Expert: John Pilcher, MD - 1/31/2012

Question
Hi my name is Samantha I'm re-sending my question again because i didn't get a receipt that my e-mail went through I'm going to see the Doctors February 6,2012 to get approved I'm  a little worried I'm 5'2 and i weight 215 pounds some days I'm at 218, i was diagnosed recently with a Fatty Liver,Gallstones and i Have Asthma which i have  had since i was a kid high blood pressure and i also Have Bipolar Disorder,i have the Bipolar disorder under control, i see my psychiatrist i take my medication, i live alone i have held Jobs and I'm fully Functional but I'm a little Worried that i may get Denied based on having the Bipolar issue, Should i be terribly Worried about this? i have read that there have been several patients that have had it done with this condition but I'm still worried  if i do get approved it would be done at Sharp/Mercy Hospital in San Diego by Dr.Zorn

Answer
Samantha,
Based on the information that you've provided, it certainly is reasonable to be looking at bariatric surgery for your weight and also for your long term health.  It sounds like you are worried about being accepted for surgery in the setting of your bipolar disorder.  I don't know Dr. Zorn, but most surgeons would not find bipolar disorder to be a "show stopper," as long as you have the support of your psychiatrist and as long as the bipolar condition is sufficiently under control so that you can make all the life changes needed to work with the surgery.

Best of luck!
Dr JP