Question:
How does previous gain from this med effect loss after surgery?

I was thin my whole life. I took Lithium because I was misdiagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder. I gained 80 lbs. in three months. The rapid gain and continuuing depression was unabated and I was soon Large. I went off the meds, but have never gotten back to the life of strong metabolism. I have met others who after Lithium treatment are now big and round where they weren't before. This is despite dietary and excersize efforts which have instead resulted in the yo-yo system of loss and gain+. It is now ten years later. How would surgery affect this issue? Can I get the weight off that way?    — Danine N. (posted on March 15, 2001)

March 15, 2001
Bummer that you were misdiagnosed but that is behind you now. Based on all the research I have done WLS will provide you with the most effective tool available to be able to lose and keep off the weight...as long as you use that tool correctly and are determined and disciplined enough to adhere to a lifelong regime. Hate to have to admit it, but as we grow older our bodies just don't need as many calories. Many of us didn't realize that little fact of life until quite a few pounds later. Others are affected by metabolic disorders that considerable slow weight loss and hence cause disappointment and failure. I'm 51 and would like the last half century of my life (I wasn't always this optimistic!) to be better than the first five decades which is why I am doggedly pursuing WLS. This CAN work for you if you WANT it to. Hang in there!
   — Lynn E.