Question:
3 weeks post-op: When will I ever become happy?
I have post-op depression. But, I have been treated for depression for 8 years. Like most of us obese people, I had convinced myself that weight loss was the answer to all my problems, and that I would become the happiest person in the world if I could only lose weight. I have very quickly lost 35lbs, and my depression, anxiety, and foreboding seem only to increase. i do see a psychiatrist, but I need to hear from you, my peers, if you have suffered through this and how you triumphed. I desperately want to be happy, I want to join the world again. Thanks in advance for you kind responses. — midaem (posted on February 2, 2007)
February 1, 2007
Most people tend to see a psychiatrist for medication management and a
therapist for talk therapy. When you see the psychiatrist do you actually
sit down and talk for an hour to see why you feel the way you do, what are
the causes and how to heal from them? It may also be that you need an
adjustment in your medication. I was on one medication for several years,
then it just stopped working. I was a mess. I was switched to a different
medication and I feel a million times better. From someone who has
suffered from post traumatic stress and severe depression, I would highly
reccomend a therapist and maybe an adjustment in medication. If you do
consider a therapist, you may be able to find one who specializes in weight
loss and this procedure. Mine does it is extremely helpful.
— [Deactivated Member]
February 1, 2007
I agree with the first answer to this, in particular that your
anti-depressant needs adjusting. I had to do this not too long ago myself,
and the first try did not work for me. Lucky for me, number two did, but
it may take more trial and error to find one that is right for you. Just
don't give up. The great feeling of accomplishment when you look at the
weight loss and your improved outlook is wonderful.
— marykay0720
February 2, 2007
I had major depression for years before I had surgery. For about 6 to 8
months AFTER surgery I had MAJOR hormonal issues. I lost my husband
because of my hormone issues. At least from my experience (everyone is
different) I was overweight most of my life and was told before surgrey
that your hormones are stored in the fat cells. When you lose weight fast
those hormones get released back into your blood stream and really affect
you.
All of that has gone away and I have not been despressed since the hormones
balanced out. I'm NOT saying tha is what is happening with you, but be
patient - get the help you need from doctors, family, counselors and
hopefully you too will experience a non-medication future free of
depression!!!
— Shelia N.
February 2, 2007
As a pre-op I have done extensive research regarding WLS. And from all I
have read it is quite natural to have sever bouts of depression. Hormones
are stored in our body fat and when we start to lose it, it releases the
hormones back into our body and therefore the depression does seem to get a
bit worse. Just try to ride it out by seeing your therapist and taking
your medication, maybe addust it as needed as well.. but know it seems to
happen to everyone.
— OMCameron
February 2, 2007
What an interesting discussion....I have the opposite experience, I'm so
happy after wls but one of our own OH'ers had depression before wls and was
on disability for it. She ended up getting cleared for wls and had her
surgery in December. She was ok in the beginning, ended up suffering from
a stricture, got that taken care of and became depressed again, stopped
eating and admitted herself into the hospital to get the help she needs. I
hope she does and will be back to normal very soon.
— Sheri A.
February 2, 2007
Each previous answer you have received has made valid points. Yes, you are
under a lot of additional stress and your medications should be reviewed
and possible changed which you probably know can be a stressful process as
well. Patience is necessary, but by the time we have opted for WLS it is
generally worn a bit thin. All I can really add is that you should not
feel bad about being depressed. Deal with it as all the others advised,
but accept that it can be a consequence of making major changes in your
life and don't beat yourself up for not being happy. Pursuing happiness
can involve a stumble or two.
— SusanJH
February 2, 2007
Unfortunately, whatever emotional and mental demons you had before the
surgery, will be there after your surgery. You have to deal with that with
a pyschiatrist. Weight loss of any kind doesn't make your whole world
happy -- lost of weight makes you happy because you lost the weight.
If you have other emotional and mental issues to deal with, I encourage you
to continue to see your psychiatrist. Its like when people have a
tonsilectomy they think it will cure sore throat -- NOT!
