psychiatrist

has anyone made an appointment with mark zimmerman and got naureen attiullah instead?

i went for my psych evaluation today. the morning was fine (after the 45 minute wait), but my afternoon appointment was horrible (after another 30 minute wait).

first of all, i got 10 minutes of her time and she was very cold. she told me that i'm overweight because i eat nothing but junk food, which is not that case at all. she refused to believe that i've never had depression or anxiety, she even asked me a few times over. it was ridiculous, like every obese person needs to be down on themself. then she said she finds it odd that i have no hang-ups about this surgery. i told her of course i was concerned, but i've weighed my pro's and con's and it just seems like a lifestyle choice i am ready to make. so she asked why i picked bypass, if i had weighed my options. i told her it's something i've been contemplating for seven years, it wasn't an overnight decision. with the amount of weight i want to lose, it seemed like the better option for me. it's going to make me control my eating habits, etc. then she worded something along the lines of my family not caring about my decision. (any of you who have met me know my mom has been with me! lol.) she continued to ask if i was scared of dying from it, and she asked what about me getting pregnant in the future. even though i mentioned all of the success stories i have met from here, she looked down on me for not knowing someone close to me that has had it done. when your friends and entire family is skinny, you're not gonna know someone who has had it done! "everyone hears stories and of course you're gonna say that's never gonna be me" is what she said, then she continued with how most people regain the weight and that eating habits are in the brain and not easily changed. she repeated herself five or six times there. then it was done.

so after that awful afternoon session, i'm now nervous about whether i'm going to pass or not. i'm not sure what to do. should i speak to dr. pohl about her when i go next week? is that the normal second appointment? it's not easy taking that from a lady who has probably never been overweight a day in her life..

Dont get discouraged at all, I went for my psch evaluation and found they are all a little nuts.  I have my surgery date 3/31/09 with Dr. Giovanni, but I do agree with you, I've been big all my life and I am a positive and outgoing person and have never been sucidal at all... dont let them get you down, you will pass with flying colors.  Hang in there.....

Becki:

I'm really sorry to hear about your experience.  I had to go to the same office -- met w/ a psychologist for the 3 hour session in the morning, and then saw Dr. Zimmerman for the afternoon visit.  Dr. Z. was nice, although not overly warm.  We talked, he voiced his questions, I got myself out of a bit of trouble because I told him I thought everyone has an addiction in life (I didn't want him to stop me because I am a food addict so I quickly had to correct that to vice), but got officially cleared from him on the spot.  And, don't even get me going about the waits you had today -- I would have been more than angry.  I wonder if Dr. Z. got called out on an emergency -- I understand he's the big kahuna in that practice. 

In any event, my thought is that the person who wrote the report from your morning visit may have framed things to the afternoon doctor in such a way that drove her conversation.  I was very careful with what I said, and didn't go too far off the beaten path.  I noticed on my prescription that I brought to them that they were to rule out depression and an eating disorder (hello, of course I have one -- I eat too much!).  I wouldn't say a thing to anyone unless she doesn't clear you for surgery.  Then, I'd take it up with Dr. Pohl, who perhaps could send you back to see Dr. Z. himself. 

BTW, the social worker I've seen during some trying times in my life, and who I will see a couple of times pre and post op, told me she's convinced psychiatrists specialize in that field because they're a little daft themselves!

Good luck to you.  Keep us posted on how you make out.
 

Hey Becki !    Sorry to hear about your experience.   I don't know who i saw for the psych test.  But it was a woman of Indian decent.  I didn't like her at all.  She talked to me as if i made the decision that day to go have WLS.  Like I wanted to change my hair color.  But she passed me.  The surgeon will already have the results when you go see him.  And I am sure that after talking to him and all everything will be fine.  He has probably dealth with this psychiatrist many times before.  Good luck and keep your chin up.  This will be just one more story you can tell when all is said and done.    Eldy

Unfortunately Becki I know EXACTLY what you are talking about. I think I even mentioned this to you the day we went bowling. I went to the same practice for the eval. My morning appt went fine, I really liked the woman I met with. However, the woman I met with in the afternoon (I can't remember her name, but it's not someone anyone has mentioned yet) was the farthest thing from "warm and fuzzy" I have ever met. She was very cold and "clinical" and made me feel like I was absolutely NUTS for even considering this surgery. Her whole attitude was very "I can't believe you want to do this, but ok, if you want........." and it totally came through in her attitude. Fortunately she cleared me and I don't have to deal with her anymore, but you would think they would be nicer and more understanding considering the amount of people they see for the Bariatric evals........Unfortunately it seems like most of us have had similar experiences to you, so don't feel bad. And don't worry, I'm sure they will clear you.

By the way - when I went there, the psychologist I saw in the morning that day told me that they don't "pass" or "fail" anyone for the surgery. She said they never say that someone shouldn't have the surgery. The most they do is to recommend further counseling, either group or individual through the surgery process if they think it is warranted. So don't worry - they won't stop you from moving along in the process...........Keep us posted on what you hear.........

Liza

you guys made me feel so much better, thank you! glad i'm not alone.

eldy - you saw the same lady i did, she was of indian descent.

When I made my appointment in that office, they told me I would see whoever was availkable and not necessarily Dr. Zimmerman.  I ended up seeing a tiny woman with an accent but I cannot remember her name.  I did like her, she asked my questions about the surgery to see if I was realistic and understood the changes that would be required.  I told her how I am preparing myself for it etc.  She also asked me about my support system and how my family and friends felt (and if I even told them).  She also was very clear that she was going to approve me for the surgery.  I know someone else on the board was not approved but that doctor also told her at the session that she was not approved.  I would definitely call the office or even the psych office to see if it was approved or not.  Hope it works out.

Johanna

I know exactly how you feel, I had the same experience! I dont know if thats just the way that they have to act to try and discourage us but obviously it didnt work! I wouldnt worry about it... you sound like you gave her great answers and stood up for yourself. You have to be your own advocate during this process and it sounds like you did great!

Good luck!

~Laura

Hey Beck!

You know where your heart is in all this! And so does your Mom.

Besides, aren't we all just a little wacky anyway? Boy, if the psych I saw really knew what was happening inside me at the time I saw him, he's have drugged and shackled me!

  

I think the psych lady you saw was probably just tryin' to look out for you and ask you those queer questions to make sure you really have your head screwed on right.

Which, of course, you do!

No worries, k?

Love ya kiddo!

Jule

I have not had my evaluation yet but it does not sound right for a psychiatrist to be so negative.  From what you wrote it sounds like she was trying to talk circles around you.  If you do go for the next visit I would start out by telling her that you did not like how the last appointment went and see what she says.  If she continues to be so negative I would say that you are not comfortable and would like to see someone else.  It might hold up your progress a little bit but I think it would be good for you not to have a bad experience.