Is this normal for Psych consults??

When you go for your pre-op psych consult, is it typical to have to see them six times before they write you a letter?? I am just not having any luck with this. Thanks, -Beth

I saw mine 1 time for 1 hour.

I only had to see mine one time for about 45 mintues. IS this a requirement perhaps of the insurance???? or just the one you picked requireing all this??? all the best good luck

I saw mine once, for about an hour. We talked and talked and got along great! However, she is part of a bariatric surgery program, a varitable "one stop shopping", if you will. In this program that I participated in, there is a psych eval, a nutritionist, a caseworker, a billing manager, and the surgeon. It's really quite a wonderful program. I'm sorry to hear you're having difficulties, Beth. Hopefully, you can resolve them soon. I agree with a previous poster: Are these really insurance requirements or the psych person's "requirements"? Good luck with your journey, Beth. Jen Halliday

Hey Beth, I am assuming this doctor is just being careful in clearing you b/c lord knows enough "bad seeds" slide through the screening process(and I am totally not saying this is you!) I am just quessing they really want to rule out any self-destructive behaviors/disorders that might cause some problems or make other problems worse down the road. Dont worry I am sure they just have your best intention in mind! GOOD LUCK!

Yeah - it's the psych's requirements. You're probably right, Tavia - He's just making sure with everything and I do appreciate that... it's just going to take me 10x longer.. (well, 6x longer, really). Guess it's back to the search...maybe I'll suck it up and pay who my surgeons office recommends, since by the time I fork over 6 co-pays, I've probably just about spent what she charges for one session... we'll see!! Thanks for your help everyone! -Beth

Nope Most people only go once Call Ann Feneschel, The lady who spoke at the last Support Group 6 Psych consults is ridiculous. I think your phsychologist needs a consult for them self Marie

1 time and $350 cash did it for me.

Hi Beth! I had to go (3) times and I could certainly see why, anyone who tells you this surgery doesn't require some psych help is doing you wrong! Good luck to you and be well. ANDI

~Beth: The purpose of the psychological consultation is to ensure that there is no severe psychological issue that would compromise your chances for success on the program, and to ensure you'll have adequate personalized support as you begin your post-operative life. Consider the psychological service as an important not just required portion of your weight loss surgery program. There is no standard of care when it comes to preop wls psychological evaluations. Meaning what is screened for, howlong the process takes, any psychological testing needed etc. The "TYPICAL" is ONE SESSION/ 45-60 minutes. Even most providers that do it in one session may based on an individual case extend this until they feel the person is ready. * I know I have several times b/c I felt the person was NOT ready* also one sessionor 6 doesnt guarentee a pass, many things can be red flags for closer eval or criteria that exclude one (not saying you but there are some big things that are concerning!) I have done hundreds of preop psych evals in my practice. MOST one session, I have evolved how I use that session and what paperwork I actually have patients come in w/ ahead (full history, some diet history, emotional eating inventory etc). So my time can be tailored to the individual for more clarity on certain concerns and some psychoeducation can happen and recommendations made. WITH THAT SAID, if we can wrap our brains around the fact that emotions are a HUGE piece of our obesity and that the surgery does NOTHING to correct this, and that emotions are the #1 thing that leads to failure/regain commonly then ANY work preop one can do on the emotions gaining insight and developing some tools for the longterm that is the MOST benefical thing you can do! The 6 sessions sounds AWESOME to me, Consider embracing thisWONDERFUL opportunity!!! First it is challenging to get to know anyone in 1 hr really! Secondly we all want this yesterday and sometimes do not stop to think the importance of the multidisciplinary apporach we get so narrowly focused on the surgery date *I know I did!*..forgetting the obstacles postop we may encounter and be ill equipped to manage... Having a relationship w/ a psych provider is also a great idea when/if one crashes days, weeks, months postop etc and IMHO I feel that EVERYONE should have therapy for the first year, but that is my opinion based on my personal experience as a provider and postop pt, seeing the challenges/struggles of so many in support group, online etc (as well as my own) They fix out tummies not our brain and the proper use of psychology is the tool that will keep us successful beyond the short honeymoon 6-12mo, the tool affords, allowing this to not be another failed diet attempt! I appreciate wanting this done easiest/soonest, consider having this done AT THE BEST TIME, maybe 6x longer but it can save us a whole lot of challenges postop and help the sucess factor and happiness facotr immenesely that little bit of investment in ourselves worth the 6 copays! Do what works for you, for me I'd say 6 sessions may be best choice for so many and I wonder if more providers did this if it would assist in improving outcomes!!! Losing weight does not solve all our issues and soon we may realize it may make them WORSE! We must learn to effectively cope, self-soothe, problem solve & process feelings without food; this doesn't happen because we have surgery, this only happens if we are honest, self aware, self accountalbe and responsibly in facing the challenges. You can do it, we all can it is a choice. Be well! HUGS! Take Care, Jamie Ellis RN MS NPP 100cm proximal Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh Albany, NY 320(preop)/163 (lowest)/174 (current) 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery) Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King www.albanyplasticsurgeons.com http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/jamiecatlady5/ "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"