Depression Issues

My family physician has known me for a lot of years and when I first brought up the idea of WLS, her first comment was, "I worry about depression for you."  I admit, I was on antidepressants for about 10 years but got tired of feeling "flat." Since going off them (about five years ago) I've been feeling fine. I do have a lot of stress in my life and am a stress-eater. Just wondering if anyone out there has dealt with increased depression after surgery?

I worry about this too, however I am still on my medicine and havent had surgery yet.  I read that you need to have a really good support system.  and from the people I personally know that have this surgery  they had some issues with depression after.  Maybe you might need to go back on something before and after the surgery to help out in the rough times. 

Jenny

Im on a antidepressant and anxiety meds. I haven't had surgery yet either. My pcp told me I would still need to take them even after my surgery bc when you lose wt your hormones get CRAZY and I will need to take them to help. Im also a stress eater too, lol. Its kinda scary knowing that my stress level and depression might get a worst. But I think being on OH and having the support  will help alot. You need something or if you start to feel it, get something to help...
Hope this helped a lil.

Post-op depression does seem fairly common. I had struggled with depression for may years before my DS, but I'd gonoe off antidepressants because...they just weren't doing me any good.

When I had my psych eval, I discussed this with the psychologist, and agreed to go back on meds if he thought I should. He told me that no, he felt that I understood depression and my own responses well enough that I would seek help if I needed it---so no new meds.

And boy am I glad I didn't go back on them! About ten days after my DS, it was like someone flipped a switch. Suddenly, my depression was GONE. Apparently the changes in my gut chemistry 'fixed' what had been wrong with me all along. At my post-op check-up, I told my surgeon about this, and he said he'd seen the same thing in many of his DS patients.

I'm over seven years post-op now, and things are still fine!!!

I LOVE my DS!

Good afternoon

I can atest to this yes you will have increased depression for a number of reasons, in time it will pass however.  I would suggest that you go see a counsler if you want to stay off the pills they will help you deal with the stress eating as it does not go away.  I hope this helps

Darrick

I have never suffered from depression, however, my Mom suffered a nervous breakdown when I was a child so I can somewhat relate.  From what I have read it is NOT uncommon for even those that never suffered from depression,  to be depressed post surgery.  For  the sheer fact that food is being taken away from us.  Let's face it, food has a temporary healing effect.  A child falls down, give 'em a cookie.  Break up with a boyfriend, eat an entire entemanns cake, etc.  Lose your job, Ben and Jerry's is your best friend..  For some, it is almost like losing your best friend. 

While I think your Dr. is prudent by telling you this, I am sure that you will be okay with anti-depressents and some counseling.  We all do some stress eating, however, you will have to come up with another solution to dealing with your stress post WLS.

Oh YES. I've been on meds for eons and have needed them adjusted a few times since my DS. Probably looking at another one coming up. Wooohooo.