Under-Medicated Or Overmedicated?

[Iryshgreene 2]

I have been banded for 2 months now. I have lost about 40 lbs since I started this journey in October and about 20 since my surgery. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety about 5 years ago, shortly after I had my first son. Had it before then, but wasn't getting treated. I have been quite stable since I went on the meds, made it though a second pregnancy and birth with no major issues. I know that my depression is likely going to mean a life-long medication routine. My mom is a lifer, too, and many people on both sides of my family have depression, OCD and anxiety issues.

Right now, I feel pretty zombie-ish. I am wondering if the weight loss means that I have to reduce my dose of meds (I am on Wellbutrin 300 mg and Zoloft 100 mg a day) or if this is just the emotional roller coaster everyone is talking about. My husband keeps telling me I am walking around looking like someone killed my dog. I don't feel that bad, but then again, I am not feeling much of anything. I do know that I am short-tempered, unmotivated and irritable, often signs that my anxiety and depression aren't under control. The zombie thing is usually a sign I am overmedicated, though. Conflict!

I have done therapy on and off for about 10 years, but it doesn't help with the day-to-day struggles, again another indicator that I am a lifer on meds. I still see the therapist who did my pre-op evaluation, though only monthly so far to make sure that I am not emotional eating like before the surgery. I can increase my visits with her, but I suspect that it will not help with the daily management of my diseases.

Any experience/thoughts/suggestions?

[Cazzy 725]

U dont mention if you are exercising. I would certainly try and get some sort of routine going regarding working out, even if its walking or something like swimming. Exercise definitely helps with some negative emotions and planning a rotuine will help deal with some of those daily struggles. Having plans and boundaries and not leaving your days to chance helps to create an easier atmosphere to live in and therefore reduces the stress on our moods.

Since losing weight and exercising i am a much more organised person now, where before i lived in chaos, both emotionally and physically. I hope things improve for you ..

[Dulci 108]

Have you seen the doctor that prescribes your depression meds since you have had surgery? You may need to tweak doses or try a different combination of meds. I have suffered with depression, although mine is more cyclical. When I am in a bad cycle, I will self medicate by carb-loading to get a seratonin rush. If your surgeon has you on a low carb/high Protein diet, you may need to adjust your meds to compensate for that as well as for your weight loss.

Also, I second Cazzy's suggestion of exercising for the reasons she stated and also because exercising can give you an increase in endorphins, which will help with the depressed feelings.