psychiatric issues

hello, I found a doctor in Utica, New York that accepts my insurance. They sent me papers to fill out and send back to them. I have a question about something on the papers that I filled out. They asked about all the hospitalizations I've had in the past. I have a psychiatric history and been hospitalized quite a few times. Will that keep me from being accepted for the surgery? I am also on Psych meds and I'm not sure if that will keep them from accepting me. I don't want to be refused because of psychiatric problems. debby

Well i know part of my surgeons pre op clearnaces for the weight loss surgery was that i had to have a pscychiatric evaluation. IT was just one of the many approvals my doctor does. EVERY doctor is different. I would imagine the answer would be based on weiather your surgeon requires that and if you think you can pass that evaluation. IT was mostly eating issues that i discuessed iwth mine nothing else....how im gonna handle certain situations post op....mine was short and to the point. GOOD LUCK LISA

My psych visit was also straight to the point. I think the whole idea is for the surgeon to feel comfortable that you understand the limitations of food you'll experience and have to endure after WLS. Be as open as possible with your surgeon and psychiatrist.

Thank you, I feel better about the psych testing now. debby

Thanks for asking this question! I was/am so scared about this issue also. I have psychiatric issues too and this was really bothering me.

Hi, You're welcome. I'm glad asking this helped others with same question. I just don't want my psychiatric problems to stop me from getting the help I need. But if the psych test is just to see if I'm able to endure the surgery and post op, then that don't sound too bad. debby

The main things they are interested in are your reasons for doing this: are you doing this because someone said you HAD to, are you doing this for your health, that kind of thing. Also, do you have eating disorders that are going to interfere with your progress. Many of us who were very overweight for a long time had psych issues because of it, so I wouldn't sweat that overly much. Good luck and God Bless!