ElseeG

What kinds of lifestyle changes did it mean for you? As for me, I’ve been on WW on and off most of my adult life. I lose, I gain more, etc. Atkins. SouthBeach. I exercised a lot for a while, but fell of the wagon when I had children.

Hi. Thanks. Yes, I’ve seen that a few times. I’m asking the psych who I’m being referred to about it. I’m already taking anti-depressants, so that would theoretically protect me.

Will my paychiatrist’s sign off be required as part of the psychological exam?

Hi Losebig. So far, all she has said is that it is a drastic step and that we should do further “work-ups” first. She hasn’t said anything about the BP component. I’ve chosen a surgeon experienced in this area and I’ve read everything I have been able to find on the topic. If there was a risk this would jeoradize my mental health, I wouldn’t do it. I have an appt scheduled with her for later in the month once I have the sleep study and liver scan results back. Will the surgeon ordered psych exam require that my private psychiatrist weigh in? I assumed so.

I never considered bariatric surgery until my gyn suggested it. Having spent countless hours researching it and interviewing several surgeons along with my husband, I’ve decided to go ahead with it. I’m elated to think I can jump start my way to a new life. I don’t see this as an end in itself or as a cure-all, but rather as a powerful tool. Don’t see it as giving, see it as taking charge. So what’s the problem? My psychiatrist objects. She hasn’t articulated anything beyond saying this is a drastic step and we should explore other alternatives...like appetite suppressants. I’m clinicaly obese. Appetite suppressants aren’t turning this ship around. Shes a fantastic doctor and I know she cares and wants to do well by her patients. She helped get me out of a BP depression several years back. I’m fully recovered and I’m religious about my meds. So i’m in the uncomfortable position of having to persuade my shrink not to stand in my way. Just venting.

I’ve been looking at different surgeons for weeks and I think I found just the right one today. Answers my questions, cites research, approachable. She also told me that there are a number of other comorbidities beyond the usual that would qualify me for insurance. Even if insurance doesn’t pay for this, I’m getting it done, even if I have to beg, borrow and steal.

Has anyone had this done or know anything about it. Sounds very new.

Hi. Can people generally continue to take whatever medicines they need to take right after surgery? Or do you have trouble keeping things down?

Hi Miss Kathy. That is really encouraging. Did you have any trouble swallowing and keeping down your meds the day of surgery and the few/several days after? thanks, Elsee

Hi Perryman. I’m so sorry you went through that. That sounds absolutely horrible. I’m glad things stabilized. Thanks for sharing. The last time I had an episode it took months to stabilize me, so I’m very nervous about this.

Hi MyLighthouse. That’s all very encouraging. thank you for sharing. I’m going for several consults now, looking for the right doctor who has solid experience with this issue.

Thanks for your post. I’m BPII and am really struggling with doing a gastric sleeve. I haven’t seen any good research on how bipolars do. I’m terrified that my meds won’t be properly absorbed and won’t be able to be adjusted (lithium, Latuda (which I’m weaning off of) and Lamictal). I’ve gained 30 lbs since starting, and I was overweight to start with. I’m also struggling because appetite is not my issue. I consume between 1000-1300 cals/ day. If it goes in my mouth, I track it in my app. I’ve been doing this for the last 12 months, at least. No weight loss. Just the opposite. It has to be the meds is all I can figure. Good luck to you in your process

Thanks!

Hi. Has anyone paid out of pocket in northern NJ? How much did it run you? (I think it varies greatly by geography.). Thanks.

Wondering how difficult it will be to get this covered. I'm 35 BMI, 49, and have sleep apnea and elevated triglycerides. I'm just starting this process. Any thoughts?

Generally, yes. Holidays are a different story, though. I've been staying away from the chopped salads from the local deli near the office because although it is spinach, grilled chicken, chick peas and tomatoes, they are rather large. No cheese. No croutons, etc. Dressing is always fat free. Today I've had: one 2% yogurt 2 egg omelet with onions, tomato and zucchini (no cheese. no ham) 2 oz grilled turkey breast 1 slice whole wheat bread (no butter) 1 bowl of steamed spinach with balsamic vinegar (no oil) I am cutting wine out entirely next. The one vice I have left. I'm at my wit's end. I can only think it's the lithium. My doctor has now prescribed Topomax as an appetite suppressant. I won't mess with the lithium.

Hi Jenn1 - I eat low carb, moderate protein and moderate vegetables. Rarely have dessert. Don't keep chips, sodas, cheese or cookies in the house (or I'd eat them). A typical day is 1100-1200/day. A bad day is 1300 and a day not worth even counting is Thanksgiving/Christmas. I drink water all day at work. I get zero exercise (down from 2 hours of vinyasa yoga and walking several miles a week and going to the gym (before I had two kids). I've had my thyroid checked (normal). I'm not in menopause yet. I'm seeing an endocrinologist who specializes in weight loss, and I have a follow up with her in a week. She ran full bloods, and other than elevated triglycerides, everything is normal. The only things I can think of are the lithium I take for BP II and lack of exercise. That said, it would take monumental amounts of exercise to make a dent in this situation. My layperson's opinion questions whether gastric sleeve could turn this ship around… :-(

Hi. I feel like I’m on the board all the time. I really appreciate you all being so welcoming. Im looking for surgeon recommendations in NYC. I’m bipolar II and also have metabolic issues, so I think I need someone who is really up on the latest issue. I’m not sure I’m a good candidate and I need an honest, informed assessment. Thanks.

Hi. I’m at my wit’s end. I track my food religiously on my app and consume between 1100 and 1300/day. Usually 1100. I cannot lose weight. I’m considering gastric sleeve. If bariatric surgery is about calorie restriction and I’m already restricting my calories, will this work? My BMI is within the obesity range. Thanks...

Hi. Has anyone out there had success despite taking mood stabilizers that can cause weight gain? I’m on a low dose of lithium and am considering Gastric Sleeve. I obviously don’t want to just regain all of the weight due to the meds. Thanks

Hello. I’m new to this process. I understand you are required to undergo several months of a supervised weight loss program before surgery. I have also read that you need to be a 40 BMI or 35 BMI with an added health issue. What if you drop below 40 or 35 during that time? Are you disqualified?

Hi. Does anyone know whether the surgery impacts metabolism or whether it impacts portion control alone? Thanks!

Hi everyone. I’m new here. I am 49 and my BMI is 34. Although I’ve never been thin, i have gained much of this weight in the last 10 yrs, post babies and once I started taking medications for bipolar II. I take lithium, Lamictal and Latuda. I’m seriously considering surgery. I’m just beginning the research process. My biggest concern is how surgery would impact my body’s ability to effectively absorb my medications. Remaining stable is more important to me. If anyone has any advice or experience with this, please feel free to share. I’d really appreciate it.