Psychiatrist denied me....long.

I had my psych eval today. From what I was told on this board; this psychiatrist went way overboard. Firstly, I didn't see the psychiatrist that Dr. Byers (surgeon) wants her patients to see. There was no explanation when I got to the psych office why I wasn't seeing Dr. Kato. She got into my medical history...reasons why I wanted the surgery and then what I expected from the surgery...that went well. Then she asked if anyone in my family has a psychiatric history. I was honest and said that I did. I had been in a very abusive marriage. I kept it inside of me for years until finally I had him arrested and then divorced...I really fell apart after the divorce and have been hospitalized many times for severe depression...and had so many wrong diagnosis' and along with that came wrong meds...which caused me to get sicker. I stated this to the psychiatrist...She kept digging and digging...I told her about the hospitalizations, the symptoms, the meds..and that wasn't enough for her..I also told her that I am doing very well now. That I finally am on good meds that its been a very long time since my symptoms were bad. She told that she was going to recommend that I shouldn't have the surgery. When I heard that I started to cry. She said why are you crying? I told her I'm not depressed this is human emotion. I told her this is my life & my health we are talking about. That it is not my fault what happened in the past. I can't help that I have a chemical imbalance. That I have never stopped taking my meds (have letter from my psychiatrist stating that fact). That I have never been stronger. I told her that I chose to be honest and now I'm being penalized for having an illness. I feel that I'm being discriminated. This is who I am. I have done everything that the surgeon has asked of me. I also waited so long to see her because of having Medicaid (over 2 years). I am focused on the goal and willing to do whatever is needed to succeed in this... After I left the psychiatrist I walked over to the surgeons office. I spoke to the patient coordinator and told her that if I'm being rejected that I want to know so that I don't go through all the testing...I was still crying; and tried to tell her what had happened. She was surprised also, that I hadn't seen the psychiatrist that they usually work with. The coordinator told me that they would try to work with me..and that she would call me as soon as they get the psych report. Devastated is putting it lightly. I feel that all the work that I have done to better myself mentally, was belittled by this psychiatrist... I know this is really long...and I appreciate if you read the whole thing..and I would like to ask also...if anyone here has ever been rejected by the psych eval and the surgeon went ahead and operated?

It sounds as though you've been through the wringer - I am so sorry. But good for you for being honest! I am a firm believer in second opinions. Check with your surgeon's office and see if they will take a second opinion. Kristen

Thanks Kristen. Today is a better day. I won't know anything for sure until tomorrow...but I did go back to Miami and had the stress test and echo cardiogram. I passed that with flying colors! I'm feeling more posiitive today that its going to be okay....

Andrea, Tonight I spoke with a friend of mine who saw Dr. Byers TODAY. While in the exam room, Dr. Byers was trying to handle a patient situation via the phone. She told, Betty, the Patient Coordiantor, to page Dr. Kato STAT. She then apologized to my friend for the interuptions, my friend said, no problem do whatever you need. Then Dr. Byers looked at her and said..."I swear Dr. Kato is crazy and I'm never going to send another patient to her." I'm going to double check with Dr. Byers before I make the follow-up with Dr. Kato she wanted me to. By the way, since you are on Medicaid you see one of Kato's residents, that is what I did, but Dr. Kato came in at the end and gave me her recommendation. Sarah Margaret

you doin ok? havent seen ya around

I was out-of-town at a conference since last Saturday.

Hi Sarah Margaret~~ I did not see Dr. Kato at all. I still can't get over what happened yesterday; but I just feel that it will be okay... The cardioligist and the staff today was so nice...and we were laughing through almost everything...what a difference from yesterday when I felt so devastated. Of course I won't know until I speak to Betty tomorrow...I really don't want to talk to that psychiatrist (resident) so I'm hoping that Betty will be the only one I talk to...

As with a regular doctor, I'd get a second opinion. You shouldn't be denied because of a chemical inbalance or for having a psych history. I was diagnosed with OCD (obsessive/compulsive disorder) at least 10 years ago and have been on medication ever since. I also told the psych about the OCD and my insurance required I take the MMPI-2 test which showed my OCD was under control. If your depression is under control, I don't understand why that would be an issue that precluded you from surgery. Can the psych who oversees your medicinal/behavior therapy write a letter for you? Keep us posted! ~ Trish

Hi Trish~~ My psychiatrist has written a letter stating that she sees me regularly and that I'm med compliant. I see her monthly and am due to go back on the 18th. If I'm not approved I will ask her to call Dr. Byers and tell her that I am not in any danger...geez...

Andrea, definitely get a second opinion. See if the two doctors agree or disagree. If they disagree then go with the good one. If they don't then my suggestion would be to wait awhile and pursue later. Please do not get offended at what I am saying: A lot of psych doctors don't understand the emotions we go through, they don't get the fact that the ones who are depressed are that way because of their weight. What we can't discount is, that some doctors do get it and are trained to see things we can't see. This surgery is a huge, life-altering decision. If a qualified doctor(s) feel this change would be too much for you to handle then they will disapprove of you getting it. You can read for yourself on this message board and the main one that people still have the problems after surgery that they thought the surgery would "magically" make go away. We are having surgery on our bodies not our brains. This surgery helps us to curb our eating not "cure" anything. Any emotional problems that are experienced prior to surgery will still be there afterwards and may even be magnified for awhile because all the hormonal changes the body goes through. Step back and take a deep breath. Get a second opinion and go from there. Best of luck and keeps us informed. Patty