Question:
4 Hour Psych Evaluation???
I was interviewed and questioned for 50 minutes by the psychologist my surgeon said I had to go to, the the psychologist said he would not approve me to have the surgery and said that I needed therapy! It was a very disturbing time with him. He kept looking at the clock to make sure he didn't run over in his time, then he would ask me questions and before I could answer and sometimes I didn't even answer he would write down stuff about me. He said I am a binge and purger eater. I haven't binged or purged in over 30 years and I told him so. And there was the question on childhood sexual abuse, which there was. I went to therapy for that 8 years ago and stopped as the doctor wanted me to confront my mother about issues. My mom is 80 years old, like I want to upset her so she has another heart attack, no way. My mom has no idea what happened to me, nor do I want her to know. So now, my surgery has come to a screaching hault and I can't tell my family why as I don't want them to know. I don't mind doing therapy at all, but it seems like I should be able to go on with the surgery and do the therapy at the same time. I have been told by one of my doctors that with all of my comorbidites that if I don't do something I won't be around in another 10 years, so it would seem to be, let's make this woman get totally well, physically and emotionally. So, it seems weird and distrubing that this man would not want that for his patient, too. Maybe he has to turn down so many people. My question is, has anyone had this happen to them and how long do you have to go before the road opens back up to pursue surgery? Thank you for any insight on this problem. Terrie — Jetairliner (posted on October 16, 2005)
October 16, 2005
Terrie
I would ask for a second opinion.
Bobbie
— bjglisson
October 16, 2005
well you could get another doctor--and when he sends you for the
eval---just tell them the only reason you are wanting this surgery is for
your health --and the weight loss is just a nice side benefit---and stick
to that story ..then if you feel you need psych help after the surgery --go
get it on your own
— fishnrockport
October 16, 2005
Terrie, I was told I was to depressed to have the surgery after I spoke to
Psycologist and needed therapy and would not approve me to have the
surgery,I was told I had to have about 6-8 sessions at that office then
evaluation again. When she found out I lived 3 hours away she said I had to
go to a local therapist. I was crushed after she told me this. She to
watched the clock and sent me out crying and I was shaking so bad and could
hardly see out of my eyes, I could have wrecked my car in the state I was
in, my time had ran outso I was out. My husband called my Primary Care
Physician and the Doctor was so mad, he wrote her a letter as well as the
Surgeon. I went to the Therapy and this man said I was fine and could not
understand why I needed to go to him and he released me after 4 sessions,
he wrote a letter to my Surgeon as well as my Primary Care Doctor. I never
had to go back to the first place I went to and I was able then to get a
Surgery Date which was August 30, 2005. I would contact my Primary Care
Doctor maybe he can do the same for you. The Surgeon has to follow what the
Psychologist puts in their report. When you go to a therapist try not to
focus on the past, answer the questions brief, if you are not having any of
the issues that were brought up make sure you tell him or her and talk
about how this surgery will better your life because it really has been
positive for me and I feel so much better. God Bless and stay Positive.
— Shiney04
October 17, 2005
First off it is unethical for a psychologist to order that you do therapy
with their office if they were contacted strictly for an evaluation. There
is a conflict of interest involved. I would contact your PCP tell them
what happened, have the PCP contact the surgeon and see if another
evaluation could be arranged with an IMPARTIAL counselor. The other thing
you might want to do is contact the Department of Regulatory Agencies (they
monitor licensing for therapists, counselors, psychologists, etc) and
report what happened to them. That way it is officially on file that the
psychologist violated what is referred to as the FREEDOM of CHOICE mandate
in the Code of Ethics.
I hope you are able to resolve this. Surgery is the best thing I ever did
and I would go through it all in a heartbeat. Kimberley (349/223 and still
losing)
— sabrekittie
October 17, 2005
Wow!
Demand another evaluation. I wonder was it a psychologist or a counselor?
I was evaluated by the head of the Clinic, with a PhD! I focused on the
fact that I ahve come to the point where I feel the surgery is what will
save my life. I also admitted that I see the need for post op care for
emotional issues dealing with the physical changes and psychological
adjustments one goes through after losing a huge amount of weight. People
will see you, you will not be as invisible. Even your own family will
react somewhat, no matter howm uch they love you. The oppsotie sex will
become interested! Your friends will have adjustments, some may not have
any some will not be able to handle it! MY pain, and health issues were
greatly reduced, but there is that all powerful psych adjustment to go
through!! It is worth it too! It was my understand that the evaluation
pre surgery is to make sure that the candidate will co-operate post surgery
with the behaviors necessary for it to be a success. That one has
sufficent mentality to follow the steps required to make the surgery a
success. It seems to be your evaluator, was selfishly out for gaining
another client for themself! Many overwieght women have had sex abuse, I
have. I cant recall if I brought itu p or doc did. I do remember telling
that I first became comulsive in eating in order to gain weight to protect
myself from potential abusers, but it was not a main focus in the eval! My
interview focused on my mental capacity and current mind state, my ability
to use this very invasive and life altering permanent surgery to its best
advantage.
