I had my initial consultation today for the sleeve. Everything went well--at this program they do an initial group consult where we meet with an admin, nurse, and dietician. While the nurse and dietician are speaking, the admin is processing paperwork and scheduling all of the appointments (except the surgery). At the end she handed out all of our appointment times. I can see that everyone else has an entire list of appointments, but my sheet is blank save for a piece of paper stapled to it that says they cannot continue booking until they further screen for my "diagnosis." But they don't say what diagnosis.

So, I stay after to find out more. Turns out that my PCP had given me a diagnosis of binge eating some time ago and now that it's in my medical record the hospital has to do all these additional tests and measures to make sure I am a candidate for the surgery. The problem is that we never talked about my supposed disorder, nor did he evaluate me in any way. Save for this one incident in my file, there are no other medical records regarding binge eating to be examined. When I saw him last month I mentioned that I am a stress eater (this is true) but had no idea saying that to him would result in a diagnosis of an eating disorder. Is this going to ruin my chances of being approved?

I don't think it will rule out surgery for you. I have also been labeled a binge eater at times, and I was concerned as I have been on a med for some OCD-type behaviors along with anxiety. I think the surgeons just want to make sure you will be successful through surgery., so they want to take every precaution necessary. For me, I met with the psychologist and explained that I am aware of my behaviors and that I will get help if I think things are getting out of control. After talking for a bit, she gave me clearance. As for your PCP, unless s/he is a trained expert in eating disorders, they had no right to add that to your file. I would just take a breath, find out what additional testing is necessary for approval, and go from there. Ask a lot of questions. Best of luck to you!

Edited December 14, 201510 yr by luvhermitcrabs

As for your PCP, unless s/he is a trained expert in eating disorders, they had no right to add that to your file. I would just take a breath, find out what additional testing is necessary for approval, and go from there. Ask a lot of questions. Best of luck to you!

I was thinking that too...glad to hear someone else thinks it's a bit off. But thanks for the rest of your comment--I'm glad to hear it is something they deal with somewhat regularly.

I think you're fine. A general practice doctor who "diagnosed" you as a binge eater upon hearing you say you were a "stress eater" has mis-"diagnosed" you. There are specific behaviors associated with binge eating that aren't associated with someone who eats under specific conditions of stress.

As you probably know, there are several pen/paper tests that are used to help medicos diagnose binge eating disorders. food diaries / journals and interviews that cover specific subjects are also necessary to diagnose BED. I think all those need to be invoked here.

Sorry about the extra hoops to jump through. This can get sorted out, but it may take a few extra weeks.

Sorry about the extra hoops to jump through. This can get sorted out, but it may take a few extra weeks.

That's what I was sort of afraid of. Bummer, especially since the holidays are here and things are likely to take longer anyway. Sigh...

Thats ironic, because 'binge eating' is what the WLS will address. By that I mean the ONE THING that WLS does for us is to restrict severely the amount of food we can eat at a single 'feeding'.

Maybe they think you will overeat and 'blow up'???

-RC-