jessress87

My understanding is that the purpose of the psych eval is to see if you understand what you are getting into and that you know that you'll have to be making lifestyle changes. They want to see that you are going to be willing to commit to eating healthier and exercising and that you realize that this isn't a magic fix. They'll also want to see what kind of support system you have at home.

Hi Amanda! Welcome to the Forum! I am also 22, 5'6" and 330lbs- what are the odds?! I have been lurking around on here for a couple months and have found it extremely helpful. I'm in the process of waiting for insurance approval so I'm not too much further along in the process than you. The very first thing I did was talked to my PCP who referred me to a surgeon. The surgeons office then scheduled me for a seminar, and I scheduled a consultation with the surgeon. From there they helped me get scheduled to see a nutritionist and psychologist for the psych eval and the rest is history- just waiting on BCBS now :tongue2: I have always been a little heavier than average but in the last couple years I've piled on about a hundred pounds. I've always known that I needed to lose wieght and I tried about everything out there. Finally my mom sat me down and told me that she wanted me to feel good about myself and have a long happy life. We looked into LAP-BAND® and it really seemed to click with what I'm looking for. It's not as extreme as gastric bypass but it will definitely give me a leg-up in the weight loss battle. As far as getting support from your family I would have them read, read, read about the procedure. Show them some pamphlets and success stories and let them know that you are serious about losing weight and that you need their support. Best of luck and keep us updated!

CONGRATULATIONS!! My Insurance company is still reviewing mine so I'm really hoping to be in the same boat as you really soon!

I had a similar psych eval (in Dayton). There were a TON of seemingly random questions- though I'm sure they have their purpose. Some of them were math problems, some were 'one of these things is not like the other' questions- I think it shows the psychologist your ability to comprehend and reason- that's my guess anyway. It wasn't too horrible. Mine was probably 200 questions and maybe took me a half-hour. Just take your time- you'll be fine!

You're about the same age as me :tongue: Congratulations on your success so far! It's stories like yours that keep me motivated!

So I had my third appointment for my insurance required supervised diet with my PCP and... I gained three pounds! Now, here is how it's gone overall: 1st appt: up 3lbs (started diet that day) 2nd appt: down 6lbs 3rd appt: up 3lbs Overall I'm exactly the same weight as I was when I started the process. I was so upset Saturday when I was weighed in because, not to make excuses, but it's 'that time of the month' and I always, always, always pack on Water weight so I KNOW that's what it is- but BCBSIL doesn't know that! Has anyone ever NOT been approved because they didn't lose, or gained, weight on their insurance required pre-op diet? Since that was my last appointment my PCP is faxing all of my info to the surgeons office so they can send it to BCBS for approval. I don't want to give them any reason to not approve my surgery!

AZSUNSHINE- Thank you so much for your reply! I've been feeling kind of bummed and nervous and your reply has really made my day :wink_smile: It's nice to hear something so positive, especially from someone in the insurance field!

Thanks to everyone for the positive feed-back. This is kind of a stressful time (as I'm sure anyone in this position would know) and every bit of encouragement really helps.

10% seems a little extreme! Sounds like you are dedicated and you've got some support. Keep it up!

I wrote one myself and then my surgeon will also be sending one. Hope this helps!

I'm really, really hoping that they see it that way. Actually a co-worker pointed out the same thing- if I had success with traditional dieting, I wouldn't need the lap-band :thumbup:

The liver shrinking diet is when I have to go on an all liquid diet for ten days before the surgery. This three month pre-op diet is something my insurance company requires. It is 'Eveidence that comprehensive non-surgical treatment of obesity has been attempted prior to surgical treatment.' Thanks for your reply!

I am actually going through the exact same thing right now( I also have BCBSIL)- matter of fact, my 3rd appointment is tomorrow. Someone I work with had the surgery in the spring back when they were requiring a 6 month pre-op diet. He said he lost 12 lbs in that 6 month period and he went on to be approved. As of my last appointment I had lost 6 lbs but I'm not sure what tomorrow will bring. In my humble opinion if you go and lose a really substantial amount of weight they could argue that you can do it on your own. I certainly wouldn't want to gain weight because they could argue that you aren't taking it seriously. Good luck!

