Psych Evaluation?

Now that my psych evaluation is looming next week, I need to ask some questions of you guys. Of all the people here on OH, I know you all have the most in common with me. (BMI over 50, eating issues, etc.) What was your psych evaluation like? What questions did the psychologist ask you? What was your outcome? Any advice on things to say/how to act, etc? I know I'm not crazy, but how do I get them to believe that?!? Thanks in advance...

My psych just a few questions about my psych history because I suffer from depression and my eating habits. He said my surgeon had a few questions that he wanted answered and that was it. He also said he didnt make the decision that he sent a report to the surgeon and that he made the decision. The last time I seen the surgeon he asked about my psych history and said well the psych had signed a release so no problem. I now have a surgery date of March 2nd. love marie and good luck

Thanks, Marie! It helps to hear about other people's evaluations. I'd hate to go in there not knowing what to expect. HUGS, Linda

your welcome

Hi Linda, First of all, congrats on getting to take the next step!! Second, before I was approved for surgery, I read a lot of different responses of what the psych eval involved for different people. For me personally, it was a 567 question standardized form. I answered the questions and went home. They scored my questions and then on my follow up appointment they reviewed my results. It took some time to answer that many questions, but just standard stuff. The Doc I went to was WLS approved, so they touched base on my knowledge of the surgery, the risks involved with the surgery and my game plan after surgery (i.e. after care at home) and if I understood all that was expected of me by the surgeon after surgery. It was a breeze. They had the evaluation ready and faxed to the doc office the same day as my follow up. Hope this helps some. ~Dan

hi Linda Good for you!! Youre moving right along! My psych eval was pretty easy. I didnt have to answer that big bunch of questions. We talked and then she asked me since I was grazer how was I going to deal with that? And was I ready for the lifelong commitment that WLS entails? No problem at all. I hope yours goes as smoothly. willby

Hi Linda, my psych eval went pretty smoothly, I didnt have any written ?? to answer, the one thing I remember her asking the most was what I was going to do to replace the comfort i am used to getting with food. That was a tough one and now that I am post-op it is really tough. However I must have said the right thing because she wrote my authorization right in front of me and handed it to me to give to me doctor! Good luck! Karyn

Congrats on getting to the next step! My psych eval went pretty smoothly. Just keep a positive attitude. Don't sound overly depressed. I did have to go back and take a written test (2 hours), which was an annoyance more than anything. But that was a requirement by my insurance company, not my surgeon or the psych dr. Gotta love insurance companies. Huggs, Ruth

Linda, The only person in my town who did WLS evaluations was a WLS failure, with a bad attitude about WLS. That being said, the appt was about 2 hours, no test, but questions about what support I had (none), do I hide when I eat (huh? who would do that), am I embarassed to eat in front of other people (no way, I love it), have I ever eaten a whole bag of cookies, chips, etc (no), are my kids overweight (1 is), do I feel like being overweight has prevented me from achieving success in my life (nope, the fat does not affect my brain function), does being fat limit my personal relationships (not at all, lots of men love fat), do you have health concerns with your weight (nope, my health is just fine, I just get depressed I can't buy a Versace t-shirt in my size), and what is my ultimate goal (to ride every roller coaster at 6 Flags). She also asked my to explain the surgery, recovery and results, which I was able to do. So, my point, I was completely honest, and straight up about my expectations and goals. I don't plan on being a supermodel, just a regular person who has fun and goes on roller coasters and buys designer jeans, to me, the health issues were secondary. She approved me I would not worry too much about it. Carrie

Linda, I had to take a 2 hour test, then I had a meeting with the psychologist for about an hour. We just talked about what my expectations were and if I thought I could live with the restrictions. Lori