Question:
Psychiatrist not in favor of WLS???
Hello from NJ! Ok, here's my question. Because I am already seeing a psychiatrist for depression, my surgeon says that she can do my psych eval., but she has stated on numerous occassions that she is against me having WLS because it is unhealthy. She then goes on to tell me that many people have problems afterwards. I felt like screaming at her, "Lady, I am having problems now! Back pain, short of breath, irregular periods, very high cholestorol and blood pressure, family history of heart disease"!!! Anyone have a similar problem? What should I do? I don't want her ruining my chances!! Thanks in advance!!!! — J. W. (posted on September 19, 2002)
September 18, 2002
J, I would try and educate her a bit, if that doesn't work or you don't
want to deal with her, I have a psychiatrist you could use (that my dtr
referred me to for my consult) that is totally supportive of this and she
has gotten most if not all of her patients approved. I noticed you were in
NJ and she is in NYC, I don't think it is that far for you...maybe an hour?
Let me know. She is great, has worked with my surgeon and the 2 others in
his practice for 10 yrs or so and is totally up to date on WLS and most
importanly, is supportive. P.S. For the sysch consult, it doesn't matter
who you see, it doesn't have to be your regular dtr, it can be anyone.
They just need the credentials. Good Luck. [email protected]
— heathercross
September 18, 2002
Get another dr for your psych eval. You can use anyone if you are willing
to pay for it. My friend just had hers done and it cost $150. for that dr
to say that she was completely mentally fit to have this surgery....Small
price to pay to get the answers that you want....Good Luck
— Joi G.
September 18, 2002
I agree that you should find another doctor for your evaluation. This one
might have formed her opinion based on the old you and might not be able to
get past it. The psych my insurance company sent me to was probably the
biggest lunatic I've ever met in my life. He said many negative things
about the surgery (even though he told me he knew nothing about it). Based
on my experience my advice is to keep the discussion to HEALTH issues and
how much better your quality of life will be. Stay away from past
treatment from a psych and don't get into relationship discussions. You
have made up your mind and so be very businesslike and clinical in how you
discuss the health issues that have caused you to choose this drastic
lifestyle change. The evaluation is supposed to determine if you are
stable and can handle the change wls will make in your life. You know the
answer to that better than the psychiatrist.
— Mary U.
September 19, 2002
The previous posters are correct--get another doc to do your eval. I have a
female PhD in NYC, who, after being educated by me, is very pro-WLS.
Contact me privately if you need her name. [email protected]
— dantevolta
September 19, 2002
As we all know, WLS is CONTROVERSIAL. Only about 50% of people agree that
it's a good option for the morbidly obese. The key is to find a
psychiatrist who is not already opposed to the idea. As long as he/she can
objectively evaluate your 1) mental status, 2) ability to follow after-care
instructions and 3) expectations post-op (realistic or not), then he/she is
qualified to provide your assessment. Definitely worth it to find another
psychiatrist if the one you already have is anti-WLS.
— Terissa R.
September 19, 2002
I just want to thank everyone who posted an answer to this question. This
website have been such an important step for me in learing everything I can
about WLS and the people having it. A big THANK YOU to everyone!!
Jamie : )
— J. W.
September 19, 2002
I would think about switching Drs., do to the fact if she is not supportive
now what about aftercare when we all may need someone to be aware of the
changes we are going through. Good Luck
— Donna C.
September 19, 2002
My Psychologist basically told me that he thought that if you were
"fat" it was basically your fault, and to get off your butt and
do something about it. BUT, that was his personal opinion, not his
professional opinion. All he was asked to do is find out whether or not I
am mentally ready for the surgery... it was not up to him to say that he
doesn't believe in WLS. He said that I was approaching things
realistically, and that he had no problem reporting that I was a good
candidate mentally for it. Thank Heaven he didn't base his report on his
personal opinion or I would be jipped. Maybe your Psychiatrist will somehow
keep their personal opinion out of it and report on what they were asked to
report on.... I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! If all else fails, go
to someone else.
