Question:
Just how depressed can you be without being denied?

It seems to me depression is a very understandable co-morbidity. It seems they would expect 'some' depression... But I've been reading through here, and it looks like you can't be TOO depressed. I'm 26 years old now, but when I was 16, I attempted suicide with a razor blade and got stitches. I still have the scar on my left wrist. It looks like Frankenstein's scar on his face. AND I JUST recently told my primary physician (who does not support this procedure for anyone) that I have thought about suicide after she asked when I told her I was depressed. I DID tell her I could never do it. It was against my conscious and religious beliefs and that I would never try it again. Oh God, did I just ruin my chances??? She doesn't necessarily have to be involved does she? Will they look for those records? I'm sure she must've written it down... Is this going to be held against me? I'm going to have my consoltation on 9/23 in Grove City in the Columbus area. My BMI is 46.5 and my Surgeon (or the doctor I will have the consoltation with)is Dr. Stalmer through Bariatric Treatement Center. I am depressed, but to be honest, I've been elated since I found out my insurance covers this procedure. I've begun taking better care of myself, I've noticed. I have frequent headaches, and have taken ibuprofen for years almost on a daily basis. I've been trying to cut down on that because I'm afraid I will have a stomach ulcer and that will blow my approval. I've been drinking water more to flush my system out and to hydrate myself more to maybe prevent 'dry' headaches. I've even looked in the mirror and smiled thinking how I won't look like this forever! Sort of like looking at my before photo or something. I feel SO bad for those who are denied BECAUSE of depression! I could only imagine that the denial would cause them to go deeper into depression. I'm just about 300lbs. at 5'8". Thanks in advance, and God bless all of you for your help and encouragement.    — Toni M. (posted on September 15, 2002)

September 15, 2002
According to our psych doc depression is normal. I considered suicide as well, but couldnt do it for the many reasons. If they are concerned about your depression they should put you on prozac or other med. I cant take anti depressants, they make me ill. The GREAT news is my depressed days appear as a bad memory. Psych doc says its because we have a poor self image of ourselves and loosing the weight often but not always fixes that. Dont psnic, most of us MOs have this trouble/
   — bob-haller

September 15, 2002
I just finished my psych evaluation last Friday (the 13th) and got some insight on this issue from the psychologist who evaluated me. She said there are basically 3 categories you can fall into when you come to her for her "blessing" to have the surgery. <br><ul><li>1.) No big issues from a mental standpoint and given the OK to have the surgery. <li>2.) Can be given the OK to have the surgery after some counceling is done and checked up on by the psychologist. <li>3.) Over the top behaviors such as obvious drug or alcohol dependencies, major memory problems, or other problems that would make following post-op instructions impossible, etc. These are denied.</li></ul><br> She said basically everyone falls into one of these 3 categories. She also said to imagine a cartoon of a large auditorium with a big banner over the stage that says "Normal people with no issues" and looking out at the audience there is an empty auditorium except for one guy sitting there. Everyone has had issues in the past and it doesn't have to mean we can't have the surgery. Good luck to you :-)
   — thumpiez

October 25, 2002
whats funny to me is i have been on anti depressents almost a year have been with a phyciatrist AND my regular therapist whose also an MD..i feel wonderful have never been happier except my weight..which is natural rite? and today i was told my the lasy who did my psych eval the MMPI test i took said i was TOO depressed..ok how the heck is this? the test was to be answered for the last 6 mnths or so and i did and they said i needed more therapy LOL rite uh huh more then a years worth and im still not ready they say? anyone else find this RIDICULOUS?
   — christine S.