Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

How did your mental health change after surgery?



Recommended Posts

How did your mental health change after surgery?

My weight definitely piled on when I went to college. When I moved home and then out on my own it got even worse. I was depressed and in denial that I was suffering from said depression and anxiety. I used food to cope and developed a lot of bad habits.

I have declined plans to stay home and binge eat and I have also flaked on plans because I literally did not have nice enough clothes that fit me where I would feel comfortable going out with friends for a night. I have missed countless events and milestones in loved one’s lives because I have reached a point where I am in physical pain when I walk or stand too long.

I’m embarrassed and ashamed that I let myself get to this point, but I’m moving forward to getting my life back. The number one thing I am excited for after surgery is getting healthy enough that I won’t have to worry that there are only booths at a restaurant or that if I go out I might have to stand and not sit.

Has anyone noticed positive changes in their social life in this regard?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I should probably clarify that I believe I suffered from depression before my weight issues. The dynamics of my social, romantic, and familial relationships have always influenced my mental health the most.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I’m completely off my Wellbutrin and working on getting off my Prozac next 🤞🏻

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've experienced many positive changes. I live life now, instead of existing. The are still times I feel "fat" and unhealthy but they is fat from the truth. I'm the healthiest and most active I've ever been. I challenge myself to get out and do things. That was a struggle in the past. I'm somewhat introverted and have some social anxiety but I'm determined not to let it control my new life. It's amazing what we can do, or not do, when we convince ourselves with different thoughts. I still have a hard time meeting women but I'm trying to work on that. Alot of it is my own fears and insecurities.

HW = 360

SW = 292

GW = 220 reached 3/7/18

CW = 210 @ 6'5"

150 pounds lost!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

hmmmm....I've always had a fairly active social life, but some of my friends have changed, though. I now have several friends who are really into fitness - and we often meet for exercise classes rather than lunch or dinner. So I'm not sure how much the changes in the social piece have affected my mental health. HOWEVER, I don't sit around worrying anymore that I'm going to have a heart attack - or that I'm not going to survive long enough to see my 65th birthday - or that I'm going to be rushed to the ER and hearing that there's not much they can do to help me since I weigh almost 400 lbs - or that I'm going to have to start using a wheelchair or scooter within the next five years. And not dealing with those anxieties anymore has GOT to have been a huge benefit to my overall mental health!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you all for sharing. I’m sort of in a whirlwind of emotions at the moment. My surgery is coming up on September 30th and I’ve done a lot of “head work” to prepare. I’ve finally acknowledged exactly what my issues are so now it’s time for the action to follow.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgery is this Monday 8/12 & I was told to be prepared for a temporary change in hormones & possibly feeling a bit depressed for a few weeks. I’m glad that I know that going in . If that happens I’ll know it’s a byproduct of the surgery & it will pass

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The first year post op is going to be a mental mind-screw. Your going to be VERY emotional post op. Your going to cry for no reason at all, and just be emotional in general.

Hormones are stored in fat. When the fat is lost, hormones get displaced and need to be re-absorbed. This will cause you to be an emotional wreck.

Stay in therapy, talk it out.

Make no rash decisions in the first year post op. Make NO major life decisions that first year post op. No having babies, divorces, etc. You need to make sure you have a clear NON-EMOTIONAL head when these decisions are made.

80% of bariatric patients end up divorced post op. If your in the 20% that doesn't that's amazing. If your playing the odds, it will be SUPER easy for you to want to "step out" and find emotional or sexual support from someone other than who you are with. DON'T DO IT! Clear your head, think about your choices, and then make them with a clear mind.

Relationship with your children, friends, co-workers... it will all change too.... and that's ok. Just know it will happen.

Lots to come in that first 365 days..... strap in... its going to be a wild ride. Message anytime.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I truly believe that my weight and sedentary nature had contributed to my depression. I went un-diagnosed as such for the longest time because I couldn't admit it to myself nor did I reach out to my physician. However, now that I've lost nearly 100 lbs and I'm fully active again, I find that my depressive episodes have reduced greatly.

I have my moments, but for the longest time I thought it was unchangeable. There are studies that link your emotional well-being to regular exercise, so I have no doubt that is what helped me the most in addition to feeling better due to the weight loss. I am exercising every single day and I have not felt this good in many years.

Not to mention all the things you can do without worrying any more once you lose the weight like restaurant booths, amusement park rides, airplane seats (that was big for me) and much more.

Good luck in your journey

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've had depression most of my life that has sometimes been mild and manageable and sometimes resulted in deep depressive episodes that last months. My surgery is in 3 days and I'm very worried about how my depression is going to respond to not having one of the things that brings me happy brain chemicals (fattening, carby, delicious food). I discussed this with the psychiatrist I met with pre-surgery and she just said to keep a close eye on my mental health. But I'm still very worried.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×