Re: Post Op Medication Absorption

[Guest guest]

Hi,

The first question I would ask is what is the Depakote being taken

for precisely. There are hundreds of options for every condition and

although I know from personal experience, that finding a new solution

to an old problem is a drag, I am sure either the Depakote would

continue to work for you in possibly a modified amount or something

else could be found.

is also a snap with this stuff, since she works with Psychiatric

patients and prescriptions all the time. I know she will help you

when she sees this!

Don't let them talk you out of the DS!!! Hang tough. My orthopedist

did something similar because he feels I will not be able to use the

same medications post surgery that I did pre op. Well, my pain

specialist said to try it, but if it doesn't work, he will get me

patches for my pain medication. One week post op, my pain meds are

working just fine, but may need to be modified a bit!

Best to you,

Theresa

DS 11-19-01

Dr. Jossart

-12#s

> I had my consult with Dr. Inabnet at Mt. Sinai Monday and ran into

a

> roadblock I hadn't forseen. (You anticipate the insurance company,

> the childcare problems, the explaining to the managing partner that

> you will be out for X weeks...but not an actual medical problem!)

>

> He is concerned about the absorption of Depakote after surgery. He

> is going to research it, because he tells me there is some

literature

> in which someone on Depakote could not absorb it properly after a

DS

> and became manic as a result, which is NOT fun. He went so far as

to

> try to discuss an RNY with me until I said nuh-uh, I don't want to

> dump and I would rather stay fat, I don't care how much more

> intestine you'd leave in place with an RNY. I think this will be

> resolved in the long run.

>

> I'm going to speak to my psychiatrist, who is also going to do my

> preop evaluation, and ask him to discuss it with Dr. Inabnet. I

know

> this man knows pharmacology but I also know he does not know weight

> loss surgery, since his first reaction when I suggested it last

> spring was, " @#%$, that's so dangerous! " . (I also know another

> psychiatrist who is also a pharmacologist and can probably help me

if

> my own, for some reason, can't.) I've read through the archives

and

> seen that others have encountered this with respect to other meds.

> Does anybody have anything specific that might help me with

> Depakote?

[Guest guest]

Hi, I am also pre-op with Bipolar (manic/depression) I took

Depakote in the past. I was changed to Lamictal a few years ago, it

is in the same " family " as Depakote, but I tolerate it much better.

(lost my hair etc with Depakote)

Anyway, my psychiatrist wrote me an excellent support letter for

surgery and didn't mention any worries about Lamictal absorbtion.

hummmmmm, wonder if they could wait til after surgery and then up

your dose if need be? Or are you already at the max dosage?

I know from experience and I'm sure you do too, that it is no fun

when we have to change or adjust medications. However, it is just

part of the disease if you ask me (I have been a guinea pig for

years) My doctor feels that the weight loss will improve my moods,

and I agree. (Even though there is a definite chemical imbalance)

Do you ever miss the highs just a bit?? I do :-) Oh well, it's fun

being normal LOL

Let me know what you find out. I am VERY interested! Wanda

> He is concerned about the absorption of Depakote after surgery. He

> is going to research it, because he tells me there is some

literature

> in which someone on Depakote could not absorb it properly after a

DS

> and became manic as a result, which is NOT fun.

> Does anybody have anything specific that might help me with

> Depakote?

[Guest guest]

Wanda,

I sure thank you for your candid post. I am considered somewhat bi-polar.

My manic is when I can do anything.

The other side is my inability to do anything. Which is most of the time.

We are considering some mood stabilizers and so I will mention this

absorption issue or ???

I hate when I get unbalanced in my meds. I have been really down for 5

months now. It hasn't been this bad in years.

One thing my therapist has mentioned to me is that my pain might not

actually be reduced if it is psychologically induced.

I can't help but think the weight loss will help my pain issues.

What other meds have you taken that have caused hair loss. My hair is so

thin, I worry about wls and the results of that. Don't know if I can

afford a wig. LOL

Guess a scarf will have to do.

Hope you would like to chat a little on meds.

i