psych visit... worried.

[ILKrista 36]

I had my psych visit a week ago, and she had me take a test, which I thought was related to weight loss.... I checked off the things that applied (ie. anxiety, avoid social situations, tired, etc). Then she tells me that it was a test for depression. I tried to tell her that I wasn't depressed, I was fat. She got me so upset that I started to cry... which she told me was another sign of depression. In my mind, I'm not depressed. Feeling anxious in public, being tired, etc are all symptoms of being overweight, at least for me. I just took the 2 written tests this morning to be approved by insurance for the surgery, but I'm worried that she won't pass be because she thinks I'm depressed. Anyone else have an experience like this?

[LeighaMason 19]

Lots of people who are banded suffer from depression. Depression is not listed as a reason you cant be banded on the official lap band website.

[kosy2 1]

Please don't worry. I went to my psych appt. very depressed. In fact, I was so sick of being fat that I truly wanted to die. Of course the test revieled this as well. My psych doctor is great and has helped me so much is such a short time. He suggested weekly visits pre & post op. He said that my depression would NOT delay surgery because I had a good understanding how the band is only a tool and I would have to do my part as well. However, dealing with my depression would make it easier to do my part. My doctor explained that depression presents itself in many ways. Try not to fight the process. I have been fat for over 45 years and what I know for sure it that the war against fat is 99% in the head. Good luck and keep us updated.

[ravenjeh 0]

I have wondered this myself. I have suffered with severe depression my entire life, even back when I was thin. I am on antidepressants and hope that it doesn't count against me. I am well aware that depression is a disease and it probably won't ever go away in my case. But, I know for a fact that my self esteem was much higher when I was thin and happier about my appearance.

[kosy2 1]

I have wondered this myself. I have suffered with severe depression my entire life, even back when I was thin. I am on antidepressants and hope that it doesn't count against me. I am well aware that depression is a disease and it probably won't ever go away in my case. But, I know for a fact that my self esteem was much higher when I was thin and happier about my appearance.

ravenjen,

Up until a few weeks ago I felt that my depression would never go away either. Yes, I too felt better about my appearance when I lost 120 pounds 4 years ago but I still had underlying depression. I gave up on my eating plan. Of course the more weight I gained the deeper the depression. Over the past 36 years I was on many antidepressants, in thearpy for 9 years and in the mental hospital for a week once. Nothing had a lasting effect. The meds did not work for me and I gained weight on them.

The greatest thing that has happened in the pre op process was my pshyc exam. Doctor suggested I read a book by Paul Gilbert called OVERCOMING DEPRESSION. It has change my belief that my depression is a disease that I am doomed to live with.

Even if something would keep me from having surgery I would not be upset because I feel that finding this doctor plus the book has put me on the road to recovery from depression. Praise God!!!

Prayers are with you,

Michele

Edited August 22, 2010 by kosy2