Hi everyone! I just need to vent. I completed me 6 month program Feb 5th and have been getting the last few things together but I'm stuck on the psych eval clearance and so frustrated that it's making me crazy.

First, I was on a waiting list to see the Psychiatrist but finally was able to get an appointment on Feb 4th. The doctor required a letter or phone call from the therapist I have been seeing for the past 8 months in order to finalize the clearance. Other than that, she is more than happy to sign off.

The problem is with the therapist. I began seeing her at the beginning of this process because I thought that it would be helpful to explore any other issues that might be impacting my weight issues. I was trying to be proactive because, for me, this is a change both physically and mentally. My therapist isn't well informed about wls and I think she has some prejudices about it. I asked her for a letter a week prior to my eval and she said we needed a session just for that. I did that the day before eval. The psychiatrist then contacted her and she didn't respond. I went for my weekly session and asked again. She said she was going out of town for a week and asked if it could wait. I said no.

She didn't do it before she left. Now, she's back and claims she is backed up and will get to it in the next few weeks.

This is the only thing I'm waiting for in order to submit paperwork to insurance. In the meantime, the psychiatrist won't give clearance and has stated that she wonders if there is a larger issue I'm trying to conceal or if I'm just not willing to follow through.

I spoke harshly to my therapist, trying to make her understand how important this is to me. She says that I seem aggressive and perhaps we need to work on my hostility before she would feel comfortable.

AAAAACCCCCKKKKKKK!!!! I am a fairly same person with no serious mental health issues but this is making me crazy!!! I need therapy after dealing with these mental health professionals!!!

Thanks for listening ????

I would also call my surgeon's office and see what s/he would recommend. S/he is also invested in your success. State requirements are different but this process you are going through is weird.

We just go do mini psychological evaluation: have testing and clinical interview. About a total of 4 hours in one day.

Ok I'm seriously pissed reading this this woman is holding you hostage she is too " busy" ? Bullshit she is jerking your chain she definitely has negative feelings about the procedure if she is to damn busy to deal with a patient she took on in the first place but has time to go away and hold up your life at her whim it's not her job to judge your choice but only to decide if you understand all that is involved as others have stated in their responses these Drs usually are taking on WLS patients at the request of insurance company's or the surgeons performing the procedures so perhaps she needs to get the hell off the list if she is too damn " busy" to do the job I think she needs to " see " someone

Wow! I had a similar experience with my psych evaluation. I'm at the beginning of my 6 month program. I already had my initial evaluation with the psychiatrist who works with the wls center. She brought up her concerns that she saw in my initial application i.e.( severe depression & anxiety, brief bulimic experience & my drinking alcohol). I felt VERY attacked and uneasy. I wanted to make sure I was honest on my application but had NO idea it was going to be used against me later. She suggested that I meet with an outside therapist to work on my issues. I asked if she had any power to deny me surgery and she said she doesn't but she gives the surgeon notes. I have to meet with her again in April and I'm not looking forward to it. I plan on seeing a therapist but now I'm worried about being so honest if it is going to stall my surgery.

FYI I have wanted wls for about the last 3-4 years. My insurance has put me through the ringer and I'm SO close. I don't want to mess anything up.

Couldn't you send an official request for your patient records? It may cost a few dollars for the copies, but I believe she has to release them as they are considered your property. Then give those records to the new physiologist and allow her to review them herself. Just a thought.

I was just about to make this same recommendation. Request your records. She is legally required to provide them. She does have the right to charge for them. You can then provide them to your psych. Take time to review them, however, as due to her attitude, she may have been less than forthcoming in her note writing. If she does not provide them in a timely manner, go to a lawyer and subpoena your records. If you can get a judge to sign and give a date, she has no recourse but to comply or face contempt.

@@melyssafaye,

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. It is awful to be dependent on someone who’s clearly not on your side. I agree with the others to go find someone else who will both sign off in a timely manner and consider giving you the help and support you are so reasonably and wisely asking for. Hopefully she will appreciate you freeing up some of her time. Good luck!