Question:
HELP OR TIPS ON PSYCH VISIT ?

Hi. I know this question has been kinda covered before, but I'm interested in anyone's input who may have recently gone thru the psych screening prior to approval. I am due to have mine in 2 weeks and I am very nervous. I have had depression on and off and take Zoloft for it. I don't know how to explain that. I just feel better on the meds than off. How does one talk about this when you are trying to appear as normal and together as you can? I am going to a psych in San Diego (my surgeon is Dr Zorn at Pacific Bariatrics). Anyone whose been thru this with them, please also reply!! Thanks everyone.    — Katie E. (posted on July 12, 2002)

July 12, 2002
I haven't gone through the psych evaluation yet, but I read a book by Bryan Woodward and I can't remember the title something like the Complete Guide to Obesity Surgery or something like that, you can get it at Amazon, anyway he has a section devoted to what you can expect at your evaluation. Also their are many of us who are on medication for depression, that doesn't matter to the insurance company. All they care about is if you know why you feel you need the surgery, that you are capable of taking care of yourself and work at it, that you have no history of eating disorder, and that you are sane enough to make the choice to have the surgery. Don't worry. I hope that this helps. Good luck.
   — Heather B.

July 12, 2002
Go with a positive attitude. Let them understand that you are aware of the changes you will need to do and the risks involved. Do not admit to any eating disorders such as, binging, purging, etc. Don't even hint at it. Of course we have an eating problem or we wouldn't be having this surgery! When I went to my second psych eval, I answered the same questions and was approved with no problems. The first psych eval seemed to me like he was looking for something. Don't give up. I didn't and my surgery date is August 28, 2002. Good Luck!
   — Linda K.

July 12, 2002
Hi. I recently had my psych eval. I, too was very nervous initially when looking for somone because I had heard from here that many psychiatrists are not WLS friendly. Fortunately I was able to see someone who works with my surgeons office from time to time so I knew he was for it. Anyways, my appointment only lasted 25 minutes. Many people here say they go through a battery of questions and even some fill out papers and such and it could take hours to complete. I was only asked why I wanted the surgery, was I aware of the possible complications and about my family. I flopped back and forth about telling him the truth about my bouts with depression, but I am now glad that I didn't. I feel like if he were going to be my head doctor, I would have definately told him everything. But this was someone who I had just met and only spoke to for a short while. I didn't feel that telling him about extremely personal things were in my best interest. Since you are on meds for depression (and the doctor will ask you if you are on any meds), just tell him that you feel better while taking them- just as you said here. Some feel that you should tell all and others will tell you to lie so you can get it all together to get your surgery quicker. I am in the middle- don't lie, but don't spill your guts unless you feel the need to do so. Best of luck!
   — karmiausnic

July 12, 2002
Hi! I have been on Zoloft for about five years now... came off it a few times but like you, I am just better on it than off it. There is no contraindication for someone with a history of depression, or someone on anti-depressants to have the surgery! I believe alot of people think that the psych is trying to find reasons for you NOT to have the surgery. This is not the case! In the event you do have someone who is not WLS friendly, then move on to someone who is! Your surgeon's office can probably recommend someone for you. The evaluation should help determine that your goals and motivations for having the surgery are realistic, and that you are emotionally / psychologically stable to succeed. Just go, relax, tell the truth and write me after you have the surgery. It will happen for you! Warmest regards,
   — Ann B.

July 13, 2002
I am also on medication for depression, I had my psych eval last week and it was fine. You can still have the surgery if you have depression. My psychologist was very friendly and very easy to talk to. Try not to worry, it will be fine. :)
   — Rebekah A.

July 13, 2002
Please do not worry about not appearing "normal" because you take medication for depression. If the truth be told, "normal" people go get help for depression! "Normal" people take medication for things that bother them. You are human, you need a little extra help. Being fat MAKES me depressed, so I think that maybe when I get through the surgery and well on the road to recovery, I may not need my Prozac any more. And by the way, the psych I saw commends people for realizing that depression does not have to be suffered in silence.
   — CatLover1964