Having trouble with depression.....

[ontoanewlife 15]

I'm really struggling with depression since my surgery. Its kinda weird to describe but I feel sad, unmotivated and just can't get a grip on things...and believe me...this is so unlike me. Besides exercising, I've had some personal things to take care of while off work but I just cant seem to get it together enough to get any of these things done. I do have a lot going on in my life right now but that's not unusual. What in the world is going on? I can not take medications but can take natural supplements. Any suggestions, advice, encouragement or encouraging stories would be greatly appreciated.

[PhatKat 27]

I had depression after I had a hysterectomy. Both surgeries mess with hormones, granted it is more intense with a hyster. Depression is a chemical imbalance. It isn't just the blues. Get medication before it gets worse. I let it go too long. I was trying to pull myself out of it. There is no reason to suffer. It is common to get depressed after surgery. It is harder to dig out when you go deeper. Nip it in the bud. Sending a prayer up right now for you.

[LiggleLiggle 84]

I would suggest you get some meds to help you through this temporary slump. Your body AND brain have been through a lot.

[Arts137 1,811]

I am also in the medicine camp. This is something I found searching the web:

Emotional issues

As your body changes so dramatically, you will be changing emotionally, too. Some people find these changes disturbing.

Obese people have sometimes used their size to hide from life, to insulate them from the outside world. Losing weight can make you feel vulnerable at times.

If you are having trouble dealing with emotional issues, find someone you trust to share your feelings. It may help to seek professional counseling. This will help you go through the changes more smoothly and help you to be more successful with your weight loss. Emotional issues you may have include:

Depression after weight loss surgery is common.

• For some women, estrogen (a hormone) is released while fat is burned to make energy. This release of estrogen may cause mood swings.
  
• People who eat as a way to manage their emotions (known as emotional eaters) may be depressed because they can no longer eat like they used to.
  
• If you take a mood stabilizing medicine, it is important to keep taking it after surgery. Do not stop taking medicines without talking to your health care provider. You may need a dose adjustment of your medication after surgery as absorption of the drug may be affected by surgery.
  

Partner jealousy Your partner may have a hard time dealing with the new you. Not only has your body changed, but you may be changing emotionally as a result of your increased self-confidence and self-esteem. This can cause your partner to feel insecure. He or she may become possessive or distant.

If problems develop in your relationship, you may benefit from seeing a therapist. Ask your bariatric team for help.

Divorce Change in a relationship can add stress, even if the change is positive. If you are married, you should plan for added stress and how to deal with it.

A therapist or counselor can help you and/your partner work through these changes.

Friend loss Losing a lot of weight can disrupt some friendships. You are changing every day, and you may find that your friends are unwilling or unable to change in the friendship with you. Your friends may be feeling jealous of you or your success.

Body image When your body goes through such a rapid and drastic change, you tend to lose a sense of yourself.

You can actually go through an identity crisis. You may not recognize yourself. You may feel like you are walking around in someone else’s body.

Please remember that it will take some time getting used to the new you. Counseling may help you during these times of uncertainty.

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[mich 74]

I have struggled with depression and anxiety on and off for 20 years. I have been lucky to be able to manage it with Vitamins. Nordic Natural Ultimate Omega, 2000 IU Vitamin D3, a multivatimin, and B12. This is what works for me. Feeling blue every now and then does still happen. Talking a walk helps, and sit outside in the sun as much as you can. Checking in with you doctor might be a good idea too.

Hugs to you, one day at a time.

[ChristineR 128]

My doctor said sometimes people go through depression after surgery. I would talk to your doctor first (if sleeved locally) and see where to start. It's a good start that you are realizing it!

[chardgrl 27]

I've been having a hard time too. I have been on Paxil for 15yrs which has always kept my anxiety/ depression in check. I had surgery may 21st and a few days later my anxiety came back despite the Paxil. I've had a rough few days and got in to see my pcp yesterday morning. They increased my Paxil and prescribed me Ativan as well. I really hope things get better.

[DonRodolfo 1,416]

I'm really struggling with depression since my surgery. Its kinda weird to describe but I feel sad, unmotivated and just can't get a grip on things...and believe me...this is so unlike me. Besides exercising, I've had some personal things to take care of while off work but I just cant seem to get it together enough to get any of these things done. I do have a lot going on in my life right now but that's not unusual. What in the world is going on? I can not take medications but can take natural supplements. Any suggestions, advice, encouragement or encouraging stories would be greatly appreciated.

My surgeon's office said depression is quite common after surgery. Don't be afraid to get help, no reason for you to suffer in silence.

[ontoanewlife 15]

I have struggled with depression and anxiety on and off for 20 years. I have been lucky to be able to manage it with Vitamins. Nordic Natural Ultimate Omega' date=' 2000 IU Vitamin D3, a multivatimin, and B12. This is what works for me. Feeling blue every now and then does still happen. Talking a walk helps, and sit outside in the sun as much as you can. Checking in with you doctor might be a good idea too.

Hugs to you, one day at a time.[/quote']

Thank you. Will try this.

[ontoanewlife 15]

I've been having a hard time too. I have been on Paxil for 15yrs which has always kept my anxiety/ depression in check. I had surgery may 21st and a few days later my anxiety came back despite the Paxil. I've had a rough few days and got in to see my pcp yesterday morning. They increased my Paxil and prescribed me Ativan as well. I really hope things get better.

Thank you

[ontoanewlife 15]

My surgeon's office said depression is quite common after surgery. Don't be afraid to get help' date=' no reason for you to suffer in silence.[/quote']

Thank you

[ontoanewlife 15]

Obese people have sometimes used their size to hide from life' date=' to insulate them from the outside world. Losing weight can make you feel vulnerable at times.

Emotional issues you may have include:

Depression after weight loss surgery is common.

[*']For some women, estrogen (a hormone) is released while fat is burned to make energy. This release of estrogen may cause mood swings.

[*]People who eat as a way to manage their emotions.

Body image When your body goes through such a rapid and drastic change, you tend to lose a sense of yourself.

You can actually go through an identity crisis. You may not recognize yourself. You may feel like you are walking around in someone else’s body.

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Have to say that these quotes sum up most of what I'm feeling and struggling with. Being at home and not at work hasn't helped.

Thank you for taking the time to write about this.