[takefive]

Hey,

I've had BP2 diagnosed about 10 years ago and stable the last five. I've put on 100# since college ended about 25 years ago. Since I started the crazy meds my weight gain has accellerated. I am considering getting a sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve) to get my weight under control. (yes I've tried dieting, medication (metformin, dopamax) etc. none of which resulted in long-term weight loss). I'm not willing to change my psych meds to chase weight loss at this point.

FWIW, I am currently taking 350mg Seroquel, 3000mg Gabapentin, 350mg Lamictal, 80mg Latuda, getting most of it in at night.

The consensus between internet research, surgeon, weight loss center psychiatrist, PCP and pdoc is that the medication is absorbed in the small intestine and I shouldn't worry about problems. The weight loss center's psychiatrist suggested to break out my medication dosages throught the day. I've also read about people who crush their medication and mix it into pudding or applesauce. The biggest concern is vitamin B12 absorbtion. To this end its recommended I take B12 sublingual supplements. PCP has agreed to monitor B12 levels and do monthly injections if it comes to that.

I'd appreciate hearing from people with Bipolar 2 who have had the gastric sleeve done. Both success and failure stories, both from a weight loss and mood management perspective. What did you do to be successful, or what happenned that made you feel it was a failure? If your mood destabilized, how long did it take to re-stabilize?

As I go thru the process, I'll probably report back here periodically in case someone else has the same questions.

Thanks!

[kaliope]

hi takefive
I haven't had to deal with this. I hope someone comes along who can answer your question but I wanted to take the time to welcome you. maybe posting it under exercise and weightloss forum would be a good idea too. welcome to psych central. you will find we have several forums where you can post about your concerns and receive feedback from other members. you will get a lot of support here. again, welcome

[Crazy Hitch]

"The consensus between internet research, surgeon, weight loss center psychiatrist, PCP and pdoc is that the medication is absorbed in the small intestine and I shouldn't worry about problems."

It seems to me that you have been doing a lot of research on this and you are surrounded by highly qualified professionals who can guide you on this journey, whichever decision you make.

Sorry I have not personally heard of someone do this for your reasons but hopefully someone will offer some experience.

Wishing you well in whatever decision you choose.