Roadblock

I don't post often in this forum anymore, but do stop in to read.

I am absolutely over the top appalled and saddened by what was done at your psych evaluation. I was a counselor during my career, and while I obviously didn't have close to the training required for psychiatry I did work with various psychiatrists over the years. I sat in on numerous evals.

Anyhow, I only mention my professional background to support my comments that I never ever saw a psychiatrist or other mental health professional stage an interview...and I also find it particularly unethical given you have serious mental illness.

I would report this experience now or after you have your surgery!

And SO sorry you went thru it.

My daughter is bipolar and has similar other diagnoses. She got the surgery done. I understand medical professionals must weigh the benefits vs. the risks, but only your physical medical conditions should be considered...not your mental health status. Ppl without issues regain and have issues...why would ppl with mental health issues be discriminated against in just another way?

Well you sure woke me up this morning...lol...best of luck on your journey.

Kathy

Alternate explanation: this did not actually happen, or at least it didn't happen as the OP interpreted it.

This sounds terrible, but there are tons of people here with mental health diagnoses; that alone is not a reason for disqualification, especially as you are in treatment and compliant!

If they have moved your surgery and not cancelled, it sounds like they are working with you.

If they don't at any point seem to really be working with you I would consider moving onto another practice.

I am surprised they wouldn't consult with your current treatment provider anyway before making a decision as a one time evaluation doesn't compare to someone who has a therapudic relationship with you.

I have worked in Mental Health over 40 years, So why I do not agree with how this psychologist acted, it doesn't totally surprise me. I have seen such shenanigans although it has been a long time.

Thank you all for your support and validation. I will confer with my therapist and not hide what happened or how it affected me. Perhaps my experience will help other patients *****ceive care by this huge EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) and make the way easier for them. Both my therapist and psychiatrist are away on vacation for a week. I'll contact them on Monday, next week.

My psychologist at the bariatric clinic, who ran my interview, is acting as a gatekeeper. That's her role. She said that she would support my request for VSG in the presence of the surgeons, but that the meeting wouldn't happen for months. Was she just testing me? Is she delaying this because she's overloaded with work? Or the surgeons are overloaded with work? Is that why she didn't check with my own psychiatrist and therapist before the interview? Is this lady a vindictive type? If she gets in trouble because of what I say to my therapist, is she going to do all she can to slam the surgery door in my face for good? These are all things I have no way of finding out about, so I'm just letting them go and allowing my mind to dwell on certainties instead. Will I actually get VSG? From what you have all written...I think so! Thank you all for rescuing me from the dregs.

The course I've decided to take is to try to win her over as a friend, if I can. I'll be cordial and include her as part of my care team (because she really is), but I'll be wary of her from here on out. I just don't think I can trust her - ever. I have limited emotional stamina as it is so I really have to pick my battles wisely. I'll see this lady (with my husband present beside me) in mid-January to discuss whether VSG is a go or not, but, you know, I'm just not going to worry about it for now.

You all are just the best!

Please DO discuss your concerns, with your personal therapist, who knows you best, at your earliest opportunity. As a former MH nurse, I can't help but voice some concern. No flaming, just concern

Hi Gina,

Thank you so much for responding to my post. My therapist and psychiatrist have both been out on vacation for this past week. My psychiatrist will return on Monday and my therapist on Tuesday. I'll be sure to get in touch with both of them when they return.

I was diagnosed in May of 2015 when I required a 6 day inpatient psychiatric stay. It was my very first interaction with mental health services ever - at 63 years of age. Since that time, I've received such superb care from all my mental health providers, without exception, until now. I went to the VSG psychologist with complete confidence and trust in her and totally at ease.

I discovered yesterday that my EPO has added the new psychologist's name to my list of provider contacts on their website. So, I sent her a late Friday email, requesting her help in processing what happened during the interview on October fourth. I described the parts of the interview that were the most disturbing and how it affected me. I told her about my loss of trust and asked her if she could help me fix this. How she responds to this email will speak volumes about the type of psychologist that she is. My husband is poised to listen in should she decide to contact me here at home. It seemed only fair to give her a chance to explain her actions. It actually doesn't matter to me she says or does at this point because I'll still need my therapist's help in sorting everything out...and this is a pity because our mental health clinicians are supposed to help us - not harm us.

Thanks again for your concern. I'll let you all know how things turn out.

Speaking as someone with mental illness (bipolar II and OCD): your comments have me very concerned that your paranoia is kicking in and interfering with your interpretation of things.

I am glad you'll be speaking to your therapist and psychiatrist soon.

I would have looked for a new surgeon (and therapist) if this is what happened personally. This was defiantly not the norm in my situation. I am not saying to get a new one just so you can have VSG I am saying get a new one because something sounds off IMO.

I felt during my psych interview that they were assessing if you would seek help if you needed it, so I would think seeing your regular therapist would be seen much more as a positive than negative by your surgical team.