Question:
Worried about denial second time around

I was all systems go for my weight loss surgery at the end of last year, that is until I had my psych eval. I was distraught at being denied and also extremely angry. I fear being denied a second time as my doctor requires me to go with the same person who denied me the first time. I have since received medication but am still very worried.    — Jennangel122397 (posted on February 3, 2005)

February 3, 2005
I have to ask. Since you are required to go to a doc with whom you feel animosity, can you change surgeons? My psych eval also said I was a marginal candidate for surgery, but my doc kinda goes by his own gut feeling. He was right. The person we went to pretty much wrote all our evals exactly the same, turns out.
   — vitalady

February 3, 2005
I wouldn't go back to that same pscyhologist. There should be another one your insurance covers, and you have to find one that is PRO-WLS! You basically need to convey in your session that you have plenty of love and support for you before/during/after surgery, and that this surgery is life=-changing and you are aware of that. Tell her steps you are taking NOW to help adjust post-op like walking, journaling food, eating more healthy, eating slower, etc. Tell her medication is working - even if you don't know for sure if it is. I am on Zoloft for anxiety and I can't tell a difference, but my family does and that is what matters. So hang in there! You are not alone! Be positive! Trisha in Arizona
   — Trisha

February 16, 2005
I just recelty went through something similar with a my psych eval. The Psychiatrist that I had the opportunity of wasting my time visiting was rude and very unprofessional. Please stick up for your rights of a second opinion. Call your insurace carrier and see if they have a list of Psychologist that are covered over your plan. I would imagine it would be hard to focus on moving forwardwith an individual who decieded to snatch a piece of your life away in one simple visit. But if you feel like you seeing this Psychiatrist is help healing you with what you are feeling and is making you a better person, then just go through the process. I wish you the best. Just remember never give up. If this is what u really want give it your all. God bless you.
   — 200 PoundsGone

February 17, 2005
Ah, the dreaded psych evaluation. I am close to three years out and still bitter about being denied by the first psychiatrist I went to see. Luckily, she moved slower than my love life and I was able to catch her and tell her in no uncertain terms not to send this (completely wrong!) evaluation to my ins. co. It's so dumb...when they ask if you're depressed? Of course I was depressed! Mainly because of my weight...now I'm depressed, but for other reasons...at least though I am more functional than I might have been before, and hopeful. Sorry, this is all beside the point, and it's about you. Find a WLS friendly (and trained) psychiastrist next go round, and do as the others say. Focus on the positive, the research you have done, the fact that you know WLS is not an easy out, etc. I find the whole evaluation thing such a ruse...my take, unless you are completely crippled by depression, this is just another annoying hoop to jump in the myriad of tests. Grrr...ON a less angry note, I am wishing you much success!
   — rebeccamayhew