I’ve got 4 appointments set and ready to go. My concerns are as follows:

I’m anemic and worried it will become worse after this.

I take anxiety meds, totaling 4 pills a day and am worried I won’t be able to take them right after surgery.

What I do know is I’m 350lbs and want to be around to see my grandkids. At 33 my body is starting to give out on me and I’m not ok with that. I want the surgery, but am concerned because of the above. Anyone else here with anxiety disorder?

I would suggest that the first thing you should do is get a handle on why you are anemic. I became anemic a couple of years ago, and my PCP took it very very seriously. My issue was gynecological, and after a hysterectomy and 6 months of Vitron C, I got it under control. I have anxiety, too, you can still take ADs after surgery.

Good luck to you -- its a long process but I think its worth it!

Personally my surgeon told me I could take my anxiety meds immediately after surgery. No crushing or anything, I was able to swallow them with a sip of water. But it’s surgeon preference I think—everyone is different!

I had to stop my SSRI for the day of surgery and the day after. I haven't had any trouble swallowing pills. (Though most of my pills are pretty small). You can also crush them or take liquid versions. I think the only tricky things is if you take an extended release, you might have to switch to immediate release taken several times daily due to absorption issues. My research before surgery seemed to suggest this was worse for gastric bypass than sleeves. I might check with your prescribing doctor.

A few hours before surgery I was given an anti-anxiety med orally. Afterwards, the pain meds took affect and numbed any anxiety.