Question:
Hello! Is it to my benefit to have my psych consult BEFORE my consultation w/ Dr?
— stacey L. (posted on March 2, 2002)
March 1, 2002
I had my psych consult prior to my appointment with the surgeon. It helped
speed things along, I think. My surgeon was real impressed that everything
was done. I don't know how much of a difference it made but he (the
surgeon) was happy about it.
— A. S.
March 1, 2002
If you have to have a psych consult, I don't think it would hurt to do it
ahead of time. Make sure you're seeing the person your doctor prefers, if
he's the one who requires the consult.
— garw
March 2, 2002
Stacey, while it can't hurt to have your psych eval prior to meeting with
your doctor, you may not need one. Neither my doctor, nor my insurance
required it. You could call your doctors office and your insurance company
to see if a psych eval is required before going to the expense of having
one done. Of course, should you just want to make sure that you are
psychologically prepared, go for it! Best wishes to you on your journey.
— kylakae
March 2, 2002
I even went as far to call around for some psych's on my preferred provider
list for an evaluation, but come to find out- due to my answers on my
surgeons's WLS Q&A "application"- he did not require one.
Had I gone ahead it would have been totally unnescessary. While I am like
you and wanted to speed the process, you should really check to see if you
even need one. My Insurance did not require one either.
— Karen R.
March 2, 2002
My surgeon said that I could have had mine before consult. But I thought,
how can a psych really gauge whether or not I am aware of all the possible
complications and post op regimen without me even talking with the surgeon.
Eventhough when I went to my surgeon, I had done so much research, there
really wasnt anything he said that I didnt already know. But, I waited. I
am scheduled to go for my psych eval. in 2 weeks. had consult on 2/14
— emilyfink
March 2, 2002
My surgeon said that I could have had mine before consult. But I thought,
how can a psych really gauge whether or not I am aware of all the possible
complications and post op regimen without me even talking with the surgeon.
Eventhough when I went to my surgeon, I had done so much research, there
really wasnt anything he said that I didnt already know. But, I waited. I
am scheduled to go for my psych eval. in 2 weeks. had consult on 2/14
— emilyfink
March 5, 2002
Make certain that your surgeon and/or insurance company REQUIRE that you
have a psych consult. Many do not, so why go to the extra expense?
— photographer45
March 9, 2002
I ask all patients to have a psychiatric evaluation before surgery. If
patients have this done prior to seeing me it is also helpful. There are
several reasons for having this as a requirement: first, if there are some
deep underlying psychiatric problems, just like an untreated medical
problem, we would want that taken care of before surgery. I had a wonderful
patient who seemed so happy that we were going to do his surgery, and loved
my office staff, sent me wonderful cards. Three days after his second
consult with me, and before surgery, he killed himself. I had no idea that
this poor man was suffering so much. Another reason is that some patients
have compulsive eating behaviors, and if you have the surgery, those
behaviors won't change, and that behavior needs treatment. Often if that
behavior is treated, the patient can lose weight without the surgery.
Finally, some patients have other psychiatric problems, which will become
more evident after surgery, and it is good to have someone professional to
talk to. This can be a rabbi, priest, pastor, social worker, but someone
who you can share the issues of surgery with. If a psychiatrist tells me
that a patient needs something treated before surgery, we hold off on
surgery until they have had that treatment. Just as if a cardiologist tells
me a patient needs to be treated for a heart condition before surgery, we
have that treated before the surgery.
— terrysimpson
December 6, 2002
my insurance (Tri-Care Prime) approved me for the 1st consult with my
sirgeopn. Then, depending on if the surgeon feels that i qualified for the
surgery he (the surgeon) has to submit a request to my insurance company
for the evaluation and any other test that are required before surgery.
GOOD LUCK
— Melissa S.
August 14, 2003
HI, I work as rn for kaiser, and am having my surgery though them this
month.
Part of our approval process includes at least 5-6 visits with mental
health counselor. I think it is really important as it can help set you up
for success.
We all have a variety of things that influence our weight, and I don;t
mean just will power.
I am a reactionary eater, we gather for celebrations and eat, I eat when I
am depressed, or stressed, etc.
Without looking at other possible coping methods or looking into the
future when my previous coping methods will likely make me hurl I set
myself up for problems.
the person with the most negative reaction in our support group was one who
felt totally un prepared to handle life without her food coping mechanism.
She got over it but had to really work hard at it. I recommend seeing a
counselor of some sort before surgery even if your insurance company
doesn't require it.
LOL pam
— Pam R.
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