Gastric Sleeve and Depression

[Muffinman1119 84]

I was curious if any of my fellow sleevers had been diagnosed with depression prior to or after surgery. Since about August 2021, (was sleeved on 7/27/22) I've been experiencing on and off symptoms of depression. It comes and goes on a daily/weekly basis. One day I'm fine, then the next week I'm just down in the dumps with seemingly no way out, then I'm fine for the next week or two. I've spoke with a psychologist in the previous months and obviously spoke with a psych to do my pre-surgery evaluation. If you are taking any anti-depressants, what are they and what kind of side effects have you had?

[Sunnyway 344]

Yes, depression is not uncommon post bariatric surgery. Medication may be the way to go, at least temporarily.

I have had clinical depression for at least four decades and have been taking bupropion (Wellbutrin), an NDRI, for 20 years. I have no side effects. SSRIs an SNRIs did not work for me or only worked briefly.

It's important for you to work with a psychiatrist for medication. They know far more about psychotropic meds than primary care physicians. Please bear in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all psychotropic medication. To find the antidepressant that works for you is a trial and error process. It may take numerous trials. Hang in there, it does get better.

[ShoppGirl 3,354]

I actually have bipolar disorder but it is more of the depressed type so I take a mood stabilizer AND Wellbutrin. For me the Wellbutrin causes me to sweat more but it’s a very uncommon side effect so it most likely won’t be an issue for most people. I have tried many many other meds and they don’t work as well so I have had to learn to deal with this side effect until other new meds are developed like sunnyway said it took a while for me to find the right combination of meds to treat my bipolar and even still small adjustments have to be made once in a while so definitely be patient and don’t give up.

[Sunnyway 344]

I've mentioned in other posts that I had complications post-revision surgery. I became profoundly depressed while in hospital for weeks without knowing when I would be able to leave. My Wellbutrin was bumped from 150mg XR to 225mg daily and it helped tremendously. Once I was out of rehab and back home the extra dose was discontinued. You might talk to your doctor about adding a bit more during this slide you are in.

[Muffinman1119 84]

3 minutes ago, Sunnyway said:

I've mentioned in other posts that I had complications post-revision surgery. I became profoundly depressed while in hospital for weeks without knowing when I would be able to leave. My Wellbutrin was bumped from 150mg XR to 225mg daily and it helped tremendously. Once I was out of rehab and back home the extra dose was discontinued. You might talk to your doctor about adding a bit more during this slide you are in.

5 hours ago, ShoppGirl said:

I actually have bipolar disorder but it is more of the depressed type so I take a mood stabilizer AND Wellbutrin. For me the Wellbutrin causes me to sweat more but it’s a very uncommon side effect so it most likely won’t be an issue for most people. I have tried many many other meds and they don’t work as well so I have had to learn to deal with this side effect until other new meds are developed like sunnyway said it took a while for me to find the right combination of meds to treat my bipolar and even still small adjustments have to be made once in a while so definitely be patient and don’t give up.

Thank you both for reading and the thoughtfulness in your replies. I will try to talk to my doctor this week about it

[Sleeve_Me_Alone 654]

I was Dx with depression and GAD years before surgery. I was on an SSRI with great success, and thankfully, have not had any issues with medication tolerance/efficacy post-op. I will say, the body dysmorphia and head work required post-op has been tough tough. I am back in therapy, and will likely talk to my Dr about possibly upping my med dose, at least for a while. I've noticed that as I've gotten further along (nearly a year post-op now) less and less work is in my body and more and more is in my head.

Get in to see your doctor and start on treatment. You deserve health, happiness, and wellness. YOU ARE WORTH IT.

[Muffinman1119 84]

1 hour ago, Sleeve_Me_Alone said:

I was Dx with depression and GAD years before surgery. I was on an SSRI with great success, and thankfully, have not had any issues with medication tolerance/efficacy post-op. I will say, the body dysmorphia and head work required post-op has been tough tough. I am back in therapy, and will likely talk to my Dr about possibly upping my med dose, at least for a while. I've noticed that as I've gotten further along (nearly a year post-op now) less and less work is in my body and more and more is in my head.

Get in to see your doctor and start on treatment. You deserve health, happiness, and wellness. YOU ARE WORTH IT.

Thank you for your thoughtful post. I’m going to see my primary care doctor tomorrow and I have an initial consult with a psychiatrist in two weeks.

[emilylauren26 0]

I have struggled with depression and anxiety all my life. I’m on Lexapro and Gabbapentin and they seem to work well for me