Hello! I'm not banded yet, but have my first appt with the doc on August 9, I got approved for 3 doc visits, but not the surgery yet.

I have bipolar disorder, but it's managed through a psychiatrist, meds and all. Do you think this is a deal breaker, like I wonder if my insurance (BC of CA) will deny me outright since I have a psych condition.

I know there's a psych eval, which I'm sure I could pass because my bipolar is managed with medication, but I'm concerned that my history with the disorder will prevent me from being approved.

I was wondering if anyone out there had anything similar when they started the surgery/approval process and could offer any words of advice or support?

I find it unlikely that it would be a deal breaker. I have severe major depression which is only partly managed with medication, I am on disability, unable to work, and am limited by my depression. I was told by my surgeon that it is common for people with depression to be obese, and for obese people to have depression. Since being a part of these forums, I've discovered many lap-banders with depression, many with bi-polar depression. Best of luck in your journey.

XO

Leila

I am bipolar and I had no problem getting the band. When I had my psycho interview I told him I was under meds and seeing a psychiatrist and I went through fine. Good luck.

Thanks guys great to hear, it was making me really nervous.

I'm hoping that everything goes smoothly, I think I'm on track. I'm sure you'll see more posts from me if it doesn't, LOL

Has your bipolar disorder been clinically linked to an eating disorder? Do you have a diagnosed eating disorder? Not trying to pry, but they're often diagnosed together.

At the time I was diagnosed with bulimia nervosa along with the bipolar, and it's been a couple years since then probably 3 or 3 and a half.

I haven't had a relapse or anything and I take all my medication so I hope that will be sufficient.

I am also bipolar and was hospitalized 2 times. My medications are now controlling this disorder. I was approved on June 1st and had my surgery on Jun 29th. I didn't have any problems. I think they are looking for uncontrolled mental health issues. Yours is controlled. Don't worry!

Kathy:)

whew....I just had my psych evaluation last week, and I told her the truth about me being bipolar, but i was being managed on meds with my doctor and the psych doc...Its been three years, and I haven't missed a doss of meds and don't plan on it..

I was hospitalized 3 years ago when I first found out I had it, my mother passed away and I was depressed about it, so I thought going in to the hospital for a few days would help..It didn't do much, I realized that I didn't need to be there..so I hope they don't hold any of this against me being approved for lap band surgery.

I think the main reason for my depression is being so overweight..esp. when I used to be thin.

I am scheduled for surgery on september 20th..

I have BC/BS Anthem of NH..anyone else??

thanks for your help!!