spangebabe

Has anyone experienced this? Im 5 weeks post op, i have been on prozac for years, its capsule form, i had breakdown 10 years ago (panic/anxiety that lasted 4 days and nights uncontrolled, had to "think to breathe" and all other panic/anxiety symptoms) but have been managed since then, as soon as i came around from surgery a attack started as felt couldnt breathe, it subsided over the days and i dealt with it, went back to work 2 weeks post op, then BOOM one day driving to work massive panic/anxiety attack, rushed to hospital all stats were good, valium calmed me down, been in hell every day since (nearly 2 weeks) visited a psychiatrist and on 4 x a day special valium plus the prozac, he thinks my prozac has not been absorbing correctly (capsule form) or breaking down correctly as small tummy now and not enough acid production. I dont feel depressed, no way, im eager to get out amongst it and go horse riding, swimming, running etc, its so bad Ive had to be on indefinate leave from my job, no one seems to be able to help me and everyone is saying its in my head, if it is it must be deeply buried subconsciously!.. My panic attacks start with "gotta think to breathe" it can last for ages and ages and if i dont very very carefully control it, it realy spirals outta control, its exhausting and terrifying, the only thing that helps it is lorazepaem and special 4 x daily mild valium, had my bloods done, all it said that i was low in Phosphate but they felt that was common after stomach surgery and i had slightly elevated testosterone (had that before) Its just all so weird and frustrating, just feeling bit desperate and hoping this isnt going to be a forever thing, i dont regret my surgery and dont feel traumatised by it etc. Any help would be appreciated

Thank you soooo much for your replies guys, it really helps knowing that im not alone, i was feeling rather isolated about it all, I am getting better (i think!) day by day, the meds knock me around but im finding every day im not feeling so wasted, i live in New Zealand and im very fortunate to be able to get into this wonderful place called Phobic trust that said they can help me, and Im doing a little meditation mind calming course on Wednesday nights to help, im going to start swimming also (i find water calms me) just gotta wait for one little incision to completely close over, ive healed extremely well (prior to surgery i ate a truck load of Kale, spinach and vegies etc and Im positive that has helped with healing so well etc) its just a scary time, hate going out in case they hit me but I know ive got my lorazapeam in my back that i melt under my tounge for quick effect and of course my paper bag!! hahahaha but thanks guys its been a confusing time, desperate to get back to work but not sure how long that will take, fingers crossed "this too shall pass" Im looking at getting a tattoo once ive conquered this to remind me that i can get through these attacks and i will be ok, just gotta keep occupied and positive! Much love ange xoxoxo

Hi there, just wondering if anyone knows how common strictures/scar tissue is after gastric sleeve? And if its something that is always going to be a possibility even years down the track? What I can see its something that cant be avoided happening, its just one of those things, but cant seem to find any research on it etc Cheers

Thank you so much for your replies, very good idea, ill ask my surgeon about bougie size etc, i'm finding it difficult to ask them questions etc as I actually walked from my surgery last year, i was gowned up ready to go and i flipped out and had a panic attack, i have been in therapy for the last year and all the things i was worried about im totally cool with now, its more just the long term complications that worry me a little, but nothing like last year, i just came across a few things about strictures and scar tissue etc and i was curious to find out more about it, my surgeon wont operate on me unless he feels i am ready (fair enough, great surgeon!) so i feel awkward if i ask questions again or show any signs of anxiety i wont get the all clear, but its my body and i sorta feel its my responsibility to investigate possibilities of things that could be happen, knowledge is power kinda thing! It feels really good having great sites like this just to blurt it out and ask all these random questions and not feel like you are being over anxious etc. thanks so much guys xo

HI there I posted this morning looking for people who are 5 or so years out, it looks like there are not many as it hasnt really been around for that long, a very nice lady answered me, I am pre-op and still tossing up with the idea of gastric sleeve, I know regain is a big issue, and this is going to be a issue for life with or without surgery, this is just a tool to give you a better edge on keeping the weight off, my question is, with this tool of gastric sleeve people who are fighting regain or over the honeymoon period is the regain battle a little easier with the tool of the gastric sleeve than it is fighting regain without this tool? I know either way i go it's going to be a battlefield and everyone has their own demons, I just cant get my head around this if the battle at the end of the day is going to be the same! My understanding in a scientific way is the gastric sleeve gives you that better odds as its "easier" to stick to lower calorie intake, i have read for example that a 115kilo person who gets to say a goal of 70 kilos has to consume 30% less calories than a never obese 70 kilo person, this is how a obesity scientist explained WLS to me, its because the body goes into a hypometabolic/orexogenic state after weight loss (hence 95% people who lose weight without bariatric surgery regain) the surgery gives you better odds at keeping it off as it allows you to consume less and feel fuller. Im just curious as to the real battle after the honeymoon stage and if the sleeve does make it that little bit easier. (ps I Love this forum! so informative, awesome set up!) Angela

HI there I am interested in hearing from people who are 6 or so years post op from gastric sleeve and how they are getting on now etc, I went into a forum on here for 2008 sleeved people but no activity! But really really interested in hearing from people who are "veterans" with the gastric sleeve and how they are getting on etc, thanks heaps

Even though this is a old topic I am sooooo happy and pleased to see it, I am getting the sleeve done and I really want to go vegan/raw food, i have been doing this on and off over the last couple of months and just love the lifestyle and how it makes me feel, obviously i still struggle with it otherwise i wouldnt be needing this operation! I am from NZ by the way, but feel so much better finding this thread, the vegan/raw food way really fits in with my values and its something i really want to get into once im on track