What?! Deciding on getting surgery! Dorthea Dix?

OK people, I was planning on making an appt to see a surgeon to have the lap band surgery.  I read a post where someone has developed schitzophrinic symptoms?!  My worst fear is losing my mind, so if this surgery in anyway creates something like this, I do not want to do it.  I have anxiety and this wouldnt be the route for me.  Can someone explain please?  I think my anxiety would actually go away if I lost weight and felt better about myself. 

I really want to do this surgery.  I dont think something like this can trigger schitzophrinia, that is something genetic that you either get or dont, I dont think weight loss surgery does it to you.  Does anyone know more about this? I cant imagine walking into a normal clothing store and actually "fitting" into the clothes, not having to shop at a plus size store like I am some kind of freak.  Anywho...any suggestions on Surgeons in NC? Tks for the help.

Sweetie, this surgery does NOT cause these problems.  You must be responsible and take your supplements (vitamin, iron, and PROTEIN).  Carol did not do these things and now she is paying the price.  I remember one post she stated she had only eaten a pickle that day.  That was about a month after her surgery.  She did not like the protein shakes, admitted to frequently forgetting her vitamins... are you getting the picture? A B1 thiamine deficiency can cause serious mental lapses, confusion and psychotic type behavior.  We are instructed to eat 6 small meals a day.  What do you think Carol got from a pickle? The best surgeon in NC is Dr. Timothy Farrell, UNC Chapel Hill Memorial Hospital.  He also has the best aftercare program and the lowest prices.  He is great. Best wishes, Diane

Opps....let me straighten this one out.  First Carol wasn't the one at Dix's.  Her eating the wrong things and not taking her vitamins has me concerned  for her mentally, depression wise and her body health wise.   Now It is my sister in law's sister in law, if that's not confussing.  She is having terrible mental issues.  She will not take her vitamins, nor keep her appointments.  The first time this happen it apparently wasn't as bad as now.  The family thought she was sneaking more wine than just at dinner, for real.  I mentioned her B vitamins and they checked her blood and she was very low so she started doing what she was suppose to.  Now it has gotten worse.  They say they have checked her blood but I don't believe they are looking at the right things.  Having surgery won't make you like this.  Not taking care of yourself and suplimenting things your body needs to live and function properly is something that must be learned and done for the rest of your life.  Some people have issue's some don't.  It depends on your body and how well you take care of it..  I don't think lap band has the absorbtion issues or lack of when it comes to having vitamins and the good stuff your body needs to function getting depleted.  Though any reduction of food one should consider supplements of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy surgery or not.   Now the family of the woman who is having issues believe it is t he surgery and would rather have their 390 pound member back.  They don't realize that as alot of us don't that depletion of certain things can throw us off chemically in the brain.  

Realize when you decide to have this surgery if is not a quick fix and a magical thing.  It requires alot of disipline, research and commitment to a HUGE life changing event that can be stressfull.  You will not believe that people can actually morn the loss of food like losing a love one.  It is very depressing when you don't have that crutch, the quart of ice cream to cry into when your lonely or depressed.  It does happen out of the blue even when your buying smaller sizes.  It happens when your at a party and everyone is eating and your standing there twiddling your fingers.  This is a for life, life change that requires a commitment.  Unlike lap band this woman could not say I can't handle it take it off.  She decided she wasn't going to do the work or keeping her health up  She got tire and depressed as we all get.  I think she just didn't have the support or shall I say the understanding in her family what she needed to be doing and making sure it was happening till it got bad.  Keep researching, realize what you need to do and what is normal in this whole process and know you have got to keep doctor appointments and support connections.  Don't ever be affraid to question or admit when your depressed or worried.  We all get like this and when we question things on here most times you will always get someones advice or feelings and mostly support.  Sorry to say that even with weight loss some still see that fat girl or guy and have some of those issues or new ones.  We even find out the issue wasn't always food like we thought.  We are all different,  We don't always hear from the thousands that have no problems and life is good.  God Bless them.  But aren't we lucky that we have this place where we can come and share and support one another.    You will be fine.  My surgen was Doctor Pender with the Brody School of Medicine at ECU under the man that started all this surgery many moons ago.  This state is blessed with a number of excellent places and Doctors and you can research them on here also. Good Luch!

I agree with the above about taking care of yourself and being informed post-op.  I wanted to share with you that my surgery was done at PCMH in Greenville.  My surgeon was Dr. Chapman and he is absolutely fantastic.  Diane and I can argue later about who's surgeon is the best. In any event, here's a link to the PCMH website that lists all of the surgeons that do GBS and LapBand.  They're all very good. http://www.uhseast.com/body.cfm?id=931 Take care. Ellen

