Question:
Question about depression and the psych eval

My Psych eval is friday and I have depression but I have been off the meds for over a year and a half now, just been trying to manage it naturally. Could this cause me not to pass the psych eval? Can the psych put me back on my meds? should I ask her? Pls advise. thanks!    — dawdee (posted on April 17, 2006)

April 17, 2006
Hello Tanya, I am not a doctor, however I was told that people that have been depressed normally have a harder time. Your whole body goes through changes that are hard to control. There is a 55% divorce rate with WLS, and with all the weight loss some people do get depressed. There are people in our support group that have been turned down because of depression, however each shrink is different. Be honest with him or her. If she feels you are not telling the truth this could hurt you much more. good luck
   — Steve Cohen

April 17, 2006
Don't stress! My psych put me on lithium and said he it would help me more if anything.BUT,(you knew this was coming ha ha) every Dr. is different.We can only tell you what we have been though,you have to not stress because that's not going to help your current problems.It will work out you'll see, good luck Kathy.
   — katfish

April 18, 2006
I was treated briefly for depression years ago, but had been off my meds for a few years before my surgery. When I went for my psych eval, I told the doctor about it. Her only concern regarding that and the surgery was that I would need to find ways to cope with stress and depression, other than eating, after my surgery. That has been two years ago and so far things have been going well. Since then I have been through a job loss, and a few other problems, not to mention the stress of being a full-time college student again at age 39. But I have been doing well. So if you are off of your meds, I wouldn't be overly concerned about it. Just be aware that if you do get depressed again, you get help to stay on top of it. But I don't think it will preclude you from having this surgery. I did it. Best wishes for health and happiness. Donna
   — djfoz

April 18, 2006
I don't think that you will be turned down, per se. The psychiatrist would most likely put you on meds and make another appt with you to re-evaluate you. If you are depressed, I highly suggest you take medication now anyway. From what I understand, depression will worsen initially after surgery ... I suffer from depression and currently take Lexapro 20mg. I am prepared for things to get worse before they get better (meaning, I figure my depression will get worse for a few months after surgery, then improve). Why are you opposed to medications? If you want wls, you may need to take them for a while.
   — peacefuldaizy

April 18, 2006
Depression is NORMAL for pre ops. You can get approved they will just want it under control. By whatever means works for you. For some a brisk walk daily or talking to someone helps a lot. Not everyone gets worse after surgery, for those who were depressed by their self image or state of their health the depression often leaves with the weight... its very individual to the person
   — bob-haller

April 18, 2006
I have to agree a lot with what Donna Foz posted. I too suffered with depression and was on meds up until my surgery. The doctor that did my psych eval was concerned also with how will I deal with stress with out being able to turn to food. Just because you have been diagnosed with depression doesn't mean that you will be turned down for surgery. I don't know any morbidly obease person that hasn't been diagnosed with depression. You do need to be completely honest with your doctor(s).
   — pmrazo

April 18, 2006
I have been treated for clinical depression on and off for over 6 years, and currently the treatment is on. All the psych eval is concerned about from that aspect is whether or not the depression is under control. They're just trying to make sure that you are informed, aware, and mentally stable. You don't have to be the poster child for psychiatric health. I don't think the psych can put you back on your meds unless you exhibit the need to be on them.
   — nicolerod

April 19, 2006
Hi Tonya, Before my evaluation, I felt I was depressed,but never said anything to my PC. I took the test and when I went back to psych Dr. she new I was depressed from my answers and gave me letter for my pc recommending I be given meds. She also said it would help me for next year with ups and downs with surgery. Donna Bailey
   — Donna B.