ElseeG

Thank you. Yes, even though I’m going to a psych recommended by the surgeon, I know I will need to partner closely with my psych. I’ve asked each surgeon I’ve met with about the risks for BP patients and med absorption. The only one who took it at all seriously recommended the sleeve and said I would probably need to decrease dosages after losing weight. That said the literature I’ve seen suggests greater risks than that. I’d honestly rather be obese than have a relapse. It isn’t something I play with. I’m meeting with my private psych in a couple of weeks to discuss this in particular. She has seen me through some rough patches so I trust her. I just don’t think she understands obesity and weight loss terribly well. She seems to think diet, exercise and appetite suppressants will do the trick. Perhaps for some, but not for me. I track calories religiously, and I can only lose at 900-1000 and I gain at 1300. Appetite isn’t my issue. Anyway- could you tell me more about the challenges that you faced Post-surgery? thanks again.

James, Congrats on hitting the five year mark! What have been some of the greatest challenges post-op? What has been most difficult? Thanks.

What kinds of lifestyle changes did it mean for you? As for me, I’ve been on WW on and off most of my adult life. I lose, I gain more, etc. Atkins. SouthBeach. I exercised a lot for a while, but fell of the wagon when I had children.

Hi. Thanks. Yes, I’ve seen that a few times. I’m asking the psych who I’m being referred to about it. I’m already taking anti-depressants, so that would theoretically protect me.

Hi Losebig. So far, all she has said is that it is a drastic step and that we should do further “work-ups” first. She hasn’t said anything about the BP component. I’ve chosen a surgeon experienced in this area and I’ve read everything I have been able to find on the topic. If there was a risk this would jeoradize my mental health, I wouldn’t do it. I have an appt scheduled with her for later in the month once I have the sleep study and liver scan results back. Will the surgeon ordered psych exam require that my private psychiatrist weigh in? I assumed so.

I’ve been looking at different surgeons for weeks and I think I found just the right one today. Answers my questions, cites research, approachable. She also told me that there are a number of other comorbidities beyond the usual that would qualify me for insurance. Even if insurance doesn’t pay for this, I’m getting it done, even if I have to beg, borrow and steal.

Has anyone had this done or know anything about it. Sounds very new.

Hi. Can people generally continue to take whatever medicines they need to take right after surgery? Or do you have trouble keeping things down?

Hi Miss Kathy. That is really encouraging. Did you have any trouble swallowing and keeping down your meds the day of surgery and the few/several days after? thanks, Elsee

Hi Perryman. I’m so sorry you went through that. That sounds absolutely horrible. I’m glad things stabilized. Thanks for sharing. The last time I had an episode it took months to stabilize me, so I’m very nervous about this.

Hi MyLighthouse. That’s all very encouraging. thank you for sharing. I’m going for several consults now, looking for the right doctor who has solid experience with this issue.

Thanks for your post. I’m BPII and am really struggling with doing a gastric sleeve. I haven’t seen any good research on how bipolars do. I’m terrified that my meds won’t be properly absorbed and won’t be able to be adjusted (lithium, Latuda (which I’m weaning off of) and Lamictal). I’ve gained 30 lbs since starting, and I was overweight to start with. I’m also struggling because appetite is not my issue. I consume between 1000-1300 cals/ day. If it goes in my mouth, I track it in my app. I’ve been doing this for the last 12 months, at least. No weight loss. Just the opposite. It has to be the meds is all I can figure. Good luck to you in your process

Hi. Has anyone out there had success despite taking mood stabilizers that can cause weight gain? I’m on a low dose of lithium and am considering Gastric Sleeve. I obviously don’t want to just regain all of the weight due to the meds. Thanks

Thanks!

Hi. Has anyone paid out of pocket in northern NJ? How much did it run you? (I think it varies greatly by geography.). Thanks.

Hi. I’m at my wit’s end. I track my food religiously on my app and consume between 1100 and 1300/day. Usually 1100. I cannot lose weight. I’m considering gastric sleeve. If bariatric surgery is about calorie restriction and I’m already restricting my calories, will this work? My BMI is within the obesity range. Thanks...

Hi. I feel like I’m on the board all the time. I really appreciate you all being so welcoming. Im looking for surgeon recommendations in NYC. I’m bipolar II and also have metabolic issues, so I think I need someone who is really up on the latest issue. I’m not sure I’m a good candidate and I need an honest, informed assessment. Thanks.

Wondering how difficult it will be to get this covered. I'm 35 BMI, 49, and have sleep apnea and elevated triglycerides. I'm just starting this process. Any thoughts?

Generally, yes. Holidays are a different story, though. I've been staying away from the chopped salads from the local deli near the office because although it is spinach, grilled chicken, chick peas and tomatoes, they are rather large. No cheese. No croutons, etc. Dressing is always fat free. Today I've had: one 2% yogurt 2 egg omelet with onions, tomato and zucchini (no cheese. no ham) 2 oz grilled turkey breast 1 slice whole wheat bread (no butter) 1 bowl of steamed spinach with balsamic vinegar (no oil) I am cutting wine out entirely next. The one vice I have left. I'm at my wit's end. I can only think it's the lithium. My doctor has now prescribed Topomax as an appetite suppressant. I won't mess with the lithium.

Hi Jenn1 - I eat low carb, moderate protein and moderate vegetables. Rarely have dessert. Don't keep chips, sodas, cheese or cookies in the house (or I'd eat them). A typical day is 1100-1200/day. A bad day is 1300 and a day not worth even counting is Thanksgiving/Christmas. I drink water all day at work. I get zero exercise (down from 2 hours of vinyasa yoga and walking several miles a week and going to the gym (before I had two kids). I've had my thyroid checked (normal). I'm not in menopause yet. I'm seeing an endocrinologist who specializes in weight loss, and I have a follow up with her in a week. She ran full bloods, and other than elevated triglycerides, everything is normal. The only things I can think of are the lithium I take for BP II and lack of exercise. That said, it would take monumental amounts of exercise to make a dent in this situation. My layperson's opinion questions whether gastric sleeve could turn this ship around… :-(

Hello. I’m new to this process. I understand you are required to undergo several months of a supervised weight loss program before surgery. I have also read that you need to be a 40 BMI or 35 BMI with an added health issue. What if you drop below 40 or 35 during that time? Are you disqualified?

Hi. Does anyone know whether the surgery impacts metabolism or whether it impacts portion control alone? Thanks!

Hi everyone. I’m new here. I am 49 and my BMI is 34. Although I’ve never been thin, i have gained much of this weight in the last 10 yrs, post babies and once I started taking medications for bipolar II. I take lithium, Lamictal and Latuda. I’m seriously considering surgery. I’m just beginning the research process. My biggest concern is how surgery would impact my body’s ability to effectively absorb my medications. Remaining stable is more important to me. If anyone has any advice or experience with this, please feel free to share. I’d really appreciate it.