Suche
Mein Konto
Lap band surgery and bipolar disorder
Patients suffering from bipolar disorder often wonder whether their condition can be a barrier to completing the Lap Band procedure. They fear that the drug could interfere with post-bariatric treatment and that the mood swings (that characterize this condition) would reduce their chances of successful weight loss. Well, they shouldn't worry. Research has shown that there was no significant difference between patients with mental illness and mentally healthy people in terms of their weight loss. This research has also been confirmed by bariatric clinics. Bipolar Disorder – Characteristics It is a mental disorder with two main types...
Lap band surgery and bipolar disorder
Patients suffering from bipolar disorder often wonder whether their condition can be a barrier to completing the Lap Band procedure. They fear that the drug could interfere with post-bariatric treatment and that the mood swings (that characterize this condition) would reduce their chances of successful weight loss.
Well, they shouldn't worry. Research has shown that there was no significant difference between patients with mental illness and mentally healthy people in terms of their weight loss. This research has also been confirmed by bariatric clinics.
Bipolar disorder – characteristics
It is a mental disorder with two main types of episodes that are very different from each other: the manic episode and the depressive episode. These episodes can manifest with abnormally increased energy or with depression and can therefore severely interfere with daily tasks. The first thing in treating a bipolar patient is medication that stabilizes mood. Mood instability is the reason why bipolar patients need to constantly take their medication.
How does bipolar disorder affect weight gain?
If left untreated, bipolar disorder can cause changes in appetite and eating behavior. Additionally, these appetite changes can lead to weight fluctuations. There is also evidence that there is a direct link between medications for bipolar disorder and obesity.
The well-known mood stabilizers have several side effects that affect weight fluctuations. It is believed that lithium causes hypothyroidism in approximately 30% of cases, which means that the thyroid gland's hormone production decreases and this is usually accompanied by weight gain.
In addition, valproic acid is used in women who receive psychological treatment before the age of 20.
The gastric band and bipolar disorder
The adjustable gastric band does not affect the absorption of the medication, but will help you manage the increase in appetite caused by the medication. In addition, the scientific studies on weight loss surgery patients who also had psychological disorders are very helpful in this area as they show similar results in psychologically healthy bariatric surgery patients. So don't worry if your BMI tells you that you need weight loss surgery - control your appetite changes.
Inspired by Dr. Jonathan Myers