Question:
Can anyone recommend a Psychiatrist or Psychologist in my area?

My surgeon is in Pittsburgh but I live in New Castle, Pa about 60 miles north. She said I can use any Psychologist or Psychiatrist I want or I can use the one she works with. I'd really rather not have to make the trip all the way down there if I don't have to, and I already called to make an appt with her just in case - She won't be able to see me until the end of June, almost 2 months away. I'm really hoping someone can recommend someone else in my area and I'll call them to see if they can get me in any sooner. If no one up here can see me sooner I'll stick with my surgeons recommendation. Thanks EC    — Elva C. (posted on May 1, 2002)

April 30, 2002
Hi, I am from Pittsburghj too and understand the driving mess VERY well. However you are safer using your docs psycologist, and other members of her team. I tried the same thing, to get my sleep study at my 5 minute away hospital. Turned out terrible. The pulmonologst who read the study didnt want to approve me. Used SCARE tactics, surgery wuldnt work, will regain all the weight, unsafe, I should go on a diet, it was terrible... <P> I ended up getting the test again with my surgeons prefered sleep study group. Added a big delay. See my profile, its in there. I recommend EVERYONE use their surgeons prefered docs. Otherwise you might end up with a unsuportive psych doc who might recommend months of therapy before surgery, so they can afford their new car or something. Sorry to gfive you this news. <P> Incidently the overall time it takes to get surgery, really has its advantages. It weeds out those who arent dedicated, and ready. You will understand this better once your a post op. Although the delays drove me nuts....:(
   — bob-haller

May 1, 2002
Hey Bob, Thanks for the response. I realize it would be safer and wiser to use her recommended Doc. As a matter of fact I went ahead and made that appt just to be safe, but I was hoping somone on here had used a Psych in my area and knew they would be acceptable to the WLS. I've actually been researching this surgery for over 8 months already and am definitely ready to go ahead. Now that I've finally had the surgical consult and she has agreed to do the surgery for me if I get ins approval I'm just very anxious to keep things moving as quickly as possible. The company I work for and our union are having a disagreement and our contract is up in May and I'm half afraid that something bad will happen with our Insurance Benefits so I want to proceed as quickly as I can, although I know I won't be able to have the surgery before August or September at this point. But anyway I appreciate the time you took to reply to my question. Thanks Alot. EC
   — Elva C.