I had post-partum depression really bad about 7 years ago and now have decided to have the lap band surgery done. I am having an awful time mentally with this and really need some help. Anybody out there have any of the same issues.

I suffer from depression...period! I take my meds and am fine now but have had times in my life where I needed help. I see a psychologist once a week and have a very supportive family. My depression is under control. Is yours? My problem is that no one wants me to do the surgery. I want it badly. Now that I'm losing weight...again, my family all say, "See, you can do it!" I know I can do it. I can't keep it off. It is really hard fighting them all the time. My husband is very logical and every night at dinner he bugs my about the surgery and all the reasons why I shouldn't do this. I'm getting tired of the fight but can't give up. I don't know if I helped you at all. I'm not sure where you are in your journey. Best of luck to you!

Can you please be more specific about what your issues are?

I have already had the surgery done and have been having an awful couple of days. Went and saw my pcp today and he was tough but right. He told me that I elected to have this surgery done, which is true and now I have to deal with it. But he did say something that really made me think. He asked me if I am vomiting alot or if I am able to keep food down. I am able to keep food down so he said that if I choose not have a fill in the beginning it is completely up to me. If I don't want to be restricted to a quarter of a cup I don't have to be it is my decision and I am in control of it. A person I have been talking to on here told me that she is at about a cup and a meal and sounds like she is happy with that. So I don't know if this has helped you or not, but I know it sure helped me. I have lost 6 pounds in the past week so I was happy about that!!! My depression was under control before surgery, but kicked in right out of surgery, but a couple of nights after I was home and miserable I made a middle of the night visit to the doctor and he gave me some anxiety medication which helped some. He gave me more anxiety medication and upped my anti-depressant today, but his talk helped me more than anything. I haven't been going to a counselor, but am going to start going this week. I hope I have helped you in some way. I also started losing weight before my surgery and had the same thoughts that maybe I can do this on my own, but I knew that if I did get it off I would just gain it back and then some. My doctor said in 5 years I could setting in this same seat trying to decide that same surgery only a hundred pounds heavier with probably more health problems which is probably reality for me. Good luck I will try and help you anytime you need it.

Edited October 13, 200916 yr by KLY1977
added more

I'm glad your doctor was able to help you. I too suffer from depression but haven't noticed it to be any worse since being banded.

Around time for my period I sink pretty low into depression but I'm otherwise okay.

Having the band has given me back the control of my weight that I was lacking for so long. I hope it has this effect on you as well.

Hang in there. Take each day as it comes.

Donna

You said it yourself...the talk with your doctor helped the most. Sounds like the counseling will be the key. See if the doc who did your pre-op psych evaluation can see you. He/She may specialize in WLS patients.