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Depression meds post gastric bypass

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losingitnm

Member
I'm new to this site as well as only 3.5 weeks post RNY surgery. I've been recovering well until 3 days ago, when I woke up in the a.m. with horrible emotions. I've been on Wellbutrin and Venlafaxine for years to treat generalized depression and anxiety. All was under control prior to surgery. Suddenly, and I mean suddenly, I'm an emotional wreck. Anxious and depressed while taking the same dosages as before. Post surgery the doctor switched me from extended release to regular so that I could cut the pills and swallow them. At the end of week 2 I was put back on extended release. 1.5 weeks later and I'm a mess! Anyone have any experience or knowledge about this? I'm anxious and teary-eyed, AND it seems like I'm physically suffering withdrawal from one of the 2 meds...that "shifting" feeling. Any advice/knowledge would be appreciated.
 
Everyone pre-surgery should ask their doctor and surgeon or a bariatric professional about the medications you are currently taking, because many, especially sleep aids, muscle relaxers, narcotics, and anti-depressants can have a much different and potentially dangerous effect after surgery.
 
losingitnm said:
Just spoke to my primary care doc and he told me to go back to regular release 2x day instead of ER because of possible malabsorption with the new "pipes." After a few weeks we'll revisit. In the meantime I'm on a wait list for some counseling and a support group. Thank you all!
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Hi there and welcome. :) I'm so glad your doctor realized the the ER meds won't work for you anymore. We've had other members who discovered that the hard way. It's one of those things that some people aren't told pre-surgery but it's so important!
 
I was told that every fat cell you lose releases hormones. I expected to be overly emotional and boy! was I. I also take bipolar meds and asked about dosing changing due to weight. I was told what I take in those meds are not weight guided dosing, so that was good. Hope u feel better. Glad you seek counseling. That's the best!
 
Brenda2010 said:
Hi there and welcome. :) I'm so glad your doctor realized the the ER meds won't work for you anymore.

Hi Brenda, It's so good to "see" you. I was worried when I noticed that you weren't on the board for awhile, hope that all's well with you. You were one of the first persons that I read posts on this board. Also, originally, my surgery date was approx. a year after your surgery and I hoped and prayed that I'd have as good an outcome as you!! You were truly my inspiration. Well, my surgery is set for this Monday. I have to be at the Hospital at 6 am and surgery is set for 7:30. I believe that I'm the first surgery of the day. I'm sure that they won't need much anesthesia to put me out, since I'll be half asleep. I am very excited and a little scared that this is really happening. Two days short of 5 months since my original date.
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losingitnm said:
I'm new to this site as well as only 3.5 weeks post RNY surgery. I've been recovering well until 3 days ago, when I woke up in the a.m. with horrible emotions. I've been on Wellbutrin and Venlafaxine for years to treat generalized depression and anxiety. All was under control prior to surgery. Suddenly, and I mean suddenly, I'm an emotional wreck. Anxious and depressed while taking the same dosages as before. Post surgery the doctor switched me from extended release to regular so that I could cut the pills and swallow them. At the end of week 2 I was put back on extended release. 1.5 weeks later and I'm a mess! Anyone have any experience or knowledge about this? I'm anxious and teary-eyed, AND it seems like I'm physically suffering withdrawal from one of the 2 meds...that "shifting" feeling. Any advice/knowledge would be appreciated.
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I am having problems too. I was sleeved November 11, 2019. I am taking Cymbalta. It worked until after surgery. My depression and anxiety are horrible. This is the worst I have ever been. The other day I cried because I didn't know what I wanted to eat. Eating is a struggle because I just don't want to eat. I am to the point where I don't care about much of anything. I start therapy tomorrow. The group I go to hooks you up with a regular doctor (not a mental health) to control your meds. Hopefully they can figure out the right meds for me. I will share what I learn with you. If you think you're withdrawing from your meds, you need to contact your doctor. If he doesn't know what to do, don't be afraid to go to someone else.
 
CindyVanD said:
I am having problems too. I was sleeved November 11, 2019. I am taking Cymbalta. It worked until after surgery. My depression and anxiety are horrible. This is the worst I have ever been. The other day I cried because I didn't know what I wanted to eat. Eating is a struggle because I just don't want to eat. I am to the point where I don't care about much of anything. I start therapy tomorrow. The group I go to hooks you up with a regular doctor (not a mental health) to control your meds. Hopefully they can figure out the right meds for me. I will share what I learn with you. If you think you're withdrawing from your meds, you need to contact your doctor. If he doesn't know what to do, don't be afraid to go to someone else.
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Thank you, and I hope you feel better very soon! My primary care doc and I came up with a plan to switch to regular release (not extended release) and after a few days that seems to be helping. Glad you're getting help!
 

Aww, thank you so much Roseanne. I hope everything went great today, that you're in a deep sleep, and that you have a fast & smooth recovery. Sorry I wasn't around to wish you luck, I'm not on nearly as much anymore, work is crazy and I'm still adapting to this new world we're all living in.

Quick update for anyone interested - I'm down to 133 pounds!!! So my total loss at 17 months = 157 pounds! I'm shocked. Never expected to be under 150 and I'm way under that. I can't believe I'm saying this but I could actually stand to gain 5-10 pounds. I hear in year two, there is almost always some regain so I won't worry about where I finally settle.
 
Brenda2010 said:
Aww, thank you so much Roseanne. I hope everything went great today, that you're in a deep sleep, and that you have a fast & smooth recovery. Sorry I wasn't around to wish you luck, I'm not on nearly as much anymore, work is crazy and I'm still adapting to this new world we're all living in.

Quick update for anyone interested - I'm down to 133 pounds!!! So my total loss at 17 months = 157 pounds! I'm shocked. Never expected to be under 150 and I'm way under that. I can't believe I'm saying this but I could actually stand to gain 5-10 pounds. I hear in year two, there is almost always some regain so I won't worry about where I finally settle.
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Congratulations Brenda! I’m so happy for you!! Thank you for sharing. I’ve often thought about you and wondered how you are doing.
 
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