Psych eval... The good, the bad, the ugly!

[SookieLei 47]

I am having my psych evaluation early next month. I have spent a year deciding this is the right direction for me, I am confident in my choice, I'm just not sure I can convice someone I don't know of that. I am not concerned about a test, if that is what is done, for me its more my ability to convey to the other person that I know what I'm talking about. I blame this on years of shielding myself from others due to being so heavy. Tell me, how did your psych eval go? I am so worried I'm somehow going to flunk out of it! I have done my research, Im thinking about taking in my printouts of what I have. Writing down my diet and exercise plans up until surgery, show what I am slowly weaning out and preparing myself for. Also writing down an after surgery diet and exericse plan based on what I know now, until the doctor gives me the "final" plan. Anyone have any suggestions? How did you prepare? Will I know that day if Im approved?

[dhrguru 1,238]

My pscyh eval was about 15 minutes long. No paperwork, just a conversation with the pysch. I was certain to tell him that I've visited my weight/eating issues a long time ago with another therapist; and think I was able to clearly convey that 1) I had a full understanding of what I'm about to do 2) I easily identify with behaviors, habits emotions, etc that have contributed to me be so overweight 3) I am not a threat to myself or others, and based on family history do not have a 'pre-disposition' to addictions, depression.

[Crosby 303]

Don't over stress. Be yourself and be honest.

[James Marusek 5,244]

The purpose of they psych exam is to determine if you have any underlying issues that need to be resolved that would prevent you from successfully following the regiment after surgery. They will probe you about how you became overweight. Do you have addictions such as smoking or drinking alcohol to excess. Did you overeat because of stress?

In my case, I had a 6 diet coke per day habit. I went cold turkey when I decided I wanted the surgery. I went through a week of withdrawal syndrome (severe headaches). When I saw the psychologist, I told him what I did and he seem pleased. (I took a proactive step towards surgery before I was told I had to.)