New! Please Read Ahead....

[kmtuwnnabe 0]

I have recently been referred by my doctor to have lapband. I am currently at 244lbs at 5'4" and 25yrs old. I have had a struggle for the last 10years to lose weight. I have recently gained 30lbs in the last 3mos. Although I have not changed my eating habits. I had to stop working because my knee and ankle pain was so bad I couldnt stand on my feet for 13hours a day anymore. I have severe arthritis in both of those joints as well as my lower back.

I have just been referred for my Psych Eval. My question is...what is this exactly? What kind of things do they want to know? What is the process from there?

We have tricare and I called to inquire about the referral today and was told the psych eval was approved,yet there was no referral for a bariatric consult just yet. Does anyone know how tricare south does this? Do they do the evaluation first to make sure you can get approved then go for the bariatric consult...or did my doctor flub it up?

I know these are alot of questions but im very curious and want to be well informed.

[angbutler0712 30]

At my psych evaluation they wanted to know my day to day routine. They want to know what your relationships are like with your family and spouse. They want to know of any past depression, causes for it, how you got through it, any attempts of taking your own life. If you have ever been to therapy, it's very much like the first meet and greet session with the therapist. Now beware that I've seen people get denied because they come off as not mentally stable or that they have tried ending their own life. My friend was denied due to her crying and bringing up how she's not over a past abusive relationship.

I do not have tricare, so I have no idea how they work.. But from the sounds of it, you are at the beginning of this process. I would say from mine and my friends experiences, it takes 6-9 months to complete the entire bariatric workup and have surgery.mbut every insurance is different.. So yours could be quicker. Goodluck!!

[Shaggyshinypants 0]

I have Tricare as well. I had a relativly easy bout with this. If you answer the questions the way THEY want you to answer you should be just fine! The person doing the psych eval is not a psychiatrist (personally I think my life is my business...) After I did the required nutritional class I was approved within 3 days (thurs, fri monday got the call) I was scheduled for surgery ASAP! Havent had a problem! As far as insurance goes! I hope it is just as easy for you! Best of luck to you!!

~Shaggy