Question:
Anyone have a history of substance abuse & been approved/or denied for surgery?
I have my initial consultation soon for a LAP RNY. I am a recovering alcoholic/addict (cocaine)& am concerned about being denied because of my previous substance abuse history. I completed an outpatient rehab in August of 2000 (almost 3 years ago) & have been in a successful recovery program since that time. I attend approx 3 AA meetings a week, have been open & honest with my PCP throughout my recovery, have a psychiatrist I see on a regular basis (I am also on anti-depressants), and still see a therapist from my rehab every other week for counseling. My PCP, therapist and psychiatrist are all supportive of my decision, but I am concerned that I will be turned down by a surgeon and/or insurance. Has anyone here had any experience being in recovery from drugs and/or alcohol and pursuing bariatric surgery? — Michelle S. (posted on April 11, 2003)
April 11, 2003
I just wanted to say congratulations on your recovery and good luck! I
don't see why they would deny you.
— Beverly S.
April 11, 2003
CONGRATULATIONS on your progress and recovery! Haven't had this situation,
however, my gut feeling is if your pysch evaluation is positive, there
would be no reason to deny you (except for exclusions, etc.)
— Debbie B.
April 11, 2003
Michelle, first I would like to commend you on your recovery. I have not
had the problems you have but have been through the problems as a mother.
You should not have any problems with your insurance company and if you
should have any problems, that's discrimination! One has nothing to do with
the other. Good luck with your surgery and keep going one day at a time
with your recovery. You are a very important person and deserve this
surgery!
— Barbara S.
April 11, 2003
Hey someoneb local, I am from Mcintyre Square area. Anyhow Dr Friday who
approves all of Schauers patients said in treatment controlled for 6 months
to a year. Given that you should be OK. Does Dr Hamad use Dr Friday for
psych clearance?
— bob-haller
April 11, 2003
I have been in recovery for 16 years and I was concerned also about whether
I would be approved. On the paperwork my surgeon's office sent me, there
was this question about "using". I wasn't sure what to do. I
didn't feel it would be a problem but...... What I have had a problem with
is pain medications - I could never get any because the docs were afraid I
would get addicted to them. HEELLLOOO!!! So I have to suffer needlessly
because I used to "use"? It has been a problem for me for years.
As long as pain medications are used wisely, and controlled, things can go
very well for people in recovery. Course, once I finally got to use them I
found out that I was allergic to almost all of them. My PCP and therapists
know my history. What I elected to do was to leave the space blank. If I
were actively abusing chemicals right now, it would be an issue. Your
support system knows your history. If they are not worried and have
approved you for the surgery, I wouldn't worry about it. The only time my
surgeon brought up drugs, it was because I am so allergic to everything. I
was worried too. I have never tried Demerol, so we will go with that. I
am going to make sure that there is at least one more option to fall back
on - just in case. I hope this helps you. When we talk about a
"program of honesty", and we have attained some recovery, I don't
think it needs to be an issue. You know your heart; if you haven't used
for 3 years, you have some stability. Sounds like you have a great program.
Rely on HP to help. Good luck!
— Judy K.
April 14, 2003
Congratulations on your recovery. With a physical addiction and/or an
addictive personality one must be very careful what type of pain management
is used post op. Do you have the option of an epidural(spinal) or only
drugs? What if the drugs you receive for postop pain feel REALLY GOOD? You
may relapse. Please be careful and discuss with your surgeon the option of
epidural. Don't take any chances-Keep the drugs out of your system if at
all possible.
— mary ann T.
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