The surgery doesnt cause issues such... however when people can no longer turn to food to 'self medicate' underlying issues that were ALREADY present can arise. Its important to prepare as much mentally pre-op as you can... that may mean seeing a therapist. Its also EXTREMELY important to have EXCELLENT support post-op (friends/family). Some people can be 'in denial' about their behavior post-op and see going to a theapist as being a failure... or admitting they are crazy. We dont wake up from surgery 'cured' from obesity... the surgery helps the physical part of eating but its up to you to work on the mental.  As for you having anxiety... the first thing I will say about losing weight - is it will not 'fix' whatever is 'broken' in your life... yes your life will improve but people sometimes go into this under the impression that their life will be completely different and all their problems will magically go away. The only way your life will be different is if YOU make it different and put the work into it. I will say it is easier to move thru daily life being a much lighter person... the obesity related issues are gone - being out of breath, lack of energy, achy joints etc... but overall its like the saying goes - same ole chit different day :-) Hopefully this will help you some! As for surgeons I, of course, reccomend DrMelkonian... his partner, DrLowe, is also wonderful but DrLowe isnt doing the lapband as of yet... I believe DrMelkonian started offering it back in Sept... but I could be wrong :-)

I agree with Jennifer. The stresses involved in the life changes you must make can uncover underlying or exaserbate existing mental health issues, but it won't cause serious mental health disorders. Low B vitamins can cause confusion, etc., but that is far from serious mental illness. Take this from someone who know first hand. I suffer from severe clinical depression. I have excellent mental health care and support and I can assure you that my surgery has not negatively impacted my mental health.

As others have said before you need to realize that the surgery is not a "quick fix," but is a tool that can help you lose the weight and keep it off. You will have to make significant lifestyle changes that include changing your relationship with food, exercise and managing your emotions without using food. Everyone needs help doing this. That's why it's so important to find a comprehensive program that includes psychiatric support, support groups, nutritional counseling, etc. It is one of the reasons that you will see so many of us active on this board. It's to rally even more support.

I wish you all the best as you try to make your decision.

Barb

Well thank you all for your clarification.  I am a teacher and a 'rule' follower..lol  so if given instructions on how to care for myself after surgery...I definetly WILL be taking my vitamins etc.  Does anyone recommend the lap band over gastric bypass?  I know my insurance will pay for the bypass, not the band, but not sure if i can deal with something permanent.  The idea of knowing it can be reversed is a good feeling.  Any feed back would be great!  Thanks guys!   Nicole

Hi!

Like you my insurance would only pay for RNY and not Lap band. I am SOOOO glad I got RNY. I dont have time to be running around getting fills and the band is way to high maintenance for me. Im sure for others it works fine but in my case I love my RNY. You asked about surgeons in NC. my surgeon is Dr. Chris Mann who is with Southern Surgical in Greenville NC. They have three surgeons which are Dr. Mann, Dr. MacDonald and Dr. Nazari, all three do Lap Band and RNY and they are the best in NC. You can check out their credentials and teaching experiences at www.southernsurgical.org They operate and teach at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville. I would do your research and see whos the best doctor for you and also which surgery is right for you. Of course everyone here will say they have the best Doctor but ultimatley you need to go with who you like good luck!

No, lap band (or any WLS) won't "cause" schizophrenia.  I agree with an above poster who stated that some pre-existing condition may seem exagerated postop when you can no longer self-medicate with food.  And I have to put in my 2 cents' worth regarding the best surgeon!  Most people who have gone through this life-saving surgery would probably tell you that their surgeon was the best in the nation (me included).  For that reason, I highly recommend Dr. Roc Bauman and his partner, Dr. Jon Pirello!  Not only did Dr. Bauman do my surgery, but I trust them with my patients' lives as well at CMC-Northeast, a Bariatric Center of Excellence, where I work as an RN on the surgical unit.  I see them both from the patient perspective, since I'm postop through their office, and from the nurse's perspective -- and they are superb in both respects.  

OK, I'll add my 2 cents on the "best surgeon" issue.  I've only had ONE surgeon, so in my eyes HE is the best.  That would be Dr. Kenneth MacDonald with Southern Surgical as noted above.  Dr. M was instrumental in starting the bariatric surgery program years ago at ECU's Medical School.  He was also one of few doctors chosen to participate in the clinical trials done back in 2000-01 as the band was going through the FDA approval process.  He has done thousands of surgeries and is respected around the world for his research and contributions to the world of WLS. I was not a candidate for the band and at first was disappointed.  But Dr. M helped me understand why, and just because you want the band doesn't mean you would be a good candidate.  I am now happy I had to go the other route.  Dr. M understood all my concerns and reasons why I preferred the band but explained to me why I would probably be back in a month or two begging him to take it out.  He assured me that he had only my best interests at heart and wouldn't discourage me if he thought I would do well with a band.  He also found 2 medical issues in me (Barrett's Esophagus and Brunner's Gland) that a Gastro doc in Raleigh didn't find just at the end of July on my first endoscopy.  He does his OWN endoscopies because he wants to know what he's working with before going in on surgery day.  I LIKE that. Keep asking your questions, but also start compiling a list of them for when you meet your doctor.  Go to LapBandTalk.com forums and read, read read!  There's also a forum there with a great list of questions to ask your doctor.  I learned a TON there when doing my homework!