powelak10

Yesterday I had my psych eval which was the last thing I needed before things got submitted to my insurance company. It took over 3 hours including a super lengthy questionnaire. I had decided that I was going to be 100% honest with the shrink going into this. I just weaned myself off of my ADHD meds and have been struggling with some weight gain and haven't been doing my best when it comes to eating. I expected a tongue lashing over that. What I wasn't expecting was for this woman to tell me that I have substance abuse problems and I have to be clean and sober for a year before surgery. Apparently very occasionally smoking weed (like, a few times a year) makes me an addict. I had told my surgeon, the nutritionist and my primary care physician that I occasionally partake and was never told that I couldn't smoke. If I had been, I would've quit, no problem. Then I admitted that my drinking was out of control as a freshman in college. I told her my mom has been concerned with her own drinking. I still drink, but like a normal 24 year old. I might have a glass of wine or beer with dinner if I'm with friends and usually about once a month I go out on the town for a night. I know my limits, I rarely get drunk. The nutritionist and surgeon both told me that you can't drink for a while before or after surgery. Sure, understandable, no problem. They also said you can occasionally drink after a period of time. I just know that I have to watch myself and limit my alcohol consumption. This woman says I can't drink ever again. I feel like I'm receiving conflicting information. She says I'm currently not a good candidate for surgery. I obviously can't submit her eval to insurance. What do I do??? Do I take 3 months and get on track with my eating and exercise and then do another eval? I feel like another year is very extreme. Maybe this is the kick in the ass I needed, but it's extremely upsetting and frustrating.

I actually met with him 2.5 years ago the first time I thought about doing this, but had to switch to someone with an office at bayview since I moved down to south Baltimore. I'm just worried because I decided to stop taking one of my medications and I've put on about 20lbs since the start. Apparently it had been artificially ramping up my metabolism for about 8 years

Hahahaha I will probably do the same out of sheer terror for rejection. I decided to stop taking one of my medications and have gained 20 lbs since I started the process.

Thank you! That's reassuring!!! My surgeon is Dr. Adrales, she seemed very nice. How far out was your surgery date? I'm terrified that I'm going to get rejected.

Hey everyone! I'm just about to the end of my journey with the prerequisites for insurance and the last requirement is my psych eval on March 21st. My insurance is carefirst blue choice and I'm doing this at Johns Hopkins. Any insight to how long it's going to take for insurance approval and from then how long I'm looking to wait for an appointment for surgery? Thanks so much in advance!!