Question:
Did anyone with bi polar not tell the dr. they had it at the psyc apt.
— Jenny D. (posted on October 27, 2004)
October 26, 2004
Hi Jenny, I have Bipolar I also. I had the surgery about 11 months ago and
I told my surgeon upfront about my condition. I also told the psych dr as
well. It was very important that they knew because of the type of
medication that I was taken. The surgeon had to be careful to maintain a
certain level in my bloodstream even when I could not take the medication
orally. Just because I had Bipolar I that did not keep me from having the
surgery and it also let the surgeon know that if any problem was to arise
after surgery that he would have to monitior things even more closely. As
long as you are being treated for Bipolar I then there should not be a
problem about getting approved for the WLS. I did have to get a letter from
my own psych dr for my surgeon that stated that I was been treating and
that my psych knew that I was going to have the surgery and that he thought
I could handle it as well as the psych dr that I had to see for the surgery
itself. Good luck to you.
— KittyKatt
October 26, 2004
I have not had my evaluation, but it has been my experience that the less I
share with shrinks that I have yet to develope a relationship of trust, the
better. This is only my unprofessional opinion. Pls feel to contact me,
if for nothing else, to talk about this unique situation we find ourselves
in. My best...Linda JA Rodham [email protected]
— lindarodham6
October 27, 2004
I think it is a mistake not to tell them. Meds are a real good reason to
share this info. BiPolar with meds not regulated is a big problem. What
they will be looking for is that you are well controlled with your meds,
and that you are capable of understanding and following the post op
protocol.
— **willow**
October 27, 2004
Jenny: Tell all the doctors involved with your surgery about the bipolar! I
am bipolar and still got approved. It was not an issue b/c I am on meds.
and pretty stable. (still have days, you know)I tell my docs. cause it IS
part of who I am and I wouldnt hide it if I was diabetic so why hide
another condition. Best of luck> Leslie
— leslee4567
October 27, 2004
I also suffer from bipolar disorder. I figured when I listed my meds they
would figure it out so I was upfront with everyone about it. As a matter of
fact the first thing I did at the psych eval was to tell the psych that I
was afraid he would turn me down because of the bipolar. I was really
nervous about it. He said as long as it was controlled with meds it would
not be an issue. He was right and he approved me with no problem.
Best of luck,
Kathy
— kathyb
October 28, 2004
Jenny,
I too am bipolar. I was nervous before my psych eval, but my own psych
supported my decision and I cannot tolerate any of the drugs so far used to
control my condition. I was upfront with the psych who did my eval and he
told me that he was just making sure that I was knowlegdable about the
surgery and was making an informed decision. I was approved without a
problem. If you are not honest and he finds out that you are lying, that
may give him a reason to not recommend the surgery for you. (((Jenny)))
I know it can be hard to be honest, but this is just like any other disease
and honesty is the best policy. We are here for support if you need it.
Good luck!!
Lisa postop lap/rny 10-23-03 1yr out and down 154.5 lbs!!!
339(340)/185.5/???
— Lisa H.
October 28, 2004
Jenny, I also have bi-polar, had it pretty rough for several years and was
seeing my pysch every 3 months. He jumped at the idea of wls, and put the
papers through no questions asked, I was seeing him regular for several
years. He is so impressed by what weight loss has done for me. I now only
see him once every 6 months and am off all my meds except the lamicital and
that has been cut way down. My surgeon didn't have any problems, in some
ways obesity helps add to our bi-polar problems. I have not had an episode
in over 18 months now. And loving the new me inside as well as outside. It
is better to be upfront about it. Best wishes to you, Patricia 9-30-03 rny
314/154 past goal and feeling great!!
— pateblkbrn
October 28, 2004
As a post-op WLS patient, your emotional health is just as important as
your physical health. I cannot fathom keeping anything from someone you're
giving such control to during the surgery. Not trusting is too easy. You
have probably signed something giving the doc full access to your medical
records anyway... it is not the norm to get denied because of a behavioral
medical history. I was still approved.
— kultgirl
October 29, 2004
Big Mistake! The second most important part of this whole process is
MENTAL HEALTH. You are going to have to deal with a lot of emotional
issues once you have this surgery. Food issues, personal issues, etc.
This surgery only bring these problems to a head. One of the major reason
some fail after surgery is the emotional issues that must be deal with.
— Linda R.
November 1, 2004
All I can say is be very carefull when/if you divulge the information about
your BiPolar. It may just depend on the surgeons office, but once that
information is out there...it may be hard to get approved at all. While
some had had no problems it looks like, I have a friend who has been
refused WLS because she is BiPolar (on meds and stable for years). If you
have not had the consult yet, I would suggest calling ahead and asking if
having BiPolar would preclude a person from having surgery at that office.
If they say yes...then you need to look elsewhere till you find a surgeon
that doesnt have a problem with it. Good luck with your journey!!
— ImANewDee
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