Psychologist Appointment

[AbbieL 63]

Hi all, what happens in the psychologist 's appointment? Is it possible they deny you for surgery? Are there things uoj should say or not say ti the psychologist or on the questionnaire?

thanks!

[Destined*Lady*D 90]

when I had mine, they ask why I wanted to have the surgery, what my support system at home was like, where do you go to de stress. I only had 2 appointments with mine and everything was good to go. They were more reassuring then judgmental. Just relax and I'm sure everything will go great.

Best of Luck on your process.

[A New New Dawn 1,695]

For me, it was actually pretty helpful. I would be honest as they are not there to hinder you, they are there to help you with this process. Essentially, they want to make sure you fully understand what you are doing and what the surgery is about. I wouldn't worry about it. They will know if you are just trying to tell them what they want to hear. They also want to know that you have a support system (friends, family, etc) in place.

[lawismylife 41]

They want to be sure you are of sound mind, know the consequences of your actions. That you are not a binger, abuse alcohol, etc. and need other psych help before getting a major life changing surgery. Most likely whatever eating issues you have all banders have had so don't worry about it. Be honest.

[brandice 40]

i had 3 appointments 1st was just talking to therapist and going over back ground both myself and family. and the 2nd was two tests that i had to take and the 3rd was the results. i found it very educational. be honest with all your answers and you will be fine. and just remember most importantly they aren't there to deny you. they are there to make sure that you will be successful with the band.

[Lapbandster 496]

For me they had me fill out a questionnaire, and he asked me a few questions mainly regarding my support system. They just wanted to make sure I had the proper support after surgery etc.

Yes they can recommend that you not have the surgery, but if they deem you mentally stable with proper support you should be fine

[Sojourner 2,446]

As others have previously said, the psych eval is only to ensure that your mood is stable and that you do not have any history or tendencies for eating disorders or an addictive personality.

Post op your mind and body will be going though many adjustments, it would only complicate your recovery and eventual success with weight loss if you experience an exacerbation of depression or begin to evolve any addictions you may have had in the past.

As you experience the many post op adjustments, having an adequate emotional support system is essential for a uncomplicated recovery from surgery and long term success with weight loss.

[AbbieL 63]

Thank you all for your replies. I guess I do think I have something psychologically wrong if I am over eating... isn't that why so many of us are overweight? I don't want to say the wrong thing.

After the band what do you do with these feelings of wanting to eat, both during or after stressful situations? Is the addiction still there? Or will it transfer to other things?

[prinxs 41]

Exactly what everyone said. They also basically want to make sure that you are not suicidal.

[brandice 40]

Thank you all for your replies. I guess I do think I have something psychologically wrong if I am over eating... isn't that why so many of us are overweight? I don't want to say the wrong thing.

After the band what do you do with these feelings of wanting to eat, both during or after stressful situations? Is the addiction still there? Or will it transfer to other things?

that's where you need to be careful if food is an addiction of yours you will naturally turn to something else. i would recommend a 12 step program to help you learn better coping skills.

[ChicagoRose 650]

I have not been banded yet so I am not speaking from experience, but I have heard that it's possible for those who have true food addicitons to transefer to other addicitons after surgery such as with alchohol or even shopping. I do not believe however that all overweight people are true food addicts. I feel like I eat as much as my family when we are sitting at dinner and unfortunatly my body can't metabolize food like other's can.

Everyone is different and I'm sure you will be fine. You are ahead of the game just talking and being open about it.

Good Luck **