Is it just me?

I just had a consultation and the next step is the psych evaluation. My surgeon only  recommended one psychologist and I left a message for this psychologist Monday morning. He has not returned my call yet. I'm a little irritated and thinking of finding a new psychologist. Am I being too impatient?  I'm so anxious and ready to get everything done so I am aware that I may just be impatient. But on the other hand isn't it pretty standard to expect a call back by one business day (or less)? Especially for a doctor?

The business card for the psychologist only has a phone number (no address) that goes straight to voicemail (no receptionist). I googled the psychologist and it looks like he works out of Battle Creek at a different facility that is listed on his business card so I guess he is doing some "freelance" work. He comes to my surgeon's office  in Ypsilanti on Saturdays.

Well, the doctors are never as anxious to get on with it as we are.   It seems like he should be returning the call though.  If he doesn't, maybe ask your surgeon if there is someone else you can contact.  They generally do like you to go to the ones they suggest.

I like your avatar!

Sandi

I had the same problem when I made my psych evaluation. Called the Dr that the hospital gave me and it to went right to voice mail. Three days later with no return call. I called a different psychologist! On the day of my appointment the original psychologist called and wanted to know when I could come in! Told him sorry I had made different arrangements. Come to find out this guy worked out of his house and has no receptionist. Your Dr is in Ypsilanti so was mine. :o)

Cheryl

Hi Cheryl, I think we are both talking about the same doctor, Dr. Metler? My surgeon works at the same hospital as your surgeon at Barix in Ypsilanti. Dr. Metler's  business card did not have an address so I googled him and saw that he worked at a clinic in Battle Creek. I figured that may be doing some "side work" with the Barix clinic. I'm getting a little antsey so I'm going  to call Barix and get another recommendation or ask about some of the other doctors I've seen on OH.

Hi
I had Dr Taylor for my surgeon. Dr Taylor's office did give me a Dr.'s name for my psych evaluation. But because I live about 3 hrs from Ypsilanti, I decided to get one here in my home town. It was my primary Dr that gave me the name of the Dr that didn't call me back. Also I did find out that this same Dr didn't take my insurance either. I got my evaluation from a Dr. in Saginaw that also knows about the WLS and has had other WLS patients.  The physiologist Dr. is a women but I do not remember her name.

Cheryl

A psych eval was not required by my insurance.  However, I do know that no one ever operates on the same timeline as you do.  You're anxious to keep moving with the process and to the doctor you're just another client.  Try not to stress!  I'd give him a couple days then contact your surgeon for advice on another psych. 
Best of luck and congrats on your decision to change your life!

Which insurance do you have?  I've never heard of anyone not needing a psych eval. 

It is not unusual for doctors to not call back right away - they get a lot of calls that need to be returned and some just get pushed off to the end of the list if it's not a medical emergency from a current patient.  I know - bad customr service, but it seems to be the reality of things sometimes.  So you need to be the squeeky wheel.  Call every day. Twice a day.  If you still don't hear anything back by Friday morning, call the surgeon's office back and find out if they have another recommendation.

Be careful about just picking another random psych to do the eval.  There are specific requirements for this evaluation and you don't want to have to redo it if it's done wrong (I've heard of several people who needed to do this).  You also want to be sure you meet with a doctor who has experience with bariatric patients and understands the issues we'll be facing post-op.  There are very specific things the psych is looking for when they talk to you -- and if they see something that might hinder your success, they'll help you address it before your surgery.  But someone not familiar with post-op life might miss something obvious.   I know, sounds like it sucks and you don't want anyone telling you you're not ready for surgery or whatever --- but they have your best health in mind.  This WLS thing is mostly mental.  The physical surgery part is a very small portion of the whole journey. 

So get on the phone and bug the heck out of this guy. Hopefully he'll get the clue and call you back.

Pam

I just had my psych eval 2 weeks ago and my dr. called me back right away I guess I'm pretty fortunate because I was given a list of 10 doctors and I just pick the one that was closet to where I live. After my eval was completed she informed me that she had WLS (RNY) herself over 5 years ago so she understood the process

I agree with Pam

be the squeeky wheel
keep calling daily even 2x's per day. untill he calls back
If he hasn't called back in say 5 days. then call the barix and request they contact him for you because he is not responding. Keep a log of how and when you call and leave a message and the number you dial.
so You can send it to the barrix clinic as proof. maybe they will have a different psych. for you to see.