Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

*Psych Evaluation Tips?



Recommended Posts

Hello! Im 22 and on my journey to get this VSG. I have finished my Nutrition Consultation and all i need is this psych eval and Im extremely nervous!

Does anyone have any tips at all or any ideas on what they ask??

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just be honest. They're not trying to trick you, they just want to make sure that you'll be able to handle a life-altering surgery.

During my psych consult I had to do 2 or 3 (can't remember) questionnaires. No difficult questions, but a lot of strange questions—I think some were to just determine if you were reading all of the questions. During my conversation with the psychologist, he asked about my life: family history, relationships with family and significant other, why I wanted the surgery, if I had a history of ED. He also asked me questions about VSG. I had to describe what the surgery was for and physically what would happen because of the surgery (removal of 80% of stomach). I specifically remember that he asked me if it was reversible. Our conversation was only 20 minutes or so and he told me after that he didn't see any issues with me getting the surgery.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

They're just going to ask you if you have a support system around you to support your WLS efforts, determine if you have depression or anxiety that might affect your ability to follow the program successfully, make sure you have realistic expectations for the outcome, and stuff like that.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, anonbaribabe said:

Just be honest. They're not trying to trick you, they just want to make sure that you'll be able to handle a life-altering surgery.

During my psych consult I had to do 2 or 3 (can't remember) questionnaires. No difficult questions, but a lot of strange questions—I think some were to just determine if you were reading all of the questions. During my conversation with the psychologist, he asked about my life: family history, relationships with family and significant other, why I wanted the surgery, if I had a history of ED. He also asked me questions about VSG. I had to describe what the surgery was for and physically what would happen because of the surgery (removal of 80% of stomach). I specifically remember that he asked me if it was reversible. Our conversation was only 20 minutes or so and he told me after that he didn't see any issues with me getting the surgery.

This is pretty much what mine was as well. I just spoke to a psychiatrist who discussed the different surgeries, and she asked a lot of questions about me, if I had any eating disorders (or thought I did), etc. We also talked about my hubby and what my home life was like as well.

We talked at length about my struggles with food as well as all my worries with the surgery also. Like @anonbaribabe just be honest about everything, since it's important that they know whether or not you could handle such a life-changing surgery.

(I'll preface this next part by saying that I'm not accusing you of being one, but) sometimes people look at the surgeries as a way to fix all their problems, but the thing is that it's a tool to be used, and if you don't use it properly (by following your diet recommendations, exercising, etc) then it may fail you. Some people still retain the mindset of their old eating habits even after the surgery, and then they don't lose weight and such.

I think I'm rambling now, lol, but hopefully you understand my meaning. The psych evaluation is just to make sure that you're ready for all these changes! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I wanted the surgery so I answered the questions exactly how I had to so I wouldn't be held up. Some people look at the Psych Eval as an opportunity to pour their soul out to a professional. I had an agenda and was determined to stay the course. Just decide before going in to see the therapist what your game plan is. If you want to be open about everything and hopefully get a referral to a Psychiatrist, do that before seeking WLS. That's just how I viewed it for whatever it's worth. Good luck with your journey.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'd also say think about whether you like him/her. I've found seeing a therapist regularly (once a month) to be much more helpful than seeing my nutritionist.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had a different therapist for the eval than the one I normally see.

The eval person asked me to explain what I knew about the pre-op, surgery, and post-op process. And I had to answer a questionnaire with like 200 questions on it, and some of them were on there multiple times so you should be answering them the same, so if you are honest it will be easier to do that.

My eval took almost a month to get back to my surgeon and it held up scheduling my surgery, I had to call them over and over to send it - it was super frustrating to me - and I never went back to them.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Bashbee91

      Hey guys new to the process looking forward to this new life. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Bugg

      Hi everyone! I’m brand new here. I just went through all my pre-op requirements per my insurance company and now everything has been submitted and I’m just waiting for final approval and my surgery date. I’ve been doing research, watching YouTube videos, TikTok’s, ect.. trying to prepare my mind and what to expect so I’ll be ready for the surgery. I was so sure and so set and so ready and excited. However, now that I’ve done everything & it’s almost here, I am sooooooo scared! I know why I want it bc I’ve tried everything and I just don’t feel like I can lose weight by myself. I’m tired of being overweight my entire life. I’m miserable, but I keep psyching myself out afraid of GERD bc I know how that can be and I don’t want to have to get a bypass after already gaining the courage to even get VSG. I’m scared of complications like I’mgoing to regret doing it and be depressed that I didn’t just be more disciplined and try again to lose the weight on my own even sitting here typing this knowing in my mind i just can’t and don’t possess the discipline. I’m also afraid I won’t be able to handle the restrictions of the sleeve. What do I eat? I don’t know how to eat healthy really and don’t enjoy healthy food. I don’t know how to do this! I feel so defeated!Someone tell me they felt anything similar to this or am I not ready? I thought I was. I am so tired of being sick and tired and so tired of myself and so tired of being stuck and stuck in this body and somebody different on the outside from what I feel inside. I just want to ball up and cry.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      over 20 lbs down since4 the pre surgery diet and surgery on the 14th
      · 1 reply
      1. Selina333

        Yay!! Congrats. I know how good that feels. 🤩

    • Jenopolis

      Had a sleeve in 2017, lost over 100 pounds. Had a DS surgery this year (2025) for more sustainable weight loss. 🤞
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      The 14th was my day. I am home and recovery is going pretty smooth. They even let me walk out of the hospital. Picture of me in recovery curtesy of my boyfriend lol. 

      · 3 replies
      1. DaisyChainOz

        Glad it went well!! Wishing you a speedy recovery and wonderful success!! 🤗

      2. buildabetteranna

        Thank you ❤️

      3. Selina333

        Neat you have a pic of this day! I was sooo happy to get my surgery. It was well worth it! And I'm not even near my goal. I had surgery Dec. 2!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×