I was just wondering if anyone else had the same requirement. My surgeon will not do surgery unless you have had a psych evaluation from the doctor he refers you to. Supposedly this Dr. is extremely familiar with WLS. I have been seeing a psychiatrist for a couple of years now and I'm on anti-depressants. My psychiatrist is totally supportive of me having the lap-band, and offered to write a letter for me when we first discussed the surgery. I'm not thrilled with the fact that I have to go see a stranger who happens to know a lot about WLS, but not me! I would think my psychitrist who I have been seeing for over 2 years would know better than anyone if I am "mentally" capable of handling the surgery and that I am totally committed to weight loss!

Cats

I had never seen a psychiatrist before. When I went he had me take a personality type test. Then visited with me for about 45 minutes. Asked about emotional eating history - my family, diets, etc. Also about meds, my commitment to change and continueing to understand the emotional side of this process. Also recommended the book "Body Intellegence".

I thought it was painless and at the same time introspective. He deals primarily with eating disorders and weight loss surgery candidates and I can see why he is part of the screening process so that the Surgeon doesn't operate on someone who isn't able to cope with this new tool.

In the support group that I attended, one person had figured out a way around the band (cookie dough and milk shakes) and another was continueing to purge even after banding.

I also had him send a copy of his report to my Primary Care, you might consider asking him to send copy to your regular psych Doc.

Afterwards he mentioned that this visit would be coded to insurance different than a typical psyc visit because it was for screening for surgery.

Hope this helps.

I was just wondering if anyone else had the same requirement. My surgeon will not do surgery unless you have had a psych evaluation from the doctor he refers you to. Supposedly this Dr. is extremely familiar with WLS. I have been seeing a psychiatrist for a couple of years now and I'm on anti-depressants. My psychiatrist is totally supportive of me having the lap-band, and offered to write a letter for me when we first discussed the surgery. I'm not thrilled with the fact that I have to go see a stranger who happens to know a lot about WLS, but not me! I would think my psychitrist who I have been seeing for over 2 years would know better than anyone if I am "mentally" capable of handling the surgery and that I am totally committed to weight loss!

Cats

I had to meet with one. My surgeon recommended one they work with, but it wasn't required I meet with her, I could have picked anyone. I choose to meet with her since I didn't know of anyone else.

I would meet with her, since she does know a lot about WLS and what to look for. Then, if she for some reason says you aren't a good candidate you can say that the psychiatrist you are seeing thinks you are and work from there.

My "surgeon to be," also required the evaluation. I was asked if I knew the risk envolved, that was really all that I thought pertained to the wls. The person was very nice but didn't go into anything that pertained to family weight history, overeating ect. I did it becaused it was required. I have a friend that didn't have insurance and she didn't have to do it. Had her surgery a couple months ago. Looks like you therapists opinion would be all you need. Did you ask?

Oh, forgot to mention, my surgery will be in about six weeks. I have completer all pre-op stuff.

Its quite common to be referred to a doctors physch eval. You will do fine.

my surgeon reccomended their person but I said no because it was $200 out of pocket and I could find a provider within my insurance policy. I would ask the office manager or insurance coordinator if you can use your own mental health professional who treats you- explain that you are more comfortable with it.

I wonder how important it is, to be honest. Some have to, some don't. Even using the same doctor. The doctors office sent me, not my insurance. If it was that important why didn't my friend, who is about a month ahead of me in this pre-op thing, have to do it? Same doctor. Also, we both had to do the sleep study. That was a miserable night.

Hi,

I have my surgery scheduled for 2/23 and just had my psych eval today (testing last week). I thought it was really interesting and dead on in my case. I am really annoyed though (b/c it is self pay), that I have to continue to see the psychologist at least once a month for over a year. No one ever mentioned this. I am self pay and this psychologist is out of my network. I really liked her, but now I'm going to have to pay her or find another Weight Loss psychologist in my network.....ugh. I think it is worthwhile, but I don't feel the need for ongoing therapy.

Gretchen

Mine was required by my INSURANCE company, not the surgeon, so I had to find one on my own.. ended up going down the provider list until I found one that only required ONE visit.. (some wanted a minimum of 3)

I paid $200 out of pocket (but used my FSA card for reimbursement)

I have never heard of multiple visits. I only have to do one and it was pre-op. My date is 3/7.

I had to see a psychologist as well as a requirement by my insurance company. I haven't heard of anyone needing multiple visits....I suggest checking with your surgeon to see if it is his requirement ....what would happen if you decided not to continue seeing the psychologist? Would they repossess your band? Only kidding but lets face it, I am sure you would pass on the band if this mental health person had the magic bullet in his/her therapy session....

I had to see the Psychologist that is part of my surgeons office, he has a psychologist and a physical therapist and a dietician as part of

his practice and it is all included in the self-pay price. The psychologist has had weight loss surgery and she was very easy to talk to. She also runs the pre-op support groups that are part of his pre-surgery requirements.

Jean