What Are Psychologists Looking For?

[NJChick 3]

I have my psycho evaluation in 2 weeks and was wondering, what exactly are they looking for when they evaluate a person that is going for lapband? I was told that I would be there for a good 3 - 4 hours (2 different doctors).

What was your experience like?

Thank you!!

Eileen

[giveyouthemoon 4]

Wow, my experience wasn't anything like that. It probably helped that I have a regular therapist that I see and she and I had spent time in one of my appointments discussing the surgery.

Perhaps for you it takes longer because they don't know you and will have to spend some time doing background work. Like "what is your relationship like with your mother" and "what kind of childhood did you have".

They are just looking for how you will be able to mentally handle surgery. Having your body cut into can cause depression or anxiety so let's say perhaps you just had a recent death in the family, they'll want to assess how you are doing with that to make sure the surgery process doesn't just flip you out.

They'll also ask you why you want to have the surgery to hear your thought process behind it. If you say "because I need to be HOT so that Brad Pitt will notice me and we'll get married and I give him everything Angelina can't" they *might* suggest you take a step back and decide if this surgery is right for you.

[ReneBean 3]

If you say "because I need to be HOT so that Brad Pitt will notice me and we'll get married and I give him everything Angelina can't" they *might* suggest you take a step back and decide if this surgery is right for you.

So true! I had about an hour of "Face" time with the doc and then took a 500+ question multiple choice test. The test took about two hours - so the three hour estimate is probably a good one.

The doc asked questions like "Why do you think you are fat?" and "Why do you want this surgery?".

I am thinking that if I told him I was fat because Gremlins came in the night and put cotton in my belly, I probably would not have "passed" the psych eval. (But I lied and told him it was because I eat too much! LOL)

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Read the questions on the test carefully and answer truthfully and you should be fine.

Good Luck!!

[HotLikeMe 0]

When I had my physc evaluation I told him that I already knew that I was crazy, but what did that have to do with having surgery? I think a lot of us are a little nuts. Mine just wanted to make sure that I knew that I'd be "losing my best friend - food". I'm a stress eater and I've only had my band now for just over 2 weeks and it has been very hard not to eat or drink - or whatever. Yesterday was my birthday and everyone got to have cake and ice cream - all I got to do was lick a little bit of frosting and about a 1/2 of a bite of icecream. Also, my husband's leaving next Tuesday for 18 months - he has to go to Iraq. I've never been more stressed in my life. Just because I have the band doesn't make it any easier not to WANT food REALLY bad. These are the kinds of things that I discussed with my doctor.

P.S. Besides - I much rather have Julian McMahon (Nip/Tuck) than Brad Pitt.

[vinesqueen 2]

My psych eval was about 50 minutes long. She wanted to make sure that I knew things like I would be able to eat again and that I had realistic goals. She also wanted to make sure that my understanding of the Banding process was realistic.. that I knew that the weight wouldn't magically fall off, that there would be plateaus and other similar issues.

Now Renebean, I don't normally advocate anything but being truthful, but I suppose in your case you did the right thing. Of course, this begs the question, why didn't you just have the surgeon remove all that extra cotton???

warning! thread hyjack!

Cheryl, you will need extra support for the next few years, so make sure that you take full advantage of your branch's support system. Make sure you take advantage of your civilian support network as well. I'm glad you are here because you will get some of the support you need. Not everyone will be able to understand your specific support needs, not everyone has had a SO go off to war.

My ex was in the Navy during Gulf War I. In fact, his squadron was the first to be fired upon even before the war started. I know the stresses I was under, and so I have a small idea of what you are going through.

Long separations are very difficult on a realationship. I'm getting ready to leave my husband and son for the 3 year in a row. I go to university in a different state than where my husband and son live and work and go to school.

Please feel free to PM me any time. Also, if you need one, start on in the Lounge for support, since it isn't specificually band related.

[giveyouthemoon 4]

P.S. Besides - I much rather have Julian McMahon (Nip/Tuck) than Brad Pitt.[/color]

Threadjack in a whole other direction (although I think what Vines said is amazing and I'm so glad she said it)....

Julian McMahon....meow baby. I LOVED him when he was "the bad guy" on Charmed. He fell in love with Phoebe and ultimately *wanted* to be good...but he was evil.

That bad boy thing just KILLS me. He's like that on Nip/Tuck too....bad cynical rough but under it all...a good heart.

[NJChick 3]

Well with all this hyjacking I NOW know I am not the only nutty one here LOL.

Thank you all for your help.

HUGS!

[Duckie 0]

I was freaked out when I first heard of the eval as well. It's not that bad. Mine was about 15 - 20 min. with the Dr. and then 500+ questions on a computer-- most of which were easy to say yes or no on. I didn't even know this site existed when I had mine so I'm glad it's here.

[IVANinNJ 0]

The social worker was about 50 min and the Psychiatrist was about 30-40 min. There was some waiting time, but nothing terrible.

It was easy, but by the time you get out you will be tired and hungry. Try the Mexican place just up the block at Mercer St & River St by the RR overpass. It's quick and good.