Post Op Depression

[musicalwonder 34]

So I dont have a history of depression and am normally happy and outgoing. A few weeks ago a "wave of sadness" came over me and got worse each day. Insomnia started to kick in. Now I'm on antidepressants and something to help me sleep. I also see a social worker at my bariatric center weekly. I know its a "normal post op" thing to feel down but I feel scared. I dont like feeling sad and overwhelmed. Will it go away?

[AmandaM 2]

I can't say it will go away. I'm pre op, so I can't even speak from experience. But all the research I've done and questions I've asked my doctors lead to the same thing...depression post op is VERY common. Our fat cells store a lot of hormones. So as we burn fat, all those hormones will be released. That's why some people experience a euphoric feeling the first few weeks post op, and the larger majority experiences some depression.

You are doing great by seeking help and managing it with medications. Allow a month to see improvements from the meds. It can be a long wait, but most meds do take at least 4 weeks for any results. If you are seeing no improvement or are feeling worse after a month, try a different medication. Make sure to follow the guidelines for weaning on and off anti depressants and sleep aids though!

Hang in there. It will get better!

[RhondaWilliams 66]

A friend of mine (5 yrs post op) warned me that its like loosing your best friend...your comforter is no longer food and for her she said she was unaware of it at the time but wanted fellow RNY's to know that it will pass...I take anti depressant and hope to eliminate within 6 months ...surgery 10-2....I miss having my go to foods and am aware that I have to find other comfort from exercise or family/friends ...it's all worth it I know but the emotional is hard for me! Hang in there!!

[michelecaples 224]

So I dont have a history of depression and am normally happy and outgoing. A few weeks ago a "wave of sadness" came over me and got worse each day. Insomnia started to kick in. Now I'm on antidepressants and something to help me sleep. I also see a social worker at my bariatric center weekly. I know its a "normal post op" thing to feel down but I feel scared. I dont like feeling sad and overwhelmed. Will it go away?

I am suffering too but have found that once I increased my vit d it improved greatly.

[nickster81 19]

The psych that runs the support group i go to said it's very common because our bodies experienced a major trauma (which is what any major surgery is).

[Vicki Loichinger 444]

I am pre op, but I think this is a lot like postpartum depression, baby blues, it is our hormones all stirred up and I think it is very normal, but feels scary and like crap. Glad you went to your doc about it . The meds will help you through the symptoms. I sure will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, And hope you just knowing you are not alone and you can come here and vent and ask questions will help. Be kind to yourself right now, you have been through a lot, Hugs

[musicalwonder 34]

Thanks for the kind words and hugs. Hopefully this passes quickly. You all helped me understand a little more.