Hello.

My name is Melissa and I am a 34 year old mother of one. Six years ago I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and since being medicated for it, I have gained about 100 lbs. I have recently started doing research on the Lap Band surgery, and I am going to talk to my dr about it to see if it is a good choice for me.

Right now, I don't have any insurance, but my husband just changed jobs so he should be getting insurance for us both in a few months. I can't wait until he gets it so I can call them and see if they would cover, or even partially cover the procedure.

I'm worried about the bipolar disorder though. Not so much the moods, which I know I need to be concerned with, but more if the medicines will just make me gain the weight again.

I'm also concerned about eating after the fact. I know it's terrible, but I'm already imagining craving foods, and I wonder if I'll ever be able to eat the foods that I sometimes indulge in now.

I understand the process is different for everyone, and I can't really ask about the surgery because of the differences each of us will have. So I won't ask about the actual procedure, but if you feel like sharing your experience, I'd love to hear it all.

I'll stop blabbing for now, but please, anyone feel free to share your experiences, insurance issues, etc.

Thanks!

Melissa

Hello.

My name is Melissa and I am a 34 year old mother of one. Six years ago I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and since being medicated for it, I have gained about 100 lbs. I have recently started doing research on the Lap Band surgery, and I am going to talk to my dr about it to see if it is a good choice for me.

Right now, I don't have any insurance, but my husband just changed jobs so he should be getting insurance for us both in a few months. I can't wait until he gets it so I can call them and see if they would cover, or even partially cover the procedure.

I'm worried about the bipolar disorder though. Not so much the moods, which I know I need to be concerned with, but more if the medicines will just make me gain the weight again.

I'm also concerned about eating after the fact. I know it's terrible, but I'm already imagining craving foods, and I wonder if I'll ever be able to eat the foods that I sometimes indulge in now.

I understand the process is different for everyone, and I can't really ask about the surgery because of the differences each of us will have. So I won't ask about the actual procedure, but if you feel like sharing your experience, I'd love to hear it all.

I'll stop blabbing for now, but please, anyone feel free to share your experiences, insurance issues, etc.

Thanks!

Melissa

Hi Melissa!

I have depression... no bipolar, no mood swings... but I've been dealing with the condition and the meds for 12 years now (started out as post partum depression).... I, too, have gained 100# over the last 12 years.... undoubtedly, somewhat related to meds.

Incidentally, I've had a few "panic" episodes in the last few years... typically related to starting new meds.

I was authorized... and scheduled for the procedure over a year ago.... and did tons of soul searching to psyche myself into it.

That being said, I was just banded last week.

My first morning home... when it was time to take all my morning meds... and I was fretting about getting them all down... (I used to take up to 10 at a time).... I had a little 'episode'... racing thoughts, rapid pulse, short of breath, dizzy.... but being that my husband lives and works in Japan (and I'm alone with my 12 and 10 year old sons)... I put myself in a time out and 'went to a happy place'...eventually, I came out of it (I have NO anxiety meds ordered... yet) !! The few days since are getting better, slowly, but surely.

There are a couple of points I'm trying to make: 1. You don't get banded overnight... 6 months to a year is typical time to 'jump through all the hoops' of getting authorized. 2. You have plenty of time to meet with your psych provider(s) and discuss possible 'worst case scenarios'... and how you would respond to them...

I also thought about ALL those delish foods that I probably won't be enjoying any more (at least not indulging in)... Well, those images got flushed when my 4 year old niece told me, "MOVE... BIG FAT LADY".... out of the mouth of a babe... THAT was my final straw... I HAD to do this for ME... I want to see my kids grow up (and be healthy enough to enjoy it)!!!

This afternoon, I was regretting it when I almost tossed my tomato Soup.

This evening, I'm back to being happy.

Give yourself credit where credit is due; however, be realistic in knowing (and acknowledging) your emotional limitations.

Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best of luck!

Hello.

My name is Melissa and I am a 34 year old mother of one. Six years ago I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and since being medicated for it, I have gained about 100 lbs. I have recently started doing research on the Lap Band surgery, and I am going to talk to my dr about it to see if it is a good choice for me.

Right now, I don't have any insurance, but my husband just changed jobs so he should be getting insurance for us both in a few months. I can't wait until he gets it so I can call them and see if they would cover, or even partially cover the procedure.

I'm worried about the bipolar disorder though. Not so much the moods, which I know I need to be concerned with, but more if the medicines will just make me gain the weight again.

I'm also concerned about eating after the fact. I know it's terrible, but I'm already imagining craving foods, and I wonder if I'll ever be able to eat the foods that I sometimes indulge in now.

I understand the process is different for everyone, and I can't really ask about the surgery because of the differences each of us will have. So I won't ask about the actual procedure, but if you feel like sharing your experience, I'd love to hear it all.

I'll stop blabbing for now, but please, anyone feel free to share your experiences, insurance issues, etc.

