Question:
Has anyone ever been denied because of Psych eval?

I am worried because I have seen some of the psych eval questions and they talk about denials for drug abuse. If you have a history of smoking marijuana can you be denied? Has this happened to anyone? I assume they are concerned about heavy users of hard drugs like cocaine and heroine, but I did smoke heavily at one point. Now I am done with it. Should I leave it out or is there an important reason for them to know this info? Thanks for the help with this I know it is an unusual question. Warm wishes to all:-)    — [Anonymous] (posted on June 21, 2001)

June 21, 2001
I smoke Marijuana all the time...it helps with my pain i passed my phyc evaluation with flying colors..they never asked about drugs and if they do just say NO...you dont have to tell them everything...
   — [Anonymous]

June 21, 2001
Be VERY careful on what you say during these evaluations. Don't volunteer ANY extra info. And for God's sake IF you are a grazer.... don't tell them! You've suffered enough without having to keep going to psychiatric evaluations until "they think you are cured of whatever". Shrinks are a rip off. I should know. I've had to go through that crap since 1988 when I first sought approval for gender reassignment. It is a "money game" with them. Plan what you are going to say to any "potential questions" you can think of. I hate lieing but sometimes you just can not be honest. If you know that there are no other options than gastric bypass, then lie or whatever you have to do "FOR YOU". Because the shrinks don't care. It's just a game to them. A game for which they make more money IF they can find some reason to deny you and "drag it out". Beware of them.
   — Danmark

June 21, 2001
I DISAGREE I WAS VERY OPEN AND HONEST ABOUT EVERTHING INCLUDING BEING MOLESTED,PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL ABUSE AND SOME MARIJUANA SMOKING AND I PASSED. I THINK YOU WILL BE FINE SINCE IT WAS IN THE PAST. THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT THE PAST.
   — MICHELLE C.

June 22, 2001
Michelle, I've had all your experiences except I've never done drugs, smoking or drinking. When they find out you've had these kind of sad experiences they "want to save you". In other words years of therapy. I would NEVER be honest again. You got lucky. The rest of us get screwed when we are honest.
   — Danmark

June 24, 2001
I was honest about having survived an extremely abusive background, including describing what coping mechanisms did and didn't work. We've all tried coping mechanisms that didn't work for us; if you feel yours was smoking weed and you've learned more effective means of dealing with issues, I can't imagine your being turned down. The purpose of the eval should be to make sure that you understand the lifestyle changes necessary, especially post-op, and point you to a means of support post-op. Most surgeons, including mine, have WLS support groups; mine is excellent! I'd say be honest about what is asked and be ready to show that you've learned from prior mistakes. All the best to you!
   — CaseyinLA

June 24, 2001
I personally think it depends on the type of therapist you're using. I was denied after being fully honest about abuse,using food(never did drugs and don't drink). I'm not nor have been anorexic,bulemic or anything. I graze. I did have an attempt at cutting over 3 yrs. ago. However, it was using a pen cap and barely scraped my arm. My therapist and PCP even conferred that this was a 1x incident because the pressure was too much and I wasn't in therapy at that time. Also, I was trying a new defense mechanism(dsn't mean the right one). Anyway, I was denied due to this risk of cutting. Yeah right. Anyway, I left that program and went somewhere else. This psychaitrist dealt with obesity and food issues. He wasn't afraid or concerned and understood the reasons why. They didn't have to be right or wrong but he listened and didn't freak at the thought. He expressed some of his concerns(not 1 to cutting)and I even took his advice on a few things. I'm so healthy emotionally it's truly scary. Anyway, this first therapist has denied many-bulemic(prior) and all because they want the perfect person for their program so their aren't any black eyes on the program itself. I'm so glad I went elsewhere!
   — Linda M.

September 3, 2001
I have the same concern. I am about to go for a consultation, and I am concerned about the psych eval. I don't think I can deny my past drug use though, since I was in rehab twice, but both times were over 10 years ago. Any suggestions on what to say?
   — [Anonymous]