Question:
My Psych eval report came back and there are "things" the doc wants to discuss w/ me

I got a call from the nurse today that my report came back and there are some issues that the doc wants to go over w/ me. She said nothing major and I asked if this was going to affect my approval for surgery and she said no but she wouldn't go into specifics about what he wants to talk to me about. Should I be worried? Has this happened to anyone else? I'm not crazy...I hope ;o), just a typical depressed overweight person.    — k_ibarra912 (posted on September 25, 2008)

September 25, 2008
My Psych. report caused me a 6 week delay because...after 1 meeting and based on the stupid computer tests,...she decided I was "TOO" depressed to have WLS! Her reason for this conclusion was because I was "TOO" obssessed with losing weight! How dumb is that? Due to her so-called diagnosis, my anti-depressant was raised from 40 mgs. to 80 mgs. plus a new anti-depressant was added also...and I had to be on them for at least 6 weeks and then be re-tested. I felt exactly the same 6 weeks later...however, I did answer some of those stupid questions differently, (now that I knew this Psych. was a drug-happy idiot), so that I didn't come off as "Obssessed" about being fat. But excuse me...isn't that the point of wanting the WLS in the first place? I guess you can tell I'm still VERY PISSED at that Psych.! And as soon as I was approved by the Psych. my PCP took me off the extra meds. And...yes, I still want to lose weight. So just call me OBSSESSED!
   — AprilJM

September 25, 2008
I wouldn't needless worry about it until you talk to the doctor. If you worry it is not going to change anything and the nurse said it is not going to effect the surgery so RELAX
   — pjwinslow

September 25, 2008
I know it is easy for us to say don't worry, but try to relax. My psych report had one big concern and that was whether I had a good enough support system in place - was concerned that I needed a confidant, and suggested I might consider a counselor to talk with on a regular basis after the surgery (which I thought was a good idea because I know I have a few self-image issues I need to deal with). So just keep working on your pre-op diet, exercise all you can, and try and relax. I'm sure it will be fine. Wendy
   — Wendy M.

September 25, 2008
My psych report came back and I was overwhelmed at how "messed up" I am. It did catch all of my diagnosises (I've been in major therapy for over 2 years). I thought mine would never go through... but it did. Your doc wanting to talk to you about yours, I think, is a good thing. It may give you an insight into some of your reactions after surgery. I wouldn't worry about it. If I can survive it... you can to!
   — pattschiele

September 26, 2008
Show them you are taking it seriously and start going to a therapist (specializing in eating disorders) and to support groups. I had 'things to do', and just talked with the bariatric nurse and put down a plan of action. That was enough for my insurance. Best wishes.
   — gonnadoit

September 26, 2008
The psych is not trying to make things difficult for you. Weight loss surgery/rapid weight loss is a major stress event and if there are any issues that would further complicate things it is best to have them throughly evaluated before surgery. I say Hurray for your Health Care Team!
   — conniew

September 26, 2008
I had to see a Social Worker. I suffer with depression, plus I am an emotional eater, so if I didn't get that in hand, it wouldn't have made a difference having WLS. I met with the SW, 5 times before he would release me for surgery, I am still seeing him once per month. It has helped greatly. It's all for your own good, so don't worry about it, do what you have to, to get healthy for life! May God Bless You Abundantly, Kathie
   — KathieV