Question:
Many Questions

I have been researching the wls for about 6 mo. now. Yesterday I had a consultation appointment with Dr. Baggs. I really liked him. He was very open and answered all of my questions. I am 25 yrs old, 5"4' 240. Here are some other questions that I have. 1. They referred me to a psychologist. Does everyone have to do this? What are they going to ask? I want to call my insurance to see if they cover this, but afraid to warn them it is coming. I would rather they get the letter from the doctor first. 2. I am going to look into FMLA or Short Term Disability, but not sure which I can take or qualify for. 3. What do I tell people? The only people that know are my husband, mom and sister. I don't want to tell my in-laws or co-workers. I am not comfortable telling them the truth, but what can I say if they ask questions? The doctor's office said that they will be sending out the letter to my insurance within a week. I am nervous and excited at the same time. Thank you for all of your questions and answers posted on this site. It has been a tremendous help.    — Michelle K. (posted on March 1, 2001)

March 1, 2001
Hi Michelle, Yes, virtually all RNY patients have to have a psych exam. Mine was easy - they basically want you to say that you know WLS is just a tool, and not a cure-all; they want you to admit to how much you eat now - if you say you hardly eat at all and have no idea how you got this big, be prepared to have extra sessions so you'll get out of denial; they want to hear that you are committed to following the aftercare program, and not that you're gonna miss food so much and you may cheat; (admit stuff like this to your friends, personal therapist, etc - do not tell the hospital shrink!). Don't go in there with the idea that this is the place to spill your guts about your abused childhood, bad marriage, etc. Get your own shrink for that! Act positive, willing, and knowledgeable. About telling othr people: I won't, either. Once you tell, you can never un-tell, and the ones who scoff or judge will always hav that over you. I believe that no one will ever forget that you had to have surgery to get thin, and they will tell everyone they know, and so on and so on. I would urge you to be very very choosy. I plan to tell people that i'm having my gallbladder out OR having ulcers taken out.Either way it would explain being in pain or not being able to lift or bend.As for direct 'how did you lose weight' questions, I will say that I'm eating less and exersizing more. Which I will be.
   — Veronica D.

March 1, 2001
I agree that almost everybody has to has a pysch exam.Don't sweat it ! AS for telling other i agree that the less send the better. I'm not even telling my mother cuz I know I will just get the "speech."
   — L. A.

March 1, 2001
1 - No psych exam for me. 2) You qualify for FMLA if your company has 50+ employees and you have worked for a specific amount of hours prior to the leave. If leave is "foreseeable" you must request it 30 days prior to surgery. There is paperwork for you and your surgeon to complete. 3 - My surgeon put "abdominal surgery" on my FMLA paperwork, but I chose to tell my coworkers. They weren't supportive, my boss thought it to be cosmetic and suggested I wait a year. I chose total honesty because it helps educate society about the fact that morbid obesity is a terminal disease. Your choice "to tell or not to tell" is very personal. If you meet requirements for FMLA and STD, you can probably qualify for both. Check with your HR office for specifics about your company well in advance to avoid possible complications and denial. Best wishes!
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 1, 2001
Hi Michelle: Good for you! I would recommend you don't tell a lot of people. Wait and see what happens with your insurance -- it sounds like you'll have an answer soon. If you have a copy of your policy, you could read it yourself but sometimes its a matter of particular wording that may be unclear to you -- so you may be just as well off to wait and see. If your surgeon is like mine, he may do more than simply do the weight loss surgery -- like he may remove your gall bladder or appendix. In that case, you could tell people you are having your gall bladder removed (that would be truthful). No one needs to know all of the details of anyone else's medical treatments. The recovery period from gall bladder surgery is equal to the recovery time for weight loss surgery. Many insurance companies and some surgeons require the psychiatric exam. This is intended to weed out people who are mentally incapable of following directions afterwards and could actually end up harming themselves. This is very rare, but these people have to be weeded out. It is also to make sure you know what you are doing -- and you've done your research and understand the risks and benefits, right? So, don't worry -- I wasn't anxious about it at all and it went quite smoothly. Some of the questions you'll likely be asked are very humorous. Consider it an adventure -- as is this whole ordeal. You are embarking on such an exciting adventure, I can hardly explain it to you. But, suffice it to say, you will be sooooo happy in the long run! Best wishes!
   — Cindy H.

March 2, 2001
I had open rny almost 11 months ago. No psych exam or interview for me. Because I DID have my gall bladder removed, THAT'S what I told all but my closest friends & family. I found myself telling virtually everyone the truth shortly after surgery, tho, as I was so proud of my progress & so pleased to have the opportunity for the surgery. I wanted to share the encouraging news with anyone who gave me the chance to share it & I still do. I wish we could get rid of some of the stigma of this surgery. It is, literally, oftentimes a life saver.
   — Kathy W.