Psych Eval

[hadouni 301]

I had my psych eval on Friday. I've never seen a therapist (thank the wasp side of my family who preferred "under the rug" rather than admit anyone might have had a problem) so I had no idea what to expect.

It took almost 2.5 hours! It started with a three page of "finish the sentence" statement questions. That was sort-of interesting. I felt like I was back in high school taking some sort of guidance counselor test that would tell me what careers I might be inclined to. They gave me almost an hour for that.

Then the man came in and we went into his office - he had a couch! That was my big question... would he or would he not have a couch. Then he asked me to tell him a little about me. Oye. I only got teary once (not where I expected too) and overall I'm not sure what I got out of it other than he confirmed that food (especially sugar) and I have a "thing" and I need to make my peace with it. I would have loved to receive some suggestions for how I might make my peace with food/sugar because I've been trying to figure it out for 31 years and not exactly succeeding.

I was told that it would take about two weeks to get the final result of my psych consult- does that mean if they recommend me for surgery or not? I did ask if I was crazy and he said something to the tune of just like the rest of us (the psychiatrist had the sleeve a little over a year ago).

Probably the most immediately useful thing I got out of it was him telling me that I'd likely be totally out for the endoscopy scheduled for a week from Thursday.

I also pushed and got some out of pocket cost estimates that I need!

Still hoping for early January and still hoping for sleeve! Thanks for listening!

[peacequeen 434]

That's funny,,he had a couch.lol

Just my 2 cents..All I know is that if you have a "thing" with any type of food,,you better get your head around it before being sleeved.

I went through 2 different clinics so I had 2 psych evals. The first one, I didn't do well and was recommended to see a psych till I get clearance,,which I have done and it really helped. I see a therapist regularly. I had a tragedy in my family, my parents were killed in an accident several years ago. We talk about alot of things though and he is always open to talking about my issues with food so it's a good thing. I haven't had surgery yet but I'm not sure I would do well if I hadn't been getting therapy. Everyone is different though.

[hadouni 301]

This is my feeling of catch 22! If I could mange it, I wouldn't need WLS - or at least I feel like I wouldn't. From years of OA I know that:

1) I should never go to the grocery store (or to a restaurant) hungry

2) free food (the junk that appears in a never-ending high fat, high sugar flow) is not "MY" food, and I should not eat it

3) I should not eat sugar in all its varied and tasty forms

4) I should eat planned meals and eat at the table, no snacking at the counter or while watching TV

I live in a small town and the idea of airing my dirty laundry in such a small fishbowl- Dr./Patient confidentiality or no, is too hideous a thought for words!!

[LadyIvy 159]

I got to circumvent the whole 21/2 hour "couch" experience. I have been seeing a therapist for 3 years about twice a month. Turns out he does bariatric surgery evaluations. The whole thing literally took 20 minutes. He said he already knew most of what he needed to know. He has a couch too, but its like one you would see in your living room. I am so glad I didn't have to go through waiting. I knew when I walked out the door that I had the okay. Also, him telling you the response could take 2 weeks doesn't really mean anything good or bad. He has to find time to look over your responses and prepare a letter. Then he has to put it in a pile for his secretary to type up and send. It is a good sign that he just thinks you "are as crazy as the rest of us". Don't worry too much about your problems with food holding you back. We all have problems with food and that is how we got where we are. The psychologist knows this too! GL with your procedure Thursday!

[Sweetybabs 13]

I too had never seen a therapist...but went reluctantly! I actually went twice..and enjoyed both sessions! I had already been on the program 2 months before going...so I had come to terms with my food "demons". All went well...and I am clear for surgery on Nov. 2nd.

I highly recommend everyone get control of your food habits..the sleeve, band or RNY will NOT help you do this! It is YOU and only YOU that will make those necessary changes...the sleeve (WLS) is a tool..not a solution.

Wean yourself off of your "sugar/food" a little at a time. If you want chocolate, eat a Hershey Kiss instead of a large piece of chocolate cake or pie! If you crave caramel...have a Werthers Butter Cream candy...see how this works? There is a modest subsitute for every craving. Try eating 1-3 (no more than 3) bites to satify your craving.

I hope these tips help you...I know that is how I lost my 50+ pounds before surgery!

God bless!

[hadouni 301]

Thanks for all of the suggestions! I'm going to attend a support group hosted by the surgical group in November so hopefully I'll learn something there too.