Failed Psych Evaluation... totally devastated

I decided to see my own psychiatrist for the psych evaluation. I figured she would be easier, since she knew my past history and also felt that she might be more "impartial" than going through with a psych that was affiliated with the surgeon's practice.The last time I saw her was 4 years ago. I was going through a divorce then and all the related issues. Well, today when I saw her, we talked about the past issues I had and how I felt those issues were resolved and how I felt I was in a better "place" today. She asked me the "why" i wanted to WLS and if I knew all the associated risks. I told her that my main concern was for health related issues. I have type2 diabetes and I am on a ton of meds to keep that in check. Not to mention, until recently, I have been on some form of steroids for about 10 years for the treatment of arthritis. As a result of all these medications, I just recently, got put on now cholesterol medication. Its just getting totally out of hand. Ive tried all kinds of structured diets and nothing seems to help. Taking all these meds aren't helping matters. I told her that I understood the risks of the surgery but felt those risks are far less if the procedure is done by laparascopy and given that I have passed all the rigorous pre-op testing. Well my psych told me that I was.. 1) looking for a "quick" fix for my weight problem 2) irresponsible to consider this surgery because I am putting my children at risk to being orphaned 3) i need to worry more about finding a "mate" and be in a committed relationshp because Im "creating diversions" (i.e.. work, school, now the surgery) to committing myself to a relationship. 4) i need to realize and accept the fact that I am in poor health to have this surgery and that I could and will probably die from from all or a combination of : a) heart failure b) kidney failure c) embolism d) sepsis e) malnutrition (if I survive the surgery) It didn't matter that I got a recommendation from my PCP who is NOT affiliated with the WLS surgeon. All she kept talking about was me being irresponsible and that I was going to die. Needless to say, I left her office in tears and in a total loss. Anyone have a similar experience?? What did you do? Could it be that my psych makes sense?

Frankly, Roxy, your shrink sounds like an uninformed idiot. The bottom line is that the risk of the surgery is much lower than the risk of continuing in a morbidly obese state with co-morbidities. And, you can minimize the risk of complications by exercising before the surgery and losing as much weight as you can with a realistic low fat, reduced calorie diet. I wish you the best of luck as you prepare for the rest of your life.

Roxy- Who is your surgeon. He'she should have a list of psychs to go to. Thye are well informed on the surgery. When I went to the psych we talked about past history, reasons for eating the way I do, how to combat that, what the surgery entails, why I wanted it...etc. Then I took a long test that asks questions about If I heard voices? Was I sad all the time?...etc. It was a 500 question thing. I think your psych is misinformed. If you are in too poor of health for the surgery a surgeon would not do it. My surgeon runs all sorts of tests before clearing you for surgery. I say persue it if it is truly what you want to do! Hope this helps, Kym

I hope the dingbat gave all that to you in written form 'cause I, for one would report her to someone. There has to be SOMEONE you can take this to. Find a new psych...and a year after your surgery, go back to the idiot and SHOW her what a success you are (then tell her to bite you

Oh my God Kathy!! Thank you so much for the laugh out loud - "then tell her to bite you"!!! Hee hee!! We'd all secretly like to do that with so many different idiots in our lives! I agree though that she should see a different psychologist. I saw a psychologist who is affiliated with Central DuPage's bariatric program (since it's closer to home than Dr. F's recommended psych) and she was great. In fact, she was so good that I think I'm going to continue to see her for all the psych issues I know I'll be hitting pre and post op. San

Looks like this psych was very biassed against WLS, and really didn't seem to ask the proper questions related to WLS surgery and was MORE interested in rehashing your past and renewing any past anxieties and problems you may have had. That is definitely NOT very therapeutic in my mind. Do remember though this is my opinions. May you be blessed, Katie

What is your shrinks name & address.I think a few of us would like to send her a letter??????? I think we could teach her a few things!!! Go see a different psychiatrist for sure!!!

wow!! thats just awful!!....I have to agree with everyone else here....go to someone else...this chick doesnt know what she is talking about. I had a PCP before the one I have now and she was real nasty about WLS too. When I mentioned it to her she said in no uncertain terms "NO!!! absolutely NOT!! I will NOT recommend you for that surgery, that is the easy way out...go to Weigh****chers and do their program, you will do fine with that!!"....UMMMMM! hellooooo???....I already tried all that you QUACK!!! LOL Needless to say that was the last time I saw Dr. Quack Some doctors that are not fully informed about the surgery take a very strong and negative attitude towards it. Those kinds of doctors I would run from BIG TIME!! If they can't take the time to get themselves fully informed about the surgery BEFORE they go making comments like the ones you got?...then they SUCK as doctors. Get yourself another eval done hon and try to see if you can find one that had dealt with people having WLS! Good luck! ~hugs~ Konni

Wow! I simply can't believe that your psychiatrist is so clueless in regards to WLS. If I were you, I would ask your surgeon for a list of physchiatrist that's familiar with WLS. That is how I selected mine and it worked out wonderfully. I would also report your psychiatrist to someone because your evaluation was supposed to be based on WLS. My surgeon gave me a list of items that were to be covered during the eval and my psych followed the list to make sure everything was covered. Good luck and God Bless! Pam Lap RNY 04/20/05

I've got to tell you, I think your shrink knowing you was to your disadvantage! It sounds like she wasn't being impartial at all but putting her feelings and opinions into her response to you. She obviously doesn't deal with this medical procedure. I would go though your surgeons office and go to through their evaluation. I don't think they would perform surgery if you were in such bad health that your chances of survival were slim. The psych evaluations are looking for other things like...are you mentally stable, do you have an eating disorder, would you be able to handle such a change. There is a 500 question computer evaluation that determines whether or not you are a candidate. Then you talk with their psychiatrist. I just love (not) some of her comments...find a man and accept the fact that you're in poor health and don't be proactive about your health...after all, you probably just need some more will power, right?!?!