Psych Eval

[Odee 57]

Hello everyone,

I had my psych eval two weeks ago and I have to go back for a follow up - which happens to be tomorrow afternoon. Did anyone else have to do this ? I thought it was one meeting and that was it. The doctor was very nice and said this wasn't going to intefere with the process. I was honest when the question about depression came up and I disclosed that I have battled with depression for years. Was I not supposed to do that ? Meaning is that something that can prevent me from getting approved ?

Thanks for listening. I'm learning so much from this forum and appreciate all the knowledge and experience you all share.

[Tana_Q 20]

Hmmm, that sounds a little weird to me. I haven't heard of people having to go back except for one poster but that was the psych's fault, My eval. was done in about an hr., no follow up needed. I think it's fine that you disclosed about the depression, it's common. I would say don't worry about it.

[Odee 57]

Thanks Tana Q

I know the coordinator in the office said he NEVER does this and that he is always packed tight with appointments and for him to move someone else for my follow up tomorrow is a big deal. I guess I should appreciate that he obviously has an interest and cares about my well being. One of the things we discussed was managing the depression better and my resistance to seeing a therapist. The more I think about it, it seems as if he is wearing his therapist hat for this visit and not the WLS evaluation hat.

I also have my sleep study consultation tomorrow. Tomorrow will be a BUSY day ! LOL

I do NOT think I have sleep apnea but they are still making me do the consultation and then the take home test.

I better try and get some rest for tomorrow ! Have a good night !

[crossedpaws 0]

Is the "take home test" open book? (hardy har).

I am a newbie, too, and just wanted to mention that I also had a follow up but was approved as far as the psych eval went, so I wouldn't worry. IMHO it is a great idea, especially for those of us who suffer with depression to see someone during this huge event, when our lives are going to change so radically.

Good luck!

[Lissa 2,631]

My psyche evaluation doc said I was depressed, too. She also stated that I WOULD be an alcoholic after surgery. But, she also gave me clearance for it! LOL

I actually see a therapist for food and other issues and she says that many obese people are depressed. She's not sure if the obesity causes depression or vice versa, but it's very common apparently. My personal opinion is that most people who seek out WLS would do well to spend time with a therapist. It's definitely enlightening to learn about the reasons behind overeating. I have a tendency to "eat" my problems, which is impossible now, of course.

I wouldn't worry about being called back for a second visit. And, if you feel depressed, that IS something I think you should tell the evaluator. Heaven forbid that you have complications after surgery, but I think it requires mental strength to deal with them if they do happen.

[vanb0052 40]

I saw the Psych for an hour consult a week ago...and then tomorrow I have to do a 2 hour computerized test then have a follow-up consult with the psych. I think all the programs run a little differently. I take my psych consults very seriously as I had a friend who had WLS, and had 2 different transfer addictions.

I hope it goes well tomorrow!

[Mimi77 6]

The first time I went for my psych eval, the therapist was a wackadoodle and talked about Chinese medicinal weight loss for a long time then told me my hour was up and and that I would have to come back for a second appointment. I was so frustrated to learn that a second visit was totally atypical and was also upset at the money I wasted with this lady. I quickly cancelled my appointment and went to another therapist. True enough, I did have to pay for two separate appointments but I really liked the second therapist, she wrote my letter after one visit, and I didn't have to give another dime (or listen to the crazy rumblings of) the first nut job!!! By the way, she had even told me that I should be lucky she "understood" my time crunch and that's why she thought she could complete my eval in just 2 sessions opposed to the 4 it usually takes. What a load of crap!

[circa 333]

Often when someone is battling with depression and going into something like this, a second meeting is asked for to make sure that the depression issues are addressed and that there's an understanding of potential medication issues. You should ALWAYS tell the truth to all medical professionals - you of course did the right thing. I wouldn't sweat it. Most people that are battling their weight battle depression.

[Amanda 3.0 140]

I was sent to counseling before being approved, because I admitted that I had thrown up voluntarily a few times a number of years ago. I went, they gave me a few more tests for eating disorders, and I was approved. In my experience, just do what they say and they will approve. Argue or resist, and they will think you have a problem. Nuts, I know.

[minaleigh 95]

I had to see my therapist twice. The first time was mainly introductory while the second was more in depth and he basically "quizzed" me about the surgery to see if I understood the ramifications of it, the mental, physical, and emotional.

It wouldn't have been a good idea to lie about being depressed. It'd be like lying to a mechanic about what's wrong with your car. Therapists and doctors are there to help you, so being truthful about your issues is what will benefit you in the long run.

I told my therapist about my depression (heck, I even cried right there in his office) and I was approved for surgery. He didn't recommend I see him after surgery, but he does want me to go to some of the support group meetings specifically for weight loss surgery. It has helped.

[Odee 57]

I'm sorry ! I have been swamped lately and sick so I haven't been on line.

Thanks to each of you that took the time to reply to me.

I had to reschedule the 2nd appointment because the sleep study appointment took so long that it ran into the psych eval follow up appointment.

He has asked that I take a supplementary anti depressant and I see him in a couple weeks.

Regarding the sleep study - the doctor believes I actually do have sleep apnea. I am waiting for them to call me to pick up the take home test. They are having "technical problems" with the machine.

Besides that all is good ! Feeling better and will go back to work tomorrow.

Thanks again =)