Bipolar And Needing Surgery

[kimpossible67 608]

I'm bipolar, stable on meds (that can be crushed with no changes). My new therapist works with my bariatric clinic and sent a letter to my surgeon stating she's concerned about my psychological history. She said that's all she wrote and the surgeons office would handle it. I'm already nuts how much worse can it get? I know so much about this surgery aside from actually having it, my ex had it. What should I expect? I've already had a psych eval at another bariatric center and I cleared it with no problems. Worried that I should have just shut up about it to my therapist!

[BBdoodle 483]

Is it that YOU want the surgery or your doctor?? The only way this surgery works is if the person is on board with the life style changes = exercise, eating healthy foods, Portion Control and wants to be a healthy weight. The first week or so was a little difficult getting use to the new way of eating but the rest is cake at least for me. Others have had major issues but I can only speak for myself where I would do it again if I had to and I had no major issues. I follow my doctor's instructions to a tee and feel fantastic, I am 5 months post op. It is the best thing I ever did !!!

[kimpossible67 608]

Great for you! That's good news to hear your doing so well. No I want the surgery, have for years. My medical doctor cleared me knowing my psych history.

[kimpossible67 608]

Im a depressive bp and a lot has to do with my weight. I truly believe that.

[BBdoodle 483]

If you get all your clearances....go for it !!! There is no better feeling that putting on those pants that never fit before or having someone look at you and say "God you look great"....its priceless

[kimpossible67 608]

I just don't know if my new surgeon will clear me after my therapist blabbed. I want this SO BAD!

[BBdoodle 483]

I guess you will have to wait and see.... can you find another therapist or different surgeon?

[bekki03 51]

Congrats on making the decision to become a healthier you. I don't want to play devils advocate but it is best for your surgeon to know all medications that you are on so there are no adverse reactions when they give you anastesia. And the meds that they have you on (I don't know what they are) would alert the surgeon to your being bipolar. Be honest. Its shouldn't keep you from surgery if you are truly in a right head space for it. Good luck!

[EEsMom 15]

You're going to have to see what the Dr says now...

If he has reservations, speak to him, calmly and just stating your reasons it's needed. It can be nerve wracking dealing with all the clearances. If he doesn't listen, you may need to either go back to therapist or another Bariatric clinic and start again. Best of luck to you and really hope this works out!!!!

[jeremysmoma 7]

I'm bipolar' date=' stable on meds (that can be crushed with no changes). My new therapist works with my bariatric clinic and sent a letter to my surgeon stating she's concerned about my psychological history. She said that's all she wrote and the surgeons office would handle it. I'm already nuts how much worse can it get? I know so much about this surgery aside from actually having it, my ex had it. What should I expect? I've already had a psych eval at another bariatric center and I cleared it with no problems. Worried that I should have just shut up about it to my therapist![/quote']

I am bipolar as well and worried that it would stop me from having surgery. My psychiatrist wouldn't do my eval because it is a state run center. I chose a psych that my surgeon suggested. She said I was fine to get surgery ad I am stable on my meds as well. Maybe you should choose one that specializes in bariatric surgery evals.

[jenneliza 257]

Ok - here is a watered down science lesson but I promise it will make sense...

Serotonin is the chemical that your brain either doesn't recognize well or you don't have enough of when you are depressed.

Serotonin is partially made from cholesterol.

After RNY your cholesterol levels will likely drop which means your Serotonin levels will also drop.

Which means you are prone to depression after RNY. But this doesn't mean you are definitely going to be depressed. It just means you will have to diligently take your medications and communicate with your doctor if you feel the need to adjust your medications. If you see a pyschiatrist for meds, they will be aware of this. If you see your PCP then maybe this would be a good time to get on board with someone with more expertise in this area.

Your surgeon has likely been down this road many times so I wouldn't worry too much.

It does sound like you are being proactive which is great and an indicator of success!

[kimpossible67 608]

Thank you, that was very informative. Yes, my surgeon knows about all my meds. His only concern was if they could be changed or if I could crush them. Psych said crushing them was fine. I'm diligent with my meds, I wouldn't want to subject my friends and family with me off of them. They are an integral part of my routine. Thank you so much for all being so supportive.

[kimpossible67 608]

I'm diligent about taking my meds. My surgeon knows what I'm on he was concerned they'd have to be changed. My psychiatrist did not change them at all, they can be crushed. I'm going to speak to the insurance gal in the morning to see where I stand. Thanks to everyone for your support!

[kimpossible67 608]

Sorry about the repeat it gave me an error message. Oops

[kiwiladydee 402]

There are some parts after the surgery that tests you mentally. First, if you run into any pain it's makes you wonder y did u ever out yourself through this. Second, not being able to do old social activities and learning to adjust to a new lifestyle is challenging physically and mentally. Third, not being able to have food be your support means you have to find something new during those hard depressing times. They want to make sure you can handle all that is going to be thrown your way. . As long as you take your meds, u should be ok.

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