What Can I Expect At My 'psych' Appointment?

[TeriMoBeri 2]

I have my obligatory pre-op psych appointment this coming Monday, and I'm just wondering what to expect. Not sure why, but I'm more nervous about this appt than any of the others thus far. I mean, can they see me unfit or something? (not that I am, but my brain worries...)

For any other NorCal Kaiser peeps, what was your next step afterward?

[Rosie88 14]

I also live in NorCal but I'm not with Kaiser. The psychologist I saw was named Lorraine Hutchinson. She specializes in bariatric surgery patients. You can see her website at http://www.hutchinsoncounseling.com.

She did the vast majority of the talking at my appointment. She talked a lot about the types of changes and emotional issues I'd be likely to go through with this surgery and weight loss. She only asked me two questions. She asked what I was most concerned or worried about, and she asked what I was most looking forward to. That was it! Nothing to be nervous about.

[elindoll88 92]

I went through NorCal Kaiser (Richmond) and I was also nervous about the psych meeting, probably because I'd never seen a psychologist and had no idea what to expect.

It was fine. We talked for about 30-45 minutes. She'll want to know about stress in your life, how you cope, what kind of support system you have, etc. The psych appt also screens for other conditions like OCD and schizophrenia, so be aware that some questions will be really weird!

[TeriMoBeri 2]

I went through NorCal Kaiser (Richmond) and I was also nervous about the psych meeting' date=' probably because I'd never seen a psychologist and had no idea what to expect.

It was fine. We talked for about 30-45 minutes. She'll want to know about stress in your life, how you cope, what kind of support system you have, etc. The psych appt also screens for other conditions like OCD and schizophrenia, so be aware that some questions will be really weird![/quote']

What came next for you, after psych...and how did the time frame move along, since you're also a Kaiser gal?

[elindoll88 92]

What came next for you' date=' after psych...and how did the time frame move along, since you're also a Kaiser gal?[/quote']

After the psych appt, your next will be with the case manager. They don't schedule that until you get to your goal weight. There will be lab tests and an EKG that you'll need to do before that appt. During the case manager meeting, you'll get a surgery date.

After the case manager meeting, there's a class on the surgery and post op nutrition. There's also a pre op physical. They try to schedule the class and your physical on the same day.

I was at goal when I had the psych appt and met with the case manager a little over a week later. The surgery date itself depends on your surgeon's schedule.