Bad News, Depression Medication! - ThinnerTimes

gramamarc · 04-18-2005, 09:42 PM

The bad news is, I saw Debbie Ellis, she is a nurse practicioner at the San Diego Psyc Center (in the Gateway Building). She said she can't recommend me for surgery right now because even with the 'Prozac" I am still too depressed. She said my mood has to be elevated and more stable before she can refer me. She gave me 'Welbutron' to take in addition to the prozac because I can't take more Prozac as it already puts me to sleep at work. The Welbutron should pick me up more. She also talked to one of the Dr's and he agreed and came in and talked to me too.

I have to take it for 4 weeks and go back to see her in 3 weeks. I said part of the reason I am depressed is because of my weight and how is waiting longer to do something about it going to help? She said she understands that, but since it is such a huge undertaking that I need to go into it in the healthiest mental and physical condition possible. She also refered me to a therapist which I will start going to next week.

It's kinda like a punch in the gut. I felt like crying but I guess I can see it from that side too. As much as I want it to happen and as quickly as possible It has to be right. I can only trust that God is guiding this endevor and I can only follow.

But... If they delay too long I will have to fight back. I think this will only hold me back about a month. and I really didn't plan on having the surgery til the latter part of June anyway.

Another part of my depression stems from the fact that this is the heaviest I have ever been and I am just dreading going into the hot weather like this. I am already so uncomfortable, once it starts getting hot I know I will be miserable . And how is that going to affect my depression? My greatest joy is going to the beach and hiking and swimming and doing stuff with my grandkids which right now I have a hard time forcing myself to do.

Am I in the Twilight Zone or what!!! Depressed cause I can't lose weight , Can't have WLS cause I'm depressed...

HEAVY SIGH!!!

Marcia

JohnsWife4Life · 04-18-2005, 09:47 PM

I am so sorry Marcia.

Hugs,

Traci

bridgetgirl · 04-18-2005, 10:46 PM

At least that therapist cared about you ... I guess you two had a deep conversation huh? It sounds like it went way further than what we suggested from our own experiences at East County group! No worries sugar pea, head up take the Wellbutrin and in a couple of months you will be happy go lucky. Just clean out those closets, keep smiling, stay hopeful and we will help you get through this.

Sandi had to be put off from surgery from over a year, every test she would have would show SOMETHING then she would have a study done on it and it would come back fine... but everything came up with obstacle to overcome, just know sugar pea that IT WILL happen for you. One day at a time....... just keep up the great work, we are with you all the way! Okay? Love your lil face! Chin up girl, you are phenomenal your time is just around the corner!

LizardQueen · 04-19-2005, 05:38 AM

Be glad you have a competent therapist. I know it just seems like another delay, but you have to take care of yourself first. I suffered from depression for years and this is the best I have ever felt without meds. I had an undiagnosed thyroid condition that was causing a lot of my symptoms. You just try to concentrate on your well-being for the next few weeks. Try to work on things in therapy. Good luck! You can do this!!!!

Meaghan · 04-19-2005, 07:07 AM

I'm so sorry for your frustrations. But like everyone else previously said, thank goodness for a competent therapist. It's amazing what the meds will do - I was on that combo for about 2 years at the max doses and I started feeling "normal" again.

I can only speak from my own experience - only being a week or so pre-op and right now med-free - I have to agree that you do need to be in your best mental state cause I've been kind of depressed this past week and I can only imagine how much harder it would be if I was depressed before the surgery.

Hang in there - we are all behind you!

pambragg · 04-19-2005, 07:17 AM

Marcia,
I am so sorry you have hit a roadblock. It is very frustrating but I am a firm believer that He has a time plan for everything. Just go with what they want and know that the brass ring has not disappeared, just moved back a little. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Big hugs sweetie.

lealphachienne · 04-19-2005, 07:35 AM

Dealing with your emotional health now will go a long way to keep you sane later when the rollercoaster ride begins. I was on anti-depressants and in therapy for months before I was approved. I initiated the therapy and asked for help knowing that it was a potential roadbloack down the road. My psych letter even listed that the depression was another complication of obesity. As we can all atest to, th post-op ride is a doozy!

gramamarc · 04-19-2005, 08:07 AM

Thanks for all the encouragement. I know that in my heart it is just hard to accept, as everything elso has kinda flowed by with no trouble.

One of the good things that she saw was that I was participating in this forum and starting to go to the groups. I hope to also start doing some of the fun things with you guys too. Even though I don't normally go out much, I want to start. I always told myself I didn't really like to go out but I guess I probably don't feel comfortable with myself. Maybe even when I lost weight last time I didn't want to go out and be noticed. Might shake up my safe little world of my nesting place if I was to let someone in. I always say cause I have been (D) single for 30 years I am too set in my ways. My youngest (6yr) granddaughter just asked me the other day if I would ever get married. I said I would if I ever met and fell in love with someone. She asked if I would have a kid I said no, but she would finally have a Granpa. She got really excited about that.!!
Aren't kids great?!

Marcia

Christina · 04-19-2005, 08:23 AM

Your therapist is right to not proceed right now. You will thank her after about 6 months post op for having you wait this extra month.. trust me on that one. At about 6 months post op most of us (or at least I know most of my friends.. maybe not all .. but most) hit this huge depression sink hole.. I was one of them. If I had been truly severely depressed going into this without medication I may not be alive right now. Without being mentally ready for the surgery, you really are putting your life at risk. You may think you wouldn't want to do anything to yourself.. but once this ride begins there is no turning back... so you need to wear all your protective gear (and have your meds at your side) because like Marie said.. the ride is bumpy and there are roadblocks.. but the good thing about road blocks is that sometimes you appreciate the surgery that much more..

Good luck to you.. and I really wish you the best..

msterry · 04-19-2005, 11:43 AM

Marcia,

The last time I tried to get approved for surgery I ran into a similar roadblock. I was with Scripps clinic and went to their recommended psychologist and they have you take a multiple choice test. I failed badly and was told that she couldn't understand how in the world I got out of bed everyday and that maybe I should be hospitalized. After that I gave up. You see I have a regular psychiatrist that I visit regulary and have been on antidepressant medication since my 30's. First prozac, now effexor with many combinations in between. The psychologist was correct I wasn't ready to proceed because I gave up too easily and it wasn't until going to Dr Potts and having my psychiatrist write the letter, that I had the strength to get things done right. So keep your chin up and realize that they are making sure that you can handle this surgery and have the best outcome.

Terry