I have BCBSIL and I am still in he proces so keep in mind it may be different, but I was required to have a psychological evaluation and a 3-month supervised pre-op diet. Good Luck!

I'm still in the process but I haVe BCBSIL and they require a letter of clearance from my PCP, a 3-month supervised diet and a psychological evaluation. I've done everything and am just working on the 3-month diet now. Good Luck!

Shew!! Congrats! I bet you are relieved!!!

They gave me a checklist but no one has said anything about needing any kind of pulmonary clearance or testing. My surgeons office provided me with a form for my PCP to fill out during my three-month pre-op diet. I hope it's got everythng BCBCIL requires on it!

Congrats for you progress so far!! Hope your approval comes swiftly and smoothly! I have BCBSIL too! Do you guys have any tips or advice? I guy I work with had Roux en Y surgery this year and he said he was denied by insurance FOUR times before the finally approved him! What kind of things did your PCP's document during your pre-op diet (if you had to have one)?

Thanks everyone for your helpful input and support. I think I've been focusing too much on RIGHT now instead of what is down the road. I am just going to try to be smart about it and practice some of the eating habits I'll use with the band (like saying WHOA when I'm full!) and I'll be fine. Thanks again!

I really hate to whine but I feel like this might turn into a venting, so I apologize in advance. I just started my 3-month pre-op dr supervised diet as required by my insurance company and I'm not feeling so awesome. In the last month I've taken a lot of major steps towards getting the lap band surgery. I've attended the manditory seminar, had my consult with the surgeon, had my pyschological evaluation and started my 3-month pre-op and I was feeling really good about it. The last few days, however, I've not been feeling so awesome. I think the discouragement started last week when my PCP put me on the south beach diet for three months. I know about the South Beach diet, I've done it before, I didn't like it. I'm not so good with the low-carb stuff, I do better with something like weight watchers. Anyway, I want to do everything right and I don't want to go against my doctor but I just hate the south beach diet! I the last week I have completely given up regular pop and have been watching my portions. I weighed myself last Monday and was 327. But tuesday when I went to the Surgeons office I was 330 and at the doctors office later on Tuesday I was 330. I don't know if my scale is just off (it's a new digital scale) or if the three pound difference could be attributed to the fact that I got my period Monday night (sorry guys!). When I weighed myself this past monday I was at 327 (on my scale). I was glad that I hadn't gained any weight but I thought I would have at least lost a pound! I'm just so worried that I'm going to gain weight before the surgery and insurance will deny me. I want this so bad and so far everything has been going fairly smoothly, I'm just kind of waiting for the bottom to drop out.

I realize of course that new eating habits come with the lap band. I also know that I am not going to have to do the South Beach diet with the lap band for the rest of my life. That's exactly why I've started my three-month supervised diet with eliminating regular pop and cutting back on portions.

I just wanted to share my excitement with those who can truly understand I met with my surgeon today, she was awesome! She asked me some questions and told me that I am a great candidate! After that I had my psychological evaluation that also went really well- he gave me the green light! THEN I met with my PCP who signed off on my release form and started me off on my pre-op diet. He wants me to try the south beach diet again, which I'm not thrilled about but I reckon he know's best! My appt with the nutritionist is scheduled for Friday, other than that all I've really got to do is finish my three-month pre-op diet. I'm getting closer!!

You betcha! I've got my eye on the prize!

I have blue cross blue sheild of IL and I am just getting started on my three month diet. Maybe yours changed from 6 to 3 too?

Good for you for pushing forward! I think most people have a person in their life telling them that they don't need to do it, or that maybethey should try dieting one more time but they really don't understand, even though they mean well! I'm pretty lucky that my fiancee is supportive (although, if someone other than me is talking about me needing to lose weight he gets irritated with them , lol). Good luck!