Question:
I want WLS but do not want a psych or sleep apnea exam. Is it always a requirement?
— Clare S. (posted on February 18, 2004)
February 17, 2004
Well it should be. Sloppy surgeons who didnt require a sleep study have had
patients die. Undiagnosed sleep apnea does kill. Thats how some of our
members ended up on the memorial page. I myself quit breathing after minor
knee surgery. It was terrible. 2 years later I had WLS with no troubles.
The psych exam is important too. This surgery and the weight loss that
follows creates as much or more emotional and other changes as the physical
ones. Although sadly a small percentage of psych docs try to profiteer from
us. Its important they weed out those with troubles like active alcohol
abusers who would self destruct after WLS. These requirements althoiugh a
pain are there for our protection.
— bob-haller
February 17, 2004
If your surgeon does not require either of these, I have only one word of
advice .>>>....RUN.....
Both are very very important.
— Kathy S.
February 17, 2004
Why would you not want to know if you are healthy all the way around?????
What are you trying to hide with not having a psych exam? And as far as the
sleep study that is just plain dangerous, you can die from sleep apnea. My
DH was only getting 36% oxygen due to his sleep apnea, he was dying in his
sleep. He had to wait a little longer because of the tests but in the long
run is doing great and is down 100#. Do yourself a favor and go for
whatever test the surgeon wants you to go through in the long run you will
end up healthier. Christine open RNY 5/7/03 241/160/130
— ChristineB
February 17, 2004
I feel the psyc exam is one of the most important. If you are not ready
emotionally to have this surgery then you shouldnt have it done. The same
with the sleep study. If your surgeon doesnt order both...find another
surgeon
— debmi
February 17, 2004
I didn't have to have either of these but I do agree with the other
posters. If they require it or even hint about it, it means that you
should have it. You doctor knows what's best. Good luck
Stacy
— hawk4life
February 17, 2004
dont die! get a sleep evaluation. it is easy and painless. if you need a
c-pap machine, it's no big deal. after weight loss, you may not need it.
sleep apenea, for me, was, for example like driving drunk. i could have
killed some one else besides my self, as i would often fall asleep at the
wheel of the car. this, was in addition to just dying in my sleep by just
stopping breathing, among other problems. the psych evaluation is mainly
used to determine your ability to comply with the things you need to do to
handle the requirements and changes you need to make with surgery. it
would seem that by not wanting to comply with these two requirements, you
may not be a candidate for wls. the bonus of starting these things now, is
that you will get a head start on your other issues, and speed up your
recovery!
best wishes, harvey simon
— harvey S.
February 17, 2004
Mine required it
— Robert L.
February 17, 2004
I agree with the others. If your surgeon doesn't even mention sleep apnea
or a psych exam, you need to find another surgeon. And if you aren't open
to doing all the necessary tests to make sure you are healthy for surgery,
you need to reevaluate whether WLS is right for you. There will be many,
many requirements of you after surgery in order to remain healthy and you
must follow ALL of them, not just pick the ones that you want to follow.
So I'd worry that if you are unwilling to do what is necessary before
surgery that you might not follow through after surgery.
— antiques55
February 17, 2004
Ditto to all posters. Both are important. We, as MO people pose a
challenge to the anesthesiologist with or without sleep apnea. The more
information they have about our problems, the better they can treat us and
keep us alive in the OR and beyond.
Psyche evals. Yes, the compliance componant is extremely important to the
whole process. There is nothing hard or threatening in there. (And, it
is nice to have established an "in" so to speak, if you should
need some counseling post op.)
Take good care. Be patient with the process and all will work out.
My best,
Polly
— Jackie O.
February 17, 2004
I for one would not want a surgeon that would not have these performed on a
pre op patient. I feel as though, if you can not abide to having these
tests ...you are not a good candidate for this surgey.
— Hazel S.
