need some honest answers about anxiety please

I am two weeks post op and continually have problems with anxiety off and on---it is physical and not just mental. I keep wanting to walk or move and have trouble concentrating for too long at a time. Did anyone else have this and what did you do? My doc does not believe in meds for this for longer than short term. I think they think it is just mental, I feel like it is physical. I was give xantac (sp)? for a few days. PLease offer any suggestions. THis was not a major problem for me pre-op, so I am not sure how to handle it. THanks, LMW

If I were you, I would take what your doctor perscribed. Most anti- anxiety, or anti-depressants take awhile to get in your system. If you really want my honesty, I will tell you that I have read many of your postings, and I do believe that there is something going on with you. I am not a medical professional, but have you thought that maybe the surgery was just a catalyst? Mental issues can manifest themselves in all sorts of ways, including physical ones. The fact that you are able to recognize that things are different for you, and you feel that you have a problem, I think, is a great step. I too, had issues after surgery, but not to the extent that you are, so i don't really feel comfortable comparing my situation to yours. I truly wish you all the luck in the world, and I hope that you get to feeling like you again! Cathy

Would you please explain exactly what you mean about surgery being a catalyst? I am not disagreeing with you, but I just don't quite follow you. Thanks, LMW

Well, your body has just gone through something very traumatic. You have completley changed the way your body functions. This is a MAJOR shock to our systems. Maybe this shock to your system, has brought forth other issues that you didn't know you had? We are all different, and everyone responds differently to this surgery, I would never tell you that this is not a result of your surgery, who am I to know? But, I will tell you to follow your doctors instructions, ot if you are not comfortable with him/her to see someone else for their opinion. Again, I wish you all the best, and hope that you get to feeling better soon.... Cathy

LMW, After reading all of your previous questions if it were me I would either find another PCP or find a Psychologist who specializes in this area. Who was your surgeon and what does he or she say regarding all of these many changes? They should offer up and out some suggestions to this as well. Crece P.S. Just my opinion

The same. My surgeon seems to think to a point this is normal, but only short term. I do appreciate your feedback. When we go through this surgery, it is such a life style change, a drastic one. I do know that physical things can cause what some folks consider mental. I also know that these are all connected. So, overall I am getting the impression this is not normally common among WLS patients?? This seems physical to me and not mental. But, Thanks for your input. I will think about my next step if this continues. Right now, I kind of compare it to what happens for some people after childbirth--for some all is perfect-for others a major time of adjusting. I guess anytime you go outside the box (as they say) you can be labeled as not right in the head or something (ha-ha). From this site, I have learned many, many folks go on meds for sometime before and after this surgery. But yet, my doctor thinks this should be handled by PCP or other professional after a brief period. I just know this is very real for me and not there prior to this surgery. I have been a very responsible person my entire life and would prefer not to have to take meds forever. Thanks again, LMW

Hi LMW Have you had your post-op with your surgeon yet. Make sure to mention this because my surgeon mentioned anxiety as a possible complications symptom so you just want to make sure it's not something like that. Also, your body has been through a lot of changes and we have a lot of new rules that go with the changes. I would suggest making sure you have a psychologist/psychiatrist familiar with WLS and supportive of it to assist you. Hope this helps at least a little Valarie

Hi LmW.... I didn't have any post-op anxiety or depression, but something you said hit a chord in me. To quote you: I am two weeks post op and continually have problems with anxiety off and on---it is physical and not just mental. When I read this I thought.... Ahhhhhhh.... In years past after my divorce, I had some short term problems with depression. I have learned over the years that I now recognize that I am getting depressed by how my body feels. I don't necessarily notice feelings of what I would think are depression, such as tearfulness, or other uncontrolled unhappiness, etc. But my body feels worn out, and restless... kinda an anxious feeling. I now know that these are how my depression manifests itself in me. It is my heads up to be proactive and do something about my depression before it gets too bad. That is my signal that it is time for medication again. And I have never had to stay on medication for very long, just long enough to get me thru the rough parts of my life. I think I have heard it called Acute Situational Clinical Depression. My first episode was after my divorce. My next episode (about 15 yrs later) was when my children were being diagnosed with there behavioral disorders (ADHD, Bi-Polar, etc.). I'm sure you have read on these messageboards that as we begin to lose alot of weight that our hormones can go a little bananas. Hormones are stored in the fat, and then released as we lose the fat. They can make us have depression that we would not normally have. This is all part of our side effects from this surgery. Not everyone has the same side effects, or handles them the same either. Please talk to your doctor, and if you need to see someone in the mental health field, by all means do it. I would say this is probably a short term thing, and there is nothing wrong with needing a little added help from time to time. Good luck to you, and take the Xanax they gave you... (Zantac is for stomach trouble). And know that if you need to talk, and or vent, that is what we are here for... We may not have all of life's answers around here, but we always have an ear to lend when needed. Susan Lap RNY 12-1-04 285-189-155 (-96)

Usually anxiety affects our physical, emotional, AND mental well-being. It's not one or the other. Are you sleeping? If not, the medication your doctor prescribed may help. When I need rest, I'm very anxious. Did you go through a psychological evaluation? At mine, it was stressed to me that there was a strong likelihood that depression or anxiety might occur. That's part of the reason for the evaluation in the first place. If I were feeling anxious, I would go to a psychiatrist in a minute. Our health is strongly affected when we are stressed. That's a fact! If you are nervous about going to a psychiatrist, you can ask your provider for someone who fits your needs..ie. Christian, someone who specializes in WLS, etc., or you can get names from trusted friends, your pastor, etc. I would be uneasy about a doctor who made you feel like it was just mental. I hope you feel better soon!!! Hugs, Becky

Yes, I did pass the psychological evaluation with flying colors which I guess is part of the reason this anxious feeling surprises me so much. I appreciate your suggestions. Thanks, LMW