wls2011

I was really nervous for my psych eval...It turned out to be fairly easy...A straight forward questionairre about feelings, moods, and stress levels about certain aspects of life, work, family, etc. It also seemed like a screening for clinical depression as some of the questions I know from my limited background in college psych classes. He did ask about sleep patterns, social situations, past/present drug/alcohol abuse, past or present history of depression or suicidal thoughts/attempts. He asked about dieting history, body image, expectations of surgery, support system at home regarding surgery, etc.. I felt like maybe I was a bit too honest, with some of the direct questions he asked, but at the end he said I seemed like a very good candidate, and that he would forward the write-up of my eval to the surgeon. I think if you are severely depressed/suicidal and not being treated for it, it can postpone surgery...basically, you need to be emotionally stable and ready for surgery. I think that many of us that are clinically obese may have some things that could be seen as "depressed", but when answering questions remember that psych is asking about your emotional state, not your physical state... For example...I am physically exhausted from my weight and medical issues, but I'm not exhausted due to emotional reasons that is common with depression. I know that when I lose weight, I do regain a lot of energy and enthusiasm for activities... Now, if that isn't the case for you, the fatigue and exhaustion could be emotional.. Also I'm in pain a lot, so that limits my desire for social activities, that could be perceived as depression..but I was clear in telling the psychologist that I have pain and have had a rough year of illness. Hope this makes sense... and for those that still have to take evaluation, just be honest, but keep it in perspective with what he/she is actually asking...If you are unsure, at any point, ask him/her to clarify the question... Ultimately, they are there to help, and if you do need counseling or medicine, better now to find out, then down the road, while dealing with such a major life change that WLS brings. Hope this helps....

This is my experience too...I have been busy doing tons of tests, evaluations, and specialist visits, I'm assuming the insurance will cover all of them...since my insurance covers weight loss surgery. I have not even had my consultation with surgeon yet...My understanding is that once your primary gives the referral to bariatric program, that's enough to get the ball rolling...and for these visits & tests, they have only collected my co-pay.

It seems based on my personal experience and other posts that I have read, that since doctors are more familiar with RNY and LapBand, that is what they recommend. I felt my PCP, was going to be against supporting my desire for WLS, since every time before she only recommended Weight Watchers. She finally agreed and referred me to a bariatric program, but specifically recommended the Band. No way was I getting the Band! I didn't tell her this, but continued with my research of all WLS options. Bottom line, it is our bodies, and we get to decide what is best, based on an educated and informed medical opinion from doctors. In other words, I would get a few surgeon opinions, before deciding. Then just tell your PCP what your chosen surgeon and you have decided. Let us know how it works out for you...I also have bad GERD and chronic gastritis, and am waiting to talk to surgeons.

I'm wondering this too....Hopefully, more will comment here, what type of eater they were, and how they have changed since being sleeved. I'm thinking this surgery works best for volume eaters. I'm not a huge eater at one meal either, I can only eat a 6 inch sub for instance, when skinny friends of mine can eat a foot long. But I'm still hoping it can be a good tool for me. But I do eat sweets & junk food frequently. I also eat often, about every 3 hours, I get ravenous. And my hubby weighs less than me, but can eat WAY more than me, so I hear what you are saying... My question, in your description, would be.... what is it that you have been doing, because we all gained weight somehow....definitely a good idea to track, and find out for ourselves where our trouble lies.

Hi Nursenevada! I'm meeting with Dr.Roslin soon for potential sleeve. Let me know how things go for you....

This is an interesting thread... I've been frequenting many board sites lately...It seems in any "support" group, there is always a couple of rude, arrogant, posters... But I started out thinking I was getting a RNY. Now I really want a sleeve. Kris.... What if someone has severe acid reflux, but also IBD and intestinal problems??? I heard RNY was recommended over sleeve for gastric issues. But also heard re-routing of intestines, not good for Crohn's & IBD sufferers. I really don't know what WLS surgery, I'll be able to get... I do have two separate surgeon consults coming up at the end of this month.. One is very pro-sleeve. The other very pro-RNY. I figure I will listen to what both have to say...Hopefully, I can still get the sleeve!