Depression -- or is it?

[breezy 8]

This is something I learned about in school, so I had to look up some websites for you, but here's a few articles that are geared towards the general public - I didn't read too closely, but they seemed to make sense. There are theories that serotonin is closely tied to some digestive diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome. We're covering gastroenterology in school in Sep-Oct, so whenever I learn something that might be pertinent to us sleevers, I will definitely share it. If you are interested in more in-depth stuff, there's always good old PubMed. I found a ton of articles in medical and scientific journals when I did a search on this for you, so there's no shortage of theories and data out there.

Emotional Eating ? Brain-Stomach Connection on ELLE

Gut feelings: System acts as second brain | The San Diego Union-Tribune

Stomach soothers: your gut is so busy it requires its own nervous system. Here's how to keep things calm, cool and trouble-free - Good Medicine - Natural Health Articles | Find Articles at CBS MoneyWatch.com

Thanks for your trouble! I'll read through them. It's great that you'll share stuff from school. I know I'm never too old to keep learning!

[Cknorte 7]

So, nobody should take my posting as a recommendation to avoid meds. I am not anti-meds -- not at all. Better living through chemistry, baby (I mean, come on, I paid 20 grand out of pocket to have my stomach sliced up instead of "just" dieting and exercising; would someone who is anti-medicine do that?) I thought I was really clear about that, but I'll say it again: you really need to talk to your doctor about depression, and if you need meds take them.

That being said, the point of my post was that, for me, taking meds has never been as effective as remembering to take care of my physical needs. I don't know how many people are like me, but I don't always "remember" to take care of myself, but I always, always always pay the price. So I have to consciously remember to get enough sleep, eat enough healthy food, drink enough Water, etc. And one of the prices I pay if I don't do those things is depression and/or anxiety.

I suspect that for a lot of us, depression worsens after surgery. Not because of fear of mortality or anything deep and psychological like that, but simply because our brains are part of our bodies, and if we're not taking care of our bodies, we're not taking care of our brains! It's amazing how many people forget that they are a "part of" their physical selves and think that they can neglect their basic health and still keep firing on all cylinders, mentally and emotionally. I don't know about you guys, but I just don't work that way -- especially since the surgery.

So, if you need meds, TAKE THEM. But also, try to take better care of yourself -- do all the things you know you're "supposed to" be doing -- and see if that doesn't help at least a little.

Oh wow....I could have written your posts word for word....I have suffered mild depression and anxiety, and I too find that lack of sleep send me into an out of control spiral. I have been on lexapro for a little over a year, and right before surgery my PCP upped my dosage as a preventive for what he though would be me grieving food. Surgery has had a very positive result in my behavior, I am more in tune with my body and it's needs. yes I do eat carbs, I eat everything. I was laughing because looking at my graphs on myplate.com, my caloric intake has never been more balanced. I am also getting to sleep without drugs for a change....and I am feeling pretty up beat. My lexapro will be dropped to my previous level next month and my dr.'s hopes are that I will be off by next spring.....however it will always be something I have to be mindful of. In my experience it has always been easier to deal with others and others' needs rather than focus on me. It is amazing what happens when I turn attention to myself.... Thanks for posting.....