Psych Eval

[bambam 0]

UGH!!! I just found out I have to take a 2-hour computer test (am assuming the MMPI) and then a week later meet with my psychologist for a 3-hour consult. I know I need to answer all questions truthfully and that I am pursuing this because I have food issues and can't keep the weight off on my own. But honestly it's hard to get used to the thought that we are assumed to have food issues. Did anyone else struggle with this concept? I have to keep reminding myself that the psychologist will not be surprised that I do have food issues. I hope this makes sense!

Edited December 1, 2008 by bambam

[Jodi_620 37]

Yes it is common. The evaluation is pretty much there to make sure you do not have any psychological issues that would make you a poor candidate for surgery. food addiction is common for us bandsters as is emotional eating neither would keep us from getting the band.

[bambam 0]

Thanks for the reassurance Jodi! I'm glad you understood what I was trying to say. Big sigh of relief - onward and upward.

[texasweb 0]

I go for my psych eval tomorrow. In the literature from the Dr, it states that it will take 3 to 5 hours.

[bambam 0]

Hi Texas -

I read of so many who just had a "chit chat" with the psychologist so I was hoping for the same. It sounds like yours will be long as well. Good luck and keep me informed on how it goes! Whatever it takes to get through the process!

[laurigee 545]

My psych admitted to me that he was more concerned with our 1 on 1 visit than with the results of the exam. He said he just wanted to know that I didn't have any false expectations of what I thought the band was going to do for my life. He said that some people think that losing weight will help with their marriages, money problems, depression(deeper than weight), ect. Basically he wanted to know that I was realistic about the outcome and wasn't looking for something that couldn't be obtained through weight loss.

[Annie0341 0]

Sorry it is such an ordeal for you. Gosh mine was about 20 minutes long and I was out of there! Best of luck.

[TQUAD64 9]

Wow! a 3 hour consult. Are you really going to talk to the therapist for 3-hours? Is that 3-hours all in one day?

I spoke to my assigned therapist for about 30 minutes then I had to complete form with about 200 true/false questions, which took and an hour to complete.

[Jodi_620 37]

I am sure he/she just booked you for a three hour window to allow you all the time you may need. Some people want to talk and discuss their issues and others (like me) don't have much to talk about. Some patients in my office see the psych regularly to help them through dealing with their weight issues. Mine booked me for two hours but I was only actually there for around 30 minutes.

[bambam 0]

The receptionist said it may not take the whole 3 hours but they set that amount of time aside to be safe. I do love to talk and I love food, but I'm not sure even I can talk about food that long! I'm just glad I only have to make a small copay for each visit, otherwise the two would add up fast. It amazes me all the differences people experience throughout this process, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get my band.

Thanks everyone for your responses!

[texasweb 0]

Mine took 3.5 hours. There was 1 oral test for memory, and several written tests, and 1 computer test. After all the tests were completed, a report was generated. I then saw the psych. He was very knowledgable about the weight loss process. Went over amount of food I could eat and some of the things I would need to do. I only spent about half an hour with the doctor.

[lapbandisforme 0]

Hi I just had mine done the Saturday before Thanksgiving. It took about 3 hours for testing and then an hour for the consult. The consult was the most embarrassing questions of my life about sex, life, family, sex. I was SO happy when I left!

[Jodi_620 37]

Hi I just had mine done the Saturday before Thanksgiving. It took about 3 hours for testing and then an hour for the consult. The consult was the most embarrassing questions of my life about sex, life, family, sex. I was SO happy when I left!

That sucks. Mine didn't ask anything too personal. She went over the results of the test which helped her define my personality as addictive and told me how to handle that as far as Lap Band is concerned. She quizzed me on my knowledge of the Lap Band to make sure I knew what I was getting into. She asked about my schedule to see how it may impact my eating habits after being banded. She asked about how family feels to see what kind of support I will have. And she let me know that some people have emotional issues when they realize they can no longer turn to food and that if necessary I could come and see her if it gets to be too much for me. She had me sign a promise that if at any time it was determined that I need counseling to make the band sucessful that I would seek it. That's about it.

[bambam 0]

Texas - I'm glad your eval went smoothly!! Mine seems to be getting more involved all the time. I received paperwork to fill out prior to my appointment - about a 15 page questionnaire very similar to what I filled out for the doctor's office. In addition to that I have forms to fill out regarding symptoms of anxiety, ADHD (and about 10 other psych issues). I even have to complete questionnaires about bypass surgery (the receptionist said because they are so similar - I guess they are in the emotional aspect), so I'll definitely be well evaluated. That's the positive spin I'm trying to put on this anyway!! :whatchutalkingabout

[justme2u 0]

The consult with the doc wasn't that bad it was about 45 minutes but the s the 450 question test that I had to take afterwards sucked. That took forever. It was the same questions over and over, just rewarded.