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[Shrinking Jody]

Hi, I'm reaching out for some comfort. Before WLS I would have times I felt down, but worked through them. I definitely self-medicated with food. Now even if if I eat crap, it doesn't satisfy. It's very frustrating. Lately, I have really been feeling bad. I just feel like crying all the time. I don't feel any support at home. I retired early, and although I enjoy the freedom and I am involved with things I really enjoy, I feel lost. I am afraid to go see a doctor. I don't want to go on medication. I'm wondering if I'm lacking certain vitamins or supplements. I'm good with my vitamin regimen, but is ther something else anyone can recommend?

[Army Wife]

Not sure why it is that when people have diabetes or high-blood pressure they are ok with medication, but when it's mental issue they are scared to death of it.

In my opinion, I think you should seek medical advise and if they recommend medication then go for it.  Nothing worse than being sad and depressed!  Been there, done that and it really stinks!!

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

[Shrinking Jody]

To tell you the truth, I don't have that much faith in doctors really understanding this let alone other things. They sometimes throw medication at issues. I was shocked when a professional told me me I had been previously treated for anxiety. I had told a doctor I had trouble sleeping, she prescribed something that I took one day. It didn't seem to do any thing and then I didn't really need anything anymore. Then I find out its documented like that. Really put me off.

I'm wondering if lack of protein could be a factor. I've been struggling getting enough in and my hair is falling out more. I seem to get "frozen" when something stressful comes up.

[lesliethequeen]

Hmmm, well, you poor thing...must be hard - wait, I know it is because I go through it every day.

First, let me say that you really can't take a drug once and think you're done with it. Drugs for pretty much anything need time to build up in your system - especially for things like depression or anxiety.

Please know that help is available and meds aren't bad. I have struggled with depression for about 30 years and have been through it all. The anti-depressants help me get out of bed every day...and help me have a pretty normal life.

Protein isn't going to help. There are no magic vitamins, though some people will tell you there are. Exercise would help, they tell me it IS a magic pill for just about anything. Of course, when you are so depressed you can't function, exercise does NOT sound fun.

I'm sorry you don't feel comfortable with your doctor. I am lucky enough to have a great Doc who knows everything about me and who takes care of me. Try a new doc...find someone you trust...and get help so that you can enjoy your life. Take it from me...life is too short to not enjoy it...

Good luck...hope you find the answers you need...

Leslie

[Dr_Adventure]

First off - great job on reaching out for support.

Second - If you have not done it recently you should  have a full set of labs done in conjunction. with your primary care provider

Third - If you have not done so already you should consult with a therapist (not a doctor or psychiatrist) as their first approach will not be medicine (however after an assessment they may suggest you consult a psychiatrist or your physician).

Fourth - Are you following your guidelines for nutrition, exercise and hydration?

Last - keep coming back here and using the support!

[ttowe]

Hey Jody..
I'm sorry you are feeling this way but I can tell you, that you aren't alone. Lot of us deal with depression at many different degrees. Some need meds, some don't.

St John's Wort I heard is good if you don't want to take meds.

The real thing is to look at what's causing your feelings. Some cognitive therapy may be useful.

For me, and I can tell you, I've been there, is journaling my feelings. After a few weeks, I can see a pattern of "What's really disturbing me" and then I can deal with that and move on. I usually find it's something that I really don't want to think about or face until I have to. Then once I do, a weight comes of my shoulders.

You've recently retired and that change alone often causes depression due to the lack of activity and social interaction. Maybe find some volunteer opportunities to help you help others, which ALWAYS makes us feel better.

Good luck. Don't sit around waiting for this to fix it's self. Be proactive.

Hugs.

Toni

[chellewins]

A few things stand out to me in what you said:

1. You struggled with depression before WLS
2. Your nutrition may be off
3. You feel like you don't have any support

First, I would rule out any real medical issues with your PCP (have your blood work done). If that goes well, I would go see a therapist. Most therapists will want to give you tools to use to help you feel better (without medication), also they can help you figure out what is really going on with you.

Until then, please know we are here for you and can be your support! WLS is hard! We understand, and we want you to feel better.

Blessings,

Michelle

[chellewins]

Here is another way to look at it. Depressed is just a fancy word for sad. What is making you sad?

Know many of us have been there. Trust your instincts and honor your feelings. Pay attention to them, as they are telling you that something is wrong.

