From the LapSF newsletter.

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Many people can't imagine becoming depressed AFTER losing weight. However, depression can occur after weight loss surgery or when undergoing any time of major lifestyle change. Possible causes of depression after WLS may include:

- Mourning the loss of food for comfort. If food has always been your "friend" or something you depended on when feeling sad, stressed or lonely, saying "goodbye" can be difficult.

- Mourning the loss of pre-operative lifestyle. For example, feeling left out while socializing, participating in holiday rituals, or when dining in restaurants.

- Reactions from others. Relationships with loved ones can change or become strained. Reactions to weight loss may be negative or jealous, or otherwise unsupportive friends/family may resort to "sabotage." Positive reactions or increased attention from others can lead to feelings of discomfort, vulnerability, or resentment.

- Having unrealistic expectations. For example, thinking that everything will get better after surgery or that your emotional eating or other disordered eating habits will simply disappear.

- Hormonal changes. For some women, estrogen is released while fat is burned to make energy. This release of estrogen may cause mood swings.

- Body image discrepancies. After rapid weight loss, you do not recognize yourself or lose a sense of self. You may experience a loss of identity between the inner and outer you.

The postoperative blues typically occur during the first few weeks or months after surgery and subside over time. However, if you find that your symptoms are worsening or are beginning to interfere with your relationships, work, or daily functioning, it is time to seek help from a medical professional.

I have to add on here that I think exercise is a great way to help with depression :) It works for me,if I feel down I go and work and then later everything feels so different.

I feel like I accomplish something important in my life

<== Depressed. I miss my friend, I hate the way body is starting to look, I miss drinking with the girls, I have the worst breath.. I know it will get better, but it sucks for the moment.

I struggled with depression after surgery. It took quite a toll on me. It was very hard b/c I felt like this should be the happiest time in my life .I'm finally losing weight! Yet I'm so depressed you would think I was going through a divorce. And essentially I was!! Divorcing cupcakes and candy and bagels etc etc. and pretty much all the things I had lived and breathed for. I was in loooove with the food and this surgery is kind of like cutting your heart out in a way...if your heart is with the food. I know it may sound silly but I mourned for it like I did a great love that's time had come. The good news is with each day it gets better. One day you will wake up and see things shining brighter. Just don't give up if you're walking through a rough spot. This journey takes you on many ups and downs. But in the end it is worth it!

Hello Everyone,

I am new to this site. I just had surgery on the 13th of February 2012 and am facing major depression. It is nice to know that it is not uncommon. I am furstrated because I feel hungry and I don't want to.. In all honesty I have had trouble sticking to the diet regimen even though I am eating whatever the DR said I could. I was a big junk food eater and also realized that I was an emotional eater as well. It is really hard getting over it, but I am hopefull that in the long run I will be able to move foward. I am greatful for this site!

From the LapSF newsletter.

********

Many people can't imagine becoming depressed AFTER losing weight. However, depression can occur after weight loss surgery or when undergoing any time of major lifestyle change. Possible causes of depression after WLS may include:

- Mourning the loss of food for comfort. If food has always been your "friend" or something you depended on when feeling sad, stressed or lonely, saying "goodbye" can be difficult.

- Mourning the loss of pre-operative lifestyle. For example, feeling left out while socializing, participating in holiday rituals, or when dining in restaurants.

- Reactions from others. Relationships with loved ones can change or become strained. Reactions to weight loss may be negative or jealous, or otherwise unsupportive friends/family may resort to "sabotage." Positive reactions or increased attention from others can lead to feelings of discomfort, vulnerability, or resentment.

- Having unrealistic expectations. For example, thinking that everything will get better after surgery or that your emotional eating or other disordered eating habits will simply disappear.

- Hormonal changes. For some women, estrogen is released while fat is burned to make energy. This release of estrogen may cause mood swings.

- Body image discrepancies. After rapid weight loss, you do not recognize yourself or lose a sense of self. You may experience a loss of identity between the inner and outer you.

The postoperative blues typically occur during the first few weeks or months after surgery and subside over time. However, if you find that your symptoms are worsening or are beginning to interfere with your relationships, work, or daily functioning, it is time to seek help from a medical professional.

That was very informative. My surgery has really made me see how much I used food for comfort. I am finding more about myself. It has helped me in many more ways than just losing weight.

I am so glad i found this topic .... depression has begun to creep into my daily routine ...thank you