Worried about the psychological evaluation

I have suffered from depression for many years mostly due to a personal tragedy that changed my life forever. I am on medication for it but I haven't been to a counselor in years. I also have anxiety and PTSD. I am worried about having to go through the mental health evaluation because of this. Is depression and PTSD an issue that can keep me from moving forward in this whole process of trying to have surgery? Has anyone been denied surgery because of the psychological exams?

As long as you are in treatment, and seeing a psychiatrist for meds, there would be no reason for them to deny you.

We always suggest that counselling be a part of this journey. It really makes a difference to your weight loss journey in the long term

Thank you for your insights and for calming my fears a little. I can understand the importance of counseling and the need for the evaluation. I had a bad experience with a counselor a few years back so I stopped going but I am ready to do what I need to in order to be successful with losing my weight and getting healthier.

Whether or not the programme requires it, I think it would be a good idea to have at least a few sessions with another counselor. Most of us have used food sometimes to cope with anxiety and stress; maybe you do too? That won't be an option after surgery, so you need to have a plan in place.

I don't have anxiety attacks, and my depression was well-managed long before surgery. I'm at a good place in life, and don't have much stress to deal with. I made a list of things I could do when stressed out. Even so, the first time I was stressed after surgery and didn't have the option of self-medicating with food, it felt very strange!

Yes, I too use food as a crutch when I am stressed out and anxious. Way too often. Seeing a second counselor didn't really enter my mind to be honest but it wouldn't hurt anything I am sure. I really like your idea of making a list of things to do when stressed out and also having a plan in place for my weight loss journey. I am coming to understand the importance of thinking things out longterm.

I urge you to find a therapist you're happy with. Look for recommendations. Find someone who's willing to be interviewed. You have to find someone you can trust. I was in therapy for other reasons (short term) when I decided to pursue WLS. Back then the psych eval wasn't a requirement but I can't begin to tell you how important it was to understand the "why".

In my opinion everything about WLS is long term. It is a lifetime commitment. This is not a quick fix and you have to work really, really hard to be successful. Unless you're willing to make that commitment, IMHO you won't be successful.

When I started my journey 19 years ago I made the promise to myself that I was risking my life to have the surgery (as a super morbidly obese woman just having the surgery was a risk) so I did everything I had control over to make it successful.

Next month I will be 18 years post-op. I am still at my goal weight, literally got my lab results yesterday (yearly physical) and everything is right where it should be. I have some issues but I'm alive and healthy so it's nothing I can't deal with.

Thanks Janet for your advice and insight. I hope I can look back one day and say that I am 18 years post-op and still successful with my weight loss. That's the goal...longterm success! Congratulations on your success. Very inspiring.

I have bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, and ADHD. I had absolutely no issues and did not have to do anything extra. The psych evaluation is just there to make sure you fully grasp what you're about to do, as it is permanent. You can still be "off" as long as they feel you're in control and you can reasonably make this decision for yourself. I feel they're mostly looking for huge red flags.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. You sure are dealing with a lot PuggleDad!

When I had my WLS 10 years ago I had to get the psych evaluation first. I got a yellow light because I told them I was having a problem with not drinking water with meals! Not because I had ADD, depression and was medicated. They wanted to make sure I could stick to the program to have success! That I wasn't using food to medicate and didn't binge on food. About 2 weeks later I had a phone call with the psych again and I passed that time. Good luck! Personally I would find someone to talk to as I've found untreated issues only get worse over time. I found out I had ADD when I was 55! I had my surgery at 56.