So, I have bipolar and because of that the counselor at the surgeon's office and the surgeon require that my regular therapist and psychiatrist both fill out a paper stating that they believe I’m stable, understand fully what I’m getting into, have a support system, etc. I took the papers in to my therapist appointment today and she said she’s not allowed to sign anything. She sent an email to her supervisor who said she doesn’t think they fill those out at all. OMG! The surgeon said he can’t do surgery until he knows I’m stable and they sign off on it. My therapist said she’ll continue to push on getting it filled out and she believes I’m perfectly fine for surgery, but now what? I seriously hate the clinic I go to. If they refuse to fill out the forms I’m screwed. I called the counselor at the surgeon’s office and explained what’s going on. She said she’d give them a call on Monday or Tuesday and talk to them. I hope she can get through to them and get it done. I do NOT want to be denied surgery just because this clinic doesn’t like signing papers. ARGH!!!

If they still absolutely refuse to fill them out I will ask the surgeon's counselor if I can meet with her monthly instead. They will be able to get my records from my therapist and psychiatrist so they'll at least be able to see that I'm still being seen. If that doesn't work, well, I guess I'm heading off to Mexico. I've already been cleared for surgery there. I just REALLY don't want to spend my entire tax refund on that.

They will send my records, no problem, but that's not what the surgeon requires.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

Continue to go to therapy and build a record of proof of your stability. Understand that people having this surgery who have mental health issues are considered higher risk often times because of their lack of emotional stability, ability to handle disappointment ect. A lot of emotional changes occur during this journey, and they have to know you can handle that without be a danger to yourself. Also, be aware that being institutionalized recently will also cause the same set backs and often will get people denied. Once you go to therapy and build proof of continued stability; it should be easier for you to get psychiatric clearance. Best of luck.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

PLEASE do not go to Mexico. I too have bipolar depression and anxiety. I am having issues with the mental health clearance. Had surgery scheduled but had not gone for my 4 recommended sessions with the therapist because of appointment issues. Went for preop appointment and surgery canceled because of it. I ADMIRE my surgeon for saying no. I want to do this TOTALLY safe and RIGHT. I have made ENOUGH bad choices in my life to make another by not being healthy in all sense of rhe word. This is about your HEALTH. You cannot put a timeline or price on your health. I know you have been patient (I have been on the journey since January and still have not had surgery). Not that there are not good reputable surgeons Mexico but it's not worth risking your life for. I am a nurse and grew up in a border city......I KNOW the bad that can happen. So PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE stay where you are. Maybe ask your surgeon to call the psych group to sign papers......my surgeon advised me to let the office know if things did not move along. Professionals will listen more to physicians than they will from us peons haha. Good luck to you in your journey. I pray for a safe outcome for you. You DESERVE a safe outcome.

Sent from my SM-N910P using the BariatricPal App