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depression before WLS?

JamesAztec
JamesAztec Posts: 523 Member
edited November 2024 in Social Groups
Has any felt depressed before their surgery? I finally got a surgery date, but I keep thinking of a failed relationship, car troubles, money problems, etc, and its making me depressed. This should be the most exciting time of my life yet I find myself thinking of these other things.

Replies

  • klcovington
    klcovington Posts: 376 Member
    You are getting ready for a major life event so it is normal to re-think other areas of your life as well. I would try and focus on what you can control --- like prepping for surgery and making the most of your pre-surgery efforts (eating, exercise, preparing and planning). Best wishes!
  • loriloftness
    loriloftness Posts: 476 Member
    I think when we are being proactive and taking steps to make ourselves healthier, and hopefully happier, it is only natural that we think about other areas of our lives that we maybe wish could also improve. Nothing gets fixed overnight. You are about to make a major change in your life, a positive change, and you need to focus on that. Then, you can focus on improving the other things too. And possibly, when you are happier with yourself, the other things may just sort themselves out. If it is possible, go to a support group for people who have had weight loss surgery. I bet you will find others who have been right where you are. I'm sending best wishes to you. :)
  • garber6th
    garber6th Posts: 1,890 Member
    I definitely agree with klcovington and loriloftness. Even though most of us who have had WLS were unhappy with ourselves physically, we got comfortable with our weight and lifestyle. Even though it was unhealthy, it was familiar. Now the comfort zone will be gone and you will have to learn a new way to live. Once you start feeling better, looking better, and learning your "new normal", like Lori said, things will sort themselves out. The whole process can affect you emotionally and feel a bit overwhelming, but it passes!! Sometimes now it's hard for me to even remember all of the pre-surgery emotion and anxiety I went through. I would go through it all over again. I wish you the best on your journey!
  • jillcwatson1
    jillcwatson1 Posts: 100 Member
    My primary care physician prescribed anti-depression medication for me to take when I broke down crying at a checkup. I was so frustrated with my weight and how my body ached all of the time from carrying around this extra 150-175 pounds. I started taking it, but noted no real effect. When I began the WLS program and visited the psychiatrist as required by insurance, he told me that I didn't need to take it. I feel as if this a positive step that I am taking to relieve my pain and that I was just overwhelmed before. Depression can certainly enter into our emotions when we are feeling out of control. By working towards my goal to have this surgery, I have TAKEN control. Good luck Aztek4Life, hang in there and accept that you can reach around to the thinner side.

  • ac7nj
    ac7nj Posts: 266 Member
    This is a major life event it's normal for us to have emotional swings and depression. The change is forever making it a big deal.
  • JamesAztec
    JamesAztec Posts: 523 Member
    Thanks all for the good advice and stories. o:) I'm feeling better about things that past few days. :D I think it was all just kind of hitting me about how huge a life event this is. The process to get to this point took 18 months for me and I honestly didn't really think it was going to happen. When I got the final authorization so many things ran through my mind. And for me, when negative thoughts creep in they tend to snowball and sometimes lead to depression.

    I'm trying to make things "snowball" in the opposite direction now. With the wonderful tool I'm about to get I'll finally be able to achieve my health goals. And in the process many life goals. And my quality and quantity of life are going to improve dramatically. I have many goals I'd like to achieve but I know the important part is the journey. I'm going to try my best to make the most of everyday and enjoy them all!
  • asia1967
    asia1967 Posts: 707 Member
    Aztec: Way to put a positive spin on things. That is all that any of us can do, is our best!
    You have already dedicated 18 months to the cause that shows that you want to take control of your life and health. I wish you all the best, because you deserve it!!! :D
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