Gastric bypass surgery for mentally ill clients

[Abby315]

I have had 3 clients in the last 6 months between the ages of 20-40, who have had the procedure. I know that there is some sort of mini mental status exam done for everyone that gets the surgery, however I personally do not think that is enough.All 3 of my clients have pretty severe mental illness, including BDL personality, Schizophrenia, hx of cutting, and hx of suicidal ideation and attempts. Maaybe I am looking too much into this. However some of my clients have stated that their Mental illness symptoms became worse after the surgery, with one of them stating that they wishe they never had the surgery, because they were happier being fat. Any thoughts? Has anyone else noticed this in their work place?

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

The facilities I'm familiar with, that do gastric bypass surgery do a whole lot more than a mini mental status exam before doing the surgery, on all their patients. The surgery requires a big adjustment in lifestyle, and even the most mentally healthy people have some trouble with it.

I think, even if someone has a psychiatric disorder, decisions on the surgery should be made on an individual basis...

[NPvampire, MSN, RN, APRN]

I've noticed home health patients that were mildly mentally ill, and became much more severe after their surgeries. I've also noticed regular persons become mentally ill after gastric bypass. Several of the patients even killed themselves. It's enough to turn me against the surgery for sure!