Question:
I suffer from panic attacks, anxiety & depression
I have been overweight most of my life, obes since my twenties. I have had panic attacks, anxiety & depression for about 15 years now. I understand these are common among the obese. Anyone else suffer??? Did they go away after surgery??? Was anyone taking meds for this able to stop???? — Kathy831 (posted on February 2, 2001)
February 2, 2001
I have recurrent major clinical depression w/PTSD and panic disorder ...
the most recent flare up occured in 1995 and I'm still working my way out
of it. I have made surprising improvement since losing weight ... where I
previously avoided going out of the house at all, I am now able to walk my
dog on the street (doesn't sound like much, but after years of not even
venturing into the back yard, it is major!) and being able to shop without
feeling like everyone is staring at me. Also am now able to attend family
functions (three weddings, a graduation and a funeral just last year!). I
feel as though I'm finally growing up (gee, I'm 46 ... about time!). I've
had WONDERFUL support from my congregation, family, and team of healthcare
providers (pcp, pa, psychologist & psychiatrist). My psychologist was
kind enough to call me at home most every day post op for the first few
weeks. The problem with depression was definitely worse for the immediate
post op period, but after a couple of months improved dramatically. As
difficult as things may become, PLEASE try to remember it is only
temporary. Although one of my meds has been decreased by half, it will be
another year before the others begin to be decreased. My goal is to attain
an 'even keel' for a few months before attempting change. But, please
believe me ... life is SO MUCH more livable at a healthy weight! Please
email me directly if I can be of any help! Cindy
— Cynthia B.
February 3, 2001
i hear alot of what your experiancing is all chemicals in the brain so i
was told even though you lose the weight the chemicals in your brain will
be the same so you will still need the medication..i suffer from
agoraphobia and bi-polar and manic depression just to name a few and even
when i lose all my weight i will still have this imbalance in my head
— [Anonymous]
February 3, 2001
My knowledge of the underlaying brain disfunction that causes these
symtoms, depression, anxiety, and Panic attacks
has nothing to do directly with us having surgery. I do believe some
symtoms might improve because we will feel better about ourselves. In my
case, I have learned that I have even more problems with being
obsesive-compulsive then I thought. I have to work very hard at what I put
in my mouth and when to stop. I have not dumped yet but almost did today.
I'm still on the modified liquid diet and I'm craving. I think I'll have
to take pills for my condition for life. It may sound funny but I love
taking them because without them I was afraid to do much of anything. Good
Luck on your surgery, Mary Brinker
— Mary B.
February 6, 2001
I too suffer from panic attacks, anxiety, and depression. for awhile, about
six months, I didn't even go out of the
house, then they put me on Paxil, I no longer have any,
Yes I am fat, but I had them when I was 70lbs lighter,
My doctor says that it is a chemical un-balance of the brain.
— Marie B.
September 24, 2001
I to suffer from panic attacks, anxiety and depression, I have been on
several medications for this disorder, I finally found one that agrees with
me, I still have anxiety alot of the time and have my bad days and my good
ones, I am unable to go to town by myself becouse of this. I had wls 11 wks
have lost 49 pnds so far and i'm still pretty much the same as before, but
everyone is different, so I hope all works out for you, and I hope that in
time my condition will also get better. good luck
— Tricia B.
September 22, 2007
I had my first panic attach two years post -op. It was the most horible
thing I had ever experienced. I though I was dieing and I was sure I was
having a heart attach. When I got to the hospital they informed me I was
having a panic attach. I had no idea what anxiety was untill I had the
surgery. This has continued and now I am better dealing with it. After two
years of thinking I had panic disorder I have finaly found out that my
panic attachs are just a symtom of a more serious condition. Because of
the surgery I have become hypoglycimic. My sugar drops under 45 two to
three times a day. Hypoglycimia that is left uncured causes terrible
anxiety, panic, mania, distorted thoughts and alot more. I am now looking
at removing my pancreas and am going to Stanford on Monday. Yes surgery can
cause panic attachs and anxiety. I have researched this rigriorisly and
have found alot of patient with my same condition so if anyone who is
scared of developing panick attacks, horrible anxiety and serious
deppression realy need to reconsider their desision
— stevielivjaysmommy
September 22, 2007
I had my first panic attach two years post -op. It was the most horible
thing I had ever experienced. I though I was dieing and I was sure I was
having a heart attach. When I got to the hospital they informed me I was
having a panic attach. I had no idea what anxiety was untill I had the
surgery. This has continued and now I am better dealing with it. After two
years of thinking I had panic disorder I have finaly found out that my
panic attachs are just a symtom of a more serious condition. Because of
the surgery I have become hypoglycimic. My sugar drops under 45 two to
three times a day. Hypoglycimia that is left uncured causes terrible
anxiety, panic, mania, distorted thoughts and alot more. I am now looking
at removing my pancreas and am going to Stanford on Monday. Yes surgery can
cause panic attachs and anxiety. I have researched this rigriorisly and
have found alot of patient with my same condition so if anyone who is
scared of developing panick attacks, horrible anxiety and serious
deppression realy need to reconsider their desision
— stevielivjaysmommy
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