Re: Doctors and WLS

[Guest guest]

Not all psychiatrist are created equal. My psychiatrist of 7 years is

supportive, wrote the psych evaluation letter, and seemed curious about the

procedure. It is OK to shop around for healthcare providers compatible with

your needs. Karla.

[Guest guest]

As to the shrink: losing focus is one of the classic signs of depression.

So it makes sense that the shrink would ask about it.

My psychiatrist shuddered when I brought it up, thinking of the old 1970's

style bypass, but as we talked about it he became very much in favor and

said he would back me all the way. My therapist initially shuddered as well

but she came around as we discussed it.

Here's a question. If you are already in treatment with a psychiatrist,

will the surgeon accept a report from that person, or require you to see the

program doc who'll see if you're oriented X3 and know who the current

President of the US is? (actually that last one is an essay question

now...) I can't imagine that someone who meets me for 1/2 hour could

possibly evaluate me more accurately than my treating physician.

[Guest guest]

> As to the shrink: losing focus is one of the classic signs of

depression.

> So it makes sense that the shrink would ask about it.

Actually, after doing research into WLS, I have a suspicion that my

lack of focus may be due to sleep apnea. My problem is that I fall

asleep in class even after a full night's rest. An when I get home I

fall asleep while trying to study. I was talking with mom about it a

couple of days ago and she said that she had been diagnosed with it

years ago and that my sister suspected she had it as well. So, I

spoke wth a family member who is a psychiatrist and he scheduled me

for a sleep test next week. I wish I had known this years ago, b/c

my grades have definitely suffered because of this.

So, my frustration w/ my psych is that after three appts. he hasn't

helped me. I know depression has a long list of syptoms but he never

asked me if I had any of them. I feel he just saw a fat girl walk in

and made the assumption.

>

> Here's a question. If you are already in treatment with a

psychiatrist,

> will the surgeon accept a report from that person, or require you

to see the

> program doc who'll see if you're oriented X3 and know who the

current

> President of the US is? (actually that last one is an essay

question

> now...) I can't imagine that someone who meets me for 1/2 hour

could

> possibly evaluate me more accurately than my treating physician.

Seeing my psych's unwillingness to even discuss the issue of WLS, I

think it would be best to talk with the psychologist recommended by

the surgeon, seeing as he probably has a better understanding of the

mental issues surrounding surgery.

lola

BMI 59

Consult w/ Dr. Ren 7/11/01