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Anxiety/Depression after surgery



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Hello all,

my entire life I have suffered from mild anxiety and depression. I have never been on medication for my disorder and overall have been able to manage my anxiety/depression on my own. The psychologist is I feel trying to convince me that my disorders will get worse will surgery and that is why she insist I get counseling beforehand. I am not against therapy I have gone spuratically over my life, but I just don’t feel like I need it.

Anyone who has gone through the surgery that their symptoms got worse? I feel like I manage my **** well and don’t need someone else telling me otherwise. Am I wrong?

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1 hour ago, njcardi97 said:

Hello all,

my entire life I have suffered from mild anxiety and depression. I have never been on medication for my disorder and overall have been able to manage my anxiety/depression on my own. The psychologist is I feel trying to convince me that my disorders will get worse will surgery and that is why she insist I get counseling beforehand. I am not against therapy I have gone spuratically over my life, but I just don’t feel like I need it.

Anyone who has gone through the surgery that their symptoms got worse? I feel like I manage my **** well and don’t need someone else telling me otherwise. Am I wrong?

I don’t think you can predict if it’s going to get worse after surgery until you are post op. The psychologist gave you their professional opinion. Is it your choice or a required pre surgery?

I had a counselor that help me deal with many aspects of rapid weight loss. Thankful she was there.

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Therapy is required for me to get approval, not that I’m against it. I’ve been to therapy numerous times in my life. I just kind of feel at this point I’d only be going to appease the psychologist.

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10 hours ago, njcardi97 said:

Therapy is required for me to get approval, not that I’m against it. I’ve been to therapy numerous times in my life. I just kind of feel at this point I’d only be going to appease the psychologist.

It’s not necessarily a bad thing. Even if its just going through the motions for approval. Hopefully you get something out of the sessions. This is just another hoop to get to surgery.

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Surgery releases some hormones and feelings that might be too much for someone who already had Depression and Anxiety. Why are you so against counseling? Have you not found a good one yet? I have had Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety for years and I take medication and go to counseling and I couldn't handle setbacks or disappointments nearly as well if I didn't. I function better with medication and therapy. Maybe you should consider it.

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2 hours ago, GradyCat said:

Surgery releases some hormones and feelings that might be too much for someone who already had Depression and Anxiety. Why are you so against counseling? Have you not found a good one yet? I have had Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety for years and I take medication and go to counseling and I couldn't handle setbacks or disappointments nearly as well if I didn't. I function better with medication and therapy. Maybe you should consider it.

I have also suffered from depression and anxiety most of my life and have taken meds to balance me out. It is not something I have ever been able to manage alone. Wish I could. For me it's physiological. I just had surgery on the 1st and am coming along slowly but am feeling better every day. After my pysch assessment I have continued to see the therapist since he deals with wls patients. We are working on my relationship with food, a lifetime battle. I want this to be the final chapter in obesity for me.

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Think of therapy as another tool in your toolbox for weight loss and general well being. I am in remission from depression (diagnosed in 2007) but I still check in with my therapist from time to time when I feel I need it. I am able to talk through issues with an objective and sympathetic person and that is invaluable. I did get a little down after my surgery because I wasn't losing weight as fast as everyone else here, and she helped me through it.

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Is there any harm in doing this?

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No, there is no harm. I have never had a problem speaking about my disorders. I just want to make my own choices and decide what is best for me and my mental health. I feel as though I shouldn’t be forced to go since, it is making me question my own beliefs about how I truly feel.

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On 4/10/2019 at 5:36 PM, Colorado Cowgirl said:

I have also suffered from depression and anxiety most of my life and have taken meds to balance me out. It is not something I have ever been able to manage alone. Wish I could. For me it's physiological. I just had surgery on the 1st and am coming along slowly but am feeling better every day. After my pysch assessment I have continued to see the therapist since he deals with wls patients. We are working on my relationship with food, a lifetime battle. I want this to be the final chapter in obesity for me.

I was in the same situation, coping with meds in order to keep my anxiety within normal levels. Now 14 days post op I can say that I felt no different after the surgery. I am just impatient to get to the weight that I feel woul be acceptable to start going out , smth like 190 pounds, while I’m at 230... now I’m like a hermit, hiding at home and just going to work, waiting to get there.. I know it’s all in my head and not healthy thinking but that’s how I feel despite all my therapy sessions 😟

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Remember that there are hormonal changes going on on your body so depression waiting for the magic to happen is normal. I'm at 240 and hoping to break 200 so I get it. I also haven't ventured out much while I'm healing and adjusting to this new stomach. Depression isn't in your head and something you can talk yourself out of. Call your therapist if you need to but reach out for help. This, too, will pass.

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A thought for you all!
Never apologize for being sensitive or emotional. It is a sign that you have a big heart and you aren't afraid to let others see it. Showing your emotions is a true sign of strength,not weakness.

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Depression is when you don't really care about anything.
Anxiety is when you care too much about everything. And when they reside in the same body, it makes it a Living Hell! 😫 & 😪.

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Im sure i am going to experience but i see a therapist now and she is prepping me and giving me tools to deal.

I also use the Calm app for meditation. They have a great anxiety meditations!

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