Presurgical Psych Evaluation, What Are They Looking For?

[LeaveItToSleever 80]

I'm wondering what could get a person denied here.

What would rule someone out as a surgery candidate, and what is an "ideal" candidate?

My psychologist had some very strong reactions to my answers about my childhood experiences. Now I'm scared.

[piper 13]

I don't think childhood trauma is a deal breaker, there would not be many folks getting wls if it were. I think the red flags are untreated addiction or eating disorder, untreated depression or really any untreated psychiatric issue. I am on welbutrin so, the depression is being treated and was therefore not an impediment. Again, if being on meds for depression were a deal breaker not many folks would be getting sleeved!

[LeaveItToSleever 80]

I think the red flags are untreated addiction or eating disorder....

But disordered eating is the #1 cause of obesity! And eating disorders fall under addiction & impulse control in psychotherapy.

Now I'm scared. I feel as if I shoud've withheld more, but I was very frank and forthcoming because after all, that's what I was there to talk about. Telling my secrets was painful, so I teared up. I feel so stupid for spilling my guts and I'm worried how it might affect the decision.

[Yorkie Fan 16]

It is ok. I too teared up and I have had 2 WLS. I was cleared both times. They are wanting to make sure that you are not suicidal and don't have any unidentified problems that need treatment. I do know that they also look to make sure you are an individual who can recognize when you need help and seek it. Which you have already proven! Hang in there it does get better.

[piper 13]

I do not think being honest was a mistake. I am absolutely not an extremely well informed person regarding the specifics of what the psych eval. is searching for. Your points are valid and I have thought about this in the past wondering about cross addiction as my relationship with food is obviously disordered and emotionally driven.This said, I felt the psych eval was looking for more debilitating issues like present substance abuse or bulimia, major untreated psychiatric disorders, suicidal ideation... Things that would be an impediment to following the post surgery guidelines, major issues that hold the potential to cause one to end unable to properly care for themselves. I would hope that any bariatric counselor is aware of the underlying issues with food that an obese person faces and be able to discern these from those that would truly prevent post surgical compliance.

I also cried, I can't talk about my weight issue without crying. I am sure so many of us have family of origin issues that we have been medicating with food. The person that evaluated me shared hers with me. ( she had the surgery) This is not the what they are ruling out.

[LeaveItToSleever 80]

OMG I am so glad I'm not the only person who wept when forced to confront past demons during my psych evaluation. I tried to keep it together and not make a scene, but some of the memories leaked out of my eyeballs anyway. The counseler seemed so taken aback, I instantly feared that she'd never seen this happen before... maybe I imagined it... but she seemed a bit shocked by some food-related abuse issues (mother fed us adult-sized portions and beat us for not cleaning our plates).

Thanks for the responses.

[phatdivabbw 86]

I had my psych eval today. I remained upbeat and positive. Don't feel bad about expressing yourself. I was worried yesterday about the questions the doc would ask me. Don't worry. Stay positive.

[MRMROMA 0]

Hi,,,,,

i am just wondering what kind of questions he will ask me?

Thank you

[SlevieNicks 9]

OMG I am so glad I'm not the only person who wept when forced to confront past demons during my psych evaluation. I tried to keep it together and not make a scene' date=' but some of the memories leaked out of my eyeballs anyway. The counseler seemed so taken aback, I instantly feared that she'd never seen this happen before... maybe I imagined it... but she seemed a bit shocked by some food-related abuse issues (mother fed us adult-sized portions and beat us for not cleaning our plates).

Thanks for the responses.[/quote']

My dad was abusive as well...made us eat everything on or plate or sit at the table all night...or worse get beaten with his belt and he used the big belt buckle end not just the belt...I fell asleep at the table and was terrified not to finish food...even now I hate "wasting" food