Freaking out

[purz59 57]

I've been reading all evening about people who had the bypass who have suffered with depression before surgery, that have been more depressed after the surgery, possibly due to malabsorption. I've had issues with depression most of my life, but currently am managing fairly well. I'm so scared of my depression getting worse after surgery. I'm about ready to cancel my surgery after researching this topic today. I'm currently in a state of panic. Any others dealt with this issue?

[purz59 57]

I forgot to mention I am on 2 antidepressants and abilify now.

[drmeow 323]

I think in many cases the depression after surgery (whether new or worsening a previous case) is b/c you no longer can rely on food to self-medicate. Many people mourn that loss, and if you have relied on food to soothe anxious or difficult feelings for a long time, suddenly having that taken away is scary. In some cases also, people may subconsciously expect everything in their life to be perfect once they lose weight, and when it's not, that can be a letdown too.

I have depression also, am doing well on medication, and the best advice I can give you is to be seeing a therapist before and after, to help with your expectations as well as giving you other ways to cope with feelings besides food. I have eaten to avoid my anger for the past 25 years in a difficult marriage, so I have been seeing a therapist the last 2 years working on that, and have separated from my husband, *before* going for surgery. I still expect to be working on this afterwards, though.

Best of luck to you!

[mskami77 295]

Definitely, stay in therapy and stay on your meds. I struggle with depression and anxiety. I finally found a psychiatrist that is knowledgeable about wls so things are definitely improving. The depression I dealt with after surgery was from not managing my health appropriately. I knew it would be a challenge to find a working combination of meds and therapy. We moved across country before i hit 1 year post op so i definitely had challenges but no regrets. I'd do again tomorrow.