Increase in Depression with weight loss

[thunderstorm816 0]

OK got a question for ya all. I have noticed that since my surgery and since I have been losing weight that my depression has seemed to have gotten worse. I am on medication for it but it is not working as well as it was before. I can cry at the drop of a hat and everything just sets me off. I am sooo down in the dumps. I have read somewhere that fat stores estrogen and when u lose weight quickly u get that rush of estrogen on ur system which can throw off the hormonal balance. I had to call my doctor about increasing my medication to see if that helps. Is anyone else having this problem or am I just a ball of hormones on the edge???

Edited June 14, 2008 by thunderstorm816

[mia31771 0]

I've noticed that my moods swing much more now that I am losing weight than before. hang in there, maybe they can get you on the right meds!

[carol422 0]

Hi Tracy...I've noticed my moods to change frequently. I can just think about something sad and start to cry. I hate that. I don't know if the fat cells store estrogen or not but it makes sense. I hadn't had night sweats for awhile and since surgery they are back...that would be a hormonal issue.

[gdf18 2]

There's a very real reason for the increased depression. In fact, 2 reasons. One is similar to post-partum depression. Your life is changing, maybe even in ways you cannot forsee. And there are expectations that may or may not be met. You may not be focusing on these consciously, but they lurk beneath. The realization that nothing may change except that you're thinner, is hard to handle. And for some, this change is huge- marriages made better or ending, outside support, love, job....everything.

Second reason is that you, like me and many,many,many of us, are letting go of the one thing that loved us best -food. Instant comfort and gratification gone. The place we go to "fill" ourselves when no one else fill us, gone. Good and gone, but you may actually be MOURNING the loss of the food as companion, friend and support.

This is why support groups are vital and why sites like this exist. To help you through. I think there is a specific area for this- you'd need to look at the list of groups. Also, if you have the $ or the coverage.....get some professional counselling. Also plenty of exercise. That raises the endorphins and helps dispel depression.

I'm in therapy for this and it does help. My husband tells me I'm yelling at him more, shorter with people, and overreacting in general. I actual can see it, but don't seem to want to stop the behavior. I know what's driving it. And I'll work it through.

The great news is that you're noticing. Now, start working it.

Good luck.

[LiveLifeAgain 8]

I too am having trouble controlling my depression. I went to my family doc who changed my Celexa to Cymbalta. I also have Reactive arthritis which causes pain daily, so the Cymbalta helps with that too. I have been working (full time) with pain and dealing with the relatively new Lap Band. So I don't know if it's the combo of it all or the Lap Band. Although, the books do mention depression after bariatric surgery.

Sue