— Jenny_B
October 17, 2005
As a therapist, I have not heard of a 4 hour psych eval unless the
professional did some other testing.
It also sounds like he was not listening to you. I would reccomend going to
another person for a second evaluation and opinion.
— Barbara V.
October 20, 2005
Definatly get another evaluation!!!!!!!
Also as the therapist prev. mentioned, if it was 4 hours, either they did
more than evaluate you,(did testing ect...) or they did not listen.
Also, please keep in mind that people with mental disorders are NOT
automaticly barred from surgery. Sure, many are deferred. But I've been in
"the system"since 1995 and was approved. Many of us sexually
abused as chldren have a tendency to gain weight to put off predators.(we
will leave it as that) but when our physical health comes to issue.And we
WANT TO LIVE to grow old. especially with comorbities added to our weight,
well I don't need to explain. Just that if you were unduly treated by a
"clinic,councelor looking for a client,ect." get a second opinion
like allowed by law with any medical advice. But if there are issues in
your past....they DO NOT have to hinder the fact that you are intitled to a
future.
I've been on meds forever, and my "shrink"still signed off for my
surgery...so I could have a future.
Blessings,
Velvet
— Fairysister
October 20, 2005
Terrie,
I was turned down the first time. My big mistake was that I told too much.
The first psych said I was a tragic person and needed full time therapy. I
just figured I would tell the whole story of my life since he was a
psychologist. Bad timing! so I asked to see another psyche. He thought I
put on a big moral attitude and it was fake. He didn't recommend therapy,
but said I needed to go on a dr supervised diet and exercise program and
expected me to drive over 2 hours one way to do it. I just dropped the dr
and psych and went to another, although he is almost 4 hours away.
It has been a magical time with the new dr. Within a month, I had tests
done, another psyche evaluation, and was considered a candidate for
surgery. My info was sent in and I was approved in 1 week.
So, if your dr is asking you to lose a lot of weight before surgery, go to
another. I just read the bio of a man who tried for 2 or 3 yrs to have the
surgery, doing everything required, was repeatly put off, finally had the
surgery and died. I think if he'd had the surgery when he first applied, he
would have been younger and probably survived. he lost 70 lbs different
times. But the longer a person waits, the more dangerous it is, in my
opinion. I just kept developing more diseases and problems as the time
passed. If I'd had the surgery when I first tried, I wouldn't have
developed diabetes, neuropathy, thyroid, arthritus, etc;
— geneswife
November 1, 2005
A psychologist's role in this situation is to give you a comprehensive
evaluation. The amount of time this takes may vary somewhat, depending on
your age, the complexity of your personal history, and your mental health
history. Most professionals with experience in doing evaluations for this
purpose will be able to tell you how much time the evaluation will take,
what their process involves (interview, testing, or review of previous
efforts to lose weight) and when their report will be ready for you, your
insurer and surgeon. Some surgeons and insurance companies now have very
specific requirements of psychologists. Some require, for example, the
administration of personality tests such as the MMPI. In that case, the
total evaluation process could take 4 hours or more. This process should
be a helpful, useful part of your experience, vs. a game to be played, or a
painful hurdle to jump. Sometimes therapy is recommended, if certain
problems or mental health diagnoses are made. You do not have to be in
therapy with that evaluator, however. Also, the evaluator should inform
you quite clearly of any diagnoses he/she makes, and what, if anything
he/she thinks would be most beneficial to accomplish or change prior to
surgery. The presence of some symptoms of any psychiatric disorder would
not necessarily make you a poor candidate for surgery, nor does a history
of sexual abuse. Severe symptoms may interfere with your ability to care
for yourself properly, or to be compliant with medical recommendations.
All professionals involved in your care want to do everything possible to
assure your success. I would also encourage you to see someone else.
Before scheduling the appointment, do ask about credentials and experience
in evaluating patients pre-bariatric surgery. Check with your insurance
company and the surgeon you are considering to learn of their requirements,
if any. They vary considerably throughout the country. I'm sorry you had
such a bad experience. Best of luck in working with another professional.
K. Hanson
— K H.
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