Post surgery depression

[hopeful one 86]

I have heard that the depression after surgery can get very bad, and this really scares me. I am taking wellbutrin now and medicine once in a while (when Needed) for Anxiety. I am so afraid it will be so bad that the meds won't help. Can anyone relate to this? My surgery isn't scheduled yet but I am doing my last dr. visits now. If I don't back out , I expect my surgery to be sometime in the next two months.

[markwgi 0]

Depression after surgery can be inevitable for some people. This is not always true for everyone. It is good to make sure you have a strong support group around you. If the meds stop working, it is always ok to go and talk to your dcotor about this. Most doctors understand that some medications have to be adjusted or changed after long time use or after life changes.

Instead of focusing on depression, focus on other things that can keep you preoccupied. I.E. walking, reading, sewing, talking to people, etc. Most times depression can set in when one does not have something to focus on. Post-Surgical depression, if it sets in, only lasts for a brief time in most cases. I would not let that keep you from making a change in your life that will help you in your health in many ways to include, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

If your concern is keeping you from doing this surgery, then maybe, you may seek to speak to someone, if you don't have a support group or if talking to your support is not helping.

Best wishes in what ever you decide.

[L12 13]

I have had chronic depression and taken meds for years; I know it can get worse after surgery, but it doesn't always--it didn't for me, anyway. I still take meds and still have times when it is better or worse, but it has all pretty much been the same after as it was before surgery.

[miss_seeann 0]

I had post-surgery depression and the doctor raised the amount of webuterin, also told me to crush it and that has helped it get into my body. I was afraid to ask for help for the depression at first, I'm just coming around to admitting I had a problem. This is a hard thing to go through, just like having a baby or starting a new job, you need to keep your support strong and CONSTANT updates to your doc, so you don't go a long time (like I did) without help. Good Luck!

[Rachael 4]

I have heard that the depression after surgery can get very bad, and this really scares me. I am taking wellbutrin now and medicine once in a while (when Needed) for Anxiety. I am so afraid it will be so bad that the meds won't help. Can anyone relate to this? My surgery isn't scheduled yet but I am doing my last dr. visits now. If I don't back out , I expect my surgery to be sometime in the next two months.

I had some depression after surgery. I had my surgery about a week ago. I have been taking celexa for about 10 years. It is not too bad. The worse was the first and second day after surgery. I just kept in mind that my body was getting rid of the anesthesia and it would past. I am hungry right now...but I won't starve too death. Keep taking your medications and talk to the other bandsters on here. I am lucky, I have two good friends who have been gotten and been successful with the band and a supportive husband and family. I can't tell you how many times I have said to my husband, "this will be worth it....right?" It is. You will feel much better taking the weight off. It is not an easy road but we can "rock it out"...as my best band friend says.

Good Luck!!!

Rachael

[MarcyLoo 12]

I'm a HUGE advocate for antidepressants since they changed my life over 7 years ago. My best advice is to plan to stay on them before, during, and after surgery. If you notice symptoms worsening talk to your doctor ASAP about dosing adjustments, or even adding / changing meds. Also expect hormones to go wild as you lose weight...which can factor in. I think it's just best to be PREPARED. You'll do great!!!

[CheckYes 46]

I have heard that the depression after surgery can get very bad, and this really scares me. I am taking wellbutrin now and medicine once in a while (when Needed) for Anxiety. I am so afraid it will be so bad that the meds won't help. Can anyone relate to this? My surgery isn't scheduled yet but I am doing my last dr. visits now. If I don't back out , I expect my surgery to be sometime in the next two months.

Hi hopeful,

Look - your user name is positive already! Keep that attitude going!

I suffer with chronic depression myself. I also have anxiety. I find that what has helped me is intensive psychodynamic therapy. I haven't taken medication for my depression in a few years because it doesn't really work the way I need it to work for me. I do go to therapy often. I shared my surgery information with my therapist and we talk about it a lot. I think that not being able to turn to food for comfort actually has HELPED my depression because I am actually learning to process rather than stuff it down.

I wish you all the best. Depression is scary and I think if you try hard to focus on a new life ahead then it might be helpful. Believe me, I know this is easier said than done.