Psych Evaluation

[sammi123 116]

I was wondering....

What kinds of questions do they ask? I spoke with my UHC Bariatric nurse for about an hour and she asked me things like, "What will be the hardest thing for you to have to change before, during and after surgery and what will you do to make sure you make the right choices?" and "What made you feel that surgery was the best choice for you?" and "Do you think you are emotionally ready for the changes that you will have to make for the rest of your life?" I would think these questions would be right there on the tip of my tongue ready to be spoken but i froze and for a moment didn't have answers. I think i kinda spooked myself.

I felt like i was being prosecuted lol Does this make sense to anyone?

[clb164 1]

Thanks for posting! It gives me a chance to think about my answers. I have my UHC call scheduled

Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

[sammi123 116]

1 hour ago, clb164 said:

Thanks for posting! It gives me a chance to think about my answers. I have my UHC call scheduled

Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Awesome!! Maybe we can keep in touch seeing how we are at the beginning of this long journey and have the same insurance. Kinda share our experiences along the way!!

[zombievsg 14]

During my Psych evaluation I was asked about my home life and if I had a support system; and I was also asked about my mental health, if I understand that the surgery is just a tool and not a cure-all.

I struggle with depression but I passed my psych evaluation. I think it's because even though I have depression, I expressed my understanding about what the surgery does and that I had a great support system.

It's normal to feel like you don't have answers, the doctor you work with should be patient and give you time to answer their questions good luck!

[Yare_2018 14]

10 hours ago, zombievsg said:

During my Psych evaluation I was asked about my home life and if I had a support system; and I was also asked about my mental health, if I understand that the surgery is just a tool and not a cure-all.

I struggle with depression but I passed my psych evaluation. I think it's because even though I have depression, I expressed my understanding about what the surgery does and that I had a great support system.

It's normal to feel like you don't have answers, the doctor you work with should be patient and give you time to answer their questions good luck!

Thanks for your comments. I've been worried about if I should or not mention my depression chapter during the Psych evaluation.

[domi 237]

I met with a psychologist using my EAP benefits through work. This was the best part of the process so far. I didn't feel analyzed. I left my meetings, I had 5, feeling empowered and more confident than I have felt in years. Much of this process will involve changing my behavior and mindset of how I relate to food. I think the psychology of it all is critical to my success.

[Yare_2018 14]

5 minutes ago, domi said:

I met with a psychologist using my EAP benefits through work. This was the best part of the process so far. I didn't feel analyzed. I left my meetings, I had 5, feeling empowered and more confident than I have felt in years. Much of this process will involve changing my behavior and mindset of how I relate to food. I think the psychology of it all is critical to my success.

Hi,

May I ask, why did you have 5 meetings?

[melsabells 64]

I see a psychiatrist every three months, been seeing her for over 7 years. A letter from her was accepted by the insurance. I am bi-polar, depression and anxiety issues. All my team has been really great about this whole process.

[fullfiguredmonty 11]

In general, I find that many people fear that the psych eval will be prohibitory, but that usually isn't case. The only time that it would be is if you had mental health issue that was not being adequately treated. Otherwise, anything that is highlighted in the eval is something good to know about yourself. If there are issues around you and your relationship with food that are problematic that is good to know so you can work on those things prior to surgery. As someone else mentioned, the surgery is just a tool, and if your mind isn't right, it will fail just like any other tool you've tried in the past.

[Apple203 1,314]

I was quite worried about the psych evaluation, too. Turned out, it ended up being a very relaxing talk with the psychologist. In fact, I'll see him again if I feel like I need it down the road as I adjust to this new lifestyle -- I liked him that much. I have a history of depression and anxiety, and I was quite open with him about it. So I think you should just be open and honest and you will be fine -- nobody expects you to be perfect.

[domi 237]

23 hours ago, Yare_2018 said:

Hi,

May I ask, why did you have 5 meetings?

MY EAP benefits allowed 5 paid visits. I found the first one helpful so I went to all 5.