Question:
has someone here pre-op has being pronosticated with bipolar disorder in the phys

physiquiati appointment? because i just have mine and after all those questions they enderup telling me that i have bipolar disorder now i dont know if they going to continue with this by pass surgeryi fill a little sad but i gont let that bug my feelings    — luijess (posted on March 17, 2009)

March 17, 2009
Jessica.... I was diagnosed with BiPolar Disorder Type 2 several years ago. I personally don't agree with the diagnosis, rather, I think I suffer from reactive depressive episodes, which I haven't had now for at least 5 years. But, I AM on medication for the BiPolar Type 2 and also for anxiety, and it doesn't seem to hurt me, and I know for a fact the anti-anxiety medication has helped keep me sane for quite a while. The only thing my surgeon told me was that they DID NOT want me to wean off the BiPolar drugs prior to surgery... that patients frequently suffer depression after surgery, and they don't want you to change any of your depression meds for at least a year out. At least that's what MY surgeon told me. It did not affect my getting the surgery... which I had two weeks ago.
   — Erica Alikchihoo

March 18, 2009
I'd say that probably the concern of the psychiatrist and surgeon will be whether or not your condition is stable. I, too, was diagnosed with Bipolar Type 2 (same as the first poster) a couple of years ago. I had suffered from major debilitating bouts of depression over the last approx 18 years or so (I'm 34 now), as well as anxiety, panic attacks, etc. I passed the psych eval easily, as my "condition" is stable. I remained on the medication I have taken for the last couple of years, and have been okay. I did suffer from some weird mood swings and bouts of depression post-op, although at two months out I'm getting better. If you are NOT considered stable, and surgery is postponed, that is definitely disappointing. I was in a complete panic before my psych eval, thinking I would be completely devastated if I weren't allowed to go through with the surgery as planned. I'm sure that I would have been devastated...however, as people told me at the time, if I WAS NOT considered completely mentally prepared, it was really best to wait so that I'd have a higher chance of being successful. Given the unexpected depression post-op, I'm glad I was stable prior. I don't know how I would have dealt with things had I NOT been stable. My point is, if you do have to postpone surgery, remember that you're just POSTPONING it. People told me this and I remember thinking "Yeah, easy for you to say...you have NO idea what this means to me and what a long road this has been...I couldn't bear it if that road gets lengthened." So...again. Easy for me to say. But I've been there, and I understand your fear and sadness. Hang in there. Whether it's right now, or a little later down the road, you'll make it to your surgery, and it will be worth it.
   — rachieo