Question:
I am feeling so depressed, and I know this is normal
but I find myself crying at the strangest times. I feel like I've lost something--I don't have any regrets (I'm 4 wks. post)--but I don't know what's wrong. I've talked to my dr. about it, and he says this is normal, but I just feel so bad sometimes. I am on zoloft--why isn't this taking the edge off of this bad feeling? — Carla C. (posted on October 21, 2002)
October 21, 2002
I think your doc is right. This is something that is pretty normal. One
question I had that you didn't really let onto is how long have you been on
the Zoloft? I know that antidepressants take at least 4-6 weeks before you
really see the full effect of them. But if it has been longer than that
perhaps your medication needs to be switched. I know how medicines can be
and one thing about them that is definately a given. That is that
something that works well for one person doesn't necessarily mean it will
work for another. It also helps to get out and do things. I would guess
that you are at home recovering. I stayed at home quite a while for
recovery and I can tell you it really started to get to me after a while.
Things WILL get better, sometimes it just takes a while to get out of those
slumps. I speak from experience. Good luck to you. :)
— Laurel C.
October 21, 2002
It is a hormonal thing. Hormones are stored in fat. As we lose, all these
hormones surface and give us mood swings. In time, this gets better, but I
would definately explore changing meds.
— faybay
October 21, 2002
Other than hormonal-related depression, you are likely experiencing some
depression caused by the loss of your former life (no matter that we might
have hated our former lives). I went thru a phase where I mourned my loss
of food and all the things I thought went with it. Heck, I still
occasionally mourn this loss. But it's getting easier. I would suggest
counceling as well as the meds to deal with any issues you might have and
also suggest talking to your doctor about adjusting your scrip or even
changing it. Best of luck to you!
— [Deactivated Member]
October 21, 2002
Post op my anti depressant (Welbutrin SR) did'nt work anymore. Make sure
your's is NOT time release! I'm now using Welbutrin.
— Danmark
October 21, 2002
Carla, congratulations! You are about to get to the point where it begins
to get easier. You made it through the first month. The first month is
particularly difficult because not only can you not eat much at all, but
you may not see a noticeable change in your size, to warrant the drastic
lifestyle change you've made. Next month is going to be full of delightful
moments. You will be able to fit into maybe two sizes or more smaller
clothing. You will be able to experiment more with foods. People will
compliment you, and you will feel better physically. You have gotten over
the hump. Depression is normal. It manifests itself differently in
everyone. You are normal, normal, normal. Not to sound like a broken
record, but, it does get easier.
— eahutchins
October 21, 2002
I am 6 weeks out and cry at commericials!! I understand as well that this
is perfectly normal at this stage. The funny thing is, I get so annoyed
with myself AS I am crying wondering what in the world is going on! I
remember having some of these weird bouts while I was pregnant, and also
sometimes before my period I'll get the same way....those darn hormones!
So, at least we have the comfort of knowing that it is a part of something
normal, and we are not going bonkers!! Hang in there, it does get
better....and next time you start crying, envision all the little hormones
running around in you and you'll start laughing! Renee D
— Renee D.
October 22, 2002
I think that it is more than just the loss of your friend, food. I believe
that hormones run amuck after the weight loss starts and that contributes
to the depression also. This is just speculation on my part, based on
all I have read from my research, because I haven't experienced a single
minute of depression since surgery (almost 11 months ago). I didn't suffer
from head hunger after surgery either but now that the weight loss is
slowing, I find myself wanting to snack too much and have to watch it. I'm
not wanting things I shouldn't have - am perfectly content to chew on
jerky, but I do want to snack more than I should.
— Patty_Butler
October 22, 2002
I am 5 months out and still struggling with this. It is getting better,
but it can be so consuming. I have lost 55 pounds so far. I am on 300mg
Zoloft but am unable to tolerate the Welbutrin. My labs came back that I
am considerably anemic -- made a PCP appointment this morning for next week
to discuss. The Welbutrin worked wonders for me 6 weeks post but I just
cannot take it anymore. Some days yes, but sporadic treatment wreaks more
hell than it solves. Consider the dose and the time you have been on it.
You are working through more than can be addressed by medication alone.
Stay the course. The medication will be there to help you as the other
factors causing you to feel this way diminish. Take your vitamins and
treat yourself well. And give yourself all of the patience you would
recommend for someone else in your boat. Good luck and God bless!
— Karen F.
October 22, 2002
Carla,
I am 13 weeks out and on a total high..as of this afternoon I lost 77lbs!
However, I have to admit that I was in your shoes shortly after having
surgery...I was very depressed and wondered if I made the right decision,
but as time goes by and you adjust you WILL feel better...
— Trish R.
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