Trouble with Psych Consult - ThinnerTimes

olsonhome · 05-01-2005, 08:42 AM

Hi To All,

I'm new to the forum, but have been reading all your posts and have learned a lot. Me and my wife are going through the process for surgery. Two months ago I started my Psych Consult, the first visit was to take the psych test, and keep a diary of my diet., a month later I returned with my diary for 30 days, I had lost ten pounds. I was very honest and included any snacking and that every Friday night we would go out for dinner and I'd have two rum and diet cokes. He told me my test was fine but there was a spike indicating that I could become easily addicted, and he asked me to consider going to AA and wanted me to come back in a month to prove to him that I haven't had a drink. Well it's been a month and I haven't had a drink and I go back to see him tomorrow. But this story gets better...
My wife returned from her second visit last week and the doc told her that her test was normal but it indicated the she was a "stuffer" and held things in, and it indicated that she was mad at a family member, then he asked her if she was mad at me because of my drinking problem! Melissa told him she wasn't mad at me, he said he was going to suspend her psych evaluation until we seek a marriage counselor. We made an appointment for this Monday, but both agree he's way off base. We have been very happy for almost 20 years. Like I said, I go back to see him tomorrow, but we feel like he's really blowing this out of proportion. We have met with the staff at the hospital since are last visit and they haven't heard of anything like this. I know alcohol can't be a part of my life once I've had the surgery. One more thing, I'm starting a new job June 1st and was hoping to have the surgery the beginning of May, the staff at the hospital had penciled me in for May 7th. I did tell the psychologist last month that my new employer was giving giving me until June 1st to start and that I was hoping to have the surgery in May, he said he thought I should wait and have it after I start my new job. I'm feeling like this just isn't going to happen this year. It's going to be difficult to take off from work after just starting a new job. Melissa works at the hospital where we are having the surgery and has total support from everyone there. We also know 50% of marriages end in divorice after this surgery, but feel very strongly that this won't happen to us. Sorry for going on and on but we are just so frustrated. Any good advice would really be appreciated!

Thank you,

Jeff & Melissa

Barbarajo · 05-01-2005, 08:53 AM

Two thoughts,

One, If there is a problem that neither one of you see because you are too close to it. Then all this counseling will be great for your marrage.

two, Fire the man and get a different psyc elvation done by some other group. I did not have to take a psyc test, but I am sure if I did it would come back with issues..... All I did was sit in a room and talk with a doctor for an hour and then we were done. This doc of yours may be one of those that are totally against the surgery. Walk away and get someone else.

Just my thoughts

Ms.P · 05-01-2005, 09:02 AM

I agree. I would start seeing a different psychologist on this. Get a referral to someone else. Fortunately, I got my MD to sign off on the psych eval, so I never had to see one. I just went with a note from my primary care doctor that I was pshychologically stable and would do well with the surgery.

Melanie
308/275/170

Dr. Callery-3/7/2005-Open

Bypassingme619 · 05-01-2005, 10:20 AM

Jeff and Melissa.. I am sure this is a few of us who have ran into Psychologist that had directed us every way but the way we are trying to head. You do have the right to seek an second opioin. Maybe you can go to OH and find an WLS friendly Psychologist. If you and your wife are not feeling this doctor, please find another one. I wish you two luck in your journey.

LizardQueen · 05-01-2005, 10:25 AM

I agree with everyone- FIRE THE GUY! I think docs and therapists seem to forget sometimes that they are our employees. You ask for there help but you have some say in what goes on. I wish you the best of luck.

Peckkale · 05-01-2005, 02:12 PM

The psyc eval is a one time office visit. Maybe you should ask for recommendations from those here for a doctor in your area.

Fire the joker and start over.

triciaknox · 05-01-2005, 03:53 PM

I agree, FIRE HIM!! After my 30-minute eval I just KNEW this guy was gonna say, "Lady you need help!", but he didn't. Okay, I already knew that I have pent-up anger and frustration at my ex. Nothing new there. I actually let a LOT of it go after seeing him at my son's high school graduation a few weeks after that eval (first time I had seen him in 5 years and I have spoken with him once by email since.) My life has gotten sooooo much better since he split, and my son agrees with that 100%. But, the anger came out in the eval and I really thought it would keep me from the surgery, but it didn't.

olsonhome · 05-01-2005, 08:43 PM

Thanks for all your advice!
I'm so close, I want to go back one more time, give him my diet diary, and see what he says. If he tries to get me to see him again I'll find another psychologist. Does anybody know if I can get my psych evaluation test and transfer to another counselor?

Thanks Again,

Jeff

Blueyz · 05-01-2005, 08:49 PM

Dr. Callery referred me to a psych doctor here for the evaluation. I had to pay $250.00 for a one time shot and it was worth it for me just to go in and get it over with. Yes, counseling may help your marraige, but for the psych consult, maybe you can just go to someone else and get it taken care of. You will need to have a strong marraige to get through wls. Good luck with everything.

Gladitsme · 05-02-2005, 10:33 AM

Jeff and Melissa,

I'm with the other folks who say, ditch the guy! Find someone else. Does the insurance require the psychological testing part, or is it just what the guy you saw wants?

Sounds to me like this guy takes himself way too seriously.