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Is depression something you can have after surgery? My husband is convinced that I have been showing signs of depression since the surgery, it was 3 weeks ago. I will admit I have been feeling something, don't know what it is, But I don't think it is depression. Does anybody know if this surgery could cause symptoms of depression or something of the like? Or has anyone else been told they acted depressed after surgery? Any input would be appreciated. Is there something that goes on after this surgery or at this stage I'm not aware of?

~~~Stephanie

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Stephanie - I also went through something. I don't know that it was depression, but definitely some emotional changes. It has passed now, but it was rough there for a minute.

For me, what I think it was, was a sense of mourning. Doing this surgery is a huge life changing undertaking, and we change our relationship with our one true love.....food. There is a ton of emotional baggage that goes along with that, and not being able to sit down and self medicate with food, at a time when emotions are running wild, is very hard to deal with. Also.....there is a lot of build up and excitement prior to surgery. Then....it's over. A bit like a letdown after you've been planning a big vacation....or a wedding, etc.

Steph - you are still pretty new. Allow yourself to go through the emotions that you need to go through. Honor those feelings. This is a big change, and it takes time to come to terms with a new way of living. You'll come out of it. If you find that a lot of time has passed and you're still in a funk, then it might be a good idea to talk with a therapist. Doesn't mean that you have to be in therapy forever; just to get over the hump. But honestly, it's too soon. Just allow the feelings to happen, and you'll start to notice that you're getting back to......you :)

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Depression after major surgery and anesthesia is not uncommon. Some people actually have a period of mourning food.< /p>

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Stephanie - I also went through something. I don't know that it was depression, but definitely some emotional changes. It has passed now, but it was rough there for a minute.

For me, what I think it was, was a sense of mourning. Doing this surgery is a huge life changing undertaking, and we changed our relationship with our one true love.....food. There is a ton of emotional baggage that goes along with that, and not being able to sit down and self medicate with food, at a time when emotions are running wild, is very hard to deal with. Also.....there is a lot of build up and excitement prior to surgery. Then....it's over. A bit like a letdown after you've been planning a big vacation....or a wedding, etc.

Steph - you are still pretty new. Allow yourself to go through the emotions that you need to go through. Honor those feelings. This is a big change, and it takes time to come to terms with a new way of living. You'll come out of it. If you find that a lot of time has past and you're still in a funk, then it might be a good idea to talk with a therapist. Doesn't mean that you have to be in therapy forever; just to get over the hump. But honestly, it's too soon. Just allow the feelings to happen, and you'll start to notice that you're getting back to......you :)

Thanks to both of yall ,but I do think your right mrsinto about the excitement and then nothing, and then not being able to use food to cope with it. That would be exactly what it feels like. So, I'll talk to my husband about that, and see what happens, he should understand.

~~~Stephanie

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Is depression something you can have after surgery? My husband is convinced that I have been showing signs of depression since the surgery, it was 3 weeks ago. I will admit I have been feeling something, don't know what it is, But I don't think it is depression. Does anybody know if this surgery could cause symptoms of depression or something of the like? Or has anyone else been told they acted depressed after surgery? Any input would be appreciated. Is there something that goes on after this surgery or at this stage I'm not aware of?

~~~Stephanie

Actually, the most probable diagnosis is what is known as "Adjustment Disorder". The adjustments we need to make in our lives, including but not limited to our relationship with food, changes in family routines as related to meals, and learning new coping mechanisms to manage life without being able to turn to food for solace.

These adjustments may lead to feelings of depression, however they usually resolve over a few weeks or months. We are all individuals, and the way we manage these adjustments will differ between us.

If these feelings of depressed mood linger on beyond 6 months, then it would be considered to be clinical depression.

It may be helpful for you to consult with a therapist if you feel that you are unable to manage from day to day.

These feelings are normal in conjunction with major life events.

It does help to speak with others, wether in a local WLS support group, a qualified therapist, or supportive friends or family.

Best wishes for a successful journey...

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Stephanie - I also went through something. I don't know that it was depression' date=' but definitely some emotional changes. It has passed now, but it was rough there for a minute.

For me, what I think it was, was a sense of mourning. Doing this surgery is a huge life changing undertaking, and we change our relationship with our one true love.....food. There is a ton of emotional baggage that goes along with that, and not being able to sit down and self medicate with food, at a time when emotions are running wild, is very hard to deal with. Also.....there is a lot of build up and excitement prior to surgery. Then....it's over. A bit like a letdown after you've been planning a big vacation....or a wedding, etc.

Steph - you are still pretty new. Allow yourself to go through the emotions that you need to go through. Honor those feelings. This is a big change, and it takes time to come to terms with a new way of living. You'll come out of it. If you find that a lot of time has passed and you're still in a funk, then it might be a good idea to talk with a therapist. Doesn't mean that you have to be in therapy forever; just to get over the hump. But honestly, it's too soon. Just allow the feelings to happen, and you'll start to notice that you're getting back to......you :)[/quote']

Couldn't have said it better myself. Stephanie listen to mrsinto. She is the voice of reason on these forums.

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Couldn't have said it better myself. Stephanie listen to mrsinto. She is the voice of reason on these forums.

Yes-I-Can.......very sweet of you :)

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This is common, but tends to be short lived. Be sure to take meds to keep levels up. I battled clinical depression for years, for the last 4 I've battled an anxiety disorder. Thank goodness for meds, life is good now. Surgery is a major thing and all sorts of emotions can go with it.

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Is depression something you can have after surgery? My husband is convinced that I have been showing signs of depression since the surgery, it was 3 weeks ago. I will admit I have been feeling something, don't know what it is, But I don't think it is depression. Does anybody know if this surgery could cause symptoms of depression or something of the like? Or has anyone else been told they acted depressed after surgery? Any input would be appreciated. Is there something that goes on after this surgery or at this stage I'm not aware of?

~~~Stephanie

i dont have any answer except am sorry you are feeling down. i love ya

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I am 7 weeks post op and this past week I realized just how depressed I am...I've struggled with depression before but I definitely believe the surgery played a big part this time. It was so bad my husband actually mentioned to me among others that they thought I was depressed. Needless to say I had to go to the dr for antidepressants. It's not a good feeling to be depressed and feeling like there is no way to make yourself feel happy. I don't know if you are depressed but don't go too long waiting for it to go away if it doesn't seem to be. Best of luck to you

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Well I've been feeling some kind of way too but its not depression. It's more like I'm not willing to take any crap from anyone so I find myself saying what's on my mind more often. Hope you feel better.

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    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
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    • KimBaxleyWilson

      Three months and four days ago... I was in Costa Rica having a life changing surgery! Yesterday we had a followup visit with Dr. Esmeral via video chat and this morning my middle number changed.  I'm down 47lbs and two pants sizes. I can wear a Large tshirt for the first time in like... 14 years! Woot!! Everything is going great. I have zero regrets. I went down to the riverwalk with a friend and walked 2 miles on Monday without even getting fatigued. And no more snoring or chugging pickle juice for crazy leg cramps! I need to go to the gym more... I'm making new shirts next week so that will motivate me. LOL But I'm also just not as TIRED all the time! I have a LONG way to go...but seeing the progress on the scales and in the mirror is a huge motivator!! Thank you all for cheering me on and supporting me!!
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