— AprilRebuilt
September 19, 2002
My Psychiatrist was opposed to WLS as well, however he did certify that I
was sane enough to make the decision and that I understood the
consequences. If you do not trust your psychiatrist to be objective, You
should ask your WLS surgeon to recommend someone for the Psych
consultation, mine had someone they usually used for that. Don't worry
it's not really a big deal, and I should know I'm a step away from
certifiable and I passed...LOL
— Diane B.
September 19, 2002
I just wanted to post and tell you I feel your pain and frustration. I am
going through a similar situation. The psych my surgeon uses (who I am not
sure where she stands on wls) is giving me a big run around and making me
wait. It's a long story but my surgeon won't take a second opinion and I
can't go to another surgeon so I am stuck. I would call your surgeon's
office and ask for a list of psych's they use or recommend and chose one of
them. They might be more likely to be for WLS. If they ask why, just tell
them my psych is against WLS and for this I would like to go to someone
else. Good Luck and don't let this get you down. :)
— Female C.
September 19, 2002
hi, i also had this problem so i asked the surgeon for his
psychiatrist of choice and low and behold i had to pay for the
visit and he failed me on the psych evaluation. needless to say
i asked my psychiatrist what it would take to get him to do it
for me and i ended up having to write a four page essay
telling all the reasons for wanting/needing the surgery and how i
understood all the pros and cons. ask your psychiatrist if you
could do something like that. after i did he wrote me up an
eval and faxed it straight to the surgeons office and i have my
approval two weeks ago yesterday. yeah, not date yet though.
good luck and don't give up.
— kimberly T.
September 19, 2002
I am waiting for my insurance approval for WLS. I am also a therapist.
Although I do not suffer from depression, I plan to see a therapist (who is
pro-WLS) for atleast 1 year after my surgery because of the significant
emotional changes and transitions I will be experiencing. Most people see
the pre-op psych eval as a necessary evil....I see it as an opportunity to
initiate a professional relationship with someone who knows about WLS in
order for you to obtain additional support if needed down the road. This is
especially important for you based on your history of depression. Please
try to educate your therapist on WLS and discuss his/her ability or
inability to offer you the support you need and deserve, rather than
inappropriate and uninformed "advice". If this therapist is
unable, find yourself someone who can! You are worth it!
— Charree K.
September 19, 2002
I actually see a pyschiatrist for medication and a psychologist for
counseling. The psychologist has a doctorate and supports WLS. She was the
one that wrote my recommendation (although I didn't need it because my
insurance didn't require preapproval). I recommend finding someone like
this not only for the recommendation, but also because it has be an
INVALUABLE resource for me post op to have a counselor who supports my
decision and can discuss it in as an person educated about the surgery.
Unfortunately, I can't share her with you, I live in Alabama.
— sheltie
September 19, 2002
Get someone else! She WILL ruin your chances. She wants your money, but not
to help you. Find someone else as soon as can as you are only wasting your
money and making more time before you can get WLS.
— Danmark
September 21, 2002
I was having the same problems that you are having. When I decided that I
wanted to have this surgery in April, I told my psychiatrist and PCP. They
decided without discussing with me that I was too immature to make a
decision like this. I will be 30 in December. After that I started seeing a
eating disorders psychologist. When I told her I wanted the surgery, she
gave me this look of utter disgust and told me she didn't agree with the
surgery. After that, she and I could not get past the idea that I wanted
the surgery and she didn't agree with it. I decided to discontinue my
therapy with her. I am now seeing my sister's therapist, who feels I would
be a ideal candidate for the surgery.
You need to find a new therapist that will support your decision.
— Lisa N.
September 22, 2002
I encourage EVERYONE to use the support docs your surgeon refers you to. I
had a terrible experience pre op with a non supportive sleep apnea doc who
TRIED to scare me out of surgery. Unsafe, would die, wouldnt loose weight,
regain within a year. I ignored his advice, and went on to success, but it
was a dark moment and had me questioning my decision right up to the moment
I heard them say he is out in the OR.<P> Use the docs your surgeon
refers you to. They will be supportive.
— bob-haller
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