I had my psych eval a while back and there was an error on the test that made them believe I had an eating disorder. I was made to go to a counselor so that they could verify that I didn't have one. Of course, she delved into every part of my life. So, now she feels that I have some anxiety and they are making me attend counseling for anxiety before they will approve me for surgery. I have never been on medication or been to counseling for any anxiety/depression issues before and have been through nursing school, many life changes, and other surgeries just fine. They kind of kept me in the dark until today. The counselor kept having me come back to see her and would never give me a straight answer about if I was cleared for surgery. The social worker at the weight loss center finally told me today that I have to continue with counseling until the counselor clears me for surgery. And I only received that answer after I called a few times and bothered her about what paper work she needed showing I didn't have any type of eating disorder (since that was the original issue). Not sure why no one shared the plan with me.... Has anyone else experienced this? Or can anyone tell me why they are making me do this? How does having mild anxiety effect my ability to have this surgery?

Get a new counselor....sounds like it os a money racket!

Apparently you have to go along with the program to get the surgery. Make the most of your opportunity to meet with a counselor.

I know this isn't going to be a popular answer, but I have been one who believes almost everybody could benefit from counseling...like the previous poster said, try to make lemonade out of lemons in this case...or give the therapists the benefit of the doubt that you may have some underlying issues that need work before you undergo this surgery...I am one who is a therapy veteran--diagnosed with several anxiety disorders and still on meds--plus still struggling with emotional eating even post-WLS...make no doubt about it: this is a difficult emotional journey and most of us need all the help we can get

Thank you for your responses! I don't mind going to the counselor. Sometimes it's nice to talk with someone about things in general. My concern is the time that it is taking. I work night shift in a very stressful position. I really want to change jobs, but I can't leave until after the surgery because of insurance. So, the longer I have to attend this counseling, the longer I have to stay in this job. It's like a vicious circle for me. Anxiety and stress = counseling; counseling = staying in current job. staying in current job = anxiety and stress. Oh the irony! Maybe she will clear me for surgery soon. I'm going to talk to her about WHY I need the counseling before the surgery next time. That is what no one has explained to me. Why does it matter if I have anxiety/stress in my life? How does that effect the surgery? Obviously others with anxiety disorders have made it through and have gotten cleared for the surgery, so I'm sure I will too. I just have to persevere in this job until they say I'm good to go. Hopefully sooner rather than later