Unexpected Side Effect of Weight Loss Surgery: Suicide
New evidence indicates that suicide is dramatically more common in those who have undergone weight loss surgery such as gastric bypass than in the general population, up to double according to one study.
Nobody knows why bariatric surgery patients appear to be at higher risk for killing themselves. Some research shows a link between obesity and depression, so the typical surgery patient may already be at higher risk for depression and suicide before the operation. It’s possible that depressive symptoms may worsen in patients who have unrealistic expectations about the results of surgery or who struggle not to regain weight after the procedure. *
It’s horrible to think that, following a surgical procedure intended to improve quality of life, many are taking their own lives. What do YOU think the cause could be? And what, if anything, should be done about it?
Tags: Depression, gastric-bypass, Obesity, suicide, Weight-Loss-Surgery, woman, women, Womens-HealthRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Body, Cosmetic surgery, Depression, Diet, Emotional health, Mental health, Obesity
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3 opinions for Unexpected Side Effect of Weight Loss Surgery: Suicide
Susana
Nov 28, 2007 at 11:37 am
I agree that most of people who decide to undergo weight loss surgery are in deep depression. And the surgery seems them to be the only way out. So, hospitals should pay much more attention to mental health of the possible patients.
PJ
Dec 10, 2007 at 7:27 pm
I just read the article about depression and weight loss surgery. I had RNY gastric bypass three weeks ago. I have never been so depressed in my life. I have suffered with depression in the past but the surgery has made the depression 100X’s worse.
The surgery has an affect on your entire body. In speaking with many others that have had the surgery allot of them also experienced various degrees of depression. Had I known the depression would be this severe, I’m not sure I would have had the surgery.
I have talked to my surgeons office about my depression. They don’t seem interested in dealing with the emotional side of my recovery.
My surgeon and his support staff never discussed
the emotional or mental aspect of the surgery even though they were aware I was taking antidepressants before my procedure.
I think the Bariatric community needs to do a much better job of preparing their patients for this horrible post-op side effect to weight loss surgery. As I recover physically, I continue to spiral downward emotionally. I’m not sure the surgery was worth it!
Kristen King
Dec 10, 2007 at 8:53 pm
Susana, you are totally right. Mental health needs to be a part of the preparation and follow-up for bariatric surgery patients!
PJ, that is really intense. I am so sorry that your physician and his team are not helping you with this part of your recovery. I hope you are continuing to use the psychiatric and mental health resources in your community. Have you talked to the doctor who prescribed your antidepressants? Perhaps he or she could recommend a good therapist for some short-term (or longer-term, depending on how you feel) counseling.
Be aggressive about your care. Don’t take no for an answer. If your doctor won’t help you, find someone who will. (And e-mail me privately if you need help.)
YOU are worth fighting for.
Kristen
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