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Have any of you lost weight due to low grade Anxiety?

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Posted 6/12/2013 9:41 PM (GMT 0)
I , usually post on the Gerd/IBS forum, but since I have had anxiety issues over the past few years, I thought I would ask if any of you have had weight loss due to anxiety?  I started having stomach issues in December, along with that came the weight loss.   No appetite, etc. 

Dr. says I have IBS, and spastic colon, due to being nervous.

Once I realized that my weight was less, I guess it stuck in my head and I began to worry about that more than anything, in turn my stomach hurt worse and I could not eat hardly anything without getting sick.  I think a lot of this is being away from my family which is 1 1/2 hour away.  We moved to this area 2 years ago, I cannot find a job here, so am alone most of the time.  Our lease will be up inn December and I plan to move back to be close to my daughter and maybe land another job........in the mean time, I feel I am wasting away, Dr. did give me Bentyl for the cramping and wants me to have a CT scan just to relieve my mind........I felt so bad in his office the other day with my stomach, and felt really anxious to get out of there.  

I think I may also have low grade depression from the job loss, moving, being away from my family, etc.  Too much on my plate.  Being alone most of the time does not help either.  Please let me know if any od  you have experienced weight loss because of anxiety, sadness, Etc.   Thanks.

Posted 6/12/2013 11:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi TM

Yes I experienced some weight loss due to IBS associated with anxiety. For me, it was because I felt so nauseous and sick I didn't want to eat and actually developed anxiety about eating for a few days. I quickly got over that by making myself sit through long meals with friends in public settings. On a few occassions I had to excuse myself from the table and on one occassion I excused myself from my own birthday and walked to the hospital emergency room in a panic.

Let us know how the CT scan goes & hope you are feeling better soon!

Joshua
Posted 6/12/2013 11:14 PM (GMT 0)
Joshua,

when I had anxiety (bad) years ago, I would do the same thing!

I would not step foot in a restaurant for a long time.  I finally got over it.

I did not think I would ever start feeling anxious again, but this stomach thing has me stressed out.  Dr. says all of this stress related........uck

I don't want to take Xanax again like I used to.   I never got addicted as I would take tiny pieces that seemed to do the job.

Posted 6/13/2013 1:11 AM (GMT 0)
Hello TW,

After many years of panic and anxiety, I have learned to manage it pretty well. I still feel edgy at times and every now and then a short bout of anxiety. Even though it's mostly managed, I still have stomach issues. I have a fast matabolism so if I don't eat...I can drop a pound a day easy. I do have days where my appetite is not that good and if I dwell on it...it makes it worse.

I just remind my self that it will cycle back in a day or two and my appetite will improve and most times it does. I try to find somewhat healthy foods that have a higher calorie count so that when I am eating I'm getting the most from it. I have also found that there are times when I'm not hungry but will make a sandwich and suprise myself by eating the whole thing when I wasn't hungry to start with.

So I can relate to how you feel and at times it really gets to me...just remember to try and not beat yourself up over it or dwell on it and it helps....last thing is..I find sometime that a great smelling food will trigger my appetite...like when we go to the outdoor mall and I smell foods exhausting from resturants, sometimes that does the trick....your not alone...best wishes...Wingman

Posted 6/13/2013 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
thank you wingman,.,

I went through a bout of bad anxiety and losing weight after my husband passed 6 years ago.    I met Sam and starting cooking again and eating,

eventually the weight came back.   This time around, I did not even realize I was losing weight until I went to the Dr. for my stomach.

Since then the weight just seems to be dropping.   After several months, tests, etc., my Dr. finally gave me something for the cramping.     That happened this week!..........hopefully it will help.  

I really think it is too many things happening to me at once.  The company I worked for moved to Mexico, so we were all laid off, 2011.  Then we moved out of the area to cut down expenses, 2012, there is no aerospace industry here, so work is almost impossible.   Being away from family has really been hard on me.  In short, Sam still works, and is on the road a lot, so I am alone here with no friends or family and it sucks!........I have already made my mind up that we will be moving back "home" right after Xmas.  I know I can find work there too.   I am totally bored and restless.

I know what you mean about smells, everytime we go to Costco, that hot dog stand will pull me in!........thank you for sharing.

Posted 6/13/2013 6:09 AM (GMT 0)
TW You have so much company on this issue it looks like a convention. Just trust your brothers and sisters
here they will never lie to you. My own Mother was skin and bones most of Her life over PAD it seemed to
be hormone driven with her, after a complete hysterectomy she settled down some but could get her knickers
in a wad real easy. (I am retired aerospace what part of country are you in)? Peace.

Larry ***
Posted 6/13/2013 7:03 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, yes, and yes. I have had major events in my life(and not so major events), that I have suppressed emotionally, until they explode.....and then the anxiety flows like lava from a volcano. Usually, I will lose 15-20 lbs. until I get proper treatment for my anxiety.

But losing weight due to the anxiety seems to go hand and hand with me.
Posted 6/13/2013 10:45 AM (GMT 0)
Yes!
Every time I have a severe episodes of anxiety (not just the occasional panic attack, but nonstop anxiety all the time) I'll completely lose my appetite and end up losing weight. My anxiety always manifests in GI symptoms (among other things), so the worse the anxiety, the worse it gets. I was also diagnosed with IBS due to nervousness.

