Question:
Why is the psych eval going to take 5-6 hours? What is it like?

   — kinkade (posted on February 28, 2008)


February 28, 2008
I have no idea what this dr is doing but my boyfriend just did it and the first time he was there he was with him for about an housr. he had to take 2 tests and the 2nd time he was with him it was about an hour also.
   — Joanc

February 28, 2008
Wow, thats a long time. My phych eval didn't take nearly as long. I think mine lasted at the most mine lasted about 2 hours. Basically she just asked why I was having the surgery and if I knew what the surgery entails and the possible risk and/or complication. Then after that she she asked me a bunch of questions about my childhood, what diets I have tried, how my family, spouse or signaficant other felt about it, and asked me if I was having any problems in my life. She asked was I depressed or anything like that. I don't know why yours is so long but I guess every doctor is different. Good luck!!!!
   — DPURNELL

February 28, 2008
they have you sent aside a chunk of time, but I haven't heard of ANYONE that I know who's lasted more than 2 hours the most. I was there 45 minutes. My psych had me do 3 psych tests and then "corrected" them, we talked about the conclusions. She asked a bunch of questions about history, family, medication, etc. She patted me on the head and I was on my way. Pretty painless. good luck.
   — jammerz

February 28, 2008
When i went in for mine it took about 2 hours tops and that was it. She asked me questions about when i was a child what i have tried in the past to loss the weigh. Wish you luck with your appt.
   — Sunburst03

February 28, 2008
Some tests, and talking w/the psych. No biggie. He/she is just looking to see if you need to deal with any issues before you have the surgery. Mainly looking to see if you just want the surgery as a quick fix. There could be some underlying issues with your weight that even you are not aware of. They just want to find them if there and fix them before you have the surgery so your surgery is a success. I loved mine as my psych looked like a comedian from tv (I forget who) and he was super sweet. He got all his paperwork done ASAP and got it sent over to my surgeon within a few days. He's awesome and I refer everyone in the Atlanta area to him! Good luck, hang in there it's easier than you think and God bless!
   — crystalsno

February 28, 2008
Just go in there open. Use this as a tool, perhaps a mirror to reflect some of those underlying things that could come back and use themselves against you as obstacles and opposition when you are in the middle of your journey. Use this tool to enhance the tool of "surgery" rather than worry about saying the wrong thing and having them deny your surgery. Good Luck!
   — bariatricdivalatina

February 28, 2008
Most of these guys have you take a test of about 400-500 yes and no questions. Then they run it through a computer that gives them a profile on you and your thoughts. From there they ask you individual questions and discuss thoses answers. What they told me was that I needed to maintain my social life and that was going to be hard without drinking and food and how did I plan to do that. I told them I was prepaired to keep it up, and I could attend dinners and parties with just a glass of water in my hands and eat a peice of fruit or cheese and be happy. They also told me I needed the support group meetings because I need encourgage ment to succeed. I followed their recomendation and things are great. Don worry. Unless you are very different, you will do just fine.
   — William (Bill) wmil

February 28, 2008
I think every clinic's requirements are different now days with the psych evaluations. I know most use the MMPI test, which you usually get within the first or second visit to the therapist...depending on the psychologist you see. I made my appt. and took the test at the first appt. and I was told that I had 2-3 hours to complete the test...then he scored it, and had me come back to go over how I scored, two weeks later. After that, should they feel you need further counseling/therapy, they'll make their recommendation to you, and then when they feel you've done what you need to do to handle the emotional aspects of your surgery and lifestyle changes, they'll sign off to your clinic and after that, usually things go along fairly quickly in getting your approval from insurance. (Mind you...some therapists might sign off right away... others might recommend further counseling.) Some people choose to continue with the therapy before surgery and after, if they have ongoing issues. My therapist was great and just wanted me to come in a few times to make sure I was really emotionally ready for this. I was grateful for that "ME" time because I knew I had been neglecting "ME" for a very long time. I tested high with anxiety and mild depression. He said it's very common in obese people. It was very helpful and indeed I would recommend it. Some people think of the psych eval as a hassle and something that's not neccessary. I don't agree at all. I think if you want to be successful with this surgery and the changes in your life, you need to be fully aware as to how you eat, why you eat, and what is surrounding you at home, such as your support system, family issues, etc. So it might be a hassle in that you HAVE to do this to get surgery...but it's definitely worth it. Be positive about the experience and enjoy the learning process as you go into this. Keep an open mind...and really learn WHO YOU ARE! I think it's a wonderful aspect of the journey you're about to begin. Hugs....and best wishes...Cheryl
   — Cheryl K.

February 28, 2008
mine only took about an hour.
   — Alvernlaw

February 28, 2008
My psych Eval was 45 minutes... your psychologist is insane... you should not have to sit for 5 hours...
   — Rachelena

February 29, 2008
Hi. Mine only took a hour or so. I thought it was the biggest waste of time. He only went over things I already knew, because by this time you have done everything your surgeon required.
   — Pamela S.

February 29, 2008
i was just asked questions and the office visit lasted about 30 to 45 minutes! I never took any test. I am out 12 months! hmmm
   — obx100

February 29, 2008
Whaaaa?? My husband and I did ours together and it took the standard shrink hour of 50 minutes. Liz Shibalvr
   — Shibalvr

February 29, 2008
It's fun fun fun. Talk tou yourself, and try to bite your ear, the psych doc's LOVE that stuff!!! Seriously, they just neet to make sure you want to do this yourself, not being pushed into it. You'll be fine, and it won't take that long. My shrink was hot!
   — 29Diesel

February 29, 2008
Oh my stars! Are you seeing Dr. Freud himself? LOL, just kidding. Jeeze, I believe I was in and out in less than 30 minutes. He/She will just discuss with you whether you are sure you know that you are getting into a life-long committment and are you prepared for it. Also, he/she will want to make sure that your are embarking on this for the right reasons. Good Luck & don't sweat the small stuff!
   — LuvNSummer

March 1, 2008
strange I used one through my insurance and it took 45 minutes. Why not ask what the itinerary is for that amount of time. Good luck
   — KristinaSilvasy




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