Feeling beat down...

[sjliend 9]

Had psych eval today, apparently I failed. He wants me to see a therapist for my anxiety...and then I can retake the mmpi2 in 6months to a year- provided I get my anxiety under control and bring him a letter from my therapist stating so. Ugh...I was so close! I already have 7 NUT visits under my belt, sleep study, visit with nurse practitioner, seminar...I only needed this Psych eval then off to insurance for approval

Edited October 22, 2015 by sjliend

[2goldengirl 2,076]

You won't regret getting your anxiety under control, though. The purpose of the psych eval is to identify whether you have issues that would be barriers to your success. Anxiety would definitely do that. Work hard with our therapist, and keep up with the visitis with your nutritionist as well.

Good luck!

[Crssypooh 13]

Go see a different one

[sjliend 9]

I don't feel my anxiety is a problem, I was diagnosed with it over 10 years ago for the first time, I take daily anti-psych medication, and have my own (medication-free...no-benzodiazepines) coping mechanisms that work for me.

Edited October 22, 2015 by sjliend

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

See the therapist. With the big weight loss there can be a rather large hormone dump.There are lots of people on this forum who had a really rough time of it due to post-op depression. The quick weight loss can also mess with a person's medication levels.

[Babbs 14,681]

I don't feel my anxiety is a problem, I was diagnosed with it over 10 years ago for the first time, I take daily anti-psych medication, and have my own (medication-free...no-benzodiazepines) coping mechanisms that work for me.

It would be a problem. I see people with anxiety over this whole process who don't even have an anxiety disorder.

Just go through the threads about stalls and you'll see my point.

This is a very stressful process. It literally turns your whole life upside down, and if someone isn't prepared emotionally to handle it, they can easily struggle and even fail. The shrinks job is to pin point any red flags to him that may cause someone to struggle and not be successful. I would take advantage of the additional therapy to be as prepared as you can be so you can rock this surgery!

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

One big issue is that if one of your major coping mechanisms for anxiety up to now has been food, then you definitely need to learn some new skills. Otherwise, you are setting yourself for a lot of challenges.

Starting with the pre-op diet and going forward through surgery and post-op, you won't be able to soothe your anxiety with food (and/or alcohol, nicotine, etc.).

In a lot of ways, this surgery requires that you learn and change things that have been comfortable up to now. This is a process that everyone has to go through. The professionals, like your psychologist, are just trying to make sure you have all the tools and support you need to be successful.

Once I started the process and decided surgery was right for me, I had some delays due to lining up financing. That time wasn't a waste, because I was able to make some changes, prepare myself both physically and mentally, and continue learning about myself and the surgery.

Without that extra time and preparation, I may have had a more difficult surgery and recovery.

[hollybower 122]

I too take an anti anxiety med. does this mean I'm going to have issues as well?

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I too take an anti anxiety med. does this mean I'm going to have issues as well?

No it doesn't. The pre-op testing is designed to prepare you for a successful surgical experience. The psych eval is not merely a hoop the insurance companies make you go through, it's to access where you are and hopefully what type of supports you may need. Depression and anxiety post op doesn't happen all the time, but it does occur. If your medical team is asking you to wait, it's likely in your own best interest.

[sjliend 9]

I had a second opinion and there were no concerns this time, she okayed me for surgery.

I truly think it was that MMPI2 test I took...I was completely confused with the questions and the way that they were asking them in different ways, I think they made me chart crazier than I actually am.

I guess we will see what the surgeon says about my 2nd opinion (since it wasn't "his recommend psych dr"

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I hope all goes well for you.