friend" (food) is no longer there to
comfort us. We can no longer sit in front of the tv and eat a whole bag of
chips of cookies like we used to. So my advice for you is to turn to
something productive for yourself like exercise, swim, walk your dog if you
have one, take your kids to the park or on a bike ride, get a hobby,
redecorate your house, wash your car, get your nails done or a pedicure,
plant a garden or flowers and soon that urge to use food as a crutch for
comfort will go away (in time). Not only will you feel better and not be
depressed but you will learn to use food for fuel instead of comfort! Good
Luck to Everyone :)
— Therissa W.
April 26, 2003
Besides the profound sadness in losing one of our best friends (food), we
have also slapped our hormones silly! mY surgeon explained that our
hormones are stored in our fat; start removing the fat in large quantities
and you can imagine what could easily happen to our hormones.
— Gail G.
April 26, 2003
WLS is MAJOR surgery! Surgery is very depressing. (I should know). Our
bodies are in pain, and have to put their resouces into healing. It is
depressing. It's normal, and will pass in time. Plus with WLS we are not
getting the nutrician we should after a major surgery! Heck, the body would
make the mind depressed. lol. We really should cut ourselves some slack. ;)
I think my depression lasted around 4-6 weeks but everyone is different.
Just realize that it is normal. Do what your surgeon says, and be as kind
to your body as you can. It will probally pass.
— Danmark
April 27, 2003
Dont' look forward to it. I read this all the time preop.. and I never had
a problem.. I think it helps sometimes to have a really good idea what
you're in for.. and to know that yes, you might be sad some.. but all out
depression isn't necessarily a stage in your journey. Yes, some people are
depressed.. and I've had my times in my life, though they were years and
years ago.... if you don't generally suffer from depression, I'd guess you
can get through without it. I did.
— Lisa C.
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