Question:
Bipolar and Gastric Bypass

I was diagnosed with bipolar in l996. I have been stable the last few years and I am on medications. I also have a history of drug dependance to narcotics but have not used since 2005. I have a psychiatrist and have been under psychiatric care since 1996. The weight loss center I contaced said I need 3 months of physician suppervised vists for weight loss. The weight loss center I contacted said I would have to see their pyschologist. I also was a form smoker but have not smoked in 2 years. That chances do you think I have for being approved?    — martha1014 (posted on November 21, 2010)

November 21, 2010
Hello i understand your questions i also was told same and after they gave me test on computer for psych. test and talk to psychiatrist also and i had supervised weight loss with my doctor i was approved. I had depression and post tramatic stress syndrome. You should get approved if everything under control..Im just waiting get my surgery scheduled..
   — ddeeeeanna

November 21, 2010
I have also been diagnosed with mental illness, chronic depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. I also have a history of drug and alcohol use and I smoke. Given all that I didn't think I could get approved, but I did. I am 7 weeks out from RNY surgery and have lost almost 40 lbs. As to the physician supervised weight loss and the required psych visit, everyone has to undergo these requirements in order to get approved. Just do as you are asked, follow instructions carefully, and you should be approved. Good luck and congrats on getting clean!
   — kittymama03

November 21, 2010
I too have been diagnosed with bipolar. I too have some of those same issues. I have been clean just over a year. I am a known cutter and tried suicide a few times. I am currently on meds and been stable just over the year too. Well, since July of 2009. The clinic I go to here in Missouri had me do my Psyc eval and that Dr. said. I may have to wait a little longer but he sees no reason why I could not have surgery, So there is hope. Good Luck
   — That_816_Princess

November 21, 2010
Same issues here, stable on Bipolar meds x 5 yrs, sober 8 yrs. Was approved without any problems. Good luck.
   — Jane W.

November 22, 2010
I had RNY surgery in 2004 and while I was diagnosed with depression it wasn't until later that I was the dx of bipolar. My biggest problem with the RNY/Surgery is getting the medication dosage correct. I take more of it than is usually prescribed because of the shortened 'food tube'. Let me add my congrats to your getting clean, sober and generally getting back on life's main tract in a healthy manner.
   — Barbara P.