SO much running through my mind!!!!!

I know I am new to this website altogether, but I understand that there are some very courageous people here that must know what I am going through.  The idea of bariatric surgery has been heavy on my heart for a long time now.  I tried before while I was in college, but the insurance company I was with at the time denied me and I was removed from the insurance a few weeks later.  My family doctor mentioned trying again now that I am on my own insurance policy and that is what brings me here now.  I have gone through my initial consultation with Dr. Inman and today was my psychological evaluation.  I have suffered from depression in the past and that was brought up during the evaluation.  I'm so mad at myself because I cried in her office as I am very easily emotional.  She recommended that I have further counseling as a condition of her approving me for the surgery.  Right now I am feeling very scared that I am going to be denied because of this.  

Were any of you told to receive counseling as a condition of approval from the psychologist?

Also, I work for the State of Indiana and have the Anthem insurance.  Is anybody familiar with this, or have any resources I can look into?  

Thank you in advance for your help.  Your posts are quite encouraging.

First of all, welcome to the board. You will find the people here all have experienced what you are experiencing. The fear of the unknown kept me from investigating surgery for quite a while. As for the psych eval, I personally, did not have to receive counseling as a condition of approval for surgery. But I'm sure someone here has. I don't know too many obese (or morbidly obese) people who do not suffer from depression. Some of us hide it better than others. I think it's an excellent recommendation to do prior to surgery (and I wi**** had been recommended for me) because the surgery and recovery process is stressful enough that having the coping mechanisms already in place would have been a huge help for me.

I'd say get the counseling and appreciate any and all tips they offer to help you with the depression because I believe sometimes the depression get worse right after surgery. The inability to eat the foods you want/always have makes us a bit grumpy and emotional (or really gumpy if you are me).

As for Anthem through the state, I don't know. I know Anthem through other companies has covered the surgery. You can start by calling them and finding out what their prereqs are for bariatric surgery. Many insurances require a 6 month physician monitored dieting program before approving surgery. Call them and ask.

Hang in there and keep us posted!

Melissa

I know that Anthem covers the insurance and they were really super nice to me on the phone and mailed me the policy right away.  I believe I meet all of their requirements.  I just don't know how this whole psych thing is going to effect it.  I know this is what I really want to do, I just need a lot of prayers right now!!! 

Hi welcome to the boards.....
Anyone that went through Clarian had a psych. eval. Shoot I think everyone in general had to. I bawled during psych. eval. I was soo mad I let myself get that way. My Dh works for the state and Last year I had really good  Anthem BCBS and I had a $500 copay. That all I had to pay. Since then we have went to High DEDUCTABLE PLAN.....booo BUT MUCH MUCH CHEAPER! I very much doubt that you would be debied because of that...esp. If you have comorbities. Are you going through Clarian or St. V's w/ Inman? Good Luck and if you have anymore questions feel free to ask.
shanna

It really makes me feel better to meet someone with similar cir****tances as myself.  I hate when I get all worked up like that.  I am going through St. V.  The hospital seems very nice and the people were great to me.  So far I think I have been lucky.

The prayers are all there, but by all means go for the counseling. There is a huge risk of failure and it will only be worse if you are dealing with depression that bad. Prove to them you are willing to work through this and the rest will be a breeze.

I agree, I think counseling will be very beneficial regardless of the cir****tances.  If the psychologist saw an issue, maybe it is just for the best.  I understand that failure is a major risk, but boy am I affraid of failure!!!! 

I did not cry during the psych eval, but I also had to go see another counselor before I would be approved for surgery.  It added about a three week more wait on getting my approval to have my surgery.  I had my surgery just over a year ago and it was the best thing that has ever happened.  I too have suffered for years from depression and found out right before surgery that I had other medical problems along those lines.  It will all work out for the best.  Keep your head up and wish for the best.  By the way, did you notice that I live in Bunker Hill.  Maybe we could get together sometime.

Thank you all for the replies.  It is so wonderful to have so many encouraging people out there.  I just thought I was over all of my old depression issues, I guess it just proves to me that some things aren't completely resolved.  

Hi there! 
Good to have ya here on the Indiana board...
The ppl here are GREAT and the support system WONDERFUL!!! 
You do what they tell ya to do sweetie.
I recently had to have my surgery temporarily postponed b/c of issue that were found during my preops...this could have been devistating news, but I am grateful they made me "jump thru all these hoops" prior to surgery...it LITERALLY has saved my life and i haven't even had my WLS yet...
there's a reason for it sweetie...so just go w. it.... all part of the process...so just keep your chin up and get ready to experience an amazing journey....

I'm from the Peru area and am VERY excited to see someone else so close to my neck of the woods....matter of fact...i'm gonna be in your neck of the woods tomorrow morning!  i'll wave @ ya as i drive into Kokomo...hhaahha!!!!

Hugs and welcome "home"
p