I'm Freaking Out !!!

I'm think I am going to go nuts!! I got my psych evaluation back and was told I was in the 97 percentile for depression. How can their tests be so wrong!  I really am NOT depressed. I was shocked to say the least when she told me. I'm going crazy because they say I can't have my surgery unless the psychiatrist I now have to see approves me. I will be going to see the psychiatrist next Thursday so in the meantime my stress level is pretty high. Why does something always have to come up and screw things up. I honestly believe that without the surgery I will be dead way too soon. This is the only thing that is going to save my health. I'm totally bumming right now!!

Mike:

Calm down and take it one step at a time.  Trust me , these evaluations are done for a reason.  You want to make sure you are ready for this surgery both physically and mentally.  Have faith and stay the course.  It will all work out in the end.  Good luck.

 

John

Michael, Depression is pretty common, in fact Very Common Among the Obese. They’ll probably put you on a mild anti-depressant And have you in to “check” how it’s working. Then, clear you for surgery. Hopefully, Shouldn’t take too long. Bets to get that all leveled out BEFORE Surgery. The Typical Post-Surgical Depression Could totally kick your azz in the dirt if you are Already testing for “some” depression. Just keep thinking---“Long-Term Solution.” Tomorrow will be a better day... If not?  Then the next..... Best Wishes- Dx

Dude,
Don't sweat it. Remember that you always have options. You can a) follow along their path and see their psychiatrist, b) ask for a re-evaluation, c) get another doctor to evaluate, d) many, many others.

I personally didn't give much credence to what they told me. According to my shrink I had mood disorder, which is a new and schwankey way to say "manic depressive". Anyone who knows me would agree this is purely absurd. I, to say the least, rejected the diagnosis on the spot. She said it was because in answering sleep questions, stated that I had period difficulties getting to sleep. Uh....lame. I guess she'd never been truly fat.

Moral of the story: Dr's "practice" medicine. Some have more practice than others. Don't accept everything given to you. If you know they're wrong (with an honest, discerning, introspective look), tell them. You have to have a sense of Self-Advocacy.

--Jake

Was the person who gave your the evaluation someone who deals with WLS patients a lot?  There are a number of depression markers in a "normal" person that they can ignore for a WLS patient.  It would be more strange if you didn't register any depression on the evaluation.