Depression & VSG

[ava32 48]

Hey I'm a newbie to BP. I currently suffer from sever depression & anxiety. During my psych evaluation, the psychiatrist expressed concern. She told me about wls patients have a high chance of being depressed and/or committing self harm. She recommended that I speak with a therapist. I will take her advice, but I think a lot of my anxiety/depression is weight related. I don't think it will go away completely when I lose weight but I think it will improve.

Has anyone experienced anxiety/depression before or after surgery? Did surgery make it better or worse? How do you cope?

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

I don't know about the self harm but you don't have to read these forums to long to recognize the huge emotional upheavals involved. In the end, I also think you will feel better, but if you use food to soothe yourself or your obesity as self protection, you may find a lot of angst without them.

[Jessicacherry3 71]

My anxiety has decreased since vsg in July. Yes food is no longer a coping mechanism but I also feel better physically and am happier overall. I suspect you feeling better overall will help your mental health in the long run. Good luck to you

[jpballerina 26]

I have both depression, anxiety, and ADD. I feel you girl!

Sleeve has actually proven, over the long term, to help people eventually ease up off of their meds. It's usually very positive.

That said, you can expect mood swings the first 3-6 months (including the pre-op diet.) It's a nutty time and your body is like, "WTF HAPPENED IN HERE?!!?"

If you go in prepared with that knowledge, you'll be fine. This is the first time I've ever heard of self harm, but I could see the concern if that's been a past issue for you. I had that problem about 10 yrs ago, and it hasn't even crossed my mind. This has honestly been great for me, but I also went in fully prepared with the facts and with my counselor on speed dial.

This will be an emotional journey. You're changing your life forever, and that's scary. However, more health, happiness and stability is on the other side. That's proven.

If you need a buddy, I'm here for you. I'm back on my meds, but honestly don't feel the need as much. I'm diligently taking them anyway; need to give my body some stability while it heals!

Don't be afraid. With a counselor and a support system like this one, you will be fine.

[ava32 48]

I have both depression, anxiety, and ADD. I feel you girl!

Sleeve has actually proven, over the long term, to help people eventually ease up off of their meds. It's usually very positive.

That said, you can expect mood swings the first 3-6 months (including the pre-op diet.) It's a nutty time and your body is like, "WTF HAPPENED IN HERE?!!?"

If you go in prepared with that knowledge, you'll be fine. This is the first time I've ever heard of self harm, but I could see the concern if that's been a past issue for you. I had that problem about 10 yrs ago, and it hasn't even crossed my mind. This has honestly been great for me, but I also went in fully prepared with the facts and with my counselor on speed dial.

This will be an emotional journey. You're changing your life forever, and that's scary. However, more health, happiness and stability is on the other side. That's proven.

If you need a buddy, I'm here for you. I'm back on my meds, but honestly don't feel the need as much. I'm diligently taking them anyway; need to give my body some stability while it heals!

Don't be afraid. With a counselor and a support system like this one, you will be fine.

Thank you for your kind words and advice. I really appreciate it.

[nervousnelly719 67]

I'm not on any meds but definitely suffer with anxiety and the build up to surgery day is not helping.

I feel that possitivity is key for you if you are genuinely considering the sleeve & you will find tons of that here.

Good luck.

[Ariel Jones 1]

I started counseling before surgery and continue to go see a therapist twice a week. What I am finding is that this process is very hard and when I slip up, I feel an even deeper sense of inadequacy. Before surgery I used alcohol and food to help me deal with my feelings and now that those are physically not an option, I feel like I lost 2 of my best friends.

My advice would be to be honest with yourself and your own feelings. It makes it easier to confront and deal with those issues when they come up. I don't feel like the surgery increase my depression. I feel like it revealed to me how unhealthy my coping strategy was, and that was probably exactly the revelation that I needed.