Psych evaluation

[cmathews77 10]

I really didn't know where to post this b/c it isn't a surgery question, but I figure most everyone on here (if your surgery was covered by insurance) has been through this. Anyway, I am a month and a half away from being able to submit to insurance and I have my psychological evaluation on Monday and I am reeeally nervous about it. I guess I'm afraid that they will confirm what I've know all along...that I'm CRAZY! Just kidding...not crazy. I just don't know what to expect, what questions they will ask, will there be any trick questions? If anyone could give me any advice, or simply what you went through, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a bunch!!!!

[Momonanomo 534]

just had mine 2 days ago. i went in there with the mindset of "well if there's some reason i shouldn't have this surgery, let's find out, and let's address it" -- this is how I've approached ALL the testing.

we talked for like an hour and a half. started with asking my height/weight, weight history, past attempts at weight loss, my family & their health, my marital status, is DH supportive, questions about whether I have bulimia or anorexia, and do i use food for comfort and eat emotionally.

She asked me to explain my understanding of the surgery, how it's done, what it does to my body, what the risks are, what the eating plan is during recovery as well as 2 years out. She asked me to tell her my expectations of the surgery. She asked me to talk about the reasons I want the surgery, and the reasons I want to lose the weight. She mentioned several times the dangers of alcohol (family history).

Then i took some silly T/F written test, which she told me to not overthink when she handed them to me. And they really were kinda silly, and I chose to take her advice and not over think them.

She sent her report in approving me yesterday. So either she feels that I'm an excellent candidate for surgery, or she thinks I need the surgery asap! I think it's just cuz I'm ready.

It's not so bad. Think of it as a conversation with a friend. You'll be fine.

[Molly3 495]

I had mine over a year ago & it was basically the same as Momonanomo. I was extremely nervous! It truly was a nice & enlightening conversation (minus the I want to hurt myself or others topic), I knew after the evaluation that I was making the right decision!

You'll be fine, just breathe.

[CharmingTortoise 83]

Not to worry. I am "crazy," I have Bipolar II. My evaluation was pretty much the same as Momanonanomo's. We talked about my emotional eating, how long I've been mentally stable, family history, the surgery itself and that it was only a tool, the support group and that I should plan to start attending even before the surgery and such. She had a side note on that to not take away bad habits from the group. If I can pass an eval, you can pass an eval. It was suggested that I start seeing my therapist a little more consistently, which I totally agreed with. But realistically, I don't think it would be a bad idea for anyone going through this process to sit down with a therapist. It's a pretty severe change for most folks.

Don't psych yourself out about the appointment. It really isn't that scary of an ordeal. Be prepared to talk openly and honestly with them. Don't try to figure out what you think they want you to say, just answer honestly.

[cmathews77 10]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I had the evaluation and it was just like each of you said...no big deal! Thanks so much for your help!!!

[Rena's got this 274]

I had mine last week, and everything went well also. The one thing that I freaked at was when he asked me the name of our current president, and I totally drew a blank! I had to remember his first name, before I could pull up his last name. Then he asked me the name of the previous president...lol. I could only say.... "Bush...the younger one". He still approved me, after chuckling a little.

[CharmingTortoise 83]

Wow, they asked the name of the President? I would probably draw a blank too because that is not something you would expect to be asked. That kind of made me chuckle though.

I had mine last week, and everything went well also. The one thing that I freaked at was when he asked me the name of our current president, and I totally drew a blank! I had to remember his first name, before I could pull up his last name. Then he asked me the name of the previous president...lol. I could only say.... "Bush...the younger one". He still approved me, after chuckling a little.

[chinamama 104]

The President questions are part of a mini mental status exam. Some mental health/medical profssional give them routinely. It is to make sure you are cognitively in the here and now. In school they seemed so bizarre, I thought you would just know if someone was out of it. And then I was with my MIL when she took hers. (she has mild dementia) She remembered Obama was the Pres, but thought Clinton was the president before.

Laurie