Question:
Anyone have a history of substance abuse & been approved/or denied for surgery?

I have my initial consultation soon for a LAP RNY. I am a recovering alcoholic/addict (cocaine)& am concerned about being denied because of my previous substance abuse history. I completed an outpatient rehab in August of 2000 (almost 3 years ago) & have been in a successful recovery program since that time. I attend approx 3 AA meetings a week, have been open & honest with my PCP throughout my recovery, have a psychiatrist I see on a regular basis (I am also on anti-depressants), and still see a therapist from my rehab every other week for counseling. My PCP, therapist and psychiatrist are all supportive of my decision, but I am concerned that I will be turned down by a surgeon and/or insurance. Has anyone here had any experience being in recovery from drugs and/or alcohol and pursuing bariatric surgery?    — Michelle S. (posted on April 11, 2003)

April 11, 2003
I just wanted to say congratulations on your recovery and good luck! I don't see why they would deny you.
   — Beverly S.

April 11, 2003
CONGRATULATIONS on your progress and recovery! Haven't had this situation, however, my gut feeling is if your pysch evaluation is positive, there would be no reason to deny you (except for exclusions, etc.)
   — Debbie B.

April 11, 2003
Michelle, first I would like to commend you on your recovery. I have not had the problems you have but have been through the problems as a mother. You should not have any problems with your insurance company and if you should have any problems, that's discrimination! One has nothing to do with the other. Good luck with your surgery and keep going one day at a time with your recovery. You are a very important person and deserve this surgery!
   — Barbara S.

April 11, 2003
Hey someoneb local, I am from Mcintyre Square area. Anyhow Dr Friday who approves all of Schauers patients said in treatment controlled for 6 months to a year. Given that you should be OK. Does Dr Hamad use Dr Friday for psych clearance?
   — bob-haller

April 11, 2003
I have been in recovery for 16 years and I was concerned also about whether I would be approved. On the paperwork my surgeon's office sent me, there was this question about "using". I wasn't sure what to do. I didn't feel it would be a problem but...... What I have had a problem with is pain medications - I could never get any because the docs were afraid I would get addicted to them. HEELLLOOO!!! So I have to suffer needlessly because I used to "use"? It has been a problem for me for years. As long as pain medications are used wisely, and controlled, things can go very well for people in recovery. Course, once I finally got to use them I found out that I was allergic to almost all of them. My PCP and therapists know my history. What I elected to do was to leave the space blank. If I were actively abusing chemicals right now, it would be an issue. Your support system knows your history. If they are not worried and have approved you for the surgery, I wouldn't worry about it. The only time my surgeon brought up drugs, it was because I am so allergic to everything. I was worried too. I have never tried Demerol, so we will go with that. I am going to make sure that there is at least one more option to fall back on - just in case. I hope this helps you. When we talk about a "program of honesty", and we have attained some recovery, I don't think it needs to be an issue. You know your heart; if you haven't used for 3 years, you have some stability. Sounds like you have a great program. Rely on HP to help. Good luck!
   — Judy K.

April 14, 2003
Congratulations on your recovery. With a physical addiction and/or an addictive personality one must be very careful what type of pain management is used post op. Do you have the option of an epidural(spinal) or only drugs? What if the drugs you receive for postop pain feel REALLY GOOD? You may relapse. Please be careful and discuss with your surgeon the option of epidural. Don't take any chances-Keep the drugs out of your system if at all possible.
   — mary ann T.