Question:
will meds for bipolar disorder be absorbed post RNY?

Can I be denied surgery because of the meds I take? I'm just now looking for a surgeon and am so afraid that my meds won't be absorbed well after the RNY. Can I be denied based on that fact?    — Kelley F. (posted on March 14, 2005)

March 13, 2005
If anything, Kelley, being BiPolar will help you and the meds will be absorbed well. Some doctors might want you to crush the pill, but make sure with your pharmacist that that is ok. An ER type of medicine would not work well crushed. I take Depakote ER for mood swings from BiPolar and I've done really well taking the Depakote ER since my surgery 04Jun04. The meds give me no problems and my BiPolar is doing well. Good luck!!!
   — juju524

March 13, 2005
I take bipolar meds, Lamictal, wellbutrin, klonopin, allderall, both before and after surgery. This did not cause any problems with regards to having surgery and the meds have worked both before and after surgery as well. In fact, the psyc I saw was happy to know that I was responsible and taking my meds as many bipolars don't take their meds as they should. Just be honest, it always helps! Good luck!
   — sunkissed kid

March 14, 2005
I had no problem with my surgeon approving me to have surgery even though I was being treated for Bipolar disorder. I take Lithuim and Prozac and somrtimes Mellaril. I took them before and after surgery. In fact my doseages have decreased since the weight loss. I have been doing well since my surgery, Nov. 24th, 2003.
   — KittyKatt

March 14, 2005
I was just approved for surgery by my insurance and I am bipolar and take both Depakote ER and Lamictal. My Psyche doc says the surgery won't affect my taking my meds. It is a fear of mine since I need them to survive!
   — AimsMcB

March 15, 2005
Make sure they are NOT time release. I take three meds for depression and had to change Welbutrin SR (time release) to Welbutrin. We don't do time release. They only exception, for some reason Z-Pac anti biotics (time release) will work for me. No other time release will.
   — Danmark

March 15, 2005
Just a little FYI, both myself (a pre op approved for surgery already) and a post op (who answered you below) take Depakote ER -- extended release. My psychiatrist OK'd it and has had other patients that it has worked well with.
   — AimsMcB