Depression after Surgery

Wonderwomanvik

I'm about 6 months out from surgery. I had a rough first couple of months immediately following surgery which led to some feelings of depression. I have been doing fairly well since then. But, over the last couple of weeks I've been plagued with serious depressive moods and crying spells. It's getting to a point that I feel worthless and can't see a point in getting up each day.
I fight everyday to just do the bare minimum. Has anyone else experienced depression after surgery? I don't know how to fix this.

anbrdr

Were you depressed before surgery, and this is just carrying over, or have you not really had the issues until recently? I have fought depression for most of my life, and the fight is always easier when you have someone to help you. Please look into some counselling assistance as soon as you can. Don't let the problem get out of hand.

cmchandler74

Yes, please go see someone for help with this. Whether it could be related to the surgery or not, depression is one of those things where getting help and counseling is always the best option. Clinical depression is chemical and it won't go away without intervention. It could be completely related to the surgery since our bodies change so much afterward, but either way, you'll need some help fighting it.

Tawnykakers1

I agree with both anbrdr and cmchandler74. Please see someone. This process is full of many highs and lows. You are worth the effort! You could reach out to your surgeons office and see if they have suggestions for you. There may even be a group focused on post-op depression or they could refer you to a counselor. We are here for you! If you ever just want to vent feel free to message me. I will try to help any way I can.

MrsDreamer1974

gonzalesvikki I had my WLS on Nov.11 and I have had the worst time of things. Not losing, sick most of the time and so much more. I know this will pass, but my depression has gotten so bad that I am actually looking for prof. help. I sure know where your coming from, If you need to talk I would be glad to visit with you. It's almost like a dark hole that I'm getting closer and closer to going down...so please if you need to talk it could do us both some good :-)

AngieViolet

We've all been following your progress and your struggles. I see how much this whole group cares and supports. Tawny said it well when she said that you are worth the effort. Please find a support group to talk with. Your positive attitude through the difficulties in the beginning was a real inspiration to me (plus the story of the skit that your kids did to cheer you up). I battle with depression too. Everyone's fight is different, but doesn't have to be lonely. I'm always here if you need to chat!!

Wonderwomanvik

Thank you @anbrdr @cmchandler74 @Tawnykakers1 @kendawallace @angiemollison308 I called the surgeon and they said call primary care. I called primary care and left messages. No call back yet. I even called the counseling department at my school and couldn't get anyone to talk to. It shouldn't be this hard to find help.
The funny thing is, I'm generally happy with where things are right now. I am under a lot of stress but it's for a good cause. I'm finishing up my degree. I am more active than I've been in a decade. But, for some odd reason I start crying without any triggers. I just feel overwhelmingly sad suddenly and cry. I've never had this happen before.

bcedl1982

Please keep advocating for yourself. It is so hard to do right now, I know, I've walked that path myself and have also watched loved ones suffer. Right now I'm going to go out on a limb ask that if you ever get to the point where you feel like the depression is overwhelming and you are considering harming yourself, please call this number: 1-800-273-8255. I am not saying that you will need to call, but even though I don't know you I do care about you.

Wonderwomanvik

Thank you. When I get too sad I just remember my children and I have a reason to smile.

Tawnykakers1

gonzalesvikki wrote: »

Thank you @anbrdr @cmchandler74 @Tawnykakers1 @kendawallace @angiemollison308 I called the surgeon and they said call primary care. I called primary care and left messages. No call back yet. I even called the counseling department at my school and couldn't get anyone to talk to. It shouldn't be this hard to find help.
The funny thing is, I'm generally happy with where things are right now. I am under a lot of stress but it's for a good cause. I'm finishing up my degree. I am more active than I've been in a decade. But, for some odd reason I start crying without any triggers. I just feel overwhelmingly sad suddenly and cry. I've never had this happen before.

You are absolutely correct, it shouldn't be so hard. Another thing to think about is hormones. This process can make your hormones go out of whack. When you said about crying it made me think about when I was pregnant and I would cry for absolutely no reason. I hope you hear back from someone soon.

coffeeandacop

murphyraven

I had several bouts of random depression over the first 8 months after my surgery. I chalked it up to my hormones being messed up from the weight loss. It got better when I exercised regularly (or maybe when my rapid weight loss tapered off). Hope you can get assistance soon. You are worth it!

martabeerich

I was wondering about the hormone issue, too. You can request blood tests for that. So much of depression is biochemistry that, given that things are generally good for you, the fact you are having issues makes me wonder about that.

