Question:
I have clinical depression and take an anti-depressant. Can I be denied?

I have clinical depression. I have been on anti depressants for over 10 years. The problem is hereditary in my family. I am worried about my psych eval. Can I be denied becasue of this? What should I know before going for the Psych eval??    — [Anonymous] (posted on December 17, 2001)

December 17, 2001
According to the psycologist who approves all my surgeons patients depression is normal for the MO, and no reason to be denied. So dont worry about it. Incidently I have suffered depression in the past and it left with my excess weight after surgery. That same psych doctor aoid this is a common great affect of surgery. Depression is sometimes caused by the poor self image of ourselves. Read my profile it talks about some of this.
   — bob-haller

December 17, 2001
I have been diagnosed with clinical depression and also was (am) on antidepressants for over 10 years. I was up front with my psychologist. I had my surgery on July 24th, 2001. I had no problem at all. Being clinical depressed I am still on medication and probably will be for life. Best of everything to you in your pre-op testing and getting the surgery.
   — Karen Renee

December 17, 2001
I think you shouldn't worry too much about this. I was on antidepressants for many years do to major depression, but since I got out of the brutality of a preppy private high school 3 years ago, I slowly weened myself off of them. Even though you still take the meds, the fact that you _are_ taking them should at least show the psych that you are a responsible person who will take care of yourself post-op. I was lucky and saw the psych I've been seeing my whole life for my psych eval, and she thought WLS was a great idea. She even found the fact that a good deal of my depression stemmed from my obesity and the resulting alienation I faced a good support of the decision to have surgery. There are plenty more people out there with more serious chronic mental disorders who have been approved for surgery, so I think you will be fine! Everyone stresses so much about the psych eval, but 99% of the time it ends up being a non-issue. Have faith, and good luck! :)
   — [Anonymous]