Psychologist Appointment
on 10/11/14 10:31 am
Mine was a multiple choice assessment test that was not pass/fail just information about confidence levels related to surgery and eating and stuff like that. There was an interview with the psychologist where they look at why I was having the surgery, what support i had in my life and did i get that it was a life changing event, I think they screen for active uncontrolled depression and past history of bulimia or anorexia and tak generally about how a person copes with stress. Not really a big deal and not diagnostic in nature.
Just answer everything truthfully - it's for your benefit, both for now and the future.
Mine was a ton of multiple choice questions and a quick interview - it's not a pass or fail - it's to determine that you know what you are doing and what you are letting yourself in for!
Proud Feminist, Atheist, LGBT friend, and Democratic Socialist
Mine was more of a sit down and chat session, no tests. Just talked about how I made my decision and some of the things I found difficult in my life because of my weight. It was not stressful.
Cynthia 5'11" RNY 7/23/2014
Goal reached 17 months. 220lb Weight Loss
Plastic Surgery Dr. Joseph Michaels - LBL and Hernia Repair 2/29/16, Arm Lift, BL, 5/2/16, Leg Lift 7/25/16
#lifeisanadventure #fightthegoodfight #noregrets
I cannot even imagine what people would PUT in a video about the psych evaluation, so it doesn't surprise me that there aren't any.
It varies a LOT from one Psychologist and surgeon's office to another. (Some surgeons give the Psychologist free reign over the content while other surgeons have specific things that they want to have done. I do pre-op Psych evals part time and have worked under both scenarios.)
It involves some period of time giving some background on your history -- your weight, your family life, how you deal with stress, any psychological or emotional contributors to your obesity, what your current support system consists of, if you understand what the surgeon will be physically doing to your body, and whether you understand the specific changes you must make to your eating and activity (and the consequences of NOT making those changes).
Then, for some people, there is also some type of written "assessment" (or several). It can be a depression evaluation, a substance use/abuse assessment, or even a full personality assessment (sometimes the rather extensive (but very widely used) MMPI, and sometimes something less extensive).
The goal is simply to evaluate whether you are mentally prepared for surgery or if there are things that you need to address before surgery in order to increase your chances of success.
If you have a history of some type of mental health issue (depression, anxiety, history of abuse, something like Bi-Polar disorder or PTSD) that will NOT prevent you from having surgery, though. It is important for YOUR success post-op that you answer all questions honestly. It truly is not a pass/fail deal.
The mental part of the journey is at least as important as the physical changes from surgery. Without addressing any psychological issues, your chances of being successful long term are much lower, so take advantage of the opportunity to talk to a professional about any concerns you have. Many times, even if there is something you need to work on, the recommendation is to have surgery and work with a counselor after surgery.
Lora
14 years out; 190 pounds lost, 165 pound loss maintained
You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.
For mine I just sat in and talked with a psychiatrist, who happened to be super friendly and made me feel so comfortable! I told him I was a bit nervous for it before we started and then we laughed about it afterwards!! You will do great!! Sending positive thoughts and prayers for you tomorrow!!