Question:
Does/did anyone out there have terrible anxiety before WLS was even an option?

I've been suffering from anxiety/panic attacks for over 3 years now and they have become progressively worse. Sometimes I think life is just too complicated. I'm not suicidal because my main fear is dying. I know surgery is a risk that I must take, but does the anxiety get better postop? I just can't imagine not feeling depressed even when I lose weight. Anyone out there feeling the same way?    — Dawn R. (posted on March 9, 2001)

March 8, 2001
I suffered anxiety attacks for years. I finally went to a doctor who has put me on medication for both the anxiety and depression. What a difference it has made. I strongly suggest you see a doctor for your anxiety and depression and deal with that first. Then start on the roller coaster of WLS. Hope that helps. And remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel.......and it isn't a frieght train!!
   — Debbie V.

March 8, 2001
I have suffered depression for most of my life, Therapy and medication are the only answeres. If you have WLS before dealing with your anxiety, and or depression I am not sure WLS will be what you want. I had a VBG 112 years ago and lost 130 lbs very rapidly, but I wasnt in touch with the reasons for compulsive overeating so it all came back plus some, this time I have been in extensive therapy and I am more confidant that I can handle being thinner, and mostly healthier both medically, and emotionaly. I wish you much luck.
   — [Anonymous]

March 8, 2001
I have suffered with anxiety/panic attacks since 1991. What brought them on suddenly I don't know. My doctor put me on Buspar (which is not habit forming) and it helped. I too was afraid of dying. After a while I was able to go off the medication and was fine until late 1999 and early 2000. This time I was suffering with depression and anxiety/panic attacks. My blood pressure was running high. First my doctor put me back on Buspar. It helped with the anxiety/ panic attacks, but the depression was bad. It was taking me till noon to get to work. That was four hours of trying to get ready to go to work. My doctor finally put me on Prozac, too. I felt wonderful. I am now off all meds and doing fine. I am just learning about WLS and believe me I'm scared, but I refuse to let my anxiety and panic surface. I would suggest talking with your doctor, because there's medicine out there that helps.
   — Debbie B.

March 8, 2001
I was severely depressed following the sudden death of my husband on Christmas Eve 1998. I was suicidal. WLS saved my life, not only from my comorbidities, but myself. Best wishes.
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 9, 2001
hi. i have anxiety, panic & depression. I asked the same questions before my surgery and newver got the answer i was looking for. are you seeing a dr. and taking meds now? if you aren't, please go. there are many meds that can help you. i have had this for 13 years and am doing much better with the meds. as for the surgery, i am 10days post op and i had to stop taking them for 8 days. they were able to give me shots of ativan in the hospital for the anxiety i was having and boy did it help. now i am home and back on meds and feeling much better. i know thin people with these disorders, so i am not so sure that surgery will change anything, but i hope it does. i would like to be thin, happy and anxiety free...but being thin isnt the answer to everything, so i honestly dont know...i can only hope.
   — Kathy831