Question:
ANYONE TAKE ANTI-DEPRESSANTS FOR YEARS....
PRIOR TO HAVING WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY. DID YOU SUFFER DEPRESSION AFTERWARD EVEN THOU YOU HAVE BEEN ON MEDS THAT CONTROLLS IT FOR SO LONG? — Gale G. (posted on July 3, 2002)
July 3, 2002
Hi. I have been on Prozac and Tegretal for depression for over 6 years now.
I am 22, started them when I was 16. I am only on Prozac now, I stopped the
other one shortly before surgery b/c i didn't really need it anymore. I am
only 4 weeks post-op, so I don't know if I am the right person to answer
this question. I haven't really felt that depression that many people feel
though so soon after the surgery. I am still eating foods I like. I was a
big sweet eater and Coke drinker before surgery, and haven't touched any of
it since, but do not feel too bad about not having it. Hope this helps you
a little bit, sorry i cannot be of bigger help!
— Lezlie Y.
July 3, 2002
I've been on antidepressants for several years now, about three of them
prior to my RNY. I am 18 months post op now, and still on them. We have had
to make several adjustments to my medications since surgery. I DID have a
relapse of my depression after surgery, despite being on medication,
although I must say that my symptoms were MUCH less severe because of the
medication. As you lose weight rapidly, your hormones go wacky and can
cause problems in people who are prone to depression. Also, your
psychiatrist may have to adjust your dosage, since body weight almost
always affects the dosage of many medications. Also, if you are on any
time-released meds, your psychiatrist will probably want to monitor your
symptoms more closely as extended released medications can become less
effective for many post ops. I have been on Serzone and Wellbutrin, and am
currently VERY well controlled on the meds. Don't worry, as long as you
keep in close touch with your psychiatrist, it shouldn't be too much of a
problem. Make sure your psychiatrist knows about your WLS, most of them
don't have a clue how it might affect absorption of your medications, but
it helps to have them aware. Besides, you may get lucky and find a
psychiatrist that actually knows how WLS will affect your particular
medications. Hope this was helpful. If you have any other questions or if
you just want to talk, please feel free to email. Maria [email protected]
— Maria H.
July 3, 2002
I have been on Prozac since 97, I do believe. Had surgery in 00, and just
switched to liquid form in early 02 because I was nervous about the
malabsorbtion issue. Things have been fine for me.... however I am too
afriad to test the waters to find out if I don't need it any longer. My
Doctor(s) have encouraged me to stay on my meds. My depression is caused
my my hormonal issues.
— Karen R.
July 3, 2002
Hi Gale,
I was on antidepressants for about 2 years prior to surgery. I have been
off of them since surgery and feel great. Actaully feel more like myself
than i have in years. I don't think this is a common thing and I am being
closely watched by my doctors just in case I start to slide back. It has
been a wonderful thing though. I can't beleive how good i feel. I had
surgery in April and have lost 49 pounds. ;) Hope this helps.
I think this issue as many of the others is very specific to the
individual.
t
— Tracey L.
July 3, 2002
I was on celexa for about 2 years before my surgery (6/12/02). I have kept
the same dose and have had no problems. Although I wouldn't even think
about discontinuing their use.
— emilyfink
July 3, 2002
I was on Prozac for years prior to surgery. I was really glad I had it
after surgery, the first couple months were difficult. I am now 6 months
post-op, down 130 lbs. and completely off prozac, but I am being watched
closely by my doc (just in case).
— Angela A.
July 3, 2002
I have had a few 6-8 month "sessions" with Prozac in the past 14
years. My last "session" caused serious munchies and I gained
like 25 pounds in two months before I quit. Then I got mean. My DH
couldn't do anything right in my eyes and my kids were monsters. Then I
got horrible anxiety, could not work or make any decisions, and was
paranoid. Okay, and MEAN my husband reminds me. So I tried Zoloft for the
first time in January (saved my marriage, my husband confessed tonight).
Last week I requested Wellbutrin as well because some of the posters here
swear by it. I am kicking butt. No more tranquilizers, no more panic
attacks, my temper is back in control and I am fun to be around. Since I
started the Wellbutrin, I require less sleep and really feel awesome...
like a healthy me. The first 3 1/2 weeks post-op were bad. 1 1/2 post op
-- a Tuesday -- I was feeling so much better. I envisioned feeling even
better by the next day. The next day was horrible, followed by 3 more
horrible days before I made the trip to the ER and got admitted for an
infection that had been brewing for 3 days, causing the deterioration. I
had totally lost my humor. My dad and husband were very concerned. Then
another complication. And, finally the high-five from my surgeon when he
said he thought I was done complications. I am so glad I was on
anti-depressants before surgery. I have never been in such darkness after
a few weeks of anti-depressants; I can only imagine what it would have been
like without. Your body does not heal well when your spirit is challenged;
your spirit suffers when your body is in distress. A nasty cycle, but
anti-depressants are HIGHLY recommended by me when they are needed.
— Karen F.
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