Question:
Expert Advice Again Appreciated

Okay everyone! Thank you all for your help, advice, opinion, etc. I went to my last session with the PhD who suggested that I buy Dr. Phils book to see what his outlook was on obesity...... Many of you told me to stick with it. Someone told me to run, not walk, and get another PhD to do my psych evaluation. Well, I did it. This is what he told me... He said that he will tell my surgeon that he thinks I am of "sound mind" and able to make choices. But he added that I am depressed and he is "going to have to put that in his report, too", that according to the MMPI that I had to take, I am depressed. DID I BLOW IT? Will my surgeon say no because I am a little depressed?    — Marcy G. (posted on December 30, 2002)

December 30, 2002
Sound Mind, means you are able to make informed decisions, that is the key thing the surgeon wants to know. Can you make a rational decision based the information that they have provided and what you have researched. Being depressed, hell that's just another CoMorb that you have to deal with.
   — Micheal B.

December 30, 2002
I don't think you blew it at all. If i were in your shoes and the surgeon had anything to say about these depressed findings I would tell him (if he already hasn't figured it out anyway) that any depressed thoughts that you have is secondary to the obesity...like a co-morbid condition. As I said thought your surgeon probably knows that connection already.
   — Jen L.

December 30, 2002
Depression is a comorbidity of obesity. You didn't blow a thing. Depression is what a knowledgeable surgeon is knows will improve once you have had surgery. The psych eval is basically to rule out suicidal ideation or a psychosis so severe that the surgery would not help you and might hurt you, very few fall into that category, but they have to test you to be sure.
   — Dana S.

December 30, 2002
While some MO people's depression may ease considerably after WLS, the surgery is not a cure for depression. There are those of us who have chemical imbalances which cause our depression and our weight loss is not going to change that. I just don't want people to think that they will be 'cured' of their depression by having the surgery, because that may or may not happen. Having said that, though, depression is not reason to deny the surgery either.
   — garw

December 30, 2002
When I went to see the psychiatrist, all we did was talk for about an hour. Mostly about another state we both had lived in years before. I have never heard of a MMPI. I also have been on antidepressants on and off for many years now,, and I have been on them for almost 2 years this time. The psychiatrist I seen knows this, we also discussed me being on meds for depression, and his advice to me was that I should stay on them,, There was no mention about the WLS and depression. My surgeon never mentioned anything about it,, I had never told him,, The psychiatrist said I had his blessing for the surgery and wished me the best. So hopefully for you, your surgeon won't say anything about it. Good Luck. (Open RNY, Nov. 14, 02)
   — Amy Hoffman

December 30, 2002
Well good lord. Who ISN'T fat and depressed? You did just fine.
   — Goldilauxx B.

December 30, 2002
Hi there, Marcy! I remember your original post, glad that the doctor did say he was gonna give you the go-ahead, congrats on this part being behind you. As far as the depression, it will not hurt. I have had depression and anxiety since I was very young. I am still taking Prozac (for depression) and Ativan (for panic attacks), my surgeon knew it and didn't hold it against me. It should be fine. Any questions, please e-mail me. Vi open RNY 9/23/02 down 80 lbs.
   — Vi F.

December 30, 2002
no, you absolutely DID NOT blow it by having your psych say you are depressed. if anything, it will help your case. keep in mind that 98% of patients who have this surgery are depressed, mainly from being so overweight. a very high percentage (i for one) are on anti-depressants before the surgery. please do not upset yourself over this - no harm done!!
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 31, 2002
I was on Zoloft for depression for four years before my WLS and I'm still on it. Depression will not hurt your case.
   — Chris P.

December 31, 2002
No...Dr. Phil thinks there is an underlying issue that we all have. He thinks if we find out what it is and deal with it, our weight problems can be solved... This PhD said he is going to tell my surgeon that he thinks I will benefit from therapy because I am depressed. If he ruins it for me I will pay out of pocket for a second opinion, as I have already been approved for surgery!!! Thanks to all...
   — Marcy G.

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