Psych Eval What to expect?

I had to reschedule my appointment due to inclement weather. So, I am even more nervous. I have never seen a psychiatrist before. How should I prepare?

Donna Just be yourself. I was nervious too when I went and had my Psych Eval done. But he was pretty kewl. I had about 9 pages to fill out with questions all over them. And then I sent them back to him to score. I thought it was crazy what does some of these question have to do with WLS or me. Come to find out it pretty much pegged me. Meaning what my outlook on life is, my personality, ect. And it was right. Then he went over it with me and showed me how to break my cycle. For instant my main thing I scored off the charts on was I am a mother figure: I look after everyone elses needs before I even thing aobut myself. I have a hard time getting motivated (off my Butt) but once I do. Look out!! And he is right I will put off and put off on things that I know I can get by with. But once I actually say to myself. Melissa move you butt. I am on fire and motivated to the max. We talked about family and spouces ect. But over all it was pretty good. So relax and dont stress to much over it. Basicly they are just checking to make sure you got a firm grasp on what you need to do. To make this tool work for you to the good. And stay that way. And if you fall off the so called wagon. How to get motivated to get back on it. Hope this helps and not scares you more. Love Melissa

Just be yourself. My psych eval was simply. He just asked me questions about my eating habits. and asked how I was doing in life in general. And asked me how I thought wls would help and if I knew it was going to be a life changing experience.

Each practitioner is different. Some will have you complete tests and charts and some will just ask questions. Being yourself is the best suggestion I've heard. My eval almost got rescheduled as an electrical storm cut off the power to the building. I told the psychologist no way was I leaving, we would just sit by a window. I had driven over an hour in a lightening storm and I was not coming back. She asked if I always got what I wanted. I told her I wasn't use to asking previously but I was sure going to learn now. One question they might ask is why do you want this surgery. But, I am sure you'll have an answer ready for that. Good Luck and drive safetly. Robin

Donna, you have givin yourself so much to be worried about... DON'T worry. It is a bit scary seeing a psychiatrist for the first time, let alone thinking that the surgery rides on the outcome of such a visit.... just remember, the psychiatist is just a person - like you.... nothing to fear. They just want to make sure you are ready for this major surgery, that you have a support system that will help you through the changes in your life, and that you are mentally stable enough to handle those changes your body will go through. To do this they may make you take tests and evaluations or they may just visit with you. There is no pass or fail, there is no right or wrong..... there is just YOU and that is what is important... Don't be worried, as others put it, be yourself! Thinking of you... Aunt Pam

Thanks guys! I love this board! I don't have the kind of support I need until I come here. I have been learning about WLS since 1999 and this is as close as I've come so far. I've changed jobs for better insurance and now am on the 6 month physician monitored diet which is so difficult this time of the year!

The psych eval was one of the easier things they require. Hang in there. You're on your way for sure!