It sounds like you're not going through an easy time right now, which would cause anyone to have increased anxiety. Maybe doing something like volunteering in the meantime while you look for a new job might help? That's what I did. It gave me a reason to get out of the house once in awhile. It helped me a whole lot.
Posted 6/13/2013 11:49 AM (GMT 0)
Wow, thank you for all your replies!   My computer never notified me so I just found them this morning.   It always feels better to know I am not alone in this.

Larry, I worked in the aerospace arena for almost 20 years, in inside sales and customer service.  I loved it and might say I was pretty good at it ;)

I met so many good people, at the end of the day I felt I had done a service to

military, etc.  It was rewarding, I think I was happiest when I worked, took care of the house, the kids, my Mom, husband, etc.  So here I am now, what you would calla senior citizen but not ready to sit around.  Moving here was my idea, and I am so sorry I ever suggested it.    I worked in orange county, CA.

I am now in a small town in a mountain valley.  No industry is here. I am about 1 1/2 hour away from orange county so commuting is out of the question.

I actually have quit looking for work here now, because I know I will be leaving and have not felt well enough anyway.   So, my goal now is to get better, and begin a work search after I am back among the living.  ;)

I have to have a ct scan too, which scares the hell out of me.  I know its a quick test, but you all know how we are?   Dr. says it will relieve my mind to get it done.   I could feel the anxiety rising just being at the Dr's office Monday, I wanted to bolt out of there.    I thought, oh crap, I know what this is, so I guess my daughter is right about it being anxiety again.   I thought it was behind me........thanks again to all of you for  your replies, it does help!

Posted 6/13/2013 4:55 PM (GMT 0)
Sjennings, How did you get your anxiety level down? Did your IBS stuff go away when you were not so anxious? when mine was so bad a few years ago, I took Xanax to get through my work day.
I don't want to start taking it again now. Dr has given me Bentyl to take for the cramping which seems to help. But I think a lot of this is thinking about it too much??.....my previous experience with anxiety didn't seem to effect my gut, but this time it sure has!
I need to start thinking and looking forward to moving, maybe pack a few boxes, get busy and feel normal again....(what ever that is ;)
Posted 6/14/2013 5:52 AM (GMT 0)
TW:I worked for 42 years at Bell Helicopter in Fort Worth, Import/Export Compliance. Small world.

Larry ***
Posted 6/14/2013 8:33 AM (GMT 0)
The IBS improves a lot when I'm not so anxious, but unfortunately for me it hasn't completely gone away yet, but my anxiety also isn't 100% under control. I think when it is, the symptoms will disappear.

I got my anxiety down by forcing myself into doing something more than being by myself in the house. I realized that I just had way too much time on my hands to worry and over think everything! Getting a job helped immensely because I didn't have as much time to myself, and instead of letting myself feel anxious all day, I had to work through it in order to be able to perform at my job.

Since you're waiting till you move to find a job, just try to do things to distract yourself from anxious thoughts. Don't force them away, because that gives them power. Just let them come, and then go. It sounds like you already have a good idea on things that will help, and you're right, most of this probably is from over thinking it!

As for cramping, (the worst symptom!) I've found that drinking tons of water, taking probiotics, and eating smaller meals several times a day, (vs 3 big ones a day or less) helps a lot. Also, fatty, unhealthy foods always make all my IBS symptoms way way worse. Healthy foods tend to feel much easier on my stomach.

Time is also the best healer! This will all pass, and we'll all be here whenever you need it!
Posted 6/14/2013 11:21 AM (GMT 0)
Larry,

OMG, Bell was one of my key accounts!  I wish I could remember the name of the man I dealt with??  I think his name was Dan or Danny??  they came to our facility several times , a group of people.  My company was RBC Transport Dynamics, bearing manufacturer located in So. California.

It is a small world! wink

Posted 6/14/2013 11:26 AM (GMT 0)
sjennings,

we sound a lot alike.... need to figure out something to do during the hours alone. The move will be good for me. What did you take if anything for the cramping and pain? I think working was what got me through the anxiety a few years ago.
Knowing I had to do something! Thank you again.
Posted 6/16/2013 5:38 AM (GMT 0)
Danny Maldinado?

Larry
Posted 6/17/2013 10:37 AM (GMT 0)
oops, I thought I replied to this!
its always good to know I'm not the only one like this!
Anyway, sometimes I take imodium for the cramping, but I wouldn't recommend this if you have constipation, since it slows your intestinal movements.
I also drink plenty of water!
Posted 6/17/2013 2:49 PM (GMT 0)
TW,

Good Morning, I am glad to see you have had so many wonderful comments and have made new friends in this forum..............I knew you would.

Re your Dr. wanting you to have a CT of ABD, my best advice is to do it.  It cannot hurt to have one done to make sure nothing medical is going on. Just don't overthink that something dreadful will show up.  I cannot tell you how many tests I have had over the years that were negative.

I understand what it feels like to be lonely; I spend way to much time alone and mornings are my toughest time.  Many mornings I spend in tears.  If I cannot pull myself together on my own I have one special friend I call who let's me cry and than I ask her to tell me something to make me laugh..........after the laugh, I wash my face with cold water and start my day over. 

I am with you and thoughts and prayers.

Gentle Hugs,

Kitt

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