Psych Eval

[healthier&happier4life 86]

Just getting started in the process. Have been to see surgeon, and have appointment with nutritionist and psychologist tomorrow. I'm a bit anxious about the psych eval. I don't know what they are looking for. I plan to be totally honest about everything, but is there anything that I might say that would cause them to NOT approve me for surgery???

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

The purpose of the evaluation is to determine:

- whether you comprehend the risks involved in surgery (any surgery has risks)

- have realistic expectations of the procedure vis à vis weight loss (that is, you know you must do the work of eating properly and exercising and that surgery is an aid rather than a magical 'cure' or solution for obesity)

- you have the capacity to understand instructions given by the practice staff and to follow through

If you have a support network (which would include BP and attending your practice's support groups), certainly no harm in letting the person conducting the eval know. If your practice doesn't offer groups, you understand [from moi] that other practices in your area are likely to be welcome outside patients to their groups.

That about sums it up. You'll be fine.

[healthier&happier4life 86]

Thank you @WLSResources/Clothing Exch! I feel a little less nervous after reading your post. I guess it's always uncomfortable having to "open up" to someone you don't know!

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

@@healthier&happier4life, not good enough. I wanted you to feel a lot less nervous.

Trust me, you'll be fine. It's not about opening up your deepest, darkest secrets. The evaluator doesn't care at what age you relieved yourself of your virginity. (You have, haven't you?)

You may be subjected to a lengthy questionnaire filling-in during the eval. From what those who go through it say, my guess is that it's a lot of flapping about so that the evaluator can justify the fee.

Be yourself. Let's hear once you're back home how accurate or way off I am about this. Remember, though, that I'm providing a free service here. "They" couldn't pay me enough...

Edited January 27, 2016 by WLSResources/ClothingExch

[James Marusek 5,244]

I think they also probe the root cause of the weight gain and if it has to do with physiological issues to make sure the proper support network is in place to deal with those issues.

[Miss Mac 6,262]

My psych eval was a conversation that lasted about a half hour. She asked about:

my family history of obesity

how I thought I became obese

did I understand the specifics of the surgery I was having

did I think I could follow instructions from my team

did I have a supportive family

could I manage negative comments and resistance

just stuff like that......there were no questions about mental illness, sexual history, did I hate my mother, etc. The process was painless.

[healthier&happier4life 86]

What was I so worried about? Easy Peasy!!! Thank you @WLSResources/Clothing Exch!!! It was pretty much like you said. I'm good to go!!! And thanks to @@James Marusek and @@Miss Mac! No lengthy questionnaire, just questions and conversation with the psychologist. I appreciate your responses to my questions.

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

@@healthier&happier4life, great. Now you're free to worry about something else. So many opportunities for worry, so little time.

Really do look into your practice's support group and, if your schedule allows, you can also go to another's. BP is a good source of info and support, certainly. In-person contact adds a lot.