February 17, 2004
A psyc evaluation is mandatory. If you are not well psychologicaly you may
not be successful. I did not have a sleep study done, it is not mandatory.
— bransonboy
February 17, 2004
I didn't have either, my surgeon only requires a psych eval if you have a
history of depression, which I didn't. I'm 18 months post-op, size 6, at
goal, and have had no problems whatsoever.
— Angie M.
February 17, 2004
my surgeon did not require either test. however a surgeon that i met with,
before i chose my surgeon ,required both. it doesn't hurt to meet with more
than one surgeon. it's also good to check with them on after care
procedures ( ie. blood drainage tubes, bial drains, etc.) every surgeon is
different, go with the one that makes you most comfortable.
— Michelle R.
February 17, 2004
My surgeon's office required a psych exam. It's purpose is to determine if
you fully understand what you're getting yourself into and can do what it
takes following surgery to follow a plan for recovery and lifestyle change.
I think it's a good idea. Unfortunately, some who want this surgery are
not doing it for the right reasons and they're the horror stories you often
hear about following WLS. My surgeon's office only required a sleep apnea
if you exhibited signs of sleep apnea or were diagnosed with it. I did not
have to do that one.
— Cathy S.
February 17, 2004
There is another reason for doing these tests, aside from the obvious need
to ensure you are prepared mentally and from a respiratory standpoint.
That is, if you are willing to do what is necessary, and what your surgeon
orders, you likely will be willing and able to follow directions after
surgery. Who likes to be stuck with needles? No one! But do you think
anyone would say they "don't want" to have labs done before
surgery, but they want WLS surgery? I don't mean to be harsh, but if you
aren't willing to do whatever it takes to get to surgery, you aren't ready
for this huge, life-changing, non-reversible event.
— koogy
February 17, 2004
My surgeon says its the unknown health issues that cause problems as the
known ones are manegable. My surgeons death rate is .4% which is much
better than the nationwide average of 1 to 2% and my surgeons group does
high risk revisions and 800 pound patients too. If your surgeon doesnt
require conmprehensive pre op testing find one that does it might save your
life.
— bob-haller
February 18, 2004
My sleep apnea study probably SAVED MY LIFE! I would suggest you take a
look at why you don't want these vital tests. Don't do surgery before you
are ready to be compliant with all the regulations and behavior changes pre
and post op.
Ann in TX
414/414/282/140
— Ann B.
February 18, 2004
I did not have a sleep apnea exam, but I did have a psych exam and it was
just basically to make sure I had realistic expectations, a support system
and no severe problems (had to take a 500 question test). Don't be
worried. The exams are just designed to help locate any potential issues
that could cause problems with the surgery.
— Christy L.
February 18, 2004
The surgical group I belong to requires either a sleep apnea test or a
pulmonary test as well as a psych eval. It happens that my insurance
requires them as well. Even if you are a self pay at my surgical group,
they still require these tests. I'm sure you can find surgeons who don't,
but these tests are very important for your success before, during and
after surgery. Good luck!
— Shayna T.
February 18, 2004
Go to the Memorial page and read Ginger Brewster's profile. Her friend
tells the story of how Ginger died due to undiagnosed sleep apnea. That
should answer your question for you.
— Denise B.
February 18, 2004
Why not? I see a lot of people post about being worried about the Psych
evaluation, it's usually not a very big deal at all, I know in mine they
really just talked to me to see if I had realitic expectations about the
surgery, and was willing to comply with the aftercare
rules.<br><br> As for the sleep apnea, it can save your life,
my doctor didn't require it of me, but they told me most overweight people
have some level of sleep apnea so they treat them as such.
— Patricia T.
February 18, 2004
My surgeon didn't require either of these tests. But, why are you against
having them? If you are already working with specialists in these areas,
your surgeon may be satisfied with a written recent update of your
conditions, if applicable. Good luck to you.
— Yolanda J.