Wonderwomanvik

I have an appointment with my primary next week for other reasons. If I don't hear from her before then I'll bring it up

KarlaYP

Hormones are stored in fat cells. As we burn those fat cells for energy they release those hormones back into our bloodstream. Then, our brains don't know what to do with it, making us experienced once some potential mental health side effects. That being said, treatment is warranted. Things improved with time for me, but I'm sure it would have passed sooner if I had reached out for help! I'm glad you have an appointment to see the doctor! Hugs!

badhair56

gonzalesvikki wrote: »

I have an appointment with my primary next week for other reasons. If I don't hear from her before then I'll bring it up

and if you don't hear from her or someone in the clinic, bring that up too. be sure and bring up ALL your questions and concerns when you go in. make a list of everything, however small it may be, get your monies worth out of your visit

bcedl1982

@gonzalesvikki - How are you doing?

Wonderwomanvik

I went to the dr and she brushed it off. She didn't want to deal with anything that was outside of the reason I scheduled the appointment.

anbrdr

Sounds like it's time for a new doctor.

Wonderwomanvik

I agree, but no help in the meantime.

rpyle111

I talked with my doc about starting some therapy to deal with my issues adjusting to maintenance. She was very supportive but told me that mental health therapy is self-referring. Perhaps your insurance is similar. My doc suggested I get a name from my variant roc psych folks.

I am sorry that you have an asshat for a doctor.

Rob

KarlaYP

Yes. Call your insurance and find out who you can see. Some doctors don't have a clue, but come on! I'm so sorry for you! We have to take our healthcare into our own hands! Hang in there dear!

Wonderwomanvik

I will find out.

rpyle111

rpyle111 wrote: »

I talked with my doc about starting some therapy to deal with my issues adjusting to maintenance. She was very supportive but told me that mental health therapy is self-referring. Perhaps your insurance is similar. My doc suggested I get a name from my variant roc psych folks.

I am sorry that you have an asshat for a doctor.

Rob

Whoops! variant roc=bariatric. Love that autocorrect!

GalgoMomAnita

I have two thoughts....first, if you're at a school rather than calling go directly to the counseling offices and tell them you need to have an appointment with someone and stress the urgency and explain the roadblocks you've encountered. Most schools are very tuned into mental health issues these days.

Second, I agree with Rob. Go online and look up counselors in your area. I personally suggest and LISW (social worker) or other licensed counselor, as there are a limited number of psychologists and psychiatrists out there. Getting an appointment with them isn't easy, and I've always gotten the best services from these two types of professionals. When you call to make an appointment, most counseling centers will take your insurance information and contact the insurance company on your behalf to determine what benefits are available.

The social workers and counselors generally will have better access to get you to see a psychiatrist if medication might be helpful. If medications are recommended, don't be afraid to consider this. I would suggest asking for a med with low potential side effects as a starting point such as Wellbutrin. Weight gain isn't a side effect (last thing you'd be wanting to deal with) and sexual side effects are unlikely (another depressing thing!).

Finally, I know this isn't easy given how busy life is and with not feeling your best....but ae you doing any exercise? Study after study has shown regular, consistent exercise is one of the very best treatments possible for depression.

I have dealt with depression since childhood and it's managed very effectively now. Life isn't perfect, but it's SO much better when you are able to control your depression rather than having it control you. I feel for you and want to hear that you've found some really good help. Please feel free to send a friend request too if you'd like.

Weight loss surgery is a major stress from both a medical and physical perspective. You've done awesome things to take care of yourself and your health that have brought you to this point...it's just time to do a few more small things to bring it al together

bcedl1982

If your insurance won't cover it, many communities provide free mental health services (or almost free based on a sliding scale). Some of our local churches have members (who are professional therapists) that volunteer at the church to do this, too. There is some great help out there for you. I am sorry that you have to jump over so many hurdles to try to access it. Please keep advocating for yourself--you're worth it!

klcovington

It was interesting to read this thread because I have been feeling so sad lately and it was beginning to affect other areas of my life. I am about 1.5 years out of sleeve surgery. I just found out from Kaiser that I can "self refer" so I scheduled an appointment with the same psychiatrist that I saw for the mental health assessment pre-surgery. Can't get in until April though but they did change up some of my current meds.

Wonderwomanvik

Well, apparently I'm more depressed than I wanted to believe. Hopefully, I get some help.

gdnplnty

I have battled with being bi-polar my whole life. Depression is and will always be something that I will struggle with. However, I know that it is something that when the need arrises, I have a counselor that I can talk with. I have a friend that I can talk with. I have a friend that I can state, hey I need to grab a cup of coffee. He knows, hey, she just needs to talk and I need to listen thing. But you can always call 800-950-6264, it is a crisis support line that is free from NAMI. They can help you find a local organization that can help you.

GalgoMomAnita

Please keep us posted and let us know you're okay

Wonderwomanvik

Well. I ended up in the ER over night... But I have a referral now.