Psychologist after surgery?

[mr97]

Does anyone know if I can request to see the psychologist associated with my bariatric team after surgery?

At the seminar I attended last year, I was informed that a psychologist would be involved in the bariatric team. I did not have to see the psychologist before my surgery (gastric sleeve) despite my being honest about past involvement with mental health services.

I'm not sure if the psychologist's involvement with WLS is purely to screen patients prior to surgery or if they also have a role in post surgery care?

 

[Yvessa]

I was told that if I needed I would have the whole of the multidisciplinary team at my disposal and I only ha to ask. Can't hurt to give your team a ring and ask for help.

 

[chrisa]

Yeah Will I agree with Yvessa, give the Bariatric team a ring I don't see why not, better have their input now then have to get it a year down the line its now you need them. Go for it xxx

 

[mr97]

Thank you Yvessa and Chrisa,
I contacted the hospital and left a message on the answering machine. I just wanted to know where I stood re. the bariatric team's duty of care.

 

[Karlos]

I'm not sure the duty of care for your mental health rests with the bariatric team, but I am sure that they will point you in the right direction. They must have assessed your case and decided you were mentally fit enough to cope with the rigors of post op life so they will be able to sort you out the help you say you need. Good luck

 

[happy days]

It's worth asking. Sunderland have a guy who deals with the mental side of the things.

 

[Paula Garner]

Most bariatric teams are multi- disciplinary, so there should be a mental health nurse in most teams who can help with the psychological side of wls. If not, they will be able to refer you on to an appropriate service for your needs.

 

[mr97]

Thank you very much guys. I'll make some enquires tomorrow.

 

[lousarah]

Let us know how you get on because I hope I will never need it but if my bipolar comes out of remission its a possibility xxx

 

[Eve30]

Yes I saw one before my op and she said if I ever need to speak to her any time post op then make an appointment. Good lu k!

 

[mr97]

It's a bit of a post code lottery I'm afraid, with some bariatric teams favouring the input of other psychologists, diecticians etc. more than others. I get the impression that my consultant has a 'one spanner fits all' type of approach. I'm truely grateful to him, but I wish he would value the imput of other professionals. Mini rant over!
My GP is very supportive and actively involved in my care, he has refered me to a specialist and thinks that my rapid weightloss may be the problem and that my meds. need tweaking accordingly.
Thanks again everyone and good luck with your wls journeys.

 

[chrisa]

Well done Will, you are becoming very assertive, proud of ya think I need a few lessons. xx

 

[Karlos]

Rapid weight loss can have a deep psychological affect on us as the fat stores we built up over the years release hormones into our system as they get metabolized. And we are metabolizing huge amounts of fat really quickly. Think about it there is no way we could make such massive changes to our bodies without a degree of mental issues rearing their heads. Don't let them fob you off mate, if you need help you make sure you get it ASAP. Good luck with it

 

[mr97]

Thanks guys, without your support and experience all this would be very difficult.
just had some positive news today. My sleep apnea retest results show that I no longer have the condition. Result! No more going to bed with a mask.

Thanks again guys.

 

[chrisa]

Weehhhhhhyyyyyy told ya didn't i. Same happened to me bet you walking on air well done xx

 

[shelleymarie]

I hope the specialise can sort out your medication. I've too have suffered a lot with my mental health since the op and I know quite a few others who have too. I'm trying to get balance medication wise too but it's hard as my doctor keeps changing. As Karlos says something so physical drastic is bound effect you in many ways. So you are far from alone in this. Best of luck.