Psych Eval Before Lap Band Surgery

[SaucyBandster 23]

Hi Everyone,

I need to schedule my psych eval next and was curious if people could tell me what to expect?

If I say something wrong, can they not recommend me for surgery?

I am so apprehensive about this next appt so any words of wisdom are appreciated.

[kewlshort1 4]

Mine was uber easy. It seems this is another thing that is different though, depending on who you see. We sat and talked for roughly 15 minutes. He asked information about my family history, my personal medical history, and who my "support people" are. He wanted to know whether I've tried other weight loss methods, and what the results were. He also asked why I wanted to have surgery. After that, he said I was a good candidate for surgery. It was really laid back, quick and easy. Others have had to do a 500 question psychological profile (something like that), but I did not. I was pleasantly surprised. Basically, he wanted to know that I had a support system in place, that I was likely to be able to "handle" the changes necessary, and that I was doing the surgery for the "right reasons".

[Allison0927 329]

mine took about 1 or 1.5 hours - about 20 minutes was talking - and the rest was taking two tests - one was an IQ like test and the other was a profile of some sort. It was very easy. It appeared that the point of the whole thing was finding out if I had a support system in place, whether i was good at following directions (so that later i'll take Vitamins, follow surgeon instructions etc) and whether i was one to eat mindlessly all day or overeat only at meals (the latter being someone who is a good candidate for surgery). I told the truth - which is i was never a grazer that ate all day long (constant snacking) and i was never big on sweets. My whole problem was eating too much at a sitting/meal. He said you are the perfect type of person for lap band surgery. Best of luck to you - you'll do great.

[Matt Z 4,139]

Mine was 2 hours or so of questions, followed by a 30 min review a few hours later.

Don't be afraid of saying the wrong thing, just be 100% honest and truthful. You gain nothing by trying to work the system to ensure that you are approved. If you don't have a binge eating, purging habit or other psycosis that would hinder your change in diet and the restrictions you will have post op, then you will be fine.

Just come clean with everything and you'll be fine.

[pink dahlia 2,513]

my 3 part visit was easy. 1st visit we talked about my reasons (getting healthy and strong) my weight loss attempts and failures, my family history, my own medical history, family support and healthy hobbies. (i like horseback riding and running- cant do them anymore due to weight prob.) psych dr was very easy to talk to. 2nd visit was 45 min Minnesota (?) test that shows you're in a normal state of mind-no mental illness, psycocis, or unrealistic goals.( you're not trying to look like angelina jolie and become a movie star etc.) 3 rd visit was a recap- he said i was "like oatmeal, boringly normal!!) said i would be a very good canidate as i had healthy expectation for the lap band, a good support system, and had tried healthy eating and exercise etc.... hope this works for you, you 'll do fine if youre honest about everything. Good luck to you

[Jim1967 3,569]

Thanks all for your posts. I have my appointment on Thursday.

[Jrowe1971 12]

The psych evaluation was a breeze but, my psychologist recommended that I get help for after the surgery. All I had to do was go to a psychologist and he sent a message to my surgeon saying I was under his care and all was fine. I had my surgery 3 months ago and I am not being monitored as to whether I am going or not but, I choose to go because it helps to have someone to talk to sometimes. Good Luck, I hope all goes well for you.