Psychological Evaluation

[ilmkids 1]

I go for my psych evaluation on December fourth I am so scared I don't know what to think someone please help me

[hanners2009 40]

My first evaluation was awful. The person doing it asked a lot of random questions like math and saying the alphabet backwards. My appt this time around was totally different. All she wanted to know was my background, who was going to help me in the weeks after surgery, do i have support, etc. Don't worry about it and just be truthful. Its a whole lot easier than it sounds i promise. My surgery is December 10

[ArcusX 216]

I just had mine last night. Here's how it went:

First, she asked normal stuff like my age, was I married, and did I have kids. She asked about my early childhood (like 6-12); what was it like, was I happy, lonely, etc. That was followed by later childhood (13-18) with the same stuff.

Eventually, we made it to the weight: how did it start, how long have you been fat (not in those words, but you get it). What do you want to weigh? What happens if you don't get there? Do you know what your diet will be like? Do you know the risks? What are they? Do you have support?

They're looking to see if you have depression or anxiety issues that could be a problem for your success, not to mention your mental health. Really strait forward stuff, I think.

What worries me for you, ilmkids, is that you're worried. My advice to you - or to anyone considering this major change in their lives - be honest. A smart person who just wants a pass will be able to just tell them what they want to hear. Don't do that. I think that there's a good reason the insurance companies require this as a step in the process. I frequently see people on here that have serious doubts. I'm not talking nervousness - I think you'd be irrational if you weren't nervous - but people having really serous doubts before this, and I think, "maybe this isn't for you." I'm sure it isn't for everyone.

If you are honest both with yourself, and with the shrink, they will give you the proper recommendation. If it's really not for you, you should know about it from someone who is totally impartial. If you get the pass, then you should feel better going into the operation.

I hope this helps. Good luck!

Edit:

BTW: It cost me $90. $40 for the specialist co-pay, and $50 for the report. Is the report part normal?

[ArcusX 216]

My first evaluation was awful. The person doing it asked a lot of random questions like math and saying the alphabet backwards.

That's really weird. I'd want my money back.

[toylitpapr 50]

My psych evaluation was goofy...and expensive!!! I have to pay $400 out of pocket for a 20 minute chat and a 90 minute 500 question test.

[fallingwhisper 187]

Mine was super fast. I had to pay 300 for the doctor to ask me about the surgery. He asked me what they do and what recovery would be like. No personal questions at all

[faith413 0]

5 written test, some short one long. drug and alchohol test, binge eating test, anxiety test, depression test, and overall weight related/psych test questions. I met with counselor for 1 hour (back ground from childhood, marriage, on), background anxiet/depression mental disorder etc. , then after i took the tests i met with psychologist who saw me for 10-15 minutes. He mostly empasized losing best friend, seek help if needed. He also let me know since I do take medicine for depression and anxiety to be sure to seek help if need it with the big change after and that I needed to be sure and get my antidepressant in liquid form as it does not absorb the same after surgery. I was a bit weirded out by it all as well and I have been in counseling before in the past. On the questions they ask you if you do written tests, you just do the best you can. I called the BAriactric office after a few days and the results were in. I thought it was a pass or fail type of deal. The nurse told me that they mostly are concerned with anyone who may be suicidal, etc. She did let me know that 90% of the patience are on some sort of antidepressant and/or anti-anxiety. Anyway, I had no problems but I will say I was glad when it was all over with. Personally, I did answer as honestly as I could but also keeping in mind that if I do have issues after the surgery then I will go to counseling and that mostly this is all about insurance approval requirements. . Hope this helps. I am scheduled for the 10th of Jan. Also, my dr office has a list of psychologists that they work with and I did go to the one at the top of the list and I believe this sped up the process. I however did have to pay $300.00 they said becuz the testing part is diff from copay. Good luck.

[Ballermom 803]

I would say that my evaluation was really easier than I thought. It started with a paper check off list. To determine depression or anxiety and so forth. Then like one poster said mine also ask about my marriage, my childhood, and it was kind of funny that she ask if anyone else was heavy in my family.

Well No, no else have this issue in my household, but some immediate ones do. She ask about the support after the hospital and what do you know about the procedure. Mine was soooo simple. Even the paper test was just a few check off , not an elaborate test like some. She did lastly, ask me how sure i was about wanting the surgery. also just be honest. She thought I was an emotional eater and recommended me. You will do fine. Relax. Good luck

[ebonisekim 1,713]

My cost $225 like others stated we talk about my life kids how did I hear about this surgery how was I educating my self about it who will help me we talk about how does my husband feel about it cause he said that if u having problems in your marriage like control issue u will soon be divorce cause ppl will look and give u more attention after wards he wanted to make sure that I was aware of risk and diet after and complications that I wasn't going into it blind then I had to do like 500 Q and it ask the same things but in a different way to kinda see my thinking process failing is not always bad he said its no such thing that just want to sort out all the issue first so they are there to help and if you going in nervous Start out by saying your nervous that way they will do there best to make u more comfortable but I pass and it wasn't kinda nice to have someone to talk to about wanting to have the sleeve not a very interesting convo for some of the world

[grrwuff 3]

Mine was quite easy and I only had to pay my ins. co-pay of $20. I spent about 45 min. Telling the Dr. about what diets I had been on in the past, how I normally eat, if I or my family had drug or alcohol issues, when I first start gaining weight, what my expectations were after sx, If I had a support network, those sort of things. Most of all just be open and honest, the only person that would get hurt if you don't tell the truth is you. They just want to make sure that you are prepared for it mentally. I also think they want to know if you are likely to have other issues in place of food ( ie drugs, alcohol, shopping, etc).

[LenaVSG 10]

I have mine on thursday and im super.nervous..its $150 in cash or money order

[LaceSleeve 76]

I did 2. They both went the same. She asked me the basics. Then asked me about diets I've tried, family history of obesity, what changes I know I'll need to make before and after and that was about it. Took 45 mins and paid $25.