Therapist

[newgirltx 41]

Did anyone have to get a letter stating that they were set up with a therapist prior to surgery? I have a history of anxiety and was abused as a child which is part of the reason I ate. When I went for evaluation I was told that I needed to get set up with a therapist to have surgery.

[LindaS 316]

What kind of evaluation did you go to? One at your surgeon's office or with a psychiatrist? I'm not clear.

Who is the letter from? Your surgeon? Insurance company? Someone else?

I didn't have to set up long-term therapy before surgery, but I did have to have a psychiatric evaluation. Most people do have to have an evaluation before surgery, but I haven't heard anyone having to have regular therapy although some have chosen to do so on their own.

[newgirltx 41]

This was after the psych eval. She wants me to get set up with regular therapy for long term.

[5DoxieMom 87]

As long as your insurance covers it, consider yourself lucky to have help available to help you deal with whatever issues you have. I wish that I had therapy that was paid for. I could use some help getting to the root of my eating problem/obcession with food. But, my deductible (5K) is so high that it is not feasible for me to have short or long term therapy. Take advantage of it, learn what you can, have an open mind and benefit from this!

[Jen35 283]

Did anyone have to get a letter stating that they were set up with a therapist prior to surgery? I have a history of anxiety and was abused as a child which is part of the reason I ate. When I went for evaluation I was told that I needed to get set up with a therapist to have surgery.

It isn't a requirement for my surgery but I decided to start seeing a therapist anyway. When I told my coordinator and the nut and they both thought it could be really helpful. I'm pre-op and regardless of whether I'm approved for the sleeve or not, I need to work on my mental reasons I overeat. I have some of the same isssues you do and I'm sure that has contributed to my weight issues.

[Mickie Vest 29]

My current therapist had to send a letter to the psych evaluator. I'm bipolar and have been seeing a psychiatrist and therapist for awhile.

[ReduceReuseRecycle-Me! 119]

There are things we have to do to get insurance to accept our claim. All of the different tests we do are to show the surgeon that we are viable candidates for the surgery. It may be that the psych evaluator believed there was reasons enough for you to go into therapy during your WLS journey; some reason that made him/her think you really needed on-going psych care or the surgery would not be enough for you to be successful.

If your past is effecting you today and it is the reason you are overwieght, that past is never going away. The surgeons want everyone to use this weight-loss tool to the best of their abilities. For you, psych therapy may be the best addition to your weight-loss tools (next to the surgery, of course).

Best of luck to you.

[newgirltx 41]

I am cash pay and so it's not for approval. I have a parent who is mentally ill who I have cut off contact with. I am still sent threats etc and disturbing things by her so it's probably just in my best interest to be seeing someone on a regular basis while I have surgery.

food is the way I coped with the abuse for my whole life. The therapist even asked if I had PTSD. I will need all the support I can get while I get through this.