February 18, 2004
Clare you need to do both of these. I would have never gussed I had sleep
apnea. Turns out I have very severe apnea. It can SAVE YOUR LIFE!! The
phsyc exam was no big deal. He wanted to know that I understood the
surgery and what to expect afterwards and that I had family and friends
supporting me.
— Randy W.
February 18, 2004
I had neither and was very satisfied with my care. Bariatric treatment
center. My doc had done >1500 RNY surgeries at the time of my surgery 1
1/2 years ago. I trust his judgement and extensive experience.
— **willow**
February 18, 2004
Would you expect a heart surgeon to operate on you without the apropriate
tests first? If you want WLS, then you should be prepared to go thorough
whatever tests your medical history indicates are necessary for you,
according to your Dr. I personally would REFUSE to have surgery with
someone who didn't feel it was necessary to explore all pertinent issues
before hand. I did not have a sleep apnea test, because I had not
indications whatsoever of apnea related problems. You Dr. is not going to
arbitrarily make you take tests that you don't need to take. On a final
note- WHY? What do you care what tests they want you to take to make sure
you're ready and avoid complications? Perhaps you're not ready. This is a
lifelone change you know. It's not something to be taken lightly. You do
know you can die from this surgey, don't you?
— LMCLILLY
February 18, 2004
Some surgeons require it, some don't. If your surgeon wants you to get one
done, then do it. I guarantee it'll be more pleasant than the night
before's colon cleanse.
— mrsmyranow
February 18, 2004
I just wanted to ease your fears about the psych exam. I am a therapist and
do psychological examinations for weight loss surgery. It is very important
to have this session, as you will be able to identify any problems,
anxieties, coping skill issues, fear etc. that might exist prior to
surgery. I had Gastric Bypass (Open RNY) 03/07/03 and have lost 180 lbs.
Remember that the exam is painless and very necessary. It is not as bad as
most people think it will be. It also provides you with information
regarding postop counseling, support group information and other good
resources. Good luck!!
— rpoepke
February 18, 2004
I just wanted to ease your fears about the psych exam. I am a therapist and
do psychological examinations for weight loss surgery. It is very important
to have this session, as you will be able to identify any problems,
anxieties, coping skill issues, fear etc. that might exist prior to
surgery. I had Gastric Bypass (Open RNY) 03/07/03 and have lost 180 lbs.
Remember that the exam is painless and very necessary. It is not as bad as
most people think it will be. It also provides you with information
regarding postop counseling, support group information and other good
resources. Good luck!!
— rpoepke
February 19, 2004
Trust me, no one is more scatter brained than me and my psych seemed to
think I was pleasant and normal...(my mother was surprised, seriously!) I'm
not trying to paint the picture that I am a walking nutcase but I'm trying
to make the point that even my mother thinks I'm crazy but I passed the
psych eval. As far as the sleep study, I didn't have to take one. If you
don't sleep all night, can hear yourself snoring, or you stop breathing
while you sleep, you might want to get tested for your own benefit. My
surgeon didn't see where it was necessary for me, plus my insurance UHC
doesn't require it. My case is currently in review at this time, pray that
they approve me already. The bottomline is that it depends on what your
insurance requires, call them up and find out. Once you find out, ask your
surgeon if he is anal about either one and tell him your insurance doesn't
require it and you don't want to spend money doing something you don't want
to do.
— Shayla527
February 19, 2004
Hi,
We may not want to have all the pre-tests before wls, but I think that the
more thorough the medical staff is, the better off the patient will be.
The tests can help spot potential problems on one hand, or help give the
go-ahead that you are checked out for surgery.
If it were me, I would feel that the medical staff might be negligent if
they did not require pre-op testing for all of us. I've had several of
mine now and glad to have them out of the way, lol. LM
— catly
February 20, 2004
A psych exam is mandatory.
— Kelly T.
February 20, 2004
No psych evaluation here- my doctor only reccomends if he thinks you need
it.
— Gloria B.
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