Has anyone come into contact with hospitals that will not do the sleeve or bypass with a diagnosis of bipolar? It is a policy, and this is even without seeing social workers or having a psych eval. I have a diagnosis from when I was a teenager going through a difficult time, but I do not believe that the diagnosis is correct. I hope I can find a way around this.It's unfortunate that it is straight across the board.

Hi MAChick,

I don't think that it is straight across the board. I have bipolor and had no problem finding a surgeon and hospital to perform the surgery. I did go through the psych eval and passed. Basically they just wanted to make sure that I was stable and well prepared for the surgery. Additionally the insurance company is covering my surgery no problems there either.

Was this just one hospital or several? I wish you luck.

Bonnie

Hi Bonnie, thank you for the reply!

No, I do think other hospitals will perform surgery on those with MH diagnoses, but I meant it is straight across the board for this specific hospital. I just went today for my first appointments and was told that if I have a diagnosis, they will not do the sleeve or bypass, only the band. I am completely stable, and the people I met with today thought I would be a great candidate for the surgery. If there is no way around it, I am going to look into other hospitals, though I had a difficult time finding one that would accept my insurance in the first place.

Wow! that surprises me because the band is so inferior to the sleeve. I really wish you luck in finding the right hospital for you.

I know! I almost laughed when they asked if I was interested in the band. I said absolutely not. I have my heart set on the sleeve, so I am going to push forward and see what I can do. I can be very persistant lol. I put a call into the social worker and will go from there. I'd be more than willing to go for psych visits, eval, etc. I just hate being told "no" before I am correctly and thoroughly evaluated.

Thank you so much for your support, what a frustrating blow!

Keep us posted. I am routing for you!

If they're willing to approve the band and not the sleeve, then obviously they've got the Mental Health issues..... That's INSANE. Just my Professional opinion... I've been a Psych Nurse for 38 years.

Amy Brock, R.N., B.C.

Amen Amy! I am so glad I am not the only one thinking this sounds ridiculous lol. I can understand if they do an eval and find me unfit for the surgery, but this sounds like an incredibly restrictive and ridiculous policy. We'll see how it pans out!

I just lied. Said no psychiatric issues. I have bipolar, PTSD, on and on

I am bipolar and got approved no problem at two hospitals. That is a really stupid policy. If BP people are stable, they're just like anyone else!!

If you think the diagnosis is incorrect from when you were younger I would suggest you go to another psychiatrist and be reevaluated. If the results show and incorrect diagnosis then you can have your medical records changed. Get a letter from the new psychiatrist to clear you. You never know it might work! If not, then you might think about going to another doctor for your surgery. Good luck!!