Question:
Has any one with epilepsy had WLS.?

My surgeon is concerned about putting me under for surgery.I have to talk to my Neuro and get a letter. Iam also worried about my meds absorb & room for them in my tummy. Any experiences? PS i dont get Grand Mal, I get petit mal everyonce in awhile.. no big deal    — Donna T. (posted on November 25, 2002)

November 25, 2002
Aloha!!! I don't have epilepsy but I did have a comorbidity called Pseudotumor Cerebri which caused my brain to swell and I would get petit mal seizures from time to time. I was on medication to prevent the seizures. In my case, my comorb has pretty much been resolved. I haven't had one single seizure since surgery. You might want to talk to your Neurologist to see if he has any other patients who have had WLS that have epilepsy as well. Good Luck!! Hugs, Kathie (in Hawaii)... Open RNY / 08-07-02 Down 93 Pounds!!!
   — KathieInHawaii

November 25, 2002
Sorry! I also meant to post that I was taking 24 medications a day before and after surgery. I was able to take them with no problems whatsoever. I am off ALL of them now with the exception of 1 medication (which they have decreased!). Even though your pouch will be small, you can manage the meds. Sometimes you have to plan it out a bit. I had to make sure I didn't take meds too close to a meal otherwise I wouldn't be able to eat because my stomach would be full. It takes about 5-10 minutes for the pills to go from your pouch to the large intestine. It is just a matter of spacing them out. You can do it!! Hugs, Kathie (in Hawaii)...
   — KathieInHawaii

November 25, 2002
I have had epilepsy since I was 13. I am now 28. I was on tegretol for awhile (Grand Mal seizures). My last seizure was in 1996 so I have been off the drug for awhile. I had my Lap RNY in March of 2001 with no complications. I have lost 125 lbs. and had a tummy tuck in April of this year with no complications. I don't see a real need for concern but, I also not a Dr., either. All I can do is tell you that from my end, epilepsy wasn't an issue. Good Luck to you!
   — Gina L.

November 26, 2002
Actually Im updating my own question Re: Epilepsy. I received a letter from my Neuroligist today, addressed to my Surgeon, reading that I am neurologically stable for surgery and what meds, dose and time they should give me IV until I can tolerate them orally. Iam delighted!
   — Donna T.