[cmdrlanc]

Howdy gang,

My name is Michael, and I'm new here. I am sure this has been asked 1,000 times before, but I need to ask again.

My BMI is over 70, I have Sleep Apenea (severe) and high blood pressure (along with family history of same). So you would think this would make me a super eligible candidate....But here's the catch.

Every surgeon I have talked to, take one look at my chart, sees the word "Bi-Polar" and apologizes for wasting *MY* time, while giving me the bum's rush out the door.

Now I realize that depression is a common side effect of the surgery, but surely there has to be a program out there designed to deal with this...

Can anyone help me? I am desperate here!

[DocSanae]

Have you talked with your psych dr? If you haven't I'd suggest to do that first. Talk to him/her, ask his/her opinon, whether your condition is controlled well enough to allow you to have surgery, and also willing to follow you closely post op, especially the first couple of years which are most difficult.
Check out BamaGal's profile and all her posts, there's quite a bit of info there, and she is a bipolar who's had the surgery, is doing very well, and I think will be willing to help you where she can.

(((((((HUGS)))))) May your journey go well.

[fr1endly2]

(((HUG))))
I am sorry your experiencing that as being a big issue.
I know of people that are Bipolar that had the surgery.
SO some surgeons dont stress it.
GOOD LUCK! and keep looking for one that it wont matter to.
I know i would if in your shoes.

[bren]

Just don't give up if this is truely what you want. There are other bi polar patients that have had the surgery!!! Oh and Welcome to the boards I hope you find it as useful as me.

[DianeB]

Sorry you are going through this Michael. Don't give up, somewhere there is a Dr. who will be willing to help you on your journey. Doc had some good advice for you--maybe you can start there. We're pulling for you!!!

[beckamarie]

I hope you can get a desent surgeon that doesnt look at Bipolar as being an issue.