To Disclose or Not to Disclose

So, I have Bipolar II Disorder.  I've been to years of therapy for it, and have been on medications as well.  At this current time, I am Not on any meds, and have not been for Years.  I'm ok with feeling my feelings, and can usually manage my highs and lows pretty well. Besides the few months of Postpartum Depression a year and a half back....and the anxiety of this DS process, my BPD is of no concern.  So, should I even disclose that I have it to the Psychologist?  Do I bring up all of the old stuff, and explain that I'm fine now....or do I just keep it to myself, and present as a person with anxiety...but not anxiety high enough that I need treatment for it right at this moment?

I have had a really crap life, so I don't want to alarm the Psychologist.   If I say I'm fine now, I actually want her to believe me, and not think that I'm wanting WLS out of some mania...  Thoughts?

The psych eval is to determine whether you can handle the new life you are given with surgery. The emotional side of it. A lot of people are emotional eaters. They want to make sure you can handle the changes to your body and the fact that your eating habits will have to change. I have a horrible past as well and I told him everything. I do not have BPD but I have post traumatic stress syndrome and well as depression and some other issues. It is up to you what you disclose. You are not breaking any rules by not telling him about your BPD. They will ask you questions. Talk about what makes you comfortable. Nobody here can actually tell you whether to "do or don't" it would not be good etiquette on our part.

I also want to say (with the possibility of ******g people off) I am sure that a lot of people with obesity have some sort of emotional problems, depression, eating disorder, PTSS, BPD or a more minor issue going on if it is not genetics. If the weight is genetic then usually just being obese may cause emotional or unbalanced issues due to being shunned and mistreated by society as well as unhappy with your body. I am sure most of these psychiatrists expect there to be some sort of emotional, or unbalanced state or insurance would not require a psych eval. That is just my opinion and the way I think about it. 

I would do whatever was in my best interest!

Hi -- I encourage you to be honest with the Psychologist. It is highly unlikely they would NOT ask you if you have any any mental health issues and you could just not mention it. That would be akin to going to a Cardiologist and not talking about heart problems.

The hormonal swings may bring you back to the need of assistance, so I would advise disclosure.  If you are still close by your psychiatrist, perhaps seeing them for the psych clearance would be a good idea.  They may  have something to offer about possible needs for meds, or at least be ready for you if you should decide you need them again.

It will definitely be something that I closely monitor...my good mental health is Hard Won, so I would be loath to find myself back in that unhealthy place.  I have great supports, so I know if I miss it, someone else will catch it.  

The other part of my issue is that I had changed insurance some years back, after I got married.  My Therapist moved to a new practice, and my Psychiatrist isn't covered by my insurance....which would mean that I would need to find a whole new team.  And a good team is hard to find.  I've been doing so well, the only thing I've been considering is some Armchair Psychotherapy... But I definitely hear what you guys are saying to me...I will fully disclose to the Psychologist.  Maybe it's just a trust thing...I've had bad therapists in the past.  I only tell those professionals who "get" me, and can see my strengths.

I would not presume to tell you which is the best way to handle this situation. But I will share with you my experience since my surgery.

I had a DS one month ago.  I had the 'buyer's remorse' kick in 1 week from surgery.  Fear/anxiety reigned on and off for a while.

Then this last week, rage set in.  I don't know where it's coming from.  I have no patience with anyone.  I am angry with all my friends.  Yesterday I asked for an antibiotic refill while my doctor was out of office, and they acted like I was trying to get Vicodin.  I blew so high.  I launched into DEFCON4.  Escalated to management back east, wrote scathing letters at every level, said things to people that made their skin slag off in to a puddle.... 

It's like a Sunami wave crashing over the top of me.  I can see it coming, but there is nothing I can do to escape it.  I just get swept up with it.  I know it's all the hormones and toxins stored in my fat cells. But wow.....  I keep telling myself to use my powers only for good.

Most of the time, I am a mild mannered little accountant.  Then there is my DS dark side....... 

Good Lord....I'm like that Now!  I might become Godzilla after the DS, lol!  Yes...I better put some safeguards in place, for just in case...  Thank You!  

I have first hand experience with BPD, mania,( my son) and my personal depression. I am 1 1/2 yrs out from the D.S. I was very happy to have a psychiatrist and therapist team to help me with meds post D.S. My depression was in remission, but returned post D.S. well into the major weight loss period. It may be a good idea to have a psychiatrist who accepts your insurance lined up for emergencies. interview a few to find someone you like. Many find depression post D.S. is helped with meds. There are many to chose from. I like Wellbutrin because it doesn't cause weight gain, and cuts my appetite. It helped me stick to my D.S. food choices, and reach goal, and maintain within 3 lbs up or down from my goal weight. I began to take it post D.S.  I just changed psychiatrists to a super  up beat lady in the same office building as my D.S. surgeon. They collaborate with each other about patients, and D.S. details to help their patients. She accepts my insurance.

I am sure my psychologist meeting pre D.S. took under consideration I had a psychiatrist  already working with me, and administering my meds. All my meds are listed with every Dr I have. They can see at a glance by my list just what medical  issues I have, and what precautions are necessary to succeed with surgery, recovery and living with the D.S. Many parts of this surgery are irreversible. Great care is taken to screen candidates for this major surgery. It may not be the right surgery for everyone.

One of the most important factors to convey to the surgeon and psychologist is  your ability to understand what you are getting yourself into with the D.S. and the ability to be your own advocate for your health. Not many PCP's know anything about the D.S. You will need to know all about it, research about your needs with everything D.S. My internist said she knows nothing about the D.S., but she sees I do, and she is comfortable having me as a patient with my knowledge about  my D.S. My surgeon tested all his patients about their familiarity with D.S. facts. If they didn't know much about the needs post surgery, or the rerouting of the system, he refused their surgery. I suggest everyone studies the facts, learn the anatomy, and be familiar with the after care. Show your strength, and ability to master a journey that is not easy by any means. The ability to make major life changes in eating behavior is one topic they will be looking for. You may be able to find some guidelines  on line for giving the psychological pre surgery test. I did. It gave me some idea what was going to be asked of me. I had a chance to prepare myself for the type of questions they may ask. It took about 20 min. They did ask about religion, because people do gain strength through their beliefs, in times of need. It's not necessary to pass the test. Just relax and be yourself, don't worry.

I am very glad I have so many specialists on my health team. I have needed all of them one time or another. The surgeons health forms ask to list all your Dr's. You will need a back up team. A  PCP is a must  for labs  and checks if your surgeon does not follow your post surgery care for very long. PCP's  are the hub of your health care wheel, sending you to all the specialists you need down the line, if necessary for your D.S. and non D.S. health care. 

Best wishes for embarking on your life changing journey !!!  ;-)