Question:
Depression After Surgery

I read about so many people going into a deep depression after they have this surgery. Why? This fear is almost enough to scare me out of having surgery. I'm afraid of failing into a blackhole so to speak and not being able to climb out. One thought I did have, was that when we are pre-op we are so excited, so happy, our hopes are so high. Could this depression be the calm after the storm? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks    — Marie G. (posted on May 31, 2001)

May 31, 2001
Surgery May 14th. I've had problems with depression most of my life and since i've had surgery, yes i've had some blue days. I was expecting to have depression after surgery. It's such a major change in lifestyle and food has been a big part of my life. It is a loss of sorts. like the end of a friendship that had ran it's course. Even though it's wasn't good for me, I still got something from the relationship. I also gave up smoking, my dog died a month ago, and my youngest son moved out. (GEE Could this be a country western hit??????) I was glad to see my son go out on his own, but it was still sad, and ending of sorts. So yes, I'm having some depression. But I've been through worse, and when i get down, I use this web site and especially the before and after pictures. They are so inspiring. The bottom line, yes i'm still glad i had the surgery, I will deal with the depression. BUT, I have been wondering about the absortion rate of the anti depressants i'm taking and will talk to the doc about this. This too shall pass. ( so they say and i'll hang on to that.)
   — Sue H.

May 31, 2001
Ok, I'll share my thoughts. First of all, I know that depression can follow any surgery so it must be in part the anesthesia and overall trauma to the body. I think you're absolutely right that all of our excitement beforehand can only set us up for a bit of a letdown once it's all over. I have had depression for most of my life so I'm concerned about this too. I started working with a really good therapist and she has been with me through all the preperations. I made sure to talk to her about my concerns for my post op state of mind. She also told me that depression can happen after any surgery so she's right on top of it. I think the best thing is to have as much support around you as possible. Just by being active on this website I've met so many supportive people and I have several angels. I think that's our best defense against the depression. And not everybody gets depressed, so it's not like a gauranteed thing. I hope you don't let this stop you because I think for most people the depression passes and is replace by a lot of joy.
   — kcanges

May 31, 2001
I had surgery 4/23 and my surgeon took me off my anti-depressant at the time of surgery. For over 5 weeks now, I have been eating very differently then I am used to. I have to push myself to eat because I am not hungry. When I want a little pick-me-up, I have to stop and find another way to do it because overeating is no longer an option or even appealing. Before surgery, overeating was the most effective and quickest way (even though it created a hellish life) to function. Now I am having to look for other ways to function that aren't as quick. I don't think I'm really depressed as much as it has finally hit home how serious it is to learn how to feed yourself both physically and spiritually after surgery. I'm new at this but I already realize that the payoff is there. I breath better. My back doesn't hurt as much and I can walk longer distances. I'm wearing clothes I haven't been able to fit into in two years. If I'm serious, it's because I'm still trying to get a healthy routine established. I think the energy and exuberance will come. In no way do I regret doing this - I believe it was my last chance for a healthy future!
   — Diane O.

May 31, 2001
HI...I suffered depression before the surgery but at the time of surgery was off all meds for a year. Right after surgery, I suffered some depression but I think it was from the anesthesia which is normal. I didn't again, have depression until 1 and 1/2 years after surgery. I am now on meds again but I think that I might be unique in that I have a very severe malabsorption problem and all of my numbers are messed up. I mean iron, calcium, potassium etc. Possibly, my seratonin took a hit from this surgery too. (low seratonin causes depression). I "have" noticed that my antidepressant meds don't seem to work as well now and the dosage has had to be adjusted to accomodate that. I honestly think that if you didn't have a seratonin problem before surgery, you won't afterward due to surgery. Depression can hit anyone and not neccessarily due to any surgery at all. It's a chemical imbalance in your brain. If you are prone to this, then you are. If not, you most likely will never have this problem. (by the way, depression is also hereditary...look at your family history).
   — Barbara H.

August 28, 2001
well, perhaps I shouldnt post ANYTHING yet, as I am merely five days post op, but I am in a REAL funk. Maybe its because I am (have been) having real marital problems and he is not being supportive and I seemed to think, yet again, that my making an effort to lose weight was somehow gonna change HIM , and when I got home TODAY, the house wasnt cleaned up, NOTHING was done and no one cares. Some people can be real mean just because it was 'elective' surgery. They seem to think that the post op pain is part of the price you are paying. I already miss food, and am very low energy. Just my two cents. I am sure it will all change in a matter of weeks. Lisa
   — Lisa G.

August 28, 2001
Hang in there, pretty soon you are going to look really good to other guys and he is probably worried about that, and if not, he should be with the way he is treating you. You'll make it, remember one day at a time. It takes patience but you will get there, with or without him. smile.
   — [Anonymous]