Psychiatric eval

 So. I am on my way to getting approved for surgery! The only hurdle I have left is the psych clearance. What can I expect from this? I have heard that some people get denied because of this. Also, does anyone know anything about Cigna? I'm so worried I won't get approved!

I was worried about the psych eval too.  I figured they would ask for deep dark personal issues and feelings.  I was surprised when she asked about my family members and how they felt about the surgery.  I explained why I wanted it and she was like, you are perfect for the surgery so why did you wait so long.  She actually gave reasons for the good of having the surgery.  She did stress that afterward I would not feel the need to eat which she was correct about.  The main point that I remember was that I would need to get used to being skinny and that I would have to realize that I will not be that big person anymore.  I would have to start living life and enjoying the things that I missed out on from being overweight.

Good luck on your evaluation.  Be honest with the reason why you want the surgery.  My reason was to live longer since I was slowly killing myself with my weight.

 Well, I was hoping for something like that except there I a test I have to take.

 I know different psychologists use  different tests, however  the test was very simple in my case-  I was given a binder with mulpiple choice questions(probably about 200 questions , but it was an untimed test) and the questions were very straight- forward ( do you use illegal drugs, often find yourself angry or getting into fights, etc) .  I have read that some  mental illnesses or eating disorders can disqualify you from surgery and that the point of the pysch visit is to determine if you have realistic expectations regarding surgery, if you understand the surgical procedure and the lifestyle changes required. Hope this helps, and best wishes.

 The psych eval was pretty easy and straight forward.  All she really did was ask me about my family, my job, growing up, etc.  By then, the hour was up.  She told me to come back if I ever needed to, but also mentioned that she doesn't take insurance.

I am looking for some therapy to deal with the changes this surgery has brought about.  I figure if I'm improving my physical health I may as well get my mental health in tip top shape as well and help me to come to terms with my food addiction.  I'm certainly not going to go see someone that doesn't take my insurance though.

At mine, we spent 30 minutes talking about why I wanted surgery, my weight & dieting history, past success & failure, what support systems I had (family & friends, etc).  I just tried to be as honest as possible.  I had done a TON of research and preparation, so I felt very comfortable with my decision by this point.

Then I had to take a 300+ question evaluation.  It's a pretty typical personality/psych eval.  I think it was a version of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI).  A bunch of similar questions asked in different ways.  You can look it up online if you are interested in more detail.  It was tedious and long, but not difficult.

It's really pretty easy.  I feel like some folks who aren't mentally prepared for surgery still get through this part.  And that's sad because some folks are simply not prepared.  :(  

This surgery is a big deal and it's worth preparing for like it's a final exam!!

It's really not a big deal. They just want to make sure that you have clear and reasonalbe expectations from this surgery and the weight loss to follow. So, take a deep breath and don't sweat the small stuff. I am sure you will do just fine. Remember....this is FOR you, not against you.

Mine is a different story.......I thought my Psych doctor was very very unprofessional and I thought the whole process was just plain not needed with this doctor.  He first asked me how long I had been over weight.  I must also include he has a few documents which you had to fill out before
you arrived and it asked about your job, family and your family past history and such.
Ok, back to the evaluation.....He also asked me what I had done to try to lose weight in the past. He asked me what type of medications I was on and also all the questions on the document he had me fill out before I arrived.  Next he says he will be having me take a test and I have to be honest and if I am not I will have to take another test.  He says one of the questions will state "Do you do drugs?" and he asks me how I would answer that question? and I state no I don't do drugs, well I take blood pressure medication and he states well then on this test you will answer "yes" I do drugs.  Ok, I think wow!!! that can't be right, so I say to myself Im not saying I do drugs.  Well that question did come up and sure enough I said NO.
Another question on this silly test was, does your drinking cause you problems with your husband?
Does your drinking cause you probelms with work? Do you often  think about what you will put on your suicide note? Do you have to yell at people to get your point across?  Do you like to socialize? Really silly questions and if your not paying attention and trying to cruise through you could anwer them wrong because they keep asking the same thing but reword it differently.
Ok, then after that test he has a written test, another silly one again, it asked do you like your body? Do you think your sexy? Would you exercise to lose weight? Just silly I thought.  See I thought we would discuss my thoughts on the process of having this surgery. Nope not a thing was mentioned. So after the test I can clearly see this man is agitated with me.....he says you didn't answer the questions properly, he said you have passed but then he proceeds to say in an agitated voice; What are the three major causes of obesity in the United States? and I'm thinking myself hmmmm I said, socialism? stress?  Clearly he is again very agitated with me.....he says in a stern voice....COME ON YOU KNOW THE ANSWER!!! DON"T LOSE ME NOW!!!! WOW, I think and I'm taking the evaluation here....So he tells me his three answers and I'm sorry I don't recall them and I say ok.  Then next, he is   not done with me, he is clearly on a power trip and...he is on a ROLL!!! He says again in another stern voice, "HOW MANY CALORIES MUST YOU CONSUME TO GAIN A POUND? Hmmm...I remember last time I answered his questions and he didn't like the answers so I said I truly don't know very calmly.  He is so agitated and he says COME ON YOU WERE A TOPS PRESIDENT YOU SHOULD KNOW THIS ANSWER!!!! Well I didn't quite tell him it was 18 years ago.  Again he calls me a name which I will not repeat and he says again DON"T LOSE ME NOW!!!!! WOW, this man is crazy I think to myself.  So I said 3200 to 3500 and he says NO it's 6000 calories in a stern voice.  Well I really wanted to just get up and walk out and give my two cents to this crazy doctor but I sat there and just smiled and just endured.  I thought it was the most rediculous thing I have ever gone through.  At one point I did state you don't know me and I'm sure that made him even madder.  I really believe deep down is that I didn't open up to him and I didnt feel I had to regarding my life. It doesn't really matter what I have been through in my younger days I am a very strong individual and I know he could see that and I wouldn't budge.  So good luck with your evaluation.....most of the people's I have seen on here have been what they should have been.  So as long as your not in my area, you will be good to go. Don't worry about it.  Good luck and everything will be fine. 



 

I have Cigna...I just got my surgery March 5th. They were great! My sleep study showed mild apnea...they only rented my machine as they knew I was planning to have surgery and it would be resolved quickly. Once my doctor finally submitted my paperwork - (which was the biggest hassle...it was ready to be submitted in November and finally after four calls to check on the status they found my file "lost" and submitted it at the beginning of February) - Cigna had my approval back in less than a week. :-)

Good luck! 

The Psych thing is good though...they recommended I seek additional counselling...it has been the best thing I could have done! Seriously!

Hey, you have Cigna?  I've been trying to find out something.  I have to do the 6-month supervised diet stuff, so I'm doing that; but do you know what they're looking for?  Is it possible to lose "too much" and get denied?