I have Bipolar 1 and was diagnosed about ten years ago. Thanks to my meds I’ve gained quite a bit of weight. Enough weight that I qualify for weight loss surgery. I have been working my butt off to qualify and get ready for this surgery. I’ve also spent thousands of dollars on appointments and tests. One of the things I have to do is see their own staff psychiatrist to get approval from her. This woman straight up rejected my surgery because she hasn’t had a year to monitor me! She wouldn’t take the word of my doctor whom I’ve seen for ten years. She wants observe me herself, she canceled my surgery and I have to maintain stability under her watch for a year before I can have surgery, IF she approves it then. Like I said I’ve spent thousands and I will have to spend thousands again in a years time. And it all hinges on remaining stable for that time. And the word of a power tripping shrink who doesn’t know me. I’m pissed. I’m sure this is the Bipolar stigma rearing it’s head. I just wanted to vent to some people who might understand.