[Academyok]

Recently, I was having some of these same feelings.  Went to see my doctor (well, several doctors). It was a reaction to my blood sugar being too low.  Are you having any hypoglycemia symptoms?  Once, I got that straightened out, everything seemed to stabilize for me. 

Laurie

[Darsenhc]

Hi Jody,
I totally understand about this and you are not alone.  Since surgery I have felt every emotion under the sun and it's been absolutely overwhelming.  I used to be the "happy, sweet one" and I ate the rest.  Now I have been feeling sadness, happiness, depression, guilt, anger, and so many others. 
What I did was to have counseling in place with an addiction specialist.  I knew that getting to 335lbs did not happen by accident.  I had an emotional dependency to food.  Food was my friend and confidant.  Now, that "friend" is gone.  I can not use it as such any more.  Depression did follow but, I have had great success with counseling and have been making slow, steady steps forward. 
You don't have to go through this alone. 
Good luck to you.  I think this is all completely normal.

[gum2bear]

There is nothing wrong with medication. 

[chellebee]

so much good advice here...

[auntb]

Every one has given you great advice. About a year after WLS I had a big bout of Depression. Went to the Dr. and he gave me something. I took it for about 6months. You know what I felt so much better and could stop taking it. You have gone through a lot of changes recently and some times we need some thing to help us reset and catch up.

(((((HUGS)))))

[darmstead38]

        I found out a week ago that my surgery date for my RNY is July 18.  I thought I was ready,(been waiting a year, plus counseling) but I find myself panicky.
               I am fearful of my depression. I am already on meds for it, been on it for a long while.  Had depression all my life, and been on most meds for it. I didn't like it when I heard wls can make you even more depressed, even if you dealt with the original problems that led to the depression. I am worried about so many things.

[lesliethequeen]

David,
Glad to see you found your way here. The support on this site is amazing...keep coming back...

Please know that depression doesn't necessarily get worse after WLS. i have a whole new sense of self-esteem and self-confidence that has helped me get through a whole load of crud - bad marriage, losing our family house after 44 years, no job for 3 years after going back to school to be a teacher...on and on - THOSE are making me depressed! The WLS surgery has helped me know that I can conquer anything!

Fear is normal, you'd be crazy not to be afraid...but in the end, you will come out with more confidence and that just HAS to be a good thing - Right?

[Dr_Adventure]

Welcome David,

I think some level of being nervous is totally natural (in fact not being a bit worried would concern me).  I would focus on what helps you NOT to worry - if it is more info - ask more questions (here or of your doctors).  If it is doing other things - do those things.  It is certainly not good to overly focus on being nervous, which can make us more nervous. 

It sounds like you have taken all the right steps.  Keep working with your support team!

[Debbah]

I'm always so puzzled when people refuse to take anti-depressants.  The first 32 years of my life I lived with severe depression without knowing it.  I was just a miserable human being.  When I finally was treated (which included therapy plus meds), it was like I could see clearly for the first time in my life.  I didn't feel euphoric or manic -I just felt evened out - normal.  No more black curtain, no more making my family miserable just by being around me.  I was not on them forever, just until my brain's chemistry started functioning correctly on it's own.  That was over 20 years ago and since then I've been on and off anti-depressant medications a couple of times when I needed them - life happens and if you ignore it, your brain chemistry can get out of whack.

The good news related to my surgery is that I've been able to stop taking my current anti-depressant. However, as we all know, long-term severe obesity is a very complex thing, surgery or not and we need to give ourselves permission to treat ourselves kindly even if it means acknowledging that we need the help of a medication for our brains!

[chellewins]

Welcome David,

Hey, read some of my earlier posts... I was super worried before my surgery. I think a few people had to convince me I wasn't going to die. I think what everyone here is saying is true, after surgery you don't worry nearly as much as you did before the surgery. It is a whole lot of "what if's" before surgery and you kind of know what is going on afterwards and are just trying to adjust so there is not alot of time for worry afterwards. It is healthy to be worried - it is a big deal - but trust that you are an intelligent human being who is making a rational and healthy choice for yourself. I am sure you have done your homework. Don't let your fear stop you (that is all worry is - fear). I know that I let my fear make my decisions for a long time and look where that got me (fat and unhealthy). I took charge, put the fear in the backseat, it was hard, but SOOOOO worth it. I know you can do the same. We are here to support you if you need to talk!

Best,

Michelle

[Superfreaky]

You need to find a doctor you can trust.  Once you do, you can get the care you need.