Depression after surgery?

zeama · July 17, 2008

I take Zoloft on a daily basis and since I have had surgery I have been crushing it up and drinking it mixed in something. Some how I think it is not working. I am really feeling depressed and it has nothing to do with food. I'm not depressed because I can't eat regular food, I am just feeling weepy and have been crying off and on all day long. HELP!!! Is this normal? Has anyone else noticed a change in their mood since surgery? I just don't feel like me. :cool2:

Lanakila · July 17, 2008

As a graduate of Peay, I thought I'd send a shout out to a Tucka-see-n. I'm in NC now, but it's fun to see Clarksville in print :cool2:

I'm on regular psych meds so I was very, very concerned about how best to manage my meds. My doc told me that the only issue would be if I were taking an XR or extended release version of a med. Otherwise, crushing them should not be having an effect. I'd guess that your depressive episode is probably just a side-effect of ALL of the stimulation that you've had over the last several weeks. Imagine how the excitement and nerves got you all wound up, and then the pain and post-op swinging you around like you were square dancing. I'm not a professional, but that would be what I'd think if it were me suffering like you are.

Hang in there, sweetie!

AlysonRR · July 17, 2008

Zeama -

Are you taking any hydrocodone or other codeine-type meds still? As soon as I stopped the tylenol with hydrocodone I felt 100% better, mentally.

I hope you feel better soon!

Angelsma · July 17, 2008

If it's any consolation I am 7 days post op and can't remember ever feeling so sadness as I have over the last week. I believe my sadness has everything to do with food - particularly comfort foods that I used as a drug before the surgery to comfort myself in good times and bad. Now I am seriously grieving the "loss" of my oldest and dearest friend (talk about a one-way relationship!!). So, once I realized it I began to write when I feel sad. It's very therapeutic. Maybe writing isn't your thing - find something else that helps you. I hope this helps.

CapitolChick · July 17, 2008

If it is not time released meds it could be:

1) Pain pills (they are notorious for messing with peoples emotions)

2)All the estrogen your fat may be releasing as you loose weight.

3) Maybe you really are sad or there is someting bothering you. Just b/c we take meds doesn't mean we don't feel down and sad sometimes like everyone else.

4) You have a major life change right now.

You are not loosing it or anything like that.*Big hugs* you will be better.

mss · July 17, 2008

Some people react to anaesthetic with feelings of depression as well so it may be this combined with the changes that you are going through due to being banded. Talk about this with your doctor, especially if it continues for much longer.

bandofgold · July 17, 2008

I take Zoloft on a daily basis and since I have had surgery I have been crushing it up and drinking it mixed in something. Some how I think it is not working. I am really feeling depressed and it has nothing to do with food. I'm not depressed because I can't eat regular food, I am just feeling weepy and have been crying off and on all day long. HELP!!! Is this normal? Has anyone else noticed a change in their mood since surgery? I just don't feel like me.

make sure these pills (zoloft) are crushable, some meds are time released and cannot be crushed. also, i heard anesthesia can make one depressed and it can last for weeks. talk to your dr. i hope you feel better... i also am depressed and am on paxil. I thought I was mourning food, because i obviously used it as a coping mechanism.. good luck to you. vicki