Went for 1st consultation with Dr. Evanson Thursday..

Up in Carmel..Everything went great...almost.. They said my Medicaid and medicare is a shoe in for the surgery and I would be looking at the operation being 3 months out, but I have some past mental issues because I'm Bipolar..They want me to come back May 30 and talk to Dr.Joseph Stote the psychologist.. I'm worried because I have seen him before 2 years ago and he pissed me off so bad I walked out on him. I was unmedicated at that time though and was having very hard times & was previously even admitted in a hospital for suicide watch..So basically they are worried that I wont be able to take the surgery mentally..Well I'm a total different person now then I was 2 years ago mentally..I was going through hard times with my wife, I had yet to be diagnosed with being Bipolar and I was on no mental medications..Now I'm fine but worried they wont see it that way..I see my own personal Psychologist and she says am ready for the surgery and it will be the best thing for me physically and mentally...My question is what hope do I have if I go back on May 30th and they turn me down because Dr. Stote says I'm not mentally stable or something stupid..Can I fight that decision? WORRIED!!!!! PS..forgot to mention the Dr said there is a 90% chance I can get the surgery laparoscopicly(spelling?)! YEAH! that's what I was hoping for..anyone else had Dr. Evanson? He seemed really cool..not really what you should look for in a Dr. but I just really liked him..thats all..

Joe, What you do is you go into your session with Dr. Stote just be your best self.  Answer his questions truthfully.  Explain the changes that have taken place since you last saw him.  You'll then get his approval.  I would also have your personal psychologist send a report to them.  Carol

Hello Joe, I didn't know why you are going to Dr. Stote, if you don't feel comfortable with him?  You don't have to go to him.  You can pick your own Psychologist.  Why can't you go to the one you are already seeing? 

Im not sure, all I know is Dr. Evanson requested I see Stote..

JOE I WOULD CALL DR E'S OFFICE AND ASK IF YOU CAN GET THE QUESTIONS THEY ASK AND GO TO YOUR OWN SHRINK. HAVE THEM ASK THE SAME QUESTIONS AND SEND THAT INFO TO DR E. I KNOW THEY DO THAT FOR OTHER PEOPLE BECASUE STOTE DOES NOT TAKE ANY KIND OF INSURANCE YOU HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET.. I WILL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS FOR APPROVAL. VICKI

I DONT HAVE EVANSTON.. I HAVE KADERABEK... BUT, I DIDNT USE DR. STOE EITHER.  I GOT THE QUESTIONS SHEET AND TOOK IT TO A LOCAL PSYCH HERE. ONCE THEY WERE DONE THEY SENT THE REPORT TO MY SURGEON.... MOST SURGEONS AT ST. V'S JUST SUGGESTS DR. STOTE BECAUSE HE IS AT ST. V'S ...THEY JUST TRY TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR YOU! GOOD LUCK

I agree with what some of the others have said. You do not have to go to Stote.. Go to your own psychologist. I went to Stote and didnt care for him. Although I passed with flying colors, I still didnt care for him.  He made me very uncomfortable. I wouldnt go back to him if I ever needed a psychologist. I had lapband done by Dr Evanson 3/21/08. You are in great hands. He is an awesome Dr and you are right, he is cool!

I had Dr Evanson and am so glad I had him. He is a wonderful surgeon and i like his up front honesty. he tells it to you straight forward and that's what i need. good luck with everything! 

Hi Joe, I didn't have Dr. Stote at St. V's.  I had Dr. Creel instead.  I think he is a great psycologist!  If you don't feel cofortable with Dr. Stote, I would definately recommend Dr. Creel if he is available.

Well I just want to thank everyone for all the support, comments, & suggestions .. I will keep you all posted as to what happens. Fifteen days till the visit and I'm just trying to stay calm, cool, and collected and not think too much about it..still worried though..OH well...thanks again everyone..