Borderline personality disorder/depression and approval for surgery

[salem244 7]

I am 65 years old and in good health despite diabetes,, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. I have borderline personality disorder and major depression. I have been seeing a therapist for several years and all of this is under control. The psych evaluator denied me but my therapist recommends me and she will be there to help me. Has anyone had this experience? My packet went out to the insurance company this week and I am anxious about the approval. I weigh 292 pounds and want to get healthy. Any help you can give or suggestions would be appreciated. Especially about appeals if I have to do that.

[James Marusek 5,244]

Generally, when a problem is flagged by the psych evaluator, it results in the individual being referred to a psychiatrist for further evaluation. Since you already have a therapist, it seems like their opinion should carry significant weight.

Since weight gain has a psychological component, the purpose for including a psychological evaluation is to determine if you will benefit from the surgery or if psychological problems would deprive you of its benefits.

[jtickle 295]

I have severe bipolar disorder and anxiety issues. I am well under control with meds. The surgeon I go to accepted a letter from my personal psychiatrist stating that I can make decisions on my own about surgery and that losing weight would benefit my mental state. I didn't have to go thru a psych evaluation. I was approved in a week by my insurance.