Question:
I am a little over 5 months post op and down 85 pounds.

I am thrilled about that, but concerned about something else. My anxiety level is sky high! I have always been a worrier, now I obsess about stuff like my son's sports teams, running the little league snack bar, even stuff that should make me happy. We got new furniture, which I've wanted forever. It's coming March 25, and I can't stop worrying about the cats claws, and freaking out over getting rid of the old stuff. My DH say's I'm "acting weird", really unpleasent to be around. I can't even stand myself right now. I have been taking some Xanax I had left over from when my mom was dying of cancer, but I don't want that to become a habit. Please help me figure this out!!    — Lesa H. (posted on March 10, 2003)

March 10, 2003
I would like to start out by saying I'm very sorry for the loss of your mother. I lost my mother 6 years ago and sometimes it just still feels like yesterday. Also, though, I so understand where you are coming from regarding your anxiety level. I am still pre-op, surgey scheduled for 3/20; however, I had similar problems when I was pregnant. I would freak out about everything and was having difficulty functioning "normally" due to my high anxiety. This is a non-professional oppinion; but, I would suggest seeing a psychiatrist or your PCP because I've heard that as we lose weight rapidly it affects our hormone levels just like my pregnancy affected mine. I've been taking prozac(which is non-addictive) and it has helped me tremendously with my anxiety level. I don't know much about Xanax but I think it's more of a short term solution with an instantanious result after taking it. Prozac builds up in your body and slowly helps curb your anxiety level so you don't have anxiety attacks everytime the Xanax wears off. I've heard that prozac isn't just for depression but that it helps many things such as anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive tendencies too. Just a though but rather than taking an old prescription which was given for different circumstances, try talking to your doctor about your current concerns. Best Wishes and congrats on your great weight loss!
   — denisel

March 10, 2003
about a year ago i started having really bad anxiety! my DR put me on zoloft and it has helped me A TON! it also gave me more energy and much happier!
   — christine S.

March 10, 2003
Hi there- I have had a lot of anxiety since surgery. I am now going to a group therapy every week and it is very helpful. I am trying to avoid meds but would take them if this got worse. My surgeon has a very interesting theory that the more I think about it the truer it seems. He thinks that a large number of the morbidly obese have OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and once you take away the food it invariably comes out in another part of our lives. I believe this only because what would let me get to almost 300 pounds? The whole time I was gaining I knew it was so unhealthy, etc. but could not stop. I thought about food morning, noon and night. I know many women post op who are now on meds for this condition and are doing really well. Good luck!!!
   — Carol S.

March 10, 2003
I just wanted to add that Xanax can be a very dangerous drug if not used while under a very close watch by your doctor. I was an office manager for a PCP office for many years and have seen all kinds of things, but Xanax has a very high potential for abuse, overuse, etc. Plus, keep in mind that the body becomes chemically dependent on this medication within a very short period of time and once that happens it will take more and more to make you feel half as good. Once you try to get off this stuff, if you do it "cold turkey" after being on it awhile, you can suffer from seizures! I don't mean to scare you, but I do want you aware of the adverse effects of these meds, it can be poison. Please take care.
   — thumpiez

March 10, 2003
I used to have the same kind of anxiety. With me it's completely chemical, due to weird hormonal issues from PCOS. Your weight loss could very well have addled your hormones and serotonin. Please see your doctor rather than self-prescribing. I am on Celexa now and am amazed at how normal I feel. Ask about Celexa or Lexapro. Good luck!
   — Maria N.

March 10, 2003
Please, PLEASE do not continue to self-medicate! Get yourself into therapy and let that physician prescribe the right medication and dose for you.
   — Kasey

March 10, 2003
Hi Lesa :). I've been a victim of panic/anxiety attacks many times in the past. It always happened with my pregnancies for some reason. I DEFINITELY FEEL FOR YOU! It's like living in a cloudy nightmare! All my docs would treat me with Xanax. This worked, but it left me feeling disjointed, if that makes sense. During my last pregnancy, 2 years ago, my OB put me on Celexa when those obsessive/panicky feelings surfaced again. CELEXA IS A MIRACLE. It took about a month to really start working, but what a difference it made! It took away my OCD, my panic and anxiety, and made me feel REAL again. After I delivered my baby, I quit taking it (as I'd always discontinued the Xanax after delivery previously, per Dr's orders). Within 2 days I realized that I was becoming a major witch. I went back on the Celexa and still take it daily. Obviously, you can see that I believe completely in this drug! My ex-husband was on many anti-depressants and none of them seemed to work for him like this does for me. My OB said that Celexa is prescribed for both depression and anxiety. PLEASE go talk to your doctor! Get out of this living hell that you are trapped in. I truly believe it's one of the worst feelings in the world. If you need to talk or just vent, my email is always open :). Good luck hun!
   — SuzAnne S.