Question:
CAN ANYONE HELP ME ?

I met with my surgeron yesterday and it was very disappointing. I wanted to get my surgery date but the psychologist had concerns about depression and lack of family support. So now I have to see another pscy. I feel disspointed and angry. The psychologist asked me about my family. I am not married. I have one sister who lives in another state and my mother lives with her and I have no immediate family in Calfornia. But that doesn't make me a poor candidate for surgery. I have a strong network of close friends that I see and/or talk to on a daily basis, all of which have encouraged me tremendously. He did not not even ask me about my freinds. He asked if was married or have I ever been married. But the majority of our conservation was on why I would not pay him up front because my insurance would never approve me for surgery. I called persistently and got the approval in less than 48 hours. But now I regret not paying him. I feel that if I had paid him up front my eval would have been different. I say this because I spoke with other patients who had seen him recently. They all were married and paid him up front. I may be wrong but I am ready to have the surgery. I know it is not a magic pill put just a tool to assist me in accomplishing my goal. I want my body back and I want it back to stay I am sick a tired of it and think the anyone considering the procedure tells this way in varying degrees. I am angry but I know it is just one more of many hurdles that I have to overcome. Please give me some feedback I just feel this is not right.    — LUCY H. (posted on November 22, 2002)

November 22, 2002
Did I read this right? The PSYCH Dr. is telling you to pay him up front and if you are married? This is somehow a contributing factor if you get approved for surgery or not? Find a new Dr.!! Don't take this guys word for it. He sounds like a quack! Go to the other psych dr. and make sure you tell that one about your support system (friends).
   — Kris T.

November 22, 2002
I had to pay the psyc up front. I'm not married. I got a very favorable review. You may want to see another psyc. I certainly would (and pay him out of pocket). See what he has to say. Good Lux
   — Robert L.

November 22, 2002
I agree with the first poster, get another opinion and just be honest with him/her and stress your friends and their support. The depression issue is kind of a give me for obese people, at least some times.
   — deniece M.

November 22, 2002
I am single and live alone and I got my Psych approval. I also did not pay for the consult I went through my insurance company and found a doctor. Talk to your surgeon's office they may be able to help you. Good luck.
   — Stacey F.

November 22, 2002
FIND ANOTHER SHRINK!! I am not married and I live on my own and had no trouble getting psychological approval. Something is fishy about that doctor.
   — Toni C.

November 22, 2002
OH HELL NO!!! I am shocked!!! Please find another doctor..that doesn't sound right at all... the money should have nothing do do with your preparation for surgery. He should be exploring you and what your all about and if you are able to withstand surgery. That makes me sick that there are quacks out there like this..report him to somebody!! And hey, orginal poster..I'm in LA/Burbank if you need extra support!!! You go girl!! Best of luck to you, aims
   — chickiewickie

November 22, 2002
Like so many other things in life, this psych. evaluation is just another scam to give another group of people a way to make money. Why shouldn't you be depressed? Most people with a weight problem are depressed - that's why we want the surgery. And your family/living situation should have little or no bearing on this. You seem to have a very good support network from friends. This is just a power play on the part of the psychologist. You need to find another psychologist who isn't into playing God and will give you the good evaluation you need. Incidentally, I had to pay my psychologist $500 up front and wasn't given a choice of who to use. It's all part of the game. Good luck!
   — Arlene S.

November 23, 2002
Doesn't this just burn your butt?! Honestly, between the way we are treated by society, and then by the insurance companies, and then sometimes even by the medical profession, it's a wonder we are not out there shooting these assholes! I don't know where you'd file a complaint against this criminal, but I hope you'll do it. And I'm sure you can find someone decent in your area. Good luck!
   — Chris T.