My Primary Doctor and Referral Letter! - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

BlessedTwice · 11-23-2007, 12:56 PM

Hello,

I'm just starting out with. I made an appointment to see my Primary Doctor and he stated that he would write me a referral letter according to the WLS Doctors Letter.
But then he stated that he was also going to write in the letter that "I need and appointment with a counselor to understand eating and its relativity to anxiety, depression, and food to make you feel better!"

He totally freaked me out. I went to a few counseling session to deal with my DH. I'm not working right now ans stay home with my two boys, 21 months and 32 months. My DH was just a jerk to put it mildly about me being home and not working. I did licensed childcare but at the end of the summer my children went off to Kindergarten, Preschool and another mom decided to stay home and work opposite her dh. I live a ways out so I have never had more that a couple kids at a time except for the Summer months.

Any way, my doctor asked me if I had went to conseling dealing with food and depression. I told him No, not recently(10 + years ago) but that I had went to DR.******** do help me deal with my DH. But that I could not afford it after a few sessions because even with my BC/BS We had to pay out of pocket since it only covered a portion.
I told him that I was going to start going to a womens counseling center that had a pay scale.

He told me he didn't hink I understood my anxiety and depression were because of my depression.

I went on to tell him I understood my eating and depression.
I teh told him I did not have any Anxiety until after my youngest son was born and again I wasn't working because he was 10 weeks early and at a hospital 1+ hours away.
My DH was on me about not working then also. It was very stressful, but things are a better.
I also told him that I do eat when I'm depressed etc....

I should have told him to look at his notes from 2+ years on me...

My question is this: Since I have done everything needed for the 12 months according to BC/BS of Michigan PPO and he is going to write this up and he can document all diets exercise, diet pills and exercise etc.

Is BC/BS going to make me go to counseling for more than one session?

Or will the Physological Evaluation be enough. I'm going to go weekly to the women's counseling center if I can and get this in incase it is what I need for insurance.

I cannot call my WLS Doctors Office until Monday so I'm just sick to my stomach over this.

can anyone give me any insight on this problem? Thank you all. You have all been such inspirations.

Brenda

Duckie · 11-23-2007, 01:11 PM

My surgeon required the inital psch eval. He then required a class about learning to eat (a psych class), it was great. He also required me to go to extra counselling due to my depression history.
Honestly, if he feels you need it, you probably do. You want every bit of help you can get through this process. This is a HUGE change in lifestyle. Many of us have increased depression after surgery. We no longer have the food as a crutch.
Do what he says. It is for the best. Get a part time job if you have to, to cover the costs.
Good luck.

traceydj · 04-16-2008, 06:09 AM

Hi all.
Last night I went to a Lap Band Consultation.
I have BCBS of MI - PPO and need a psych eval and dr's letter as well.
The psych eval is no problem, I can get that from the hospital that I am going to. The letter from my dr may be more difficult.
Does anyone have an example letter that I can give to my dr. or he should probably know what to write.

SueRN · 04-16-2008, 09:02 AM

Brenda, a lot of people fail or struggle due to depression and anxiety. I know it's not what you want to hear, but it's in your best interest. The WLS either has a psychologist on staff or will recommend one to you. You will need that initial eval, not just for insurance, but for a reputable program. As Duckie said, people who use food as a crutch will have a hard time adjusting to this if you aren't better prepared BEFORE you have the surgery. The mental part can be harder that the physical part of this. This doesn't mean that you won't be able to have the surgery, your own PCP, and the WLS doctor want to make sure they are not setting you up to fail. It may not seem like it to you now, but it is going to make you stronger and more successful after you have the surgery. Hang in there girl! Sue

BlessedTwice · 04-16-2008, 10:21 PM

Hey everyone!
I have not been on here in a LONG time. UPDATE: My lap band surgery was 2-25-08...woohoo...I have lost 24 pounds....
Everything is going well. I've made my first appointment with my NEW PCP...
I waited to switch Doctors until my surgery was done so that I didn't delay the process any longer. Everything went great... I love my band!

Godsblessedme · 04-17-2008, 09:49 AM

wow that was pretty fast! glad everything went so well for you

Mrs Darling · 04-17-2008, 11:41 AM

Hi Brenda~
When I went to my first psych evaluation, the doctor felt that I had underlined anger and hostility issues, she hasn't referred me for surgery as of yet because dealing with emotional issues, surgery isn't good because a lot of people get really depressed after surgery, you think that you can handle it but underneath you really can't and so they are doing this for your best interest.. I've been to three therapy sessions and it has helped me a lot!! I've been every week but I graduated and now it's every two weeks, I was like you, I was so upset, I couldn't believe that this was happening but God works in mysterious ways and it was a true blessing for me to have to go to therapy because I'm learning who I am, not titles anymore!!! Good luck with your journey!!

Native2u · 04-24-2008, 04:30 PM

Wow, that was fast. Good luck!

I started my adventure in Sept 07 and I still haven't had surgery. MOF I'm waiting for my insurance company answer.

karen4656 · 04-24-2008, 07:21 PM

I have my psychologist appointment next week. Before I even decided to have the surgery, I put myself in therapy to help me have a better relationship with food. It's going well. I can't say that I have lost any weight but I understand a lot more out the emotions that lead to eating and what I can do to change my reactions. I know I'm not eating as much as I did and I feel much better. I'm exercising at least 6 days a week.

I would do whatever is necessary/suggested because in the long run it is time well spent. I've been to counseling several times in the past. It has always helped.

Good Luck!!!!

'thann · 04-25-2008, 10:33 AM

traceydj, you asked about the letter from your doctor.

I, too, have BCBS of Michigan PPO, and they are very specific about the wording on the letter. Barix, where I'm having surgery, provided a sample letter. Even so, my PCP made four attempts to write the letter before BCBS accepted it! The most important thing it must contain is wording similar to the following:

"Jane Doe has been under my care and on a medically supervised weight-loss program for six consecutive months in the past year."

It needs to reflect that you've been on a doctor-supervised weight loss program, that it was six (or 12, whatever your insurance plan requires) consecutive months, and during the past year (or past four years, as my requirement was).

Good luck! I can't believe I'm finally at the end of the tunnel!

'thann