Overcoming post-surgical depression

[kossde 6]

All,

I am reeling! I am about 3 weeks post-gastric bypass and am shocked at how extremely depressed I am. I am physically uncomfortable, constantly nauseated, and struggling to find energy to do anything. This surgery has thrown my entire world into disarray.

I feel like I need to clarify: I am a chronically optimistic person so I still don't regret the surgery (though sometimes my mind moves in that direction). I am also not even an itsy bitsy bit suicidal. I have a 4 year old and 2 year old and the thought of dying fills me with absolute dread - that dread of leaving my two children alone is a big part of why I had this surgery.

My husband has been extremely supportive but suffers from chronic anxiety and depression- he is dealing with his own roller coaster right now.

I need to beat this.. quickly. I don't have time for depression and all that jazz. I need tips, tricks, and any bit of mental or physical suggestions that might help me move past this extremely trying experience.

[chunkarella 59]

It can be really hard to work through that. If you are on anti-depressants, the absorption could be effected with the surgery. i was told that in my program. i noticed that the first week, i was so very depressed and crying. and we're about the same timeline, but I would talk to a therapist or talk to your program about this. If untreated, the depression could lead to suicidal thoughts or even worse. You don't want this to go untreated.

Depression can't be beat overnight, but call and talk to someone.

[catwoman7 11,220]

might be a hormone dump. They're not uncommon in pre-menopausal women. From what I've read, it's because estrogen is stored in fat cells, and if you start losing weight quickly, it's released and starts flooding your system. Some women have screwed up periods the first few weeks or months, too, because of it. I never had any of this because I didn't have surgery until I was 55, but it's not uncommon in younger women.

[catwoman7 11,220]

with the nausea - is it mostly after you eat or all the time? And is this a recent thing or have you been nauseated since surgery?

[kossde 6]

I wanted to update this post because I’ve identified the EXACT cause of my depression: dehydration.

While I still haven’t figured out how dehydration was causing depression, I have consistently been able to cure it by drinking 30+ oz of Water. When the depression sets in, I know I haven’t had enough water. I drink a boat load and within hours, the depression is completely gone, and I feel just fine.

I realize this isn’t a quick fix for everyone with depression but I don’t have a history of depression so it seemed strange that surgery would get me so down. Of course it all makes sense now. There have been at least two times that I probably should have gone to the ER for dehydration. Instead I just drank water nonstop to cure it. I have had trouble focusing my eyes, extreme depression, exhaustion, nausea, etc. and all of it has been due to dehydration.

very weird o_O. I am now making DAMN sure I get 64 oz of water a day and it has really, REALLY helped!!

[WhatATool:-) 15]

Girl go to your doctor! Antidepressants can be miracles, I know from experience. And they’re not addictive, you don’t have to be on them permanently. Don’t suffer when there’s something out there that is safe and can help you.

[kossde 6]

4 hours ago, WhatATool:-) said:

Girl go to your doctor! Antidepressants can be miracles, I know from experience. And they’re not addictive, you don’t have to be on them permanently. Don’t suffer when there’s something out there that is safe and can help you.

I was actually able to fix it. Turns out, I was dehydrated. Once I began legitimately drinking 64 oz of Water, the depression disappeared within literally hours. I had no idea the two could be related but apparently they can. In fact, I feel better mentally now than I have in years!