Depression after Surgery?

I am one month post op and have suddenly been hit with a huge wave of depression. It is so bad I can hardly get myself out of bed! I suffer from bi polar depression anyway but it has been under control with medications for years. It scares me to feel these old feelings! Does it have anything to do with the changes in my body ect ect? I just wondered if anyone else experienced post surgery depression like I am going thru?

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You are not alone here..what you are feeling is normal and many of us here have been where you are. For years food has been our best friend..Now suddenly it is no longer our best friend and that my friend is a huge loss for us. It does get better I promise you, especially once you start seeing the results of this wonderful tool you have been blessed with. Hang in there and know we are all here to help you get through this difficult time.
One day at a time..you will get through this.
P.S. I too understand the Bi-polar side of it all too. I have a son who is Bi-polar, it is a difficult disease, I'm happy to hear yours is under control.

I sure hope you feel better! I also have bi-polar and severe depression and nothing is worse than the feelings you get....you can't even explain it to someone who hasn't experienced it. I'm not sure if it's from your surgery, since I'll just be banded tomorrow am.

I'll be praying for you that you feel better and move forward.

La Madam- that makes so much since! Food is your best friend and your support system. Wow...never thought of it that way! I'm sure I'll experience the bottom of the pot myself soon....but also the very high and I cannot wait!

:Bunny i cant thank u enough for broaching this subject of depression post op.im waiting for my first band fill.im feeling unable to deal with outside effects in life without the food and that brings the emotions into the fore front as im used to sedating myself with food.i didnt know that there was medication to treat this as ive been on sertraline for 3 years and still feel unable to enjoy life.its a releaf to know im not alone.just found myself a mega therapist thats a help but still dont want to take care of myself.thought id be more willing to be presentable on a regular basis.normaly house proud but have taken to not answering the door ect.anyway thank u so much.im thinking of the others going through the same.bye for now.big hugs from shrinkpachyderm.:)

Sorry you are suffering from this.

I know that we are having to give up our "friend" food and that's tough. I also know that anytime your nutritional values change drastically you can go through a depression. Your body has no idea what is going on and it can cause depression and chemical imbalances.

I've been on antidepressants since right after my daughter was born due to postpartum depression so I kept an eye on my moods to make sure I didn't go through anything horrible after surgery.

If this continues I would seriously seek help. Counseling and perhaps medication can do wonders if you are able to give it a chance.

((((((HUGS)))))

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-Carrie
Banded 09/2005
Pregnant and due Feb. 2009!!

Mine hit around the 2nd week of liquids. I kept thinking, OMG, what have I done, but then the mushy stage hit and I was OK.

Wish you luck.

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Banded: Dec 6, 2004

mine was mood swings--depression, ok, bandster 'rage'--at one point I remember seriously considering trying to dump my hubby out the 2nd floor bedroom window when he made a comment about what I ate (this is post swelling from surgery--pre-1st fill)---I locked myself in my room and refused to come out for close to 2 days--because I was soo moody. You are really not alone.
shrina
7/12/05 Dr. Kuri
272/230/125-150

YOu know we are all going through a process, and if we don't feel these emotions, how can we succed?
Our lives have changed, but we now have freedom to make choices! Choices that in the past would have messed us up. We don't have to deprive ourselves from things, we have a helper to help us with our choices.
I have depression also, sometimes, like last week. Hang in there it will pass, your not alone and with support and trust in yourself, you will get through this.

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Dianne

Dr Voellinger
Charlotte NC
Surgery 9/25/05 1.7cc
Starting at 268 well on my way to 160!
I plan to continue to feel good!
The band was Gods plan for my life, so I know I will succeed even when troubles come my way.

OMG I was horrible, grouchy and mean I even yelled at my boss. I desperately craved potatoe chips and couldn't have any. My support mechanism was gone and I had to quickly figure it out. The good news is it passes, and I got a grip but it took a couple of weeks.

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Hello Terrilen-

I too am bi-polar. When you said it scared you to "have those old feelings again" my heart skipped a beat, and even now I feel a little unsettled just thinking about it. I have been on medication for three years and have not had an episode since my meds were balanced, but there are times when I can feel myself "sinking" I have no other way to describe it. Did your depression have anything to do with daylight savings time? I guess the change in the time can trigger episodes.

I have been working closely with my psychiatrist through out my banding experience. As I am sure you know one of the triggers for an episode is a deviation from routine, and changes in your body’s bio-rhythms. So, it makes sense that you are having problems. Some things I discussed with my doc to try to keep me as healthy as possible through the banding and for life ever after:

• Stay on a routine schedule every day
• Sleep at least 8 hours every night
• Stay hydrated- water, water, water!
• Walk or get some form of moderate exercise.
• Avoid traveling to different time zones

Of course take your meds. Some of them need to be taken with food. Most importantly, please call your psychiatrist. It can quickly become too overwhelming.


Please stay in touch and keep me posted as to how you are doing. You are in my thoughts-

Anu

Just know this.....my therapist warned me before surgery that there is often a period of depression after ANY type of surgery. She says she sees it quite often. So we scheduled a visit about two weeks post op to check in. I was a little depressed, but not too bad.

I just want to say....being depressed after this surgery...TOTALLY NORMAL!!! But being normal doesn't mean you don't need to seek help.

Take care of you!!!

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Karen

Banded June 23, 2005
1.0cc in a 4cc band
Dr. Cirangle/Dr. Taller (Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco)
298 (292 day of op)/183/160 5'7" BMI 47/28/25