— the7thdean
February 3, 2007
Joan, I am so glad you wrote. It is hard to find that missing peace that
will complete us inside, or so we think. I spent a lot of my life thinking
that if I just did this, or completed this or that milestone in my life
that I would be happy. I found true contentment, found real peace and joy,
and I found it not in losing weight, although I have lost 120 pounds with
my tool in surgery. Many years ago I found this joy and peace in Jesus
Christ. I really think Joan, that I would be taking antidepressants and
suffering so much more if I had rejected the message of the gospel. That
empty hole in my heart and life, when I realized that God loved me so much
that He sent His only Son to take the penalty of my sin. Who could resist
such love and compassion? I could not. I believe that the Bible is true,
and from time to time I still suffer loss or depression, but God's Word is
faithful, and I rely on it every day. It is my rock and my mainstay, and
it has proven to be reliable in my every day life. If I can help you more,
just ask, and I wish you the best. Take care, Patricia P
— Patricia P
February 3, 2007
Hi Joan,
I too am a long time sufferer of depression. I had my surgery over 3yrs
ago and have lost about 170lbs. It did make me feel short lived moments of
joy....but I found that the reasons why i had become obese to begin with
were still there. I also experienced something I wasn't expecting, I had
felt a level of safety with my layers of fat, that as they melted away, so
did my feeling of security and my feelings of vulneralbility increased.
This increased my anxiety and my depression. So even though I don't have
alot of the extra weight, I still have the baggage. I think that therapy
is an awesome idea as well as the psych (I see one).
I still want to say that I would have this surgery again for my physical
health, because without that, there would be no reason for me to work on my
mental health.
I am continuing to work on my journey to happiness and acceptance of
myself, and being able to join the world again also. And remember, every
moment is a chance to start again. I wish you success on your journey and
if you need to talk please feel free to email me.
Lisa hackenburg postop lap/rny 10-23-03 340+/180/???
— Lisa H.
February 3, 2007
Hi Joan. I know what you're going through. I have been on Paxil for
several years and have done very well with it. I found that after the
surgery I became very depressed and cried often. My depression was related
to the surgery and my fear that I ruined my body. I felt as if God was
punishing me for having the surgery. This depression did pass I'm happy
to say. I think you'll start feeling better once you come around to the
realization that the surgery is a miracle and you will feel so much better.
Once you start feeling better and start getting around the depression
kind of lifts. You have to look into yourself also for answers as to why
you feel so sad. Losing weight must not be your only challenge. If
you're a religious person then look to God and pray. He always comes
through. My thoughts are with you and good luck.
Kathi
— Myamshmi
February 5, 2007
Oh sweetheart, you are so not alone! My diagnosis is bipolar disorder 2
(which means I have angry highs, not happy highs) and major depression. I
was 550 pounds, because after a tragic accident I went into a deep
depression and basically sat in my lounge chair, watched TV and ate for 3
years. My family had pushed me to have the surgery for a long time, but I
waited until I knew it was right for me, until I felt ready, until I found
a program and doctor Itrusted. I won't lie to you, it's not easy, those
mood swings, especially when you can no longer use food to cope. But
support is VITAL! I see my therapist once a week, and go to a mental
health day program where I am part of a womens therapy group two days a
week. (In our group there are three of us who have had WLS and two in the
testing stage, getting ready to set their surgery date.) And I go to the
support group at the hospital where I had my surgery. The support has been
so important to me. The other help has been the health incentive. I've
lost enough fast enough (150 pounds in 14 months) that the physical changes
are enormous! I used to hardly be able to walk, now I can! I can do so
much more than I used to! If I never lost another pound, it would be worth
it. So: check you meds, find a group, and enjoy your new abilities as
they come. But most importantly, remember this: it will pass. This
darkness may be hell now, but depression never lasts forever. It always
passes. You will feel better. Just reach out and hang on.
— Laura L.
February 11, 2007
If you had to take meds for depression before the surgery, you probably
still do after the surgery, because all the things affecting your mood do
not change. I still take meds post-op two years! Try to concentrate on
what is positive in your life. Focus on all the small but sgnificant
changes. I was sooo happy when I could tie my shoelaces easily! Sometimes
I still bend over to tie my shoes, and I am so happy! I still struggle
with the darkness, but i try to focus on the good.
— Novashannon
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