Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group

Gastric bypass (GBP) is any of a group of similar operative procedures used to treat morbid obesity, a condition which arises from severe accumulation of excess weight in the form of fatty tissue, and the health problems ("co-morbidities") which result. If you are considering gastric bypass or have had it, join the community where we share our experiences and find support.

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luvlight 10/31/2015

I'm 5 days post-op RNY now and have been battling pretty significant depression for about 2 days so far with no sign of letting up. It isn't buyer's remorse by any means. It's just depression. I'm on anti-depressants. It may just be that I'm used to going 24/7 and now I can't do any of my usual things (I had 3 additional surgeries with the RNY) but I haven't been this depressed in a really long time. I'm wondering if this is just a normal hormone things that will pass as my body adjusts to it's new insides? Have any of you had this after surgery?

ajjnewme 10/31/2015

I think I felt that way a little too. I started seeing my therapist to help me. Since then it has been much better.

farmgirl392 10/31/2015

You might want to speak with your prescribing physician about your anticepressant. After bypass surgery, your body may not be absorbing the medication as it did before. Your presecription may need to be adjusted. Don't suffer. Talk to your MD. :)

Lcat4 10/31/2015

If you are used to going 24/7 and are not doing your usual routine it is no surprise that you are going through some shifts. This is your chance to get in tune with yourself and your body. This time is all about you and letting your body heal. If you are a driven person then taking time to allow your body to heal may seem like you are not accomplishing anything. You are though, you are healing. Devote your time to yourself and your healing.

luvlight 11/01/2015

Thank you all for your input. The depression seems to be lifting a bit. This has just been a huge adjustment but improves as I feel better and am able to do more things.

Lcat4 11/02/2015

Glad to hear you are feeling better!

1judykay 11/03/2015

I am glad you are doing better. I had surgery in August and I continue to journal. I suffer from Major Depressive Disorder, PTSD and anxiety. I have been in therapy for many years and see my psychiatrist regularly.

I hope you will give journaling a try. When we are on the go a lot and then stop emotions will come up that have been suppressed and you are no longer have food to turn too.

Wishing you well.

MNMama 11/04/2015

After such a systemic shock, any emotions can become magnified or amplified. We're also adding the hormones we stored in our fat cells to the mix.
Additionally, as has been said, we may not be absorbing our meds the same, and our internal chemistry will be changing along with our new nutritional "normal."
Perhaps you can ask your WLS team to recommend a psychiatrist with experience working with WLS patients, or at least ask your doctor to check into the WLS/Depression links and recommendations for treatment.
Best wishes.

imjj4short 11/08/2015

Glad you are feeling better. Yes, it is very normal to go through depression after surgery. I always get depressed 1-2 weeks after I undergo anesthesia.

I agree with the others, too - you may not be absorbing your meds the same way now that your digestive tract has been tampered with. Also, when we are morbidly obese, our fat becomes a hormone-producing organ so losing weight quickly throws our hormones out of whack. And, since we don't have our "go to" emotional coping mechanism (food) anymore, it isn't a surprise that we struggle with depression after RNY.

Hang in there! It gets better!! I encourage you to talk with your surgeon about it when you go in for your one month check up.

JJ

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