PSYCH EVAL

I'M ABOUT READY TO GIVE UP.   The original seminar with the surgeon was the first part of February.  Since then I've completed 6 months of nutritionist visits and been cleared in that area ... I lost 20 pounds.   It's been over 8 months since I started the process, and I haven't even been able to meet with my surgeon for a consult.   I am so discouraged.  

I had my psych eval the first part of August and the dr wanted me to have 3-4 counseling sessions on emotional eating and stress management before she cleared me.  I arranged to have the sessions right away. Shortly after this, the psychologist I met with went out on medical leave and arranged for her group director to clear me once I'd completed the counseling.   The counselor sent a letter to her group director after our 4th session and he didn't approve it.  To date, I have had 6 sessions with counselor ... but I still haven't been cleared.  The original psychologist is now back from leave and the counselor has once again written a letter of recommendation for me ... so far I have heard nothing.  

Anyone else go through this?  Guess I need some encouragement.  Thanks ~ KarenB

 

Hi Karen,
I have not had to go thru anything like that (I am in Buffalo). I just read your message and wanted to tell you not to give up. Going thru all of this nonsense can be so discouraging, but you have come this far...just keep plugging away at the system. Keep calling people...I had a bit of a problem getting scheduled because of a pcp mixup, but I just kept calling the surgeon's and pcp's offices and finally got my appointment. I hope you get some answers soon, but in the meantime...try and hang in there, your day is coming!

 Sorry that it has been such an ordeal for you but don't give up! It will be so worth it in the end. Just keep focusing on the end results and have faith. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

It does suck but you will just have to take it as it comes, you probably will have to wait at least a month to have an apt with dr johnson himself once you do schedual it. From there as long as he thinks everything is good he will have you meet with a lady for a surgery date and when I was there there were booking over 3 months out. So you have a little while to go but honestly just stick in there and use the time as a blessing to get prepared!

Yes, "jumping through the hoops" is frustrating...but, keep plugging away....you will be rewarded!

Rosemary

I fortunately got passed the psych on the initial visit, but they are only doing it for your own good, just think if you are getting discouraged use that for motivation the distance you have come is too long to go back now, and this is also a test of your will, are you going to win? The journey to the surgery seem long but it is worth it, from the time of my seminar to surgery was 1 year, its a process just dont be over anxious and keep plugging away.... when they finally pass you and schedule your surgery it will be at least 6 weeks from the date they take you in the office to schedule it so GOOD LUCK

Thanks for the info and encouragement, Ken.  I finally heard from the Psychologist today and she wants me to do 2 more months of counseling for my emotional eating and also get into a group such as overeaters anonymous for now and after the surgery.   I feel better after ralking with Dr. Cushman.   KarenB

Yes I had a psych elev..was part of what my insurance company wanted...MVP ..I was cleared after 1st vist..I was a grazer I knew that . It's better that we find all our down falls before surgery..and Dr Hare was awesome told me if I ever needed anything or someone to talk with just come back to see him anytime:)

I have been through it all, except the surgery, the waiting sucks, I got thru psych eval with no problems but have heard many others have had terrible experiences.  I am in Buffalo and had no problems.  Surgery is in 21 days.  just keep plugging it is very stressful and scary,a s well as nerve racking every day.