Question:
~~MULTIPLE CHOICES~~

I was recently denied WLS due to psych eval stating that I was "conditioned to fail" due to my childhood sexual/physical abuse. Therefore my insurance says I would not be successful with WLS. Choices~~1)Appeal giving new psych eval~2)Appeal with new psych eval and lawyer~3) Keep appointment for August 13 with "NEW" surgeon who has MORE INTENSE program designed with "ALL" the disciplines,ie nutritionist,physical therapist (with excercise programs) support meetings,and NEW psych eval with the psychologist that I can see now,pre-op and post-op.I spoke to her in length already and she feels I would be a good candidate...Please offer your opinion.....    — Violet K. (posted on September 8, 2000)

September 8, 2000
First let me say that I hate that we have to go through pysch evaluations to qualify for surgery. What happened to you is what we fear happening. I don't know if your insurance company will let a new evaluation replace the old one, but what about doing a brief therapy? Perhaps you could find a therapist to do maybe 6 sessions, so that he/she can state that you've worked through some of the issues that the other eval raised, and state that you are now able to handle the surgery. Knowing how easily insurances can disqualify someone this may be one way to get around them. Good luck - I'll keep you in my thoughts.
   — Marilyn M.

September 9, 2000
How sad that you are denied a life-changing enhancement for the betterment of your overall health and well being based on one psychiatrist's opinion. I have an extensive history of sexual and physical abuse, and my psychiatrist was so supportive and granted me a letter of referral straightaway, feeling that I was finally tending to MY OWN NEEDS in a positive, constructive, self-caring way -- I was working toward improving ME. The question is, how do you refute this one psych's opinion? Get another, and possibly two if you must. With a primary care referral, a surgeon's referral and one (or two) psych referrals, surely that might over-ride the one negative psych eval? And when you talk to the psychiatrist, it is OK to acknowledge that, yes, you suffered abuse, but let him/her know that you are eager to change your life and outlook and put the past hurts behind you -- It's time to move ahead! Best of luck, hon!
   — Michelle F.