Question:
Can taking an antipsychotic like zyprexa or abilify disqualify me for wls?

I have bipolar disorder and have been taking zyprexa for 3 years. I love what zyprexa has done for my bipolar condition, but it does have weight gain properties associated with it. Personally, I've lost about 15 pounds in the 3 years I've been taking it, according to my endocrinologist. Anyway, to see if taking another antipsychotic that isn't supposed to be associated with weight gain would bring on better weightloss, I have switched to an antipsychotic called abilify. I'm not sure I like this drug, however, as it is causing me to hold a lot of tension in the back of my neck. I don't know yet if this is just a passing problem or will remain. In any case, I'm wondering if taking either of these medications will disqualify me for wls, either because of weight gain problems the drugs cause, or because the bariatric surgeon won't perform surgery (anesthesia or other problems) on patients taking this kind of medication. Any thoughts, anyone? Thanks for your input.    — Deborah L. (posted on June 12, 2003)

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