Psych Eval Question- Getting worried

[naturegirl 320]

Hi everyone,

My husband and I are just starting our process towards the VGS (having the surgery a few weeks apart) and have a question that I am hoping that some of you can help me out with.

We have had our first pre-surgical meeting with the surgeon and have been given our list of pre-surgery tests we need to have done. Part of that is the psych evaluation. When I was first told that we would be doing the psych eval, I was not worried. Now, after emailing a bit with the therapist who will be doing the eval on Friday, I am much more worried.

He indicated that what he is concerned about, and the things that can prevent us from being approved for the surgery are that we are currently obese because any of the following reasons:

• A history of binge eating
• Poor adherence to prior diet and physical activity plans
• Inadequate control of portion sizes in meals
• Boredom eating, stress eating, or eating out of habit rather than hunger
• Eating to self-sooth or as a distraction from stressors
• Inability to control cravings for unhealthy foods/poor food choices

So guys, what’s the deal? Do they expect that we got fat be a freak accident? Or perhaps the surgery is only for people that stick to diet and exercise plans, have good eating habits with small portion sizes, never boredom or stress eat and still end up obese?

I want to be honest with the guy, but it sure sounds like pretty much like a history of any activity that makes people fat will disqualify you from having weight loss surgery. I know that my husband and I are both obese because we eat too much, eat the wrong things, and don’t burn enough calories. It is all related to bad habits that we need to break and the surgery is just one part of that.

Any advice or thoughts?

Thanks!

[rwoods200 39]

I just had my Psych eval today and I wasn't asked anything about that. I understand that each doctor is different but really all I was asked was if I understood that this is a life changing process and that I had to change my ways in order for the surgery to work. I was also asked about my support system and any history of mental illness, alcohol use or smoking.

Hope that helps!

[ShrinkingPeach 1,291]

Mine was back in February 2015 but I also wasn't asked about past weight loss experiences in such depth. I was asked about my past and how those things affected my eating patterns. And same as @@rwoods200, I was asked questions to make sure I understood what I was undertaking.

At the end of my eval the psychiatrist did mention that he wouldn't need to see me again. Maybe the psych is seeing if you need counseling or support for you to be successful or if you can do it on your own?

Good luck!

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I think they are just looking for overall attitude towards this surgery and your commitment to it. I got the feeling that they want to know you are ready to commit to a healthier lifestyle, not a fad diet or extreme behavior of any sort. Honestly my psych eval was the easiest part of my pre-op testing. They gave me a booklet with I think 4 pages of questions. Things like weight history, family weight history, support system, etc... Then when I met with the psych I think we just chatted for an hour or so.

Don't over think it. Be honest and let them know you are serious and ready for this change.

[justme29 76]

I don't meet with the surgeon until Friday. But speaking with the Intake Coordinator yesterday, it is my understanding that they only have certain psychs that are approved for my clinic. They complete an MMPR2 or something like that. It seems to be only my state. But I too wonder what it is that they are seeking. It's a little worrisome to be told you have to wait 2 weeks to get the results.

[snowkitten 371]

Perhaps you should find a different Dr for the psych eval. Those seem like illogical expectations. My psychiatrist asked if I understood the ramifications of a lifetime change, if I understood I would have to take Vitamins for life, we talked about my support system (lucky for me my husband and I have been her patients for over 3 years so she knows how stable my support system is). And she asked if I was aware that with my illness that I would get sicker right away before I got better. The eval is pretty much just making sure you understand this is a major surgery.

[jennafah 81]

You may want to go worth a different dr for the psych eval. When I was trying to get approved, the first psychiatrist told me I would have to have at least 4 appt with him before he would let me know if he cleared me for surgery. I was like uh hell no! I canceled that appt. The second one spoke with me for an hour and then he was done with me. It's only to make sure that you are prepared for this major surgery, I'm not trying to be your lifelong patient.

[SarahLovy 6]

With the psych I saw, those things would not have necessarily prevented you from getting clearance, but you may have had to receive counseling for a while prior to receiving clearance.

[Rogofulm 2,440]

• A history of binge eating
• Poor adherence to prior diet and physical activity plans
• Inadequate control of portion sizes in meals
• Boredom eating, stress eating, or eating out of habit rather than hunger
• Eating to self-sooth or as a distraction from stressors
• Inability to control cravings for unhealthy foods/poor food choices

Oh, come on, you've got to be kidding! Anybody on this Forum NOT answer 'yes' to pretty much all of these questions? If anything, answering 'yes' should be a qualifier for the surgery, not the other way around. Can't wait to hear how this one goes. And if it doesn't go well, find another therapist who understands weight issues. Good luck!

[Stephanie Stroup McIntosh 157]

Hi everyone,

My husband and I are just starting our process towards the VGS (having the surgery a few weeks apart) and have a question that I am hoping that some of you can help me out with.

We have had our first pre-surgical meeting with the surgeon and have been given our list of pre-surgery tests we need to have done. Part of that is the psych evaluation. When I was first told that we would be doing the psych eval, I was not worried. Now, after emailing a bit with the therapist who will be doing the eval on Friday, I am much more worried.

He indicated that what he is concerned about, and the things that can prevent us from being approved for the surgery are that we are currently obese because any of the following reasons:

• A history of binge eating
• Poor adherence to prior diet and physical activity plans
• Inadequate control of portion sizes in meals
• Boredom eating, stress eating, or eating out of habit rather than hunger
• Eating to self-sooth or as a distraction from stressors
• Inability to control cravings for unhealthy foods/poor food choices

So guys, what’s the deal? Do they expect that we got fat be a freak accident? Or perhaps the surgery is only for people that stick to diet and exercise plans, have good eating habits with small portion sizes, never boredom or stress eat and still end up obese?

I want to be honest with the guy, but it sure sounds like pretty much like a history of any activity that makes people fat will disqualify you from having weight loss surgery. I know that my husband and I are both obese because we eat too much, eat the wrong things, and don’t burn enough calories. It is all related to bad habits that we need to break and the surgery is just one part of that.

Any advice or thoughts?

Thanks!

We all had the same problems. We all got fat for the same reasons. I would admit to the problems, but explain that you think you are finally ready to make a change. Remember not to talk too much too. They will often leave a pause to just see if you will just keep talking.

[emma4884 81]

How did your evaluation go? Many of us were thinking of you yesterday.

Edited May 9, 2015 by emma4884

[momma_missie 30]

Just checking for an update.

[Miss Mac 6,262]

My psyche eval was more about how I would follow through rather than how I got there. I had one visit pre-op and don't have the next one until my two years are up in December.