Antidepressants after surgery

artroxy blue
on 7/30/12 5:05 am - MA

RNY on 08/14/12 with

I know I need to get my medications adjusted after surgery, but has anyone been able to get off of them completely after surgery? If so, how far out were you? If not, did you decrease your dosages? Currently, I'm on low doses of Zoloft and Wellbutrin, but I'd really like to get off of them completely. I've already switched my Wellbutrin to the regular version--not sustained-release or extended-release.

poet_kelly
on 7/30/12 5:14 am - OH

RNY on 11/04/08 with

I'm doubtful that I'll ever be able to come off mine. I'm sure some people are able to discontinue antidepressants after WLS, but then, some people that never have WLS are able to discontinue them. WLS is not a cure for depression and losing weight alone probably won't eliminate the need for antidepressants.

Kelly

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and do not play one on TV. I've done a lot of research on vitamins but am not qualified to give medical advice. I'm happy to share my research with you, but you should see a health care professional if you want medical advice.

Check out my blog at: storyofmyservicedog.blogspot.com/

artroxy blue
on 7/30/12 5:26 am, edited 7/30/12 5:29 am - MA

RNY on 08/14/12 with

I know for myself, I was able to come off of them a few years ago, and went back on them after I had my daughter (Postpartum depression which evolved into a Major Depressive episode). I was curious if others had success in getting off of them. I don't know if I'll be able to come off of them, but I'd like to.

I don't expect my surgery to be a cure-all--just a way to get healthier. The mental stuff is a beast of its own that needs to be dealt with separately.

poet_kelly
on 7/30/12 7:52 am - OH

RNY on 11/04/08 with

It's possible. I think if you get more exercise and eat a healthier diet, like we are supposed to do after surgery anyway, that could certainly improve depression.

Kelly

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and do not play one on TV. I've done a lot of research on vitamins but am not qualified to give medical advice. I'm happy to share my research with you, but you should see a health care professional if you want medical advice.

Check out my blog at: storyofmyservicedog.blogspot.com/

Dave Chambers
on 7/30/12 7:01 am - Mira Loma, CA

RNY on 05/10/06 with

FYI, depression is a very common byproduct of surgery, especially newer post ops. You'll likely have anxiety about some issues, as well as depression. Loss of food choices (large list of nono foods), limited portions of food, self image as you lose wt, stalls, etc. are among reasons for depression. Going off of depression meds is likely a poor idea. People with depression prior to surgery will still likely have depression post op.. Surgery won't fix that issue. In fact, I know a LOT of post ops who are now on anti depressants, who never used them prior to surgery. Your dosage may be able to be adjusted post op. But I wouldn't go off of them right away. DAVE

Dave Chambers, 6'3" tall, 365 before RNY, 185 low, 200 currently. My profile page: product reviews, tips for your journey, hi protein snacks, hi potency delicious green tea, and personal web site.

artroxy blue
on 7/30/12 7:25 am - MA

RNY on 08/14/12 with

Thanks for the heads-up. I really appreciate the insight. I'm not expecting to come off of them soon after surgery, just thinking long-term.

sugarbabyhoneypump
kin
on 7/30/12 8:12 am - IN

I wouldn't even try. I have a history and also a strong family history of depression. I look at it as the same as a type I diabetic always needing insulin. I will always need my antidepressants.

artroxy blue
on 7/30/12 9:18 am - MA

RNY on 08/14/12 with

So true. My mother is Bipolar, and I know my father suffered from anxiety before he passed away.

d_mac682
on 7/30/12 8:35 am - Coolidge, AZ

RNY on 04/26/12 with

For me lately, I feel that I may need to up my dosage. Anxiety has been high with all the changes that have come with WLS. I have also felt a bit more emotional than I have in the past. With that I am not sure if I would get off the meds.

Is it all that bad to be on anti-depresants anyways if it makes you feel better?

HW=371, SW=356, GW=185

Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being positive about what could go right.

poet_kelly
on 7/30/12 8:48 am - OH

RNY on 11/04/08 with

It's not bad at all.

Kelly

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and do not play one on TV. I've done a lot of research on vitamins but am not qualified to give medical advice. I'm happy to share my research with you, but you should see a health care professional if you want medical advice.

Check out my blog at: storyofmyservicedog.blogspot.com/

artroxy blue
on 7/30/12 9:11 am - MA

RNY on 08/14/12 with

No, it's not bad at all being on antidepressants. I've found them very helpful. Personally, I'd like not have to take them, but it's either I take them or not function at this point.

RosyKate 73
on 7/30/12 9:10 am

It would be inadvisable for me to stop antidepressants since I have had major depression for many years. It improves and worsens cyclically, and it has nothing to do with my weight.

If you do decide at some point to try transitioning off them, proceed with caution. The first couple of months after surgery were difficult for me because I was no longer able to use food to deal with my feelings. Not saying that is an issue for you, but it was for me.

artroxy blue
on 7/30/12 9:16 am - MA

RNY on 08/14/12 with

That's a really good point. I'm not using food as a crutch, and I really need to be careful.

Katie M.
on 7/30/12 9:28 am - WA

If your stomach is the size of a dixie cup and all you can have is liquids how do we take AD???

artroxy blue
on 7/30/12 9:56 am - MA

RNY on 08/14/12 with

I've been told that if it's bigger than a TicTac, it needs to be crushed and taken with a Tbsp. of unsweetened apple sauce--at least for the first few weeks. After then, it can be taken with a sip of water.

sugarbabyhoneypump
kin
on 7/30/12 10:40 am - IN

We are allowed to take pills, provided they are no bigger than an aspirin. If so we cut them up. Pills should be spaced about 30 mins from meals. Even when on a liquid diet, you will have pills you must take. I'd have been a hot mess without my Pristique.

~~Sonya~~
(Roux-en-y 07/05/2012) Heighest Weight/Surgery Day Weight 240lbs

BugdocMom
on 7/31/12 12:20 am - CA

RNY on 05/31/11 with

Have you found that your Pristique dose has needed to be adjusted now or does it work just as well as pre op?

sugarbabyhoneypump
kin
on 7/31/12 6:03 am - IN

I'm on the same dose as pre-op. I can't say enough good things about Pristique for me. Over the years I have been on Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro. And I always felt better but this is the first drug that has me feeling completely balanced.

~~Sonya~~
(Roux-en-y 07/05/2012) Heighest Weight/Surgery Day Weight 240lbs

slucier82
on 7/30/12 11:59 am - MI

RNY on 04/23/12 with

I am 14 weeks out from my surgery and just had to increase my meds.

fireflymkz76
on 7/30/12 1:41 pm - Blairsville, GA

RNY on 07/24/12 with

My doc said to go back to taking mine when I got home from the hospital. I don't have a problem taking them. I am one of those people who will probably always have to take them.

check out my blog: http://alwaysl8totheparty.blogspot.com/

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Antidepressants after surgery