Hello,

So today is 9 days post op and it has been a whirlwind. Over the last week, things have been all over the place and different health issues have made my anxiety skyrocket. According to the doctors I've seen this last week, everything is normal and I'm progressing along nicely. However, there's something that always makes me panic when I experience a new ache or pain. I've never really had any anxiety/emotional issues before surgery, but it seems like since I've had it, everything is just a crazy mess. Did this happen to anyone else? I was seeing a psych doctor before surgery (per insurance) and they didn't see any signs of an anxiety disorder. I'm hoping I'm not alone on this.

Crossing my fingers things start to ease up a little in the near future. My body is so over these panic attacks. :/

I think this is kind of normal. I think the anticipation of losing a lot of weight and changing your life can be overwhelming to start with. Everything about it, the incisions, the insides and what was done with them, what will be yet to come, the different food plans through the process, changing how you eat forever, all kinds of things just make it a bit overwhelming which might make you a bit anxious. You will be feeling a lot of different emotions but soon they are going to change to more positive ones. Try to enjoy the ride. Plan your menu for the week, write it all down, everything you will eat and when you will eat it. Do that on a SUnday. THat way, you don't have to think about it during the week and you will have one less stress in your week.

Enjoy! You will be great!

You are not alone!! We must have had surgery around the same day. I have been feeling the same way!! The only difference is that I have always had anxiety. I worry about everything and I find myself so emotional. Sometimes it just feels good to cry and get it out! We went through so much and it's a new journey for us. I worry about getting my protein in because I can't fit nearly the amount they suggest!! I have my appointment with the doctor tomorrow so of course I'm going to mention all of this because that's how I have felt too, but really I'd have to agree from what I have heard its normal.

Note that nobody is able to get in the amount of protein they first suggest at the beginning. It is just a goal that you will be working towards, not a rule that you have to abide by right now. But I agree, sometimes you just need to have a good cry and then pick yourself up (the next day, not right away) and move forward.

Best of luck to both of you. It only gets better.

Thanks so much @@esskay77 ???? means a lot!

I've had anxiety most of my life so I pretty much think I'm dying every day. my surgeon LOVES me. Haha

Note that nobody is able to get in the amount of protein they first suggest at the beginning. It is just a goal that you will be working towards, not a rule that you have to abide by right now. But I agree, sometimes you just need to have a good cry and then pick yourself up (the next day, not right away) and move forward.

Best of luck to both of you. It only gets better.

Actually, that is not true. It helps if you speak for yourself and not everyone else.

@@kradtke5 I think you and I have talked about these pains and aches before and even at almost three weeks post op, I'm still in a lot of pain and discomfort. My left side pain went from tugging and pulling to burning and aching and of course I freaked out! New feeling, new worry. I called my Bariatric RN and just like I knew she would, she told me it was normal and to keep moving as much as possible (which is barely possible )

I personally think that it's absolutely normal to have these fears and worries that we do; some of us have NEVER done this before and had no idea what to expect! I also agree with @@esskay77 that just the sheer worry and anxiety of ensuring I get enough Protein, Vitamins, liquid, etc. is enough to knock me down for an hour or two with tears! This is a whole new lifestyle change for us newbies and we're getting used to it. It can be overwhelming, for sure.

When I find myself about to freak out about pain or forgetting a dose of my vitamins, I literally just close my eyes and take a few deep breaths and tell myself "I Got This. I'm learning one day at a time" and I get myself together and move forward. It works nine times out of ten!

I know it's easier said than done but try to relax..it will help your body, it will help your mind and it will help your spirits. You're only 9 days out - it's going to take some time, so be good to you!

I think Winnie the Pooh (or Christopher Robin?) said it best: You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. xoxo

Thank you all so much for all your loving responses. It's so nice to have people who you don't even know, be able to make you feel a little more relaxed. Things have been changing everyday for me and I need to just go along for the ride. I see my dr tomorrow for my two week check up so I'll get some reassurance from him.