Michelle Stiegleder Psychologist Ph.D

First I had to fill out 2 questioners that took about 1 1/2 hours. That wasn't so bad, I understand that the questions help them to get a complete evaluation. However, after I finished the test she only spent 20 min interviewing me. Acctually the better term would be interigating me. Questions such as "Why don't you just loose the weight without this surgery?" When I explained that for the last 4 yrs I have tried that and the only guaranteed result was that in the end I weight more. Her response to that was smerk with disqust and shake her head while writing on her notepad. When she discussed what my favorite food are and asked if I knew that I wouldn't be able to eat them after the Lap Banding, I explained that I had been doing research on it for over 2 years and that I was well aware of the types of foods that I will not be able to eat. I got the exact same response. She left me feeling embarassed, ashamed and convinced that she would not recommend me for the surgery. And as it turned out she contacted me medical doctor to question the type of medication I was taking. When my doctor assured her it was not for what Michelle thought it was she continued to question her leaving my doctor to raise her voice (for all her assistant's and RN's to hear) and said "Look it not what you think it's for!!" Turns out when my surgeon's office called to tell me I was approved and schedule my surgury date, I asked if they had received the psych eval. They checked and said "Wow she wrote three pages on you but it's not that bad and I don't think it will prevent you from having the surgery."

Dr. Michelle was the greatest, she is very observant, especially, if you are a patient of Dr. Dirk Rodriquez, becuase he has given instructions on things that you need to start doing, and if you do they will reflect it at your appointment with Dr. Michelle.

From the first time I spoke with her on the phone I was completely at ease and enjoyed the whole process.

She works really fast and offers support and I felt really comfortable with her!