Had my consult today

I went in for an initial consult today.  It did not go as well as expected.  First, because I'm on a bunch of pills, they said I'm not a candidate for RNY, just the band because they are afraid the pills won't be absorbed as well.  Also, because I was in the hospital about 3 months ago for depression, they said I had to be out of the mental unit for at least a year before I can even begin the program.  So it's going to be at least another 9 months before I even get to go for another initial consult.

Im so sorry your going through this.. but please dont be discouraged! I know some that had to wait for similar reasons..and they was not told to do lapband over rny due to meds.. I even asked my surgeon...and told  intestines will absorb them fine.. my friend was on a bunch of meds..bipolar..depressed...and her dr said.. with the surgery.. she wouldnt need all those meds..she would be fine..and guess what... he was right! she is 1 yr out..no meds..and doing great.. she had to wait..but was worth it..... if you want the RNY.. Dont let this stop you.. its your health..and you that your doing this for..not them.. shoot I need to listen to myself sometimes.. I get overwhelmed and get discouraged..but I got told.. think of me ..not them.. and I thank those who set me straight so to speak.. they support me and encourage me.. select few on OH actually that helped me personally.. all I can say is thank you to them..and pass on every hope of inspiration I can to others... btw,,, I am still pre op waiting for my approval and date... I am wishing you lots of luck and hope this time flys by for you :)

I'm so sorry things didn't turn out quite the way you had hoped for them to. Please do not give up tho. Trust me when I say, it is worth the wait. Meanwhile, you have a lot of time to research, learn and prepare. Don't let this discourage you. People have great results with the band too if they follow the rules of wls. Big hugs to you. I know you must be disappointed, but it will happen. Hang in there lady!

I'm sorry your initial consult didn't go well.  My depression put me on hold for the surgery too. I was able to work through it and now have a surgery date. Are your "bunch of pills" related to mental illness or other illnesses that may go away once you have lost weight? I found that I had to remind my care providers of things sometimes.  As far as your mental illness take these 9 months and work with a counselor to get on the right track. This may also look good on your part when you go back for the next consult because your being pro-active about your mental health. Keep your chin up girl!

The bunch of pills are related to my mental illness.  In addition to depression, I have an NOS mood disorder, and ADHD which are being treated.  In addition to seeing my psychiatrist regularly, I'm also in talk therapy.  I seem to be doing good on my current medications though, so I understand them not wanting to alter the effects of the medications.

It will be worth the wait... just keep doin your best and 9 months will go by before you know it.

Perhaps it is because you have had been in the hospital in the last few months due to your mental illness. The psychologist told me its very important that those of us with mental illness to be stable for a long time because someone with depression has a 60% higher chance in committing suicide after the surgery than someone who doesn't have a mental illness. From what the psychologist told me it can be very stressful on a person with all the changes, you may make friends or lose friends and your dealing with your bodies changes along with other things.  I know at this point it is unsettling to be told you have to wait 9 months but it's going to better prepare you in the end. Keep your head up and keep working hard you'll make it!

Hi Rachel.  This is just another hurdle to overcome to get what you need for health.  Continue to see you mental health specialists and also try your best to do things that are healthy for weight loss.  Share your concerns with your therapist, journal and share here too.  Having depression is very common with obese people.  I too suffer from depression and am in control of the situation due to medications to fix the chemical imbalance that my brain has.  Yes, antidepressants.  I was stable on a long acting antidepressant and told by my therapist at the time that I should not try to go off them, I needed to switch to a shorter acting version of the same medication that helped me.  I am on effexor.  Taking a dose twice a day is very doable.

Initially I wanted to have lap band, due to my comorbidities, the surgeon recommended RNY.  I am happy that I had wls, and either route, I would lose weight.  I have a tool, now dealing with the day to day things that my mind needs to do for utmost health.

Come back here and post often, we are here for your support as you jump through these needed hoops.  Start small and take it from there.  Give up soda pop, if you drink it, get in small walks, any exercise that you can.  These small moves will show your surgical team that you are trying and will improve your chances to have surgery in a few months.  The weight did not arrive suddenly one day, the losing process takes time.  After you get these first steps accomplished, then tackle another needed habit to change.  Go to you local wls support group.  Come chat with us on monday evenings, post often here at bariatric buddies.  There are also forums for depression and other health issues.  IM folks here online when you need immediate support.  We try our best to be here for others.  Hugs