Qualifying for surgery with mental health history

[SAS11 54]

I’m very serious about wanting to pursue weight loss surgery, and I’m about to schedule my consultation appointment. I feel very ready to do this.

I’ve read in some places that people with mental health histories have sometimes been disqualified. I have bipolar disorder that is very well managed with medication. I had an alcohol problem in the past, but I’ve been sober for a long time and am committed to never touching alcohol again. Do people like me tend to get disqualified because of our histories? Or does it matter more that things are well managed now? I really want this procedure and will do anything I have to for making sure that I can get it to change my life for the better.

[GradyCat 3,696]

That's a good question. I had major depressive disorder, anxiety, and early onset-dementia going into it but I got approved. They just want to know that you have realistic expectations of the outcome and will stick with the program.

[Fatboyslim1 204]

I know of a distant family member who had like problems, underwent WLS about a year ago, and is going great. You need to start the process, perhaps with a good WLS group associated with a teaching college. They seem to be the most progressive and are always pushing the envelope.

best of luck

[catwoman7 11,223]

I've run into other people with bipolar disorder on this and/or other internet forums, and they've been approved.

[mcfluffington 179]

when I first went to get weight loss surgery in the nineties. I was eliminated because of depression.

but I think most psychiatrists are on board with the surgery nowadays.

My Psychiatrist was happy for me to be losing weight with my first weightloss surgery about eight years ago. she had no concerns. by then I had depression with psychotic features.

At this second weight loss surgery my psychiatrist was quite willing to let me have the surgery.

[Bronte01 1]

The mental health portion of the screening is to verify that you understand that this will be a lifestyle change. Not a quick fix.

It helps set realistic expectations and goals.

Since you are already in meds, you need to consult with your psychiatrist the meds you are taking, how they will be administered and a bunch of other things only your psychiatrist and you will know.

FYI. when I had the surgery, they did not have all my meds at the hospital. Trintellix, vraylar are too specialized. You may need to provide them yourself. They also make you crush meds in liquid phase. Any extended release meds need to be reevaluated.