Question:
Is it safe for a bipolar manic depressant to have WLS?

My husband went for his first consultation today and the visit was going fine until the Doctor was told my husband was Bipolar, manic depressant, he said that people with this had very bad affects from it and he did not recommend the surgery to him because of this. Has anyone out there had the surgery that suffers from this, and if so what were the side affects if any?    — Tammy G. (posted on June 19, 2002)

June 19, 2002
Really? Sounds like your hubby needs to find himself another GP. I'm bipolar and weight loss has helped me tremendously. The first little while was tough as I couldn't take my medication but after I went back on it I was fine. My outlook has improved considerably as I suspect it will for your hubby. If he isn't on medication, try to find a Dr. that UNDERSTANDS the condition, get on meds and then go for the surgery!! He's lucky he has you to support him. My hat's off to you both. Take care!
   — Lynn E.

June 20, 2002
Hello, I am bipolar as well and this was a concern for my doc but I was their first manic depressive they approved for wls through their program. The fear was that without meds I would "decompress" while in the hospital and either go manic or depressive...so we had an agreement that if I felt out of sorts at all I would have access to the staff psychiatrist at any time during my stay. We then also agreed that I would stay in counseling for a minimum of one year after surgery (I was already in counseling and my therapist wrote a letter to my surgeon in support of me getting the surgery). After surgery the medication situation was difficult...since I couldn't swallow the pills so we tried liquid depakene (valproic acid/in pills form it is "depakote") but that gave me the dumping syndrome so then we tried capsule form, I had to open the capsules and put the "sprinkles" into some applesauce but I had to take sooo many and I wasn't supposed to chew the sprinkles but well, it didn't work for me. 8 weeks post surgery I went back on my prozac (down to only one 20mg pill a day) and I was able to cut my depakote down from 3000mgs to 250mgs (two small 125mg pills)...I've had no bad side effects involving my bipolar and wls. I'd suggest finding another doctor and maybe a counselor who can help you find a doc willing to work with you for your emotional and physical wellbeing. good luck!
   — jkb

June 23, 2002
I'm a bipolar bear too. My DR thought it benefical to have WLS as it could help with my self destructive patterns that come from being ridiculed as a fat person. <br> Maybe see another doctor. Not all doctors understand the impact of depression and weight issues together.
   — Gremlin Q.