Whilst weight gain and diabetes are certainly risks to patients on antipsychotic medication, I have serious concerns about the use of bariatric surgery in this group. I don't believe that we have the long term data on the effects on nutrient absorption caused by the altered flow dynamics ( note the reported cases of Wernicke's encephalopathy already) to ascertain potential psychiatric side effects, and absorption of medications may well also be altered. In addition, the vomiting associated with banding may reactivate symptoms of eating disorders in patients. I note one particular patient who was psychiatrically stable on medications for several years prior to her lap banding. Since the surgery, this patient has had multiple prolonged psychiatric hospital admissions, and remains severely depressed.  Her eating pattern is severely disrupted and she is no longer able to care for her child. We may have improved the blood sugar and weight gain, but quality of life has certainly deteriorated. Leanne Barron
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Posted by Leanne Barron 19/08/2008 8:09:55 PM
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