Thanks!

Melissa

hi mellisa,i too have bipolar disorder and gained 100lbs from the seroquel that i take.eventually i had stopped all the pigging out at nite,thats when i decided to get the lap band.most pshycs wont ok the band if your bipolar.i just happened to go to another doc and did not mention the bipolar and got okd.the choice is yours but i would wait untill your hunger leveled out before making a final decision

Hi Mellisa,

I also have bipolar and am pre-op. I was diagnosed in July and put on depakote and gained 10 lbs in 2 months because of it! After informing my psychiatrist of my decision to get the band and my strong feelings that the depakote was making me gain weight AND worsen my anxiety (I was worrying about gaining weight lol), she changed my medication to trileptyl. My suggestion is to inform your psychiatrist of your plans to get the band. Mine had many patients that had it done actually and she started changing my medication right away. I haven't had any weight gain on this medication and had enough time pre-surgery to get my body adjusted to the new meds. I know changing can be a pain in the butt, but when the medication is counteracting what you're trying to do with the surgery, it's going to make it much more frustrating and stressful. I hope that helped! Good luck to you!

Oh! One more thing. I just had my psych eval and passed with flying colors They just recommend that I keep up with my psycho therapy and medications. She said that many people with bipolar disorder get the band. I don't think you should have a problem not getting approved because of it. They'll probably just be more cautious going forward but it should still be ok.

hi melissa,i have bipolar disorder as well,i also gained 100lbs as a result of my meds,but i got to a point where i forced myself not to pig out at nite.with a little will power you can say no more.i am only 3 weeks out and am doing fine.good luck to you

Hi Melissa!

I have depression... no bipolar, no mood swings... but I've been dealing with the condition and the meds for 12 years now (started out as post partum depression).... I, too, have gained 100# over the last 12 years.... undoubtedly, somewhat related to meds.

Incidentally, I've had a few "panic" episodes in the last few years... typically related to starting new meds.

I was authorized... and scheduled for the procedure over a year ago.... and did tons of soul searching to psyche myself into it.

That being said, I was just banded last week.

My first morning home... when it was time to take all my morning meds... and I was fretting about getting them all down... (I used to take up to 10 at a time).... I had a little 'episode'... racing thoughts, rapid pulse, short of breath, dizzy.... but being that my husband lives and works in Japan (and I'm alone with my 12 and 10 year old sons)... I put myself in a time out and 'went to a happy place'...eventually, I came out of it (I have NO anxiety meds ordered... yet) !! The few days since are getting better, slowly, but surely.

There are a couple of points I'm trying to make: 1. You don't get banded overnight... 6 months to a year is typical time to 'jump through all the hoops' of getting authorized. 2. You have plenty of time to meet with your psych provider(s) and discuss possible 'worst case scenarios'... and how you would respond to them...

I also thought about ALL those delish foods that I probably won't be enjoying any more (at least not indulging in)... Well, those images got flushed when my 4 year old niece told me, "MOVE... BIG FAT LADY".... out of the mouth of a babe... THAT was my final straw... I HAD to do this for ME... I want to see my kids grow up (and be healthy enough to enjoy it)!!!

This afternoon, I was regretting it when I almost tossed my tomato soup.

This evening, I'm back to being happy.

Give yourself credit where credit is due; however, be realistic in knowing (and acknowledging) your emotional limitations.

Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best of luck!

Hello.

My name is Melissa and I am a 34 year old mother of one. Six years ago I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and since being medicated for it, I have gained about 100 lbs. I have recently started doing research on the Lap Band surgery, and I am going to talk to my dr about it to see if it is a good choice for me.

Right now, I don't have any insurance, but my husband just changed jobs so he should be getting insurance for us both in a few months. I can't wait until he gets it so I can call them and see if they would cover, or even partially cover the procedure.

I'm worried about the bipolar disorder though. Not so much the moods, which I know I need to be concerned with, but more if the medicines will just make me gain the weight again.

I'm also concerned about eating after the fact. I know it's terrible, but I'm already imagining craving foods, and I wonder if I'll ever be able to eat the foods that I sometimes indulge in now.

I understand the process is different for everyone, and I can't really ask about the surgery because of the differences each of us will have. So I won't ask about the actual procedure, but if you feel like sharing your experience, I'd love to hear it all.

I'll stop blabbing for now, but please, anyone feel free to share your experiences, insurance issues, etc.

Thanks!

Melissa

Hi Melissa,

I was diagnosed with bipolar eleven years ago and put on 120 lbs. I am scheduled for surgery March 11. My biggest concern is swallowing the pills, and them absorbing in my body. I was at a support group Monday and there was a woman there who has been crushing her xanax, it's going through her system too fast and she is having withdrawls. So I am going to make sure to quiz my doc. I understand the concern of having so many pills to take. I feel good about the decision to have lap band surgery. Just this hiccup, I'll get it figured out. So will you. Good Luck