Question:
Im almost 6yrs post-op and have recently diagnosed with Bipolar1

I have been taking medication but it doesnt seem to be working and absorbing. Im currently on 80mg prozac and 1500mg valproic acid and Im only at 25% range of where I should be. I have also gained a tremendous amount of weight since taking the valproic acid. Is anyone dealing with this or have a medication thats working for them? I have alot of other questions too with stomach pain and bindge eating and drinking. I feel hopeless and need help to get back on track    — Kara Padilla (posted on May 11, 2011)

May 11, 2011
I'm bipolar also, I take paxil, which helps alot of issues, like addictions, to food, substance abuse of all types, social anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, and Lamictal for bipolar. Neither make you feel drugged, or sedated, which is what I like about them. Lamictal, actually has a side effect of loss of appetite, I've lost more weight since being put on it. I am 3+ years out and lost over 120# half my weight. If you want to talk one on one, I'd be glad to give you support. [email protected] Hope this helps! Good luck! Lesleigh
   — lesleigh07

May 11, 2011
I'm also bi-polar and had gastric bypass 6 years ago. FYI-Also on same dosage of valproic acid. But am on Abilify and Trazodone for sleep and clonazepam for anxiety. But this is about you. Only you and your doctors can come up with the balance you need to keep your mood level. I would recommend keeping a mood/weight chart for you and your doctors to help keep a record of where you are on a daily basis. You can download this chart at: www.manicdepressive.org A book that I 'live' by is "The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide" by David Miklowitz. He puts into English our daily struggles and through examples gives strategies to help us make it. I hope I've been of some help to you. Good luck and God bless you. Barbara
   — Barbara P.

May 12, 2011
I'm sorry to hear of your difficulties and your diagnosis. My roommate is bipolar and has been a tremendous blessing to me in what I've learned from him and he's been a source of inspiration for recovery. He has been off any medication for some time and has found a combination of vitamins to be a huge source of help for balance. He uses Empower vitamins from TrueHope. I am not affiliated in any way with this company and they have been featured on several news shows for what they've proven they can do holistically. Please take a few minutes to check them out on the web and give them a call. www.TrueHope.com
   — dlappin413

May 12, 2011
Sounds like you are going through a lot right now. I found with many of my medications that I need to take a smaller dose twice a day of medications others take once a day. Kind of like how alcohol will hit hard but wear off quickly, other medications do this as well. Are you working with a therapist to identify some of your triggers for binge eating? this can help you find alternate behaviors to engage in when these triggers happen. With Bi Polar you need to use the mediation but a counselor can help you relearn how to respond to situations in ways that are healthier and help you live the life you want.
   — trible

May 12, 2011
I am 7 years post op and was mis diagnosed as bipolar. I'm also completing my masters to be a therapist. I have seen the overdiagnosing of bipolar and so much has to do with the many changes we go through after losing all that weight. Have you had your thyroid checked? Many times it may be your Thryoid that is the culprit. We may temporarily show "manic" signs when we are now feeling better after losing the weight as we are more outgoing and are experiencing life. Yes, sometimes, our actions can be crazy and not be the best choices, but after the honeymoon phase has worn off and are getting more comfortable with our new selves, we regulate back to a more normal/stable life style as we continue to be more comfortable in our bodies. I'm writing a book called Butterfly Girl, and am also writing my thesis on the importance of Narrative Therapy to assist those post gastric bypass to come to terms with our new selves. By doing so we will not resort to other unhealthy vices since we can't overeat, many turn to drugs, smoking, alcohol instead of dealing with the issues we overate in the first place. Good luck, and I'd be happy to talk more if you'd like. All the best~
   — butterflygirl