Psych eval?

[animallover1247 249]

Can anyone tell me about their experience when they went for their psych eval? Does it have to be done by a psychologist? Has anyone had it done by a LPC? Thanks.

[GirlOnFire 111]

The first time I had mine done I went through someone my surgeon's office recommended. She was a psychologist. She asked about my eating habits and we talked about the mental aspect of my eating. She said I needed to watch out for depression creeping in because it was something I had experienced before. I was scared that would derail my progress but that wasn't the case.

Then my insurance denied me for other stupid reasons so when I decided years later to try again I went to a woman that was a certified counselor but not a psychologist. Repeat of the first visit basically with questions and that was it.

Edited July 1, 2015 by GirlOnFire

[Norma Galitzen 26]

I was really annoyed by my psych visit. I have a history of depression so I had to get letters from my previous and current therapist stating that I am stable enough to get through the surgery. I did not like the psych they sent me to but I put up with her because I had to. She asked me a lot about my weight history and how I saw myself physically. She also asked me a lot about how I felt regarding giving up certain foods and making lifestyle changes.

[wheezysmom 146]

I am pretty sure my psych visit was with a MFT (I would have to find her business card to be sure). It was actually a great experience talking to her. We really didn't discuss much about having to give up foods but she was asking a lot about my past. She had me crying within 10 minutes but it wasn't because I was angry, she just brought up a lot of things that I had not dealt with regarding deaths in my family, PPD/PPA issues, etc. I knew for sure I was about to have a diagnosis but when it was done she said I was fine and saw no reason for me not to move forward.

[laguerr13 993]

Mine was surreal, I work in a psych hospital, in a very acute unit, one of my doctors I bonded with said he would do it for free, when we got through h stuffed all the paperwork in his satchel, took off his glasses and said" you answered perfectly and I'll give you the ok, now cut the bull****, what the hell are you really gonna do with this and don't **** with me I know you!!!!!" So I had to tell him all the changes I made, how I mourned that my mom had passed and felt bad that I blamed her and my culture for a lot of my bad habits, my surgery was on June 10th, I started this journey in January at 388lbs, and last Friday was at 324lbs, and I'm going strong, the only problem I had was that I had to mourn who I was for a few days, cause I loved that guy and always have.......... But I am not looking back

[tera1982 194]

I was extremely nervous about my visit. I saw the psychologist affiliated with the bariatric program at the hospital, even though I was given the option to see whatever psychologist I wanted-as long as he/she was certified. It was a lot of questions about previous weight, weight loss attempts, why I believed they failed, if I have a support system in place, and ALOT of questions about the surgery and diet/lifestyle changes afterwards. Basically, they are looking to make sure you have done your research and are mentally prepared for it all; do you understand what is going to happen/what the surgery entails. It went very well. I was VERY honest, and obviously answered correctly. I was "passed" by him, he gave his report to the surgeon, and I was submitted. Now just waiting to hear back from insurance. Good luck and be honest!

[The Candidate 3,215]

My psych evaluation took all of 15 minutes and was actually quite nice. Just a one on one casual convo with the doctor about my background, support, and expectations.

I stressed too beforehand but it turned out to be nothing. Good luck!

[animallover1247 249]

I was really annoyed by my psych visit. I have a history of depression so I had to get letters from my previous and current therapist stating that I am stable enough to get through the surgery. I did not like the psych they sent me to but I put up with her because I had to. She asked me a lot about my weight history and how I saw myself physically. She also asked me a lot about how I felt regarding giving up certain foods and making lifestyle changes.

I am on depression medication and currently in therapy with a LPC-Licensed Professional Counselor - If I am currently suffering from depression, is it possible the insurance will deny me? Most of my depression is related to my multiple medical problems, some weight related and some are not.

[Norma Galitzen 26]

I was really annoyed by my psych visit. I have a history of depression so I had to get letters from my previous and current therapist stating that I am stable enough to get through the surgery. I did not like the psych they sent me to but I put up with her because I had to. She asked me a lot about my weight history and how I saw myself physically. She also asked me a lot about how I felt regarding giving up certain foods and making lifestyle changes.

I am on depression medication and currently in therapy with a LPC-Licensed Professional Counselor - If I am currently suffering from depression, is it possible the insurance will deny me? Most of my depression is related to my multiple medical problems, some weight related and some are not.

animallover1247: I have been under the care of a therapist for a few years but I had to see the Kaiser Psych. They told me that in order to go forward I needed my therapist to send a letter to Kaiser stating that she felt I was stable enough to undergo the surgery and healing process, etc. Lucky for me, my therapist and I had been discussing it for months and she really did think I am stable (of course so do I). I also take medication for depression and anxiety. With the letter, they still approved me. So you may just need a letter from your current therapist. It was a bit harder than I thought to actually get the letter so maybe start working on it now?

[queenmother227 1]

During my initial visit I had to take 2 tests. The first one was just a few questions. The second one was almost 400 true and false questions. I thought I did good but then she wouldn't approve me until after the follow up. I went in yesterday, discussed the results and then found out she would submit approval. I was nervous each visit but especially when I had to go back.

[animallover1247 249]

During my initial visit I had to take 2 tests. The first one was just a few questions. The second one was almost 400 true and false questions. I thought I did good but then she wouldn't approve me until after the follow up. I went in yesterday, discussed the results and then found out she would submit approval. I was nervous each visit but especially when I had to go back.

What were the questions asking about? Just curious. Thanks

[queenmother227 1]

They were true false questions. Some about family, different jobs, anger management and food issues. You just have to make sure you read it good. No biggie. Mine showed I had anger issues. Nothing major.

[animallover1247 249]

I was really annoyed by my psych visit. I have a history of depression so I had to get letters from my previous and current therapist stating that I am stable enough to get through the surgery. I did not like the psych they sent me to but I put up with her because I had to. She asked me a lot about my weight history and how I saw myself physically. She also asked me a lot about how I felt regarding giving up certain foods and making lifestyle changes.

I am on depression medication and currently in therapy with a LPC-Licensed Professional Counselor - If I am currently suffering from depression, is it possible the insurance will deny me? Most of my depression is related to my multiple medical problems, some weight related and some are not.

animallover1247: I have been under the care of a therapist for a few years but I had to see the Kaiser Psych. They told me that in order to go forward I needed my therapist to send a letter to Kaiser stating that she felt I was stable enough to undergo the surgery and healing process, etc. Lucky for me, my therapist and I had been discussing it for months and she really did think I am stable (of course so do I). I also take medication for depression and anxiety. With the letter, they still approved me. So you may just need a letter from your current therapist. It was a bit harder than I thought to actually get the letter so maybe start working on it now?

Thanks for the info. I have mentioned it to my therapist, even as early as last week. I told her I decided I was going to go for a consultation. My concern (and hers) is my body being able to handle the surgery as I have medical conditions not related to my weight that are auto immune. Losing the weight will help me with the depression but I don't expect it will be the cure all for the issues in my life. Luckily I have an awesome therapist and I don't think it would be hard to get the letter