Question:
will having bipolar effect my psych evaluation???
hello i have educated myself on this surgery and i am sure i want it, but i am worried about the psych evaluation, i am bipolar and take meds to keep me level i have been on them for over a year will this effect my evaluation ??? — blank first name B. (posted on April 26, 2002)
April 26, 2002
Can you have the psych doc who works with you on your meds do your psych
evaluation? There shouldn't be any problem with approval if your condition
is under control. Basically your psych evaluation should only address
whether or not you are capable of understanding the surgery, have
reasonable and realistic expectations regarding the outcome, and if you are
willing / able to comply with post operative directives. Don't volunteer
any unneeded information that your surgeon may not know what to do with.
— BethVBG
May 5, 2002
I also have bipolar disorder and it shouldn't affect your psyc exam as long
as you are basically stable. I am having surgery this am !
— tinalivesay
July 3, 2002
I had a fine psych evaluation despite the fact that I am bipolar. My
psychiatrist stated that I am stable and on medication and am a fine
candidate for surgery. Just got insurance approval two days ago. Hang in
there!
— Laura T.
October 20, 2002
If you are doing well it's no problem your dr. will have to keep a close
watch on your meds. tho...I am taking 4-5 meds for that too,high doses, and
have been on them for several years....stability wise I am fine so had no
problem with my psy. eval. my surgery is in 3 weeks and like you I am sure
!
— Kathy S.
October 20, 2002
I don't suffer from bipolar disorder, but I am on medication for
depression, if you do decide to have the surgerey, make sure your doc
orders your meds while you are in the hospital. Mine was NOT ordered, and
after day 4 I was feeling the consequences and crying like a baby.
— Tammy .
January 24, 2003
I also am bipolar. It did not effect my psych eval at all. I saw my
regular psychiatrist, he noted in the evaluation that I was bipolar, was
stable on my medication and that the WLS might possibly improve my
depressive moods and I have been approved by my insurance company.
I am definitely making sure that my meds are ordered by my surgeon while I
am in the hospital.
— Lorna R.
February 1, 2003
I just had my psych evaluation, and my shrink said he wished he could call
me crazy so I couldn't have it done and I told him I was sorry for not
being crazy...lol He was great other than that, had no problem about
sending out the info to the doctor...bipolar and all.
— Alyse W.
February 10, 2003
THE PSYCH EVAL IS TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE COMPETANT TO MAKE A RIGHT DECISION.
MOST OF US HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH DEPRESSION IN SOME FORM OR ANOTHER SO BE
YOURSELF AND DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE BIPOLAR. THAT'S NOT THE REASON FOR YOUR
VISIT WITH THE PSYCH. LOOK HIM/HER IN THE EYE AND LET THEM KNOW YOU ARE
CAPABLE OF MAKING THIS DECISION FOR YOUR LIFE.
— Linda T.
December 12, 2003
I am also bipolar and have benn diagnosed as such for 6 yrs. The evaluation
is to be sure you are competent to make
the decision to chose to have WLS. If you are stable on your
medications you should not have any problems. My psychiatrist wrote my
evaluation and explained this surgery
would be to my benefit for many reasons. I'm looking forward
to joining the other side soon. Hope you are too. Good luck
— Brenda G.
June 30, 2005
I had my psych eval, and I am bi-polar...My surgeon wanted HIS psych to do
it..I am on meds..She said the report came out I am still depressed and
anxious....I was hospitalized about 2 years ago to stabilize my meds, so
back then I must have been dead?? I feel fine.. At this point in time she
has recommended more therapy...I have a therapist so that is not a
problem...but it has stalled the process...I thought this test was only to
make sure you were capable of making this decision.. etc...obviously my
doctor thinks different....more to come...
— Tanya L
July 20, 2005
i am also bi-polar and passed my psych eval. i think the best approach is
to be honest. everything in your life changes with this surgery... i
personally think it only wise to make sure you are going into it with ur
eyes open. just take a deep breath and try not to worry to much. oh, and
the only thing that was suggested in my psych eval was for me to continue
therapy, which i was gonna do anyways.:) good luck to you!!!
— gothickitten
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