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Depression - A Common Problem After Gastric Bypass
Few people who suffer from depression after a gastric bypass operation
blame the condition on the procedure itself, or the very low calorie
diet that follows weight loss surgery. However, low calorie diets have
been found to cause depression, and they can increase the symptoms in
already diagnosed depressive people. The diet following gastric bypass
surgery is so low in calories that depression often follows the procedure
- but the operation itself is rarely recognized as the cause.
Some doctors argue that depression is all in a person's head. They
aren't too far off, but depression is not a mental illness. It is caused
by inadequate levels of mood stabilizing chemicals such as serotonin,
norepinephrine, and dopamine.
Many things can cause these chemicals to get out of balance, including
weight loss and low calorie intake. Depression is one of the more serious
gastric bypass complications.
Calories convert to fuel for the body. The body needs a certain number
of calories to survive. When there isn't enough fuel to go around, the
most important functions of the body get first shot at the available
food. This can cause lower serotonin levels in people who do not eat
enough.
The lower levels then will cause the gastric bypass complication of
depression. According to the Thinner Times website, psychological challenges
are the causes of 5-10% of deaths occurring two or more months after
gastric bypass surgery.
Depression is a dangerous illness causing thousands of deaths each
year. The gastric bypass diet needs to be closely monitored and adjusted
in order to prevent depression. Many small healthy meals per day are
needed to take in adequate amounts of calories. This will ensure a continuous
supply of fuel for your body.
These meals need to be well balanced with a healthy amount of proteins,
dairy, fruits, and vegetables. Vitamins also should be taken daily to
help supplement the food intake.
The loneliness a gastric bypass patient feels also contributes to depression.
It is hard to go out to a restaurant and eat like friends do. Ordering
and portion size must be taken into consideration. The joy of dining
out with a date is also compromised. The need to explain actions causes
embarrassment and feelings of inadequacy. Speaking to a date before
eating at a restaurant will alleviate the fears of uncomfortable questions.
The right person will understand and not judge the gastric bypass patient.
Symptoms of depression include sadness throughout most of the day and
lack of interest in activities a patient once enjoyed. A depressed person
may be tired and want to sleep all the time. They may be pessimistic
and have a negative outlook on life. Severely depressive people will
have thoughts of death or suicide.
When depression does occur, is is imperative to seek help immediately.
There are medications available to help balance out the chemicals in
the brain. Early intervention is important because after beginning a
depression medication, sometimes up to 4 weeks can pass before a patient
begins feel better.
If the first medication doesn't provide relief within a month, inform
the prescribing doctor and don't despair. There are many medications
to try. Each person is different and finding the correct medication
sometimes takes a few tries.
People choosing gastric bypass surgery need to be aware of the serious
side effects of depression. Depression is not something to downplay
or ignore. It can be very serious and even fatal if not treated.
Patients should be informed of the ways to prevent depression form
occurring, how to identify that they are having a problem, and the steps
to take to alleviate symptoms.
More on The Complications of Gastric Bypass Surgery:
Note: The information given here should
not be taken as medical advice. Be sure to talk to your doctor
about any concerns you may have about gastric bypass surgery.
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