Question:
Does anyone know of a doctor that does not do a psyc. evaluation?

   — Jennifer B. (posted on August 27, 2002)


August 27, 2002
My surgeon didn't require a phys evaluation ( I had one anyways) but his neam is Dr. R. Gaskin - St. Louis MO.... (3/5/02 -82 pounds)
   — lilmskitty

August 27, 2002
My doc never said one word to me about a psych evaluation.He is a very good doc and has been doing these surgeries in the 70's when the stomach stapling was done. He has seen it all. His name is Dr. Henry Laws in Birmingham, Alabama. He is in the Norwood Clinic in Carraway hospital. Hope this helps.
   — jamie C.

August 27, 2002
World's greatest surgeon- Dr. Peter O'Brien.. has done people from all over US... Sioux Falls, SD (3/12/02 down -96lbs)
   — Allie A.

August 27, 2002
Dr Osvaldo Anez in Fairfax VA doesn't require a psych eval.
   — Linda V.

August 27, 2002
I hate to be a wet blanket here, but I'm curious why you don't want a Psych Eval. done? What are you afraid of them finding out? Let me try to put your mind at ease - unless you have a clinically diagnosed eating disorder such as Bulemia or Anorexia there shouldn't be a problem with the Psych Eval. I passed mine with no problem at all and I had been hospitalized for suicidal thoughts just 6 years before, and even admitted to the Therapist doing the Eval that I believed I was currently suffering mild depression. The only thing they really want to find out with the Psych Eval is if you are really sure what your getting yourself in for, and not just making a snap decision. If you've thoroughly researched this and are sure it's what you really want, and you are aware of what the complications involved in this proceedure are, then you should not be afraid of having a Psych Eval. And if you don't pass the Psych Eval then it should be a red flag that maybe you're not as ready for this step as you think you are. Please don't try to circumvent the steps in place to help you be fully prepared for what will happen when you have the surgery, it will only make the post-op period all the worse then it will be anyway. I'm still pre-op, but I have been fully approved and already have a surgery date, but I still come to this site daily to research and read up on all the possible complications and problems. Trust me if I find something I'm not prepared for I'm ready to cancel the surgery if I believe it's not right for me. But knowing that I passed the Psych Eval does put my mind at ease that maybe I really do "have my head on straight" when it comes to whether or not to have the surgery. I hope I didn't offend you, but I believe the proceedures involved in qualifying for this surgery are there for a reason, and the Surgeons who perform this surgery are more educated then most of us when it comes to medical and psychological matters. If there's something you're afraid they're gonna find out about in the Psych Eval maybe you should think twice about having the surgery?
   — Elva C.

August 27, 2002
My Doc in Denver, CO didn't require it.
   — jen41766

August 27, 2002
Well, for me, it was my Insurance company that required a Physch Evaluation. So, no matter what my doctor asked for I still would have had to have one done. No problem though. the Psychiatrist was very supportive for me to get this surgery.
   — Patricia C.

August 27, 2002
blahblahblah. My doctor doesn't require a psych eval -- though some of the insurance companies do. It seems to me that you don't become 100+ pounds overweight without SOME emotional baggage/psych issues. My take? Do you feel ready? Do you think you can do this? Go for it. If you're having the emotional issues post-op, then get yourself to a shrink. I have little faith in a shrink that meets you for 45 minutes and passes judgment on your sanity. But maybe I say these things because I failed a psych eval. Kidding. Good luck!!!
   — Tamara K.

August 28, 2002
Jen, I noticed that you live in Illinois. Why not go to the Find Peers section and look up those in your home state and area to see who their surgeons were. Then start calling their offices to ask your question. My doctor in Northern VA did not require psych testing, but many do.
   — Cindy R.




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