HI There,

I aqm 4 weeks post op gbs rny and my surgeon required a psych eval even when my insurance did not. After receiving the psych eval, because I was honest about old issues (nothing to do with food or substance abouse) over 20 years in the past, I had to see a counselor 2 times before my surgery. I was miffed. I also decided to start a liquid diet 3 weekd before the surgery so I could make the transition easier. I am so thanful I dod both. the #325.00 was well worth it and I figured a few things out about my eating. Whether you want to believe it or not, eating is an addiction and we don't get to 300+ because we are healthy eaters. Eating usually is a coping mechanism or stress reliever or something because most of us rarely eat just because we are hungry. The surgery can cause someone who has not accepted that reality a lot of problems and does lead to failure.
I even now have to cope with wanting to eat things I know I should not. So far so good. I even find myself asking why I did such an awful thing to myself...Well I broke the 60 pound threshold this week. 27 pounds before the surgery and 33 in the last month! I have not been in the 280's in 7 years!
Good luck and take care.

One more thing...the nutritionist cost me an additional $300 and was required for the surgery and was not covered by my insurance. This is a must. you will be suprise how much they will inform you before you have your surgery and inform you about your situation.

Wow! Leslie, Congratulations!!!! Good Job!

Dreaming, My surgeon's office requires nutritional counseling, and for those with obvious issues they require an on going therapy and a WLS therapist to enjoy the ride with you.

I think the reason your surgeon is trying to sway you towards Lapband is because you are showing so much concern, maybe not so much because they prefer you go that way.

Your surgeon needs to know that you are sure of your decision and I'm not so sure you are getting this across to them. This is probly why they want you to have a therapist. Your surgeon needs to see some confidence on your part.

I hope all works well for you!
God Bless!

Janelle

When I went to my first free seminar the lap band was what I wanted and going for in the first place. Then when I had my 4 hour appt where they took front and side pictures and done blood work and had to see the psychologist, I was told that Medicare pays every thing but $4000.00 and I as a single mom with 2 teenagers to raise cant afore that. They then told me that Medicare does pay 100% on the GBS so I had told the dr. that I will go with the GBS cause I had no other options to go. and 1 month later they sent me this letter, I can not do the lap band, I had called the office and left a massage for them to call me back, I just wanted to know if them 2 recommendations were normal to get either surgery, ps I have a private therapist that I had for over a year for my meds, but she don't do the weight thing, the Weight loss surgery center called her and she gave a good report, just confused is all

I read an awful story on the net awhile back about a lady who did not address some of her eatting disorders & emotional baggage that caused her to comfort eat. She had the GB surgery but was completely unable to cut back on what she ate. Within 6 months she literally ate herself to death... her stomache burst and she died. She left 2 children behind - such a sad story.
It came to light that she had gained 55 pounds after her surgery by sucking down 30-50 milkshakes a day. If this woman's doctor had been more concerned about all her health issues, she might be here on this board offering her support to us all today. If you are serious about making a difference in your life - and you obviously are, then I encourage you to please do whatever needs to be done to get the help you deserve. If the costs are impossible then approach your surgeon in a calm, rational way and ask for either alternatives or a way to get through the prelim testing for free. Good luck & hang in there.

My program requires me to pay for 12 months of weight management support (not required for Medicare patients). I will see my "nutrition coach" for 2 months before surgery and another 10 months following.

I've heard of people who don't deal with the emotional reasons for their food addiction and end up with other addictions such as alcohol, gambling, or shopping.

Personally, I'd see these requirements from your program as a positive sign that they are concerned with treating the whole person and not just making money from the surgery itself.

hi there, within the price of my surgery came a psycologist as well, i personally think that its not up to them that make the decision as to your surgery, they help you any questions regarding mental issues etc, the one that i had helped me look at myself and also helped me look for triggers and what to look for they also give useful tools in order for your surgery to be successful. so i believe that it would also be beneficial. that is my opinion, i also when i was younger had a eating disorder, but now i understand the triggers for one way to another, in the end you are the one that makes the ultimate choice, just think about what is best for you, even if you can gain a small amount of advice that is going to help you to succeed i believe that it is worth it.