Stress & Depression After Weight Loss Surgery

Surgery for weight loss, also known as bariatric surgery, can help dangerously obese individuals reduce their body weight to healthier levels by reducing the size of the stomach to curb overeating. While the surgery can result in significant weight loss, an overall improvement in health, and a decreased risk of obesity-related death, studies show that patients who undergo bariatric surgery experience unusually high rates of depression and stress.

Sources of stress and depression after weight-loss surgery

• A 2007 clinical study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh reviewed the medical records of almost 17,000 bariatric surgery patients from 1995 to 2004. The study found that 16 patients committed suicide, which is a significant increase over the national statistical average, which would predict no more than two deaths from suicide in a subject pool of that size. While the exact correlation between bariatric surgery and the increased suicide rate is not known, many factors might contribute to elevated feelings of stress and depression following surgery. The disparity between expectations and reality could cause depression and anxiety in individuals who anticipated a dramatic improvement in the overall quality of life after surgery. The change in body size that comes with drastic weight reduction can lead to new feelings of vulnerability and uncertainty, even to the extent of having an identity crisis. Friends or spouses may be insufficiently supportive of someone who has undergone weight-loss surgery, which can trigger feelings of depression.

Treatment for post-surgery stress and depression

• Find healthy ways to deal with increased post-surgery stress. Social activities, hobbies and exercise are all good ways to alleviate stress. Mild feelings of unhappiness and stress may be eased by discussing them with a sympathetic listener, who can be either a trained therapist or a good friend.

  Professional counseling is necessary for anyone who experiences multiple recurring symptoms of clinical depression, which include thoughts of death or suicide, decreased pleasure in everyday activities, and chronic feelings of anxiety, irritability or guilt. The hospital or medical center that performed your surgery can refer you to a psychologist with a background in treating patients with weight-related emotional disorders. Therapy sessions, prescription antidepressants and support groups are all proven methods for treating depression. A medical professional can help determine the best course of treatment for weight loss-related depression.