Gastric bypass- addiction transfer-alcohol

Question
QUESTION: Hello, My 42 year old "NORMAL GIRL" sister had bypass surgery 2 years ago and lost 110 lbs. Since then, this former social drinker has become a hard core alcoholic. She has been to three month long sessions in rehab, spent a night in jail with a DUI, has attempted suicide twice this month. She is currently in a hospital psych. ward in Virginia after taking her whole bottle of Zoloft and washing them down with beer. Is there anyone that can help our family save my sister? She is too sick to save herself.

ANSWER: Hello MaryJane,

I am sure you are deeply concerned about your sister and I can't blame you.  Gastric bypass does change the way that the body processes alcohol, but that alone does not make one an alcoholic - it simply makes one drunk faster.  A suicide attempt is indicative of deep depression.  Some studies have shown that rates of depression and suicide rise after bariatric surgery - perhaps because people assume that like diabetes, depression will be "cured" with weight loss.  Often, however, massive weight loss leaves people more vulnerable and having to cope with many new things in a new body without food to reach for as comfort. While your sister's case is dramatic, the underlying issues are not uncommon.

Here is where I suggest you start if you have not done so already:

Call your sister's surgeon.  You want to make sure the bariatric surgeon is informed of your sister's condition.  They may have a mental health professional who they work with who is experienced in the care of bariatric surgery patients. Please start there as it is best to have a good health care team such that the doctors can communicate with each other.  If you have already done this or have strong feelings that it is not a good idea in your sister's case, please write back to me and we can brainstorm some other ideas.

In Health,

Dr. Jacques

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dr. Jacques, Thank you for your reply. We started with my sisters surgeon, he is no longer even doing the surgery because of problems like this and he had no advise or direction for us. She is still in the psych. ward at UVA and will be released either today or tomorrow. My parents have had her living with them since her husband kicked her out. The fear is that she will try again to end her life. She is feeling hopeless and says that it would be better since she has ruined all of our lives. We are so scared for her. Any ideas on what we can do with this desperate situation? Thank you

ANSWER: Maryjane,

I also still think your sister should have a bariatric surgeon who is assisting with her care.  If you let me know where in Virginia your are, I might be able to assist you with finding a good program.

In Health,

Dr. Jacques

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Dr. Jacques, My Sister is in the Stafford area of Virginia but could get anywhere in the area for help if you know of someone. Thank you.

Answer
Maryjane,

There are several outstanding programs in Baltimore, which I tink is rather close?  (I am in California, so forgive me if I am wrong).

The two I would most recommend in that are would be:

1) LifeBridge Health at Sinai Hospital
2435 W Belvedere Ave
Suite 15-Hoffberger
Baltimore MD 21215
Dr Alex Gandsas is the head surgeon and is outstanding
Nancy Lum is the RD and is also wonderful

2) Johns Hopkins Medical Center
4940 Eastern Ave
B Building Basement
Baltimore MD 21224
All the surgeons there are outstanding - Dr Magnuson, Dr Steele - they are all excellent

Both os these programs are Centers of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery and both provide exceptional comprehensive care.

I hope this helps.

If you need more let me know.

In Health,

Dr. Jacques

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