A Question About Psychiatric Meds

Hello Smoers My sister whom is also having the WLS and also happens to be bipoloar and I were taking about our progress so far. She told me that her surgeon told me that she has to be taken off her meds a week before her surgery! I am very worried because, she's really no good without it. So, I wanted to know if any of you have any experience in this field, and if so how did you do WITHOUT the meds? Thank you so much in advance!! *smoochies* ~NEVER SURRENDER~ ~T~

I was taking xanax before surgery for my anxiety attacks.. I also had to stop taking them before surgery and I was a wreck!! I had to stop 3 days before surgery.. and the morning of surgery I was waiting for them to take me to the pre-op area and I had a panic attack.. boy was it ugly!! But they gave me a shot and all was well with the world.. As far as bipolar... Im not too sure.. But the surgeon should explain why she has to stop and she should be able to get some advice on what to do while she is off the meds.. Many bipolar people have had WLS so there has to be a way to deal with it... If you dont find the answer on this board you might want to try posting to the main board and see if anyone there has any advice.. The main board isnt as personal and friendly as this board, but there are times when thats the place to get answers! Good luck! Amber

You might want to call her doctors office and tell them you are worried and see what they say. I am sure they can talk to you with her permission. Good luck to both of you Priscilla

I took psych meds for years. The doctor will know what meds she will have to go off before surgery. She should talk to the surgeon and her psych doctor about what to do during that period that the meds are not effective. Thank God I have not been on any psych meds for over a year now and i feel great. my psych dr says if i feel fine that i dont need to take them. I had a good counseler to help me and she says she will be there after the surgery in case i need her. Which your sister needs to talk to her counseler for help. Good luck bye marie

I did not have to stop any of my meds I could have done with out them I think but he did not even ask me to stop

Amber, Are you back on your zanax now? Just wondering I am off mine right now but have had several issues lately.

The two physicians should be consulting with one another directly on her care and surgery prep. If they're not affiliated with the same facility, they should at least be in telephone contact with each other and be planning her pre-op issues jointly. And she should not have to be a "go-between" keeping each of them informed of the other's decision. Ask them to call each other, at the very least. best wishes to both of you, Myra