Question:
I'm currently 2 months out and I'm going through what I think is depression,

I don't feel like a failure, I've lost 40lbs so far i just feel depressed, and I get real bad anxity almost everyday. I could be anywhere and it hits. Has anyone experience this after surgery? I don't want to take paxal, i hear it makes you gain weight. also I have hypo thyriods, can that be the reason I'm losing slow? starting weight 268 current 228 5'2    — jennifer O. (posted on November 21, 2002)

November 21, 2002
Jennifer, we have nearly identical stats. I, too, am 8 weeks out today and have lost 44 lbs. I also started at 268, am 5'3" and also have hypothyroidism. You don't mention if you take any meds. for this but I will assume you do. My point is, I have only recently begun to feel better and just in the last few days. I never had much physical pain post-open rny but emotionally, I found the process difficult. I still haven't been able to pinpoint why. Perhaps it was going through the food addiction withdrawal even though I still haven't experienced physical hunger since surg. Maybe it was just being wiped from the surgery and from eating so very little food. What I did find helpful was to switch to adult multi-vit/mins from the kids chewables. I also had a protein shake everyday. I also forced myself to get out and do something everyday which really seems to lift my blahs. I still sometimes get out of sorts but I've learned to be patient with myself and to expect that some days will be harder than others for the time being. Finally, maybe antidepressants might be helpful. They were and continue to be a lifesaver for me. Hope this helps.
   — kelleykeith

November 21, 2002
Don't let yourself get so blue! I am not taking (nor have I ever) any anti-depressant type meds, and I have never had a bout with depression, but this last week I feel like the world is caving in on me. I have had almost a total breakdown. I cried for 4 days straight, only stopping when it put me to sleep. It was horrible. I spoke to some of my other wls friends and found out that weight loss, especially rapid loss, makes your hormones FREAK OUT. Relax, everything will be ok and keep telling yourself the thing I hear most on this site....when was the last time you lost 40 pounds in 2 months? You have accomplished so much this far and have more wonderful things to do. You will get there. Good luck!
   — salymsmommy

November 21, 2002
Sweetie, I agree with these posters -- your hormones are likely out of whack. However, there are a lot of anti-depressants that do NOT cause weight gain. If you continue to feel blue, talk to someone. Find a therapist. Even if you don't need to take medication, a good therapist can work miracles. As for the weight loss, well, um, you aren't losing slowly. By my calculations, you're on track. Give yourself a break...you're doing great!
   — Tamara K.

November 21, 2002
I also suffer from depression. I have had it since I was a teen, but it has gotten worse since the surgery. I am working with my Doctor and my brother/Pharmacist to help find a medication that will work for me. People who have never suffered from depression think that you can just "snap" out of it, but that is not the case. Can you just "snap" out of having diabetes or any other disease?? Well, I wish you all the luck in the world. E-mail me anytime. janeen
   — janeens

November 21, 2002
Just wanted to mention that if you do need an anti-depressant, ZOLOFT is a good one. Ask your doctor. I've taken it for years and it has literally been a lifesaver for me and my very complex depression. It's not a weight-gainer type of drug and is particularly good for anxiety, PMS, PTSD, as well as of course depression. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 22, 2002
Jennifer, I was having the same problem with depression, I think it was from the surgery. I had my doctor precribe to me Wellbutrin, and have been taking it since. Before hand I thought I was really loosing my mind... I'm glad I saw my doctor..... Good luck and God bless. Post op 6 months down 100 pounds
   — tannedtigress

November 22, 2002
Jennifer; After ANY major surgery, depression is always a side effect. Some will have different levels of depression but none the less it is to be expected. Give yourself a break. I too am hypothyroid, it slows down everything. Your thyroid in some way affects every system in your body one way or the other. Exercise is the best remedy. If you can't get out, exercise in front of the TV, lift cans of vegetables for weights. Exercise will help snap you out of it. I am surprised your PCP or surgeon talk to you about post-op depression. Joy Lawson
   — Joy L.

November 24, 2002
I sympathize with you. I actually mourned food, as though an old friend passed away. I am an excellent cook(she says modestly). My world revolved around recipes, cooking shows, shopping for just the right ingredients, preparing and serving to a happy, hungry crowd. Suddenly, that was all taken from me. I would cry and felt lost. It seemed I had made a terrible mistake. Those feeelings went on for about 1 year for me and I was already on Zolft. But now they have passed. I have almost no interest in food and eat very little. In fact I fainted dead away from lack of food last month & was in hospital for 5 days. They built up my Potssium etc. and rehydrated me. So I started eating my old normal small portions and have gained 5 pounds! Not Good! I did feel as though I were anorexic for a few months. I would eat a 1/2 cup of yogurt every other day and drink Crystal light. That was it. I did get weak, but at least I was losing! The depression will pass, but if it gets bad, go for the anti-depressents for a while. They really help. Take care. Mar
   — marilyn P.