Pshych. Evaluation

DebNH · June 7, 2008

Hi everyone, I am curious to know what everyone thought of their psychological evaluation. I am pre-banded and am not sure if I will have to have one; my insurance (Aetna) doesn't require it, but I just want to be prepared should the bariatric clinic ask me to go through it.

What kind of questions do they ask? What advice would you give someone going into this type of evaulation?

Thank you!

Deb

Chellets · June 7, 2008

Mine was easy! The Dr asked me a lot of general mental health questions like- happy childhood, ever been abused, high stress life- things of that nature. For me it was a breeze- I have had a great life! He also asked me several band questions to see how much I knew and understood about the band and WLS, things like- walk me through the surgery, food stages, complications, my expectations. Again, really easy for me. I have spent a lot of time learning about this and it showed. I got two thumbs up from him!:thumbs_up:

Best of luck to ya!

auntlucy · June 7, 2008

I know that many surgeons do require it, and I think that's a good, responsible policy. I actually went to a counselor that I've gone to in the past to get through a rough time in my life. My "evaluation" was really just a conversation about what I wanted to achieve with the band, why I was doing it, what my concerns were, what obstacles I saw ahead of me, and what was I going to do to overcome those obstacles. I had thought so much about I think I did most of the talking. She didn't really need to ask me that many questions b/c I think I gave her many of the answers. Plus, she knew me very well (I've known her since I was a teenager), so I'm sure mine may have been a little out of the norm.

In terms of advice I would give you...just be open and honest. You shouldn't have anything to hide. I found it extremely helpful to talk through some of my concerns.

Even if they don't require a psych consult, I encourage you to find a good counselor or something to talk with before. That way you will have someone to reach out to post-surgery if you need it!

Good luck!

TexGal · June 7, 2008

I was in psych eval. for about 5 minutes (even if that). She asked me questions like: Why do you want to have the surgery? Who do you have that will be supporting you through this? What will change in your life after the surgery? She just basically wants to make sure that I'm doing this for all the right reasons. Anyway, good luck to you with this, and it is really nothing at all to worry about.

lynlynkr · June 7, 2008

I actually loved my psych eval. It was a general talk about my current eating habits, my weight history, support system, what I know about lap band and how I entend to use it as a tool".

I felt supported and encouraged. I also found connecting the threads of my weight history really told a story of how I got to where I am. I think it was very helpful.

It wasn't too deep

Irish76 · June 9, 2008

Hi everyone, I am curious to know what everyone thought of their psychological evaluation. I am pre-banded and am not sure if I will have to have one; my insurance (Aetna) doesn't require it, but I just want to be prepared should the bariatric clinic ask me to go through it.
What kind of questions do they ask? What advice would you give someone going into this type of evaulation?

Thank you! :smile:

Deb

I had my psych eval on 2 Jun. I talked to the counselor for about an hour--why do I want the surgery, what do I know about the surgery and it's ramificiations, what I expect it to do for me, etc. The I had to take about 4 tests. The main one is the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)--567 true/false questions. I am not sure what the results were except they called and said that I got the go head to meet with the surgeon and get the ball rolling. So, c'mon 8 Jul! I'll know more after meeting with the Dr. :tongue2:

Bjornsyouruncle · June 9, 2008

I just had mine on June 5th. It was kind of in 2 parts where the first part was asking about my history, childhood, etc. The second part was more about the band, what my expectations were, screening questions to see if I was an emotional eater, what had I already done that the doctor had asked me, if I was familiar with the lifestyle changes and possible complications, etc.

Bobbirs · June 9, 2008

mine consisted of talking to a phyc for about an hour and then taking the MMPI. not too bad but I didn't like my phyc but she was the only one in town that did the testing.

Bobbi