Hello all... I was wondering if anyone has been treated with stress and anxiety while banded. I have had alot of this lately due to separating from my husband and moving out on my own and all the stresses of "starting over" and am seeing a therapist, I was also prescribed Zoloft. Taking the Zoloft has been completely AWFUL! When I take it I get the worst stomach pains I have ever had in my life, I feel like my stomach is on fire, its horrible. So my therapist suggested I post to see if anyone else is treated with stress and anxiety and what kind of medications work for you? If your more comfortable sending this in a pm I understand, but I would really appreciate any input anyone can offer. Ive been banded for over a year and have had WONDERFUL success with my weight loss, my Dr tells me I've lost 75% of my excess body weight, 105 lbs total... you would think with me getting my self back my ex would have appreciated it and he would want me...well he wanted every other woman besides me, but that's another story I suppose. Anyhow if anyone can offer me a bit of advice, thanks in advance!!

Im not banded yet...but that being said...alo of the anti anxiety meds as well as antidepressants com in "sprinkle" form. you can look them up online to see if there is a med that would work for you that is similar to zoloft. personally, I dont function well without my antidepressants so I hope that i will be able to take mine after i get my band.

Someone close to me has anxiety constantly, so i bought her some Kava tea. I had read somewhere online how it helps calm your nerves.

I picked some up just to see if it would help. It didn't help her much, but going through my Thesis quarter of Grad School, i thought i'd give it a try. It sure helped me calm down when my nerves got going.

Do i think it will help you? I'm not sure, but any kind of information helps, right? Hope you get to feeling better!

I am taking Celexa, which is a 'cousin' of Zoloft. I started this past week (for reasons similar to yours), and was queasy and stomach-achey for the first couple of days, but that has receded quickly.

My doctor chose Celexa because it's one of a handful of SSRIs available in liquid form. In capsule or tablet form, I do experience a lot more discomfort from meds---but the liquid really is far, far easier to tolerate.

Zoloft is available in liquid form, if you're not already taking it that way. Once the initial gastrointestinal side effects (which happen to pretty much all of us who start this class of meds), you may find that liquid works better for you, too.

Regarding the post about kava: it really is excellent for reducing anxiety, but its hepatotoxicity has caused it to come under close scrutiny. I'm all for natural alternatives, but kava is one that I've abandoned because of several documented cases of liver failure related to its use.

I take Celexa and it doesn't bother me it all. Just makes me tired!

I gave up all my bad habits at once and was a ball of nerves, having emotional fits of anger and tears and was just unbearable to be around. I went natural and took Sam-E. It has been used in several European countries for years for major depression. It took a week or so to kick in but it worked wonders for me with no side effects. You can get it at any drug store, about $30 for a month's supply.

I am on zoloft - without any problems.....the entire time I have been banded. Maybe you need to try a different med?

6 years ago I started on Zoloft for 3 years and changed to many different ones before I came back to Zoloft. It is a great med. It does cause you to be sick to your stomach the first couple of weeks but then it passes. The only bad side effect is the drymouth, but helps you drink your Water. And there is some sexual side effects also. But after it builds to full strenght at 4 - 6 weeks it will help you. I take meds for clinical depression and another for anxiety and had no trouble since getting banded taking them. I also had panic attacks several times a week but since being banded I have only had 2 in 14 months. Also stay away from grapefruit in any form.

Cheri

I suffer from PTSD, Bi-Polar and Anxiety. I currently take Abilify and Ativan...both are teeny tiny. They do bother my tummy a bit, so I definetely have to take them at meal time. Mornings seem best when I take them with a protein drink. Hope you get some resolution. Good Luck!

I take Lexapro. It's a relatively small pill, and I've had no problems getting it down or with side effects before or after banding.

I'm also taking Zoloft. I started taking it about 5 months before my surgery, and it upset my stomach for the first few days. For the first couple months, I was taking Xanax while the Zoloft built up in my system.

I haven't had any issues continuing it post-band, and am not in a hurry to give it up.

Hello,

I am sorry to hear about your recent seperation.. i am a true believer in "everything happens for a reason" so hang in there.. it will all work out for the best.. but i understand fully the hurt... I have been taking Prozac for years now... prior to banding, and currently. It comes in a capsule so i usually open it and mix the powder in some low fat yogurt.. it NEVER bothered my stomach and prozac has worked great for me and everyone else i know.. zoloft was not so good for me.. it magnified my anxiety and panic...

good luck!

Make sure that you take in earlier in the day and that you drink enough Water to get it past the band. It is probably sitting in your pouch. I am on Zoloft also and had this happen 2 times before I figured it out. Good Luck

Chuck