mental illnesses and Gastric Bypass

does anyone know if people with mental illnesses are approved to have the gastric bypass surgery... my surgeons office at Saranac Lake says there are some mental illnesses that they won't work with... was hoping to get some input if anyone has had to deal with this... I go to Saranac Lake on thursday to see the medical director of the program to discuss what my obstacles are and if they can work with me. I'm getting a bit nervous I guess, hoping that they don't reject me. I did change my psychiatrist and this new doc IS going to write me a letter of recommendation to have the surgery. The doc I use to have would not be involved at all. SO that is one obstacle that I've taken care of. I have a good feeling about them in Saranac Lake.. at least they didn't flat out tell me no, they want to see what my issues are and if they can get around them to help me. debby

I really don't know what you mean by mental illnesses. I can tell you I suffer from panic attacks like alot of other people on this board and have been approved just today for surgery. Hope this helps

Thank you Kelly, I'm glad you got approved for the surgery.. Congrats! Thank you for sharing about panic attacks. That does help me to know that. I hope the panic attacks will get better for ya. debby

Debby: There are no hard/fast rules (some surgeons may not work with Bipolar disorder or schizophrenia maybe?) I can tell you what *I* look for in a psych eval. I happen to be a psych nurse practitioner who does them (over 200 now)..(also a 3 yr postop wlser!) I see people 1-1 1/2 hrs... Exclusion Criteria: 1. Current drug & alcohol dependence/abuse (needs to be in remission 1 year). 2. Untreated and/or unstable mental illnesses: Depression, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety disorder, severe personality disorders or Thought disorders, need to be in treatment with minimal symptoms. 3. A history of near lethal or repetitive suicide attempts may require further evaluation. 4. Eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia, severe compulsive/binge eating with no ability to control intake. 5. Noncompliance issues & concerns (unwillingness to diet, exercise, or follow treatment recommendations). 6. Inability to give informed consent for treatment. 7. Inability to make lifestyle changes (ex. financially, psychosocially). 8. Unwillingness to follow post-surgical care. 9. Unrealistic surgical expectations, ambivalence about surgery or impulsiveness in decision-making regarding surgery. 10. Inadequate family supports or family hostility toward surgery. 11. Presence of unresolved severe situational stress that may interfere with patient's success/compliance: current divorce, job stress, financial issues or family issues. I also discuss: diet history, eating issues & insight into...Knowledge of surgery, risks, complications, outcomes..lifestyle needed for f/up etc! HUGS! Go forward and see how it goes ok! Take Care, Jamie Ellis RN, MS, NPP Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh 320/163 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery) Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"

Thank you Catlady, I don't have bipolar or schizophrenia. I did have a psych doc that refused to help me with the surgery but I have changed docs and this new one is supportive. So that obstacle is taken care of. I have been stable for 1 yr and 8 months now. No hospitalizations or anything. I'm sure that will be in my favor. My counselor is also supportive of me having the surgery and is willing to give a recommendation. I have a great support system in place. I will be going tomorrow to see the medical director and will find out if they will accept me as a patient. Thank you so much for the input. I actually think I have a chance. Thanks again, debby

Hiya! I am actually going thro the process with the lovely people in Saranac Lake myself! Who are you going to see? Patty Clark? Karen Hixson? If you are mentally able to do this surgery they will do everything they can to help you. Patty is 9 years out of her WLS too!

Hey there Stephanie, I am going to see Dr. Hixson tomorrow. He wants to discuss what my obstacles are and if we can get around them. The last time I was there for the informational meeting, I didn't have a supportive psychiatrist, but Ive changed docs and this new one is very supportive. I'm a bit nervous, but from the contact I've had with them , they are very nice. I have a good feeling about going tomorrow. debby