Has anyone else experienced depression after their surgery? I am 5 months post op, and I thought I would be in a better place mentally after surgery. I was depressed before, but not like I am now, it's worse. My physician just started me on Paxil, and I am hoping for some relief, just wondering if anyone else has experienced anything like this, and what did you do to work around it.

As you lose weight, the chemicals and hormones that were stored in your fat cells are being released into your body. These will pass through your kidneys and are expelled in your urine. But they can generate a flush of hormones during the weight loss phase. They should simmer down once you transition into maintenance. It is important to meet your daily Fluid requirements, because it take fluids to flush these hormones from your system. Also you might want to drink filtered Water instead of tap water during this phase.

I love James's suggestion. That might be what's going on.

In case it isn't, what do you think about when you're feeling depressed? Did you used to eat when you felt depressed? You could be an emotional eater. And now that you aren't as hungry, the food isn't as good as it used to be. So now you feel as if you have nothing to blanket the depression. I'm thinking, when you say you were already depressed, you probably had a way of numbing the depression with food. Now that you can't eat like that anymore, your depression probably feels worse.

What James said. A co-worker of mine that had the sleeve done last year said the same thing. Estrogen is stored in fat cells, as you burn the fat the Estrogen is released causing emotional ups and downs. I understand that a great way to respond to that is walking. While walking your body releases endorphins, the feel good hormones" that can improve your mood immediately.

Sent from my SM-G925V using the BariatricPal App

Also depression is often accompanied with isolating from friends or family and spending too much time thinking or ruminating on things that cause anxiety. Sometimes you have to take contol of your "head committees" and tell them to adjourn and go out for a walk.

Sent from my SM-G925V using the BariatricPal App

I am 9.5 weeks post op and I wish there was a switch I could turn on that tells my brain I am no longer going to have a "normal" meal. Well what I used to consider normal anyway. My depression was bad before but is even worse now. I find myself mad that I can't get more than a 1/4 cup in at a time. An Oikos Greek yogurt substitutes two meals sometimes. Attending parties and general family dinners are no fun. And I'm so sick of meat!!! Can't keep beef down at all...pork was ok..turkey and chicken is about it...and 2 oz at that. I am down 70 lbs from the start of this journey and it feels great to buy smaller clothes, but I wish my brain could change as fast as my body.

Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

I was having major issues was sent to a physiatrist to see what up. He did a dna test that showed my brain was not doing serotonin uptake due to folic acid level in brain all my labs have been normal. He put me on a special prescription folic acid (cost $160 a month) changed my antidepressant to one that showed that my body would process and I feel a world better. He told me that phycs are seeing this more and more with wls as there is not enough surface area in the stomach to breakdown the drugs.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@SuzieQ56 This is interesting and thanks for mentioning. I have been breaking up my welbutrin into two haldves every morning, because it wasn't having the same effect I remember years ago. (I use a pharmaceutical crucible to make it happen). Did I mention I really like the internet?

@@SuzieQ56

You might want to consider researching mthfr gene mutations... people with folic acid issues usually have this mutation

Edited July 17, 201610 yr by AussieGirl81

I am 5 days post op and i am battling some serious depression. Thinking I was being impulsive and didn't think this through at all. Missing my comfort food right now. I'm starving. When does the weight start to come off?

Sent from my LGMS631 using the BariatricPal App

I am 5 days post op and i am battling some serious depression. Thinking I was being impulsive and didn't think this through at all. Missing my comfort food right now. I'm starving. When does the weight start to come off?

Sent from my LGMS631 using the BariatricPal App

At 5 days post-OP, you should already be losing weight. Call your doctor and see if he can see you about this.

I am 5 days post op and i am battling some serious depression. Thinking I was being impulsive and didn't think this through at all. Missing my comfort food right now. I'm starving. When does the weight start to come off?

Sent from my LGMS631 using the BariatricPal App

Omg I was you exactly! I wondered why I mutilated my body all to be skinny! That will subside..those thoughts anyway. I won't lie to you..this is a 24 hour job. More work than I ever thought it would be. Recovery was rough, but it does get better, I promise. I am 9.5 weeks out and still think there should be a switch for my brain to shutoff my cravings or desire to stray from the precise diet..especially right after surgery. I'd be happy to exchange numbers and text with you as that might be easier. My name is Kari Ann. Or Facebook.

Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

I am 5 days post op and i am battling some serious depression. Thinking I was being impulsive and didn't think this through at all. Missing my comfort food right now. I'm starving. When does the weight start to come off?

Sent from my LGMS631 using the BariatricPal App

At 5 days post-OP, you should already be losing weight. Call your doctor and see if he can see you about this.

I disagree. You are swollen and healing and we're pumped full of IV fluids at the hospital.

Stay off the scale.

Unless you have pain or complications, your first follow-up appointment is soon enough to see your doctor.

Just follow your program and focus on getting in all of your fluids and Protein. You need both to heal. The weight loss will come.

I am 5 days post op and i am battling some serious depression. Thinking I was being impulsive and didn't think this through at all. Missing my comfort food right now. I'm starving. When does the weight start to come off?

Sent from my LGMS631 using the BariatricPal App

At 5 days post-OP, you should already be losing weight. Call your doctor and see if he can see you about this.

I disagree. You are swollen and healing and we're pumped full of IV fluids at the hospital.

Stay off the scale.

Unless you have pain or complications, your first follow-up appointment is soon enough to see your doctor.

Just follow your program and focus on getting in all of your fluids and Protein. You need both to heal. The weight loss will come.

Agreed...because of all the fluids and swelling...I actually came home heavier. It's normal.

Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

I am 5 days post op and i am battling some serious depression. Thinking I was being impulsive and didn't think this through at all. Missing my comfort food right now. I'm starving. When does the weight start to come off?

Sent from my LGMS631 using the BariatricPal App

At 5 days post-OP, you should already be losing weight. Call your doctor and see if he can see you about this.

There's no need to call your surgeon about weight loss at this time. It's not unusual to not lose weight by 5 days post-op. Some even gain weight. If you are having problems with depression - then please call your Dr or Psych provider.

Yes, yes, yes. About 6 weeks post op I began having major depression issues. I started on Zoloft, and it really helped.

However, for three weeks I took the smallest dose and didn't gain or lose any weight. I had a follow up with my surgeon and he was concerned that I started a new med without contacting him.

He explained that most SRIs have a side effect of weight gain and since I wasn't losing, I needed to stop taking them.

I weaned off and instantly began losing rapidly. Unfortunately, I can also feel the depression creeping back. I'm trying to work through it with long walks and summer activities. Also, I see a therapist.

It's a bad and strange place to be because on one hand, I'm happy about my success. On the other, I'm grieving my old life, clothes, habits and activities.

It's hard but you'll get through it! Just remember not to make any serious decisions (like changing jobs or ending relationship) while you're recovering.