I have bipolar type 2, and overweight, (not emotional eater, poor choice and bad habit eater and bad genes) I have started this thing late December '07, I have lost 13pds (was only suppose to lose 10) I have changed my habits, seen my dietitian, seen the psych going on 5 times. I have been put on a mood stabilizer (which i really didn't need, but they wanted me on it) I have psychotherapy going on and scheduled for future visits. I have done everything they have asked me too. The last visit, he said I was approved and wanted a follow up visit. So I called my nurse and she said he only sent an evaluation paper but did not approve me as of yet and wanted to see me for a follow up. My husband was with me and he said to both of us that I was approved. Which makes me very mad. But I am wondering I have been going through this going on 8 months. How long did you have to wait for the lap band with bipolar 1 or 2? I am curious this seems to be taking longer then what it should! thanks! :thumbup:

Have you called the Psychiatrist and asked him if he submitted the appropriate approval forms? This would be my first step before calling the bariatric surgeon. I know that they process seems frustrating...and probably more frustrating when you are concerned about someone elses evaluation. Give the psychiatrist a call and tell him that you distinctly remember him telling you that he was submitting you for approval.

Hi, I've just come across this website and need some help. I've also got bipolar 2 and am not as stable mentally as the doc wants me to be. i am just switching to lithium after two years of various cocktails of mood stabilizers and antidepressants which haven't worked. In those two years I've put on 60 pounds--this can't help mood/self image can it? Also I now worry about other health worries--I don't have any yet, but you never know, being obese like I am--I could develop diabetes, high blood pressure etc. I was always very fit, have no energy now--partly illness, partly meds, partly laziness.

How long did you actually have to wait before the psych doc ok'ed you for surgery? Did you have to have their permission before the surgeons would go ahead? I'm in England, so laws may be different, but perhaps you could give me some ideas/help. Thanks, Vix:crying:

I also have BiPolar2 and it was a non-issue for me. I'm non-medicated and high-functioning. My family and I have just learned to cope with it. So it didn't come up in my psych eval and I didn't bring it up.

Therefore, I don't have any advice to offer, BUT, I can and will say a prayer for you!! PM me if you need to chat.

I am bipolar type 2, with rapid cycling and the pysch that did my eval is not the pysch I see for therapy. I told him about my diagnosis, we talked about it for a bit and he had no issues. I am not a major risk though, I only cycle about every 2 years for about 3 months.

I would try wellburtin, abilify thats what i am on.. plus I take a multi vit, Flax seed oil that all helps with moods. Brain function.

Another thing, I been doing this for 9 months, they are taking way to long and my back is getting worse. I have bipolar 2 and always been stable for 7 yrs with or with out meds.. some depression but nothing in the last 5 yrs. Well he wanted me on a mood stablizer, okay check, he wanted me to see a psychotherapist, check, The nurse and dietican wanted me to lose 10pds, I lost 16+, the wanted all the other stuff, check check... WTF?? What more do these ppl wants! this is driving me crazy and putting a lot of stress on me.. I have a young Psyciatrist and he is sticking to the books.. i wish i picked someone else. 5th visit 22nd. If he doesnt approve me i will go find someone else!!! This is insane!!! Sorry I am venting, I wish I didnt tell them I was.. but I had to explain my income!! GRRR

Hi all - I'm bipolar 2 also and take several medications. My insurance doesn't cover lapband, only gastric bypass, so I had to pay cash. I find that makes the programs much more flexible. But, to my point...I made a stink that my own psychiatrist do the evaluation since he is a bipolar specialist and since we have been together for over a year (I also pay cash for him, since my insurance wants me to use their psychiatrists, which have only f#@%ed me up over the years.) The lap band program people were more than happy to accept a detailed letter from him. You may want to try that tact. But getting there is just half the battle for us...then you have to figure out working with your medication if you are on it...that's a whole new challenge.