ladyveg

Hi, my name is Rachel and I'm new to this forum. I have just started my lap band process by setting an appointment for an informational session next Wednesday, October 19. I live in Two Rivers, Wisconsin with my mom as I go to college to be a medical lab technician. I am 37 and have an almost 15-year-old son. I weigh 241 and should weigh about 120. I'm 5 feet tall. I am on Medicare because I am on disability for Bipolar Disorder Type 1. Before I get too much into my hobbies and stuff, I have a few questions. I know that you have to be judged as emotionally stable to have this surgery. I am managed on medications and have been relatively stable for several years (no major episodes since about 2006). First question is, has anyone else with psychiatric illnesses been able to get the surgery? Secondly, I take a lot of medications. Like, 8-12 pills per night. Wouldn't that be a problem with the lap band surgery? Wouldn't the medications plug up the hole or whatever? Please, any input would be helpful. I don't want to get my hopes up too much if this surgery will be impossible for me. Thank you!

Thanks so much for your input. I'm glad to know that it isn't impossible for me to have the lap band surgery. I do have another question. I just moved here and have only seen my new doctor twice. The second time I saw her she was doing her exam and I was trying to explain to her all the problems I have had yo-yoing and trying to lose weight. She cut me off and said, "You need more willpower." Then later we were talking about a client I had who had to have his food locked up...she said, "As long as it wasn't locked up in YOUR room!" In other words, she's not the most supportive about weight issues. Am I going to need her blessing for this?