Lithium Intoxication After Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Case Report and Differential Diagnosis.

Abstract

Bariatric surgery rates have been increasing in the treatment of obesity worldwide recently. In addition to many physical changes after bariatric surgery, the bioavailability of medications can also be significantly affected. In this article, we present a 51-year-old female patient diagnosed with lithium toxicity after sleeve gastrectomy surgery. The patient started to show gastrointestinal symptoms post-surgery after 37 days. She was initially followed up with the diagnosis of gastroenteritis and continued to use lithium. Subsequently, neurological symptoms were added, and she was diagnosed with lithium toxicity. During the toxicity treatment, elevated mood were also observed. We aimed to emphasize the importance of post-bariatric surgery follow-up for patients undergoing psychiatric treatments, especially those using lithium, focusing on both medication management and monitoring of clinical symptoms.