One step closer...

I finally found a psyciatrist to do my Psych. Eval.! Woo hoo! I literally went through about 70 doctors on my insurance (CIGNA) list of acceptable doctors and found out that they were all either not practicing anymore or doesn't do Pysch. Evals for Bariatric Surgery. Finally I found Dr. Yongue in Greenville. I gotta appointment on 9/4. I'm nervous about it though. What kinda questions do they do ask? I get SO nervous around new people, especially when being observed. I hope she doesn't get the wrong impression.                                                                             -Shelly-

Shelly,      First of all I am kind of surprised that your referring doctor didn't recommend or refer you to their person they use for psyc evals. That's what mine did. Anyhow, regardless, do not sweat it. They are just asking about your commintment to this and making sure you are aware of what you are getting yourself into. They are also wanting to see where your motivation is coming from....like you are doing it for yourself and health and not because your bf/hubby wants you too.....yada, yada. I haven't heard of people failing. You are sane and know what you are doing. It will be fine. est of luck on this journey! Lisa

Lisa, The referring doctor that originally got me hooked up with the whole wls thing isn't my doctor anymore. I quit seeing him because he he has personal problem with obese people. He was extremely unprofessional and cold with me and didn't answers any of my questions or concerns. So right now, I don't have a regular doctor. Just doin this with my coordinator, Rhonda from Southern Surgical. And she's not really responsive. I should try to call her..again. Hmm.. There's supposedly some list of people and tests that I have to have, but she never gave me one so I'm doin one thing at a time right now when I really wanna set up as many different appointments as possible. Thank you for the info about the Eval. I feel alot better knowing that it's just about wls and not everything else like any other shrink wants to know.  Thanks again! Shelly

Shelly, Check to see if Carolina Psychological is on that list.  The man there, Dr. Farmer does bariatric evals. and did mine not too long ago........they're right across the road from Sears on country club, and in the phone book under counselors.  Hope it can save you some gas!! Nancy

Nancy, Thank you for the advice.  The list of doctors on the cigna website is old and not updated so it was really hard tryin to find someone that still practices and  does the evals. I called up and talked to customer service about it and they said they didn't have any doctors in Jacksonville. The nearest doctors were at least an hour away. Crappy insurance. Oh well. I'm doin what I gotta do. It'll be worth it in the end.  Shelly

I went to Greenville.  I can't remember his name, but it was at the pain management center.  I was terrified, because I have read stories of people having to go back 3, 4, 5 times.  I didn't want that.  Let me tell you, he said I did perfect and he was surprised at how knowlegable I was about wls.  (yeah, thanks to all the wonderful people here).  I told him afterwards that I was scared he would make me come back.  He said what they are ultimately looking for is to see if we are ready and can handle the changes.  He said some people aren't ready.  I was honest and told him about my eating habits.  I told him that I have already started trying to change my habits.  That was the best one out of all of my pre ops.  I wish you lot's of luck.  Just know that what ever happens, it is for a reason.  If he does make you come back, just look at it as additional support.  I know you don't want to hear that.  I didn't even want to wait a day longer to have my surgery, but due to other cir****tances, I wound up waiting about 6 months.  I am having mine on Dec. 17.  Take care and keep us posted on what is going on. 

Stacy, Thanks for the advice. I had no idea that they could make you come back for another eval. I'm sorry to hear that you gotta wait for six months.  My coordinator said that since I'm sooo huge that I need the surgery asap. Which is fine with me. Whatever it takes to get this on the road. I also wish you the best of luck. Shelly