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.
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