psych eval

Hi everyone,  I thought I was getting close to having the surgery but for the psych eval I had to take a personality test which revealed that I scored high for depression and anxiety.  Now I'm afraid that I won't be able to get the surgery.  I have to go to weekly sessions for a couple of months. Has anyone been turned down or delayed for surgery due to a psych eval. Tammy 

Anxiety and depression can be considered a side effect of obesity... its something you can include when you submit to insurance. I dont see a reason why you will be turned down... the additional weekly sessions may cause a delay but be thankful and use the time wisely... the better you can prepare pre-op the better off you will be post-op!

Tammy -

As Jennifer said, depression and anxiety can be brought on or exaserbated by obesity. I suffer from severe, dibilitating clinical depression and anxiety. I was approved for surgery. Of course, they and I wanted to be sure that I was getting appropriate support before, during and after surgery. Depression doesn't mean you won't be approved, but this surgery is known to cause depression in many and they want to be sure that if you have it or are prone to it, that they doe everything possible to ensure a positive outcome for you. I have to say that I am still struggling with depression, but not because of the surgery.

I hope that helps to ease your concerns.

Barb

You might be delayed a tad, but that might be a good thing.  Jennifer is correct, as usual, it's good to get yourself mentally ready for the surgery and the weight loss afterward.  There are a lot of mental components to this ride that aren't addressed just by the physical change the surgery provides.  As they say, they operate on your stomach, not your head.  In any event, the sessions might be a good thing, and most likely you can't do anything about it but comply anyway.  A question, who did your psych eval? Take care. Ellen

Donna Wiener with Carolina Behavioral Care in Pinehurst.  I know, , , I'm travelling along way for my surgery.  I was hoping to use Dr. Mitchell who did my sister's surgery. By the way Dr. Wiener is really nice and I know she has my best interest in mind but the bills are piling up even with insurance and now I have to see someone weekly.  Do you know a good therapist in Greenville?  I made an appointment with Dr. Schutz.  I don't know anything about her, she was the only one in the phonebook that had an opening after work.  Tammy

Like others have said, depression and anxiety is fairly typical for the bariatric patient.  We are morbidly obese -- of course, we are depressed and anxious!   You may be delayed in having your surgery due to a psych evaluation, but I doubt you will be denied. The doc that did my psych evaluation recommended that I delay my surgery a few months and have counseling.  I was initially POed about it, but now really think it made a world of difference.  I am greatful that I had the chance to work through all my issues before surgery.