And the hits keep coming…

[MANDY2910]

Psychologist at surgical center called and she won’t move forward without my psychiatrist’s approval. Told her she won’t approve it because she doesn’t believe in it. She said she can’t in good conscience move forward without her go ahead. I am welcome to get a new doctor but she will want me to see that doctor for at least a year before she will move forward. So, she cancelled all my appointments AGAIN, even ones with a nutritionist because she said it is a waste of time and space for other patients who don’t have these “roadblocks”. So I guess I throw in the towel at this point. There is no other surgical center even close, and now my husband is against it because my psychiatrist called him and told him what she thought about surgery and he is freaking out about it. So disappointed… and sad… and frustrated…

 

[3momchaos]

I am so sorry that this is happening. I really don’t feel like it was appropriate for your psychiatrist to call your husband. I think that you need a new psych and new surgeons office to start fresh. I’m upset/angry/frustrated for you!

 

[Kcuster83]

Sorry to hear about the tough time you are having.
I think you need a new psychiatrist. (No offense) First, unless you gave her permission she can't tell anyone anything. Not even your husband! Second, if she is "against" it then her reasons for denying you approval may be bias, even subconsciously. It really is no different than the questions they ask you at jury duty before "picking you" to be a juror. I don't have a personal psychiatrist so I just used one of the recommended ones they gave me. So I can't imagine running into this roadblock through someone they refer you too.

I also feel like there is not "waste of time and space" for you too see a nutritionist! WTH!! That is so rude. ANYONE can benefit from working with a nutritionist. Even without having surgery, it is somewhere to start to understand why ALL food groups are good for you. Help you understand what the body needs as fuel. I mean come on, it is the first step to get healthy, regardless of weight!

I am appalled by both of your medical providers. Maybe you can get a referral from you PCP to a nutritionist that can help you move in the right direction. Just in the meantime.

Maybe talk to another psychiatrist and explain the situation and find out if you can go about another way for the psychiatrist approval?

I really hope the best for you and that it all works out.

 

[suzannethemom]

It is simply appalling that the psychiatrist spoke to your husband. That is a violation of doctor-patient confidentiality. I feel like you need a fresh start with a new WLS center. It’s unfortunate that there is nothing else nearby. I can only imagine what an emotional roller coaster this has been for you in the past two weeks. I hope you are doing self-care or something to take care of YOU. You are important and you deserve to be happy and healthy. Okay, so PLAN A didn’t work out, but there’s gotta be a PLAN B for you. Hang in there.

 

[Kcuster83]

I hear/see a lot about people not having options around them. I didn't even realize that was a thing until joining this group. You would think big cities would have multiple options but I am learning that is incorrect. Before starting this process, I just assumed it was like any other surgery. That you just "picked" a hospital and there was a surgeon there that would preform it. Kind of like having a broken arm. Only when I started I learned it was basically a private practice and a entire process. At least it is in MD. I live in Baltimore, MD and has so many options that I had to research to make sure I went with the best!

 

[suzannethemom]

Before starting this process, I just assumed it was like any other surgery. That you just "picked" a hospital and there was a surgeon there that would preform it.

Me too. I was surprised that there are only 3 WLS centers to chose from within a 30 mile radius of my area. I live in a big city in Minnesota, but I drive 35 minutes to my bariatric center which is located in a small town. Go figure.

 

[JudyNY]

Mandy, I am so sorry. Please take this as only a temporary road block. I would definitely check out other weight loss centers if possible. Or search out other nutritionists elsewhere that might be able to open a door for you somewhere else. And even if you do have to wait a year, it's not a definite no. You wouldn't be the only one who had a lengthy wait. Just don't give up.

 

[KarenWV]

Mandy I agree with what everyone here has been saying to support you. Please don't be too discouraged & keep trying until you get the results you deserve. Maybe you can file a lawsuit against that psychiatrist for breaking doctor/patient confidentiality. Use the proceeds for your travel expenses to a new bariatric surgery center!

 

[KarenWV]

I just want to add my voice to others here in support of you.

I don't want to sound like a litigious jerk, but I believe you have a lawsuit here. Could be an important, precedential issue that changes the world for others who are violated.

Medical privilege is sacred, absolutely inviolable. Really, you can get a free 20-minute consultation with any licensed attorney. The American Bar Association has made it a condition of membership.

https://www.americanbar.org/content/aba-cms-dotorg/en/about_the_aba/aba_public_resources/

Really, this is beyond infuriating.

Hear hear Diane. I was typing the same suggestion as you were posting yours. Great minds...

 

[Roni]

Psychologist at surgical center called and she won’t move forward without my psychiatrist’s approval. Told her she won’t approve it because she doesn’t believe in it. She said she can’t in good conscience move forward without her go ahead. I am welcome to get a new doctor but she will want me to see that doctor for at least a year before she will move forward. So, she cancelled all my appointments AGAIN, even ones with a nutritionist because she said it is a waste of time and space for other patients who don’t have these “roadblocks”. So I guess I throw in the towel at this point. There is no other surgical center even close, and now my husband is against it because my psychiatrist called him and told him what she thought about surgery and he is freaking out about it. So disappointed… and sad… and frustrated…

I believe you can report that shrink on HIPPA violation. That can make her lose license.

 

[Tokash]

Fire the psychiatrist

 

[Tokash]

I am so sorry that this is happening. I really don’t feel like it was appropriate for your psychiatrist to call your husband. I think that you need a new psych and new surgeons office to start fresh. I’m upset/angry/frustrated for you!

Exactly. Unless you had a release on file that gave her permission to call him this is a reportable offense

 

[Tokash]

Me too. I was surprised that there are only 3 WLS centers to chose from within a 30 mile radius of my area. I live in a big city in Minnesota, but I drive 35 minutes to my bariatric center which is located in a small town. Go figure.

I went through m health fairview and had a great experience all the way through!

 

[rjbj]

Without a signed waiver from you or your explicit permission (maybe on your initial patient data form--you should check), talking to your husband is almost certainly a HIPAA violation. It's sanctionable and has a big-ol' fine.