Hi all,

I have bipolar, and my meds have screwed up my weight badly since the first time I was put on psych meds at 18 (I'm 30 now). After many years, I'm pretty stable on the mental health front, but the cost has been pretty severe, weight-wise. As a teenager, I gained 40lb in 6 months, and I fought to get half of that off. I went off meds, and now that I've been back on, I've gained an additional 80 in the past 4 years. The only time I've been anything approaching "normal" weight was after six months of intense mania (exercising like mad and being OCD about not eating), and I was down to a BMI of 30 and size 8 pants. Each time I adjust my meds, there's a definite spike on the weight chart, and no matter how hard I fight,and track, and do what feels like everything I can, I end up going nowhere.

I brought this up with my psychiatrist at my monthly med-checkup, and ended up nearly breaking down. I'm on Seroquel now, and while it works very well on my brain (I sleep like a charm, and that's a rare thing), I've gained at least 30 pounds from this one. In the morning (I take the pills at night), I am absolutely ravenous, and even when I fight to keep to a schedule and write down everything I eat, I still end up failing.

Though I'm now going off the Seroquel and trying something else, my pdoc (also certified in internal medicine) brought up that I would be a good candidate for lap-band, which he's mentioned in the past. He says I'm mentally prepared for it, it often works well for those with serious weight problems tied to psych meds/issues, and the fact that I'm on CPAP and blood pressure pills are additional reasons. At this point, if it would work, I could get it through insurance, and figure out how to swing the time off at work, I would honestly go for it.

So now it's time for research, both medical and financial. I'll still keep working "the old fashioned way" while I try out the new pills, but I think my resistance is caving on this one. While I have no idea what my husband will think (he, too, is working on weight loss) I figure I should at least consider it.

The big thing I need to look into is insurance-related. I have BCBS of Arizona, and they pay 80%. I meet the other requirements, though I'm not sure how to document that I've been at a BMI of 35+ for 5 years (I've kinda skipped between doctors). I'm clueless about this one: "Individual must provide written documentation of participation in a weight loss program for 8 weeks or longer within 12 months preceding weight loss surgery. Weight loss programs include recognized commercial weight loss programs, nutritional counseling or hospital based weight loss programs." So I guess I need to give Weight Watchers or something a go before they'll approve it?

Anyway, there's me in a nutshell, I'm looking forward to researching and reading here. Thanks for reading

Hello I wanted to respond to you mostly to validate what you are saying. I have worked for over 20 years with juveniles with mental health issues. I have seen first hand the weight gain with the psych meds. I really commend you for staying on your meds to deal with your bi polar. I know this must be very difficult for a young lady such as yourself. I think if your doctor believes it will be ok then why not? I would just make sure your meds come in liquid form or can be dissolved. I know many of those meds are very large and time released. Great job on your journey to wellness.

your present doctor should have your records from the past years and be able to supply the insurance company what it needs. Your surgeons office will get that all together for you so start there first and see where it goes. good luck