gastric bands and mental health

Do you consider yourself to be over weight or obese? Have you been diagnosed as being over weight, obese or morbidly obese and advised to lose weight on health grounds? Are you considering weight loss surgery? If so, ask our experts your questions here.

Moderator: talkhealth

Locked
2 posts
clairebpd
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2013 3:33 pm
Quote

by clairebpd on Mon Jan 21, 2013 3:46 pm

gastric bands and mental health

i have tried for a gastric band as i need to loose 12 stones to be a normal weight and was turned down as i have borderline personality disorder and am "unstable",since then i have now got diabeties.i am distraught about my weight and can not seem to stick to diets.i had both my GP and my schyciatrists backing can you give me any advice

User avatar
Jenny Radcliffe
Posts: 26
Joined: Mon May 28, 2012 12:54 pm
Quote

by Jenny Radcliffe on Tue Jan 22, 2013 9:38 pm

Re: gastric bands and mental health

Hello Clairebpd

It is the case that most bariatric teams won't offer surgery to people who have serious psychiatric problems unless they have been stable - that is no crises, psychiatric admissions or episodes of self-harm - for at least one year. This is because weight loss surgery can be associated with a severe deterioration in mental health and increased thoughts of self-harm or suicidality. This risk is greater for people with a history of psychiatric difficulties.

Other problems that can be seen in BPD include binge eating and excessive drug or alcohol misuse, all of which can cause serious complications or problems after surgery. Similarly, a history of self-neglect or not taking medication as prescribed would make the bariatric team concerned about the risk of nutritional problems if you were unable to follow the correct diet and take vitamin and mineral supplements reliably.

My advice would be to work closely with your doctor and psychiatrist to stabilise your mental health - wherever possible accessing psychological therapy to build up your coping skills. At the same time, talk to your GP about other ways you can get support to manage your weight. If you have problematic eating (e.g. you have binge episodes, make yourself vomit to get rid of food, or have times when you don't eat hardly anything) you may be able to get help through the Eating Disorders team. If your eating is not so problematic you may be able to be referred to a specialist weight management service who would help you manage your weight through diet and increased physical activity.

Good luck.
Jenny Radcliffe
Consultant Clinical Health Psychologist

Locked
2 posts