Need some insight on psych eval and depression

[PSJ71 0]

Hi all,

Well, I am going to see another doctor, because something was just telling me something was not right about the doctor I was going to use.

Anyway, I have to go this doc's seminar on Tuesday. MOst of the paperwork I will need is on his web site, including the some of the questionnaire for the psych eval. I looked over it and haven't printed it out, but I was alarmed at how much I fell into being depressed. I have wondered about this for a while, but I guess I didn't want to accept it. So, I am afraid if I do this, they will not operate on me if it shows I am depressed. So, if any of you can shed some light, I would be really grateful. I really want to get a lap band really, really badly and would hope this would not hinder it.

Thanks bunches!

[marie715 0]

Hi, I have been treated for major clinical depression for years now and it did not have any negative effect on my getting approved for the surgery. The medication I am on for it was simply stated as one of the medications that I am currently using.

One of the best things about all of the medical and psychological testing that many of us go through prior to surgery is that they do identify problems that we may have not been diagnosed and treated for (such as depression, sleep apnea, high cholesterol). This allows us to begin treatment for these other issues while we continue on the process to get the Lap Band. Good luck to you.

[PSJ71 0]

Marie,

Thank you so, so much for the information. I was so scared that it might have an effect on getting the surgery. When I saw some of the questions on there and I saw that I fit A LOT of it, I just didn't know if they go ahead with the surgeries. I just have to have a lap band, because I am just so tired of failing at weight loss attempts and this will be a constant reminder that I can no longer eat the way I have been for most of my life. I'm really excited to get it going. I hope I can have it done before Christmas. We will see how all goes.

And thank you so much again for taking the time out to respond and ease my mind.

[Kalipso2 25]

i went thru the psych eval being honest.... to a certain point. i was honest about my depression and anxiety because i take medication to treat both of them. they just want to make sure you're not feeling suicidal. they also want to make sure you don't have an eating disorder such as bulimia (yes, even overweight people can have it) or binge and purging. this is where i didn't tell the whole truth. i was BIG on binging and purging using laxatives so i lied about that. i haven't purged in over a year though so i think i have it under control.

[PSJ71 0]

Thank you so much! Bless your heart. It's great to know you have it under control now. I don't feel suicidal, but I just feel sad and irritable and tired most of the time. I do have hypothyroidism and found out just this past February. I was also anemic. So after starting Iron and the levothyroxine I started feeling a little better, but I have most of the classic symptoms of it. Wow, amazing what you get used to in some ways. I will answer the questionnaire honestly. I was not going to if it was going to affect having surgery or not. So... this makes me feel so much better.

[heather.vasquez 0]

PSJ , I just recently went through a psych eval and like others stated it's to check your self esteem levels, see if you are suicidal. My test had a whole sheet on eating habits and the psych Dr. said it was to see if I had self controll and to see how I would react in diffrent environments with picinic, buffets or eating with other people who ate lots of food... Could I control myself. That part was extreamly interesting. I was really honest with my Dr. they ask us these questions for a reason and depression does result in weight gain for some people. Maybe the right combination of Medication can help my breast Friend calls it her " Happy Cocktail". I myself suffered from Pregnancy Purging. When I was pregnant with both of my children food made me ill so i ate and the purged. With the love and support from my family I no longer feel the need to do these things. So be honest and open and you may be suprised.:thumbup:

[PSJ71 0]

Thank you so much, Heather. You all are so wonderful. I love this site.