I talked about this in another forum. I think it's more appropriate here. Just venting now.

The psych lady wants a written statement from both my psychiatrist and therapist that I am psychologically ready for wls. I have a history of depression, social anxiety disorder, and addiction.

It's a history. I'm doing very well now.

Just can't shake this worrying over this issue b/c I really want this surgery. I don't like not having control over these other people. Even though I'm very aware of whats going on w me about this issue, I still don't like it. lol. I'll get through it. And, whatever happens, I'm sure I'll find a way to handle it.

Just venting.

Thanks.

My psych initially denied me. I was crushed, I mean, a total mess. I wanted this surgery so bad and she was standing in my way. I ended up having to have weekly sessions for 7 weeks and it set my surgery back a month. I actually am glad I had to see her. It really helped me prepare for the surgery. I think if you do get denied, it could only help honestly. I know how bad you want the surgery RIGHT NOW, but I learned a lot from them.

Thank you. Your're reply really helped me. If that is the worse that can happen, I can handle it.

Hey Martha,

try not to worry. The psych eval is just to make sure that you do not suffer from schizophrenia. What insurance do you have? When in doubt contact them and ask about what they are looking for within the psych evaluation. Try to speak with someone in the actual authorization dept. They would be able to give you more in depth information on the qualifications.

Just be ready to talk to her from her perspective. Do be open to the idea that you may need more preparation, it just happens sometimes.

I think, from what I have read - not here but in articles from doctors in determining these things - they are looking for not an additcion per se since it is pretty much assumed you have an eating addition or issues to one extent or another, but they are looking for addiction histories that show gateway addictions progressing, or a transfer addiction, etc. If so they will want to look at that further with you, so it does not happen again once you can no longer eat your (over)fill. They will also want to be sure you are not lined up for other eating problems, also.

Good luck, get the extra help if you need it, ride it out. it will be worth it.

Based on what she is asking for it sounds like she might just be making sure to have the proper documentation that your previous issues were successfully handled. It is probably just a way to make sure the insurance company doesn't flag you for your history. So just get the reports she asked for and work with her to get the approval. The people that do these exams don't want you to fail they just want to make sure you are properly equipped to handle what is coming post op. Good luck.

I also have depression and social anxiety.

They just need to know that you understand the surgery, the changes you need to go through for this to happen, and that you can stick to all the requirements.

You'll be fine!

I wouldn't worry to much as long as you are not planing any self harm or mutilation I think you will be fine. These evals are just another way the insurance companies lace their pockets. I had to take one before my surgery was approved ,and didn't really understand why but someone made some money off of me. Just my 2 cents.

I talked about this in another forum. I think it's more appropriate here. Just venting now.

The psych lady wants a written statement from both my psychiatrist and therapist that I am psychologically ready for wls. I have a history of depression' date=' social anxiety disorder, and addiction.

It's a history. I'm doing very well now.

Just can't shake this worrying over this issue b/c I really want this surgery. I don't like not having control over these other people. <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> Even though I'm very aware of whats going on w me about this issue, I still don't like it. lol. I'll get through it. And, whatever happens, I'm sure I'll find a way to handle it.

Just venting.

Thanks.[/quote']

Have you talked to your psychiatrist and therapist about your surgery? I've suffered from depression / anxiety since I was in my early teens. Just over a year ago there was a suicide in my family and I lost it. I discussed all of this during my psych eval and had no problems. If you've been doing well with your therapy I wouldn't think that you'd have a lot to worry about. I wish you the best of luck and a speedy decision!!

I do not think it is just a money making scheme. In fact it costs the insurance company money to have it done. They want to make sure you will be as successful as possible. So many times, I have read people have some magical thinking about what surgery will do for them. IT will get them a boyfriend/ girlfriend, a better job, etc. Surgery will only make your stomach smaller. Your head has to be in the right place to make the changes that allow you to lose weight.