To Disclose or Not to Disclose

I am Bipolar as well. I say you must disclose it, because going through my pre-op process (still pre-op) what I hear over and over is that there are some major psychological changes and a lot of different feelings.  You put that on top on our disease and it could not go well.  I had to see the practice psychologist, then get treatment letters from my psychiatrist, and my therapist.  In addition, I had to commit to post op appointments with the psychologist for 12 months.  Better to let them know up front... you dont want to risk getting almost to surgery and they find out and drop you.

Also from someone who knows what its like to be BP.  Get on your meds... I went through a period of five years when I did not take my medicine (ironically) this was right after I was diagnosed.  I thought at the time everything was fine and I was "handling it".  I did not ruin my life but I did end up in a very bad relationship for 4 years and thought it was ok.  I got back on my meds, and see my therapist regularly and 4 years later and my life has changed SIGNIFICANTLY!  We have this way of telling ourselves that "we can handle it" and "...its not a big deal" but it is, and the silly thing about BP is that a manic episode can come out of nowhere.  I am just on a mood stablizer with no anti depressants, and I manage very well. I don't feel medicated, no weight gain, and am pretty consistent with emotions.  I do get depressed when sad things happen (like boyfriend breakup, a death) but it is for a brief period of time and it is not like BP depression that consumes you.  Im not trying to preach at you, but just lend another kindred soul some advice.  In the end I do think you should disclose your disease as it should not prevent the surgery, but you might have to take extra steps.