Can the psychologist stop you from getting the band?

[talkalot1981 5]

I had my mental health evaluation today. It was ok. She said she would go over her notes and send the result to my PCM. I answered all the questions honestly. What I want to know is, Can the psychologist stop you from getting the band? They asked me how much I knew about the changes I will have to go through and about the sugery. She asked me about portions, what I can and can't eat. She asked me all kind of stuff. Thank Goodness I found this website because almost everything I learned was from here. I just hope everything goes good. I just have to keep my fingers crossed........ Jennifer

[clcort 0]

Yes, I've heard that they can. But I think if you are realistic in your expectations than it shouldn't be a problem. To be honest, I have bipolar disorder and have been hospitalized for it twice in my life but I got through because they said I had a realistic view of what I was getting into. I have a strong emtional attachment to food (don't we all) that they said I would need to continue to work on but other than that it was a piece of cake. (yummmm, cake!)

[ncsoutherngirl 0]

My exam did not go good at all. I also have bipolar disorder and did not agree with alot of things he said about me. I left angry and just knew I would not be able to have the surgery. We all have issues with food. If we didn't then why would we need the band. I think what the insurance company and the doctor wants to know is that you can handle those issues after surgery. I was denied because of something he wrote in my note but my doctor had him to reword it and I got approved after that. What he didn't write in the note was that I was willing to seek help after the surgery if I started having issues with food. As long as they know you are willing to seek help if you need it then you will be ok. Its been 9 months since I was banded and I LOVE MY BAND. Good luck.

[moonbeam 1]

I was worried about that too. I have Bi-Polar II disorder. I was honest and had no problems. I really think it's about realistic expectations.

[sistasassy 6]

They can stop you from getting your band. If you are not emotionally and mentally ready to get the band then you will have a hard time succeeding after surgery.

I think you have to be ready to accept the challenges and the responsibility of being banded.

I have some friends who want to be banded. Some would do well, others would not.

If you are in a good frame of mind and are committed to working WITH you band, you will do well. If you are expecting the band to be a "fix all," you will fail. The band is there to help.

Everyday, I still have to choose what goes into my mouth. Everyday, I still have to choose how often to eat. Some days I am starving all day with "head hunger." What a battle. I have had to learn to redirect my head from the "hunger" to something more constructive.

You have to be willing to chew, chew, chew, and then chew some more.

You have to be willing to not drink with your meals. You have to be willing to only eat a little instead of having "eating sessions" like we all have sometimes turned meal time into.

You have to be willing to say no to slider foods (milkshakes, ice cream, chocolates, etc.)

You have to be willing to call your surgeon and go in for an adjustment even if you feel like you had a bad month.

You have to be willing to be accountable to yourself...and to others (people find out about your band and will want to know why you are not losing if you are not eating right).

You have to be ready to hang in there for a month, or two, or three if you stall.

You have to be willing to get up and move a bit. Exercise will help you live long along with losing weight.

If you are ready to deal with these issues and make your band your "best friend", "someone" you are constantly aware of, then you are ready to be banded.

[clcort 0]

EXCELLENT POST, Sassy!

[chiffani 0]

The psychologist was my first stop. I couldn't get a date until he approved. I had to see him once more after the initial visit (which he said MOST do have a second, third, etc. visit with him) but I got approved on my second visit with him. The nutritionist also had to sign off on me though. (I had no problems with that.)

[ait 0]

I actually asked the psychologist who did my evaluation if he has ever stopped someone from getting the band, and he said he hasn't and won't. He said that he wouldn't want it on his conscience that he stopped someone who wants this surgery from getting it, and that he will tell the surgeon that someone may not be a star pupil but he won't ever write something to stop anyone from qualifying.

[dillon1205 0]

I am also bi-polar and had issues getting the band. My psychiatrist's first letter to the insurance company was all about my bi-polar and not enough about my weight issues and ability to follow through with the life style of the band. I was denied when we turned in all of my paper work to insurance b/c of the psych review. He wrote another review and it was denied a 2nd time. I had to appeal the decision and make sure I showed the insurance company I had it together enough to have this surgery. My psych also wrote me another letter to go along with mine. I submitted the appeal and 30 days later I was approved. That was the best feeling in the world. Just remember even if you do get denied keep fighting it until you win. NO ONE knows you better than yourself. write the best letter make the insurance company feel like if they do not approve you the would be making a horrible decision than would ruin your